Contents

Published: Wednesday 18 October 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 17 October 2023

Early Day Motions (EDMs) are motions for which no days have been fixed.

The number of signatories includes all members who have added their names in support of the Early Day Motion (EDM), including the Member in charge of the Motion.

EDMs and added names are also published on the EDM database at www.parliament.uk/edm

[R] Indicates that a relevant interest has been declared.

New EDMs

1678Lurgan Ladies Hockey Club 100th anniversary

Tabled: 17/10/23 Signatories: 1

Carla Lockhart

That this House congratulates Lurgan Ladies Hockey Club on reaching its 100th anniversary; recognises the wonderful sporting achievements of the Club throughout its history, to the present day; expresses gratitude for the positive impact the Club has had on many local women and the wider community; and wishes the Club a very enjoyable and successful 100th anniversary year, and for the future.

1679Church Lads' and Church Girls' Brigade in Ireland

Tabled: 17/10/23 Signatories: 1

Carla Lockhart

That this House congratulates the Church Lads' and Church Girls' Brigade in Ireland on reaching their 130th year; thanks all those involved in leading the organisations throughout its history until the present day for the positive impact made on many young lives; and wishes all those enrolled in the regiment well for this anniversary year, and for the future.

1680Reopening of Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding

Tabled: 17/10/23 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House recognises with great concern the pressure many households are due to face this winter as a result of high energy bills; notes that the Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding aimed to reached 900,000 households that do not have a direct relationship with their electricity supplier; regrets that only 16% of eligible households successfully applied for the scheme before it closed on 31 May 2023 and that 759,000 households have been left without support from the scheme, returning over £300 million to the Treasury; and urges the Government to follow the recommendations of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee’s Preparing for the winter Report including that all households that missed out should receive support with immediate effect.

1681200th anniversary of Creevy Crown and Bible Defenders Loyal Orange Lodge 120 and Gideon's Chosen Few Loyal Orange Lodge 21

Tabled: 17/10/23 Signatories: 1

Carla Lockhart

That this House congratulates Creevy Crown and Bible Defenders Loyal Orange Lodge (LOL) 120 and Gideon's Chosen Few LOL 21 on reaching their 200th anniversary; recognises the positive role the Orange Institution plays in communities in relation to cultural expression and charitable endeavours; wishes the Brethren in these Lodges a very enjoyable 200th anniversary year; and wishes both Lodges well for the future.

1682Statue of Pat Jennings

Tabled: 17/10/23 Signatories: 1

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House notes the proposed unveiling of a statue in November 2023 of Pat Jennings CBE KSG, who was goalkeeper for Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Northern Ireland during the 1970s and 1980s, known to fans as Big Pat, and who is widely regarded as one of the best ever goalkeepers in world football; acknowledges the humility and generosity of Big Pat; congratulates those involved in the commissioning of what is hoped will be an enduring reminder for generations to come of one of football's greatest ever players; and wishes him and his family good wishes both during the event itself and for the future.

1683Election of chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith

Tabled: 17/10/23 Signatories: 3

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House congratulates Joseff Gnagbo on his election as chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, the Welsh language campaign group which has fought for greater rights for Welsh speakers for six decades; notes that Mr Gnagbo fled persecution in Côte d'Ivoire and has played a leading role in a campaign to help ensure other asylum seekers and refugees receive the same opportunity to learn Welsh; further notes that his election makes him the first person of colour and the first person not born in Wales to chair the group; highlights that Mr Gnagbo works as a carer and teacher and is fluent in six languages; and wishes Mr Gnagbo and Cymdeithas yr Iaith the very best as they continue to play a crucial role in promoting and protecting the Welsh language.

1684Cymru national football team

Tabled: 17/10/23 Signatories: 3

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

That this House congratulates the Welsh national football team on their 2-1 victory over Croatia at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday 15 October; commends right-winger Harry Wilson for scoring both goals in his 50th appearance for his country; notes that the 26-year-old grew up in the Denbighshire town of Corwen and is a former pupil of Llangollen's Ysgol Dinas Brân; further notes that the team have gone from strength-to-strength having qualified for the World Cup in 2022 for the first time since 1958; and wishes head coach Rob Page, captain Aaron Ramsey, and the whole Welsh side the very best as they face Armenia and Turkey in the final two qualifiers in November as they look to secure their place for the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship.

1685Protecting civilians in Gaza and Israel

Tabled: 17/10/23 Signatories: 21

Richard Burgon

John McDonnell

Grahame Morris

Beth Winter

Zarah Sultana

Nadia Whittome

This House utterly condemns the massacre of Israeli civilians and taking of hostages by Hamas; agrees with the United Nations Secretary-General that these horrific acts do not justify responding with the collective punishment of the Palestinian people; expresses its deep alarm at the Israeli military bombardment and total siege of Gaza and the resulting deaths and suffering; believes that the urgent priority must be to stop the deaths and suffering of any more civilians in Gaza and Israel; welcomes the joint statement from 12 leading aid agencies, including Oxfam, Christian Aid, CAFOD, Medical Aid for Palestinians and Islamic Relief, calling for the Government to use its influence to help protect civilians, to ensure adherence to international humanitarian law and to guarantee civilians have access to critical life-saving humanitarian support; and to this end supports their call for the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary to urgently press all parties to agree to an immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities, to ensure the immediate, unconditional release of the Israeli hostages, to end to the total siege of Gaza and allow for unfettered access of medical supplies, food, fuel electricity and water, to guarantee that international humanitarian law is upheld and that civilians are protected in accordance with those laws.

Added Names

Below are EDMs tabled in the last two weeks to which names have been added. Only the first 6 names and any new names are included.

1644National Eye Health Week 2023

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 4

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House acknowledges and celebrates National Eye Health Week 2023; notes that preventable sight loss due to conditions such as glaucoma is increasing; further notes the value of regular eye tests; acknowledges the need for community urgent eyecare services to be commissioned by all integrated care boards to reduce health inequalities and to free up valuable GP and hospital appointments by increasing care in the community by using opticians; recognises the talent and skill of optometrists; and calls on the Government to introduce a national eye health strategy.

1645Funding for Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute in East Dunbartonshire

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 3

Amy Callaghan

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

That this House welcomes the announcement of £123 million of funding for the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute (formerly known as the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute) based at the University of Glasgow’s Garscube Campus in East Dunbartonshire; notes that this is the charity’s largest investment yet in Scotland and is in recognition of the world-class cancer science happening in the West of Scotland, led by the University of Glasgow and researchers based at the Garscube Campus; understands this funding commitment is for seven years and will allow scientists to build on the reputation of the Beatson in the West of Scotland which has supported cancer patients for decades; further notes that each year more than 34,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland meaning it is vital to find new ways to tackle the disease; and recognises the partnership of the Institute and the University of Glasgow in providing the crucial research which is underpinning our knowledge of how cancer cells metastasise; finally welcomes this funding award for the Garscube Campus in East Dunbartonshire which is also home to the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre and the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research.

1646Breast cancer screening and entitlement to paid leave

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 2

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

That this House notes that all four UK governments offer breast cancer screening to women aged 50 to 70 every three years; supports the policy as an important preventative health care strategy; calls for employment law to be amended to remove barriers to women undertaking appointments by ensuring that women attending screening appointments do not lose pay and entitlements for doing so; and commends the work of the JG HR Pledge campaign for raising awareness and for encouraging employers to pledge to support their employees in attending regular screening appointments.

1647Marianne Wilson, Berlin Inline Speed Skating and Running Double Marathon

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 3

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Marianne Wilson, a resident of Shawlands, for finishing the Berlin (Inline Speed Skating & Running) Double Marathon; notes that Berlin is not only the place where running world marathon records are set, but it is also the fastest marathon in the Inline Speed Skating World cup; further congratulates Marianne on also finishing 2nd in the Dual Marathon in 2019; and wishes Marianne every best wish and success in the future.

164825th anniversary of the Multi-Cultural Family Base

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 5

Deidre Brock

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

Brendan O'Hara

That this House congratulates the Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB) on reaching its 25th anniversary; notes that the charity, founded in Edinburgh in 1998, provides a range of valued services to children, young people, and their families, most of whom are from black and minority ethnic communities and are often new migrants; recognises that MCFB provides assistance with practical issues, such as housing or financial problems, as well as more personal issues, such as dealing with discrimination, support with difficult relationships, managing important transition points, or coping with trauma, loss and displacement; commends MCFB on its efforts to adapt and continue supporting vulnerable families during the covid-19 pandemic; applauds MCFB’s anti-racism projects and its efforts to promote understanding of different cultures, break down stereotypes and challenge prejudices; acknowledges the hard work and dedication of all staff, organisers and volunteers connected with MCFB; and extends gratitude and best wishes for the future to MCFB for many years to come.

1649CancerCare 40th anniversary

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 4

Cat Smith

David Morris

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House wishes CancerCare a very happy 40th anniversary year providing therapies, help and support free to people of all ages affected by cancer throughout North Lancashire and South Cumbria; thanks them for their work from urban centres in Lancaster and Barrow to rural hamlets in the Lake District and Dales; notes their aims to improve the wellbeing of local people of all ages affected by cancer and bereavement, to raise community awareness of CancerCare’s therapy services and strengthen established links with key local health and wellbeing organisations and to provide flexible services to meet the needs of local communities; further notes that the services CancerCare provides are delivered by fully qualified, experienced professional therapists and it costs them around £1.9m each year to provide support, compassion and care; thanks all the individuals who have supported, fundraised and volunteered for CancerCare since its inception 40 years ago; and wishes them well as they celebrate their many successes.

165025th anniversary of Kingdom FM

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 7

Peter Grant

Douglas Chapman

Wendy Chamberlain

Neale Hanvey

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Kingdom FM on their 25th anniversary entertaining the people of Fife; notes that Kingdom FM, Fife’s favourite radio station, started broadcasting on 5 October 1998 from Haig House in Markinch, before relocating to their current studio complex in Kirkcaldy in October 2016; notes that the station has provided the latest in news, sports and travel updates throughout this time and many other exciting features such as the Kingdom FM Fugitive; highlights the work of the radio station in supporting the local community including through the Local Hero Awards which are held annually in order to call attention and give thanks to the many wonderful local individuals, charities, businesses and others who do so much good and vitally important work in the local community; commends and gives thanks to the station for the hard work of their registered charity Kingdom Kids which offers support to disadvantaged young people across Fife by raising and distributing funds for groups and individuals and especially with their well supported annual Christmas Toy Appeal; gives further thanks to the many well-loved presenters, journalists at Kingdom FM news and all the staff behind the scenes on the continued success of the station; and wishes all at Kingdom FM the best for the next 25 years and beyond.

165150th anniversary of Trust Housing Association

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 4

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Trust Housing Association as it marks its 50th anniversary, having been established in October 1973 as Kirk Care in Bearsden Glasgow; notes that Trust Housing Association has since grown into national, forward-thinking landlord and is one of Scotland’s largest housing, care and support providers for later living; further notes that Trust Housing Association helped develop the nationally recognised housing with care model and the Happy to Translate service; recognises that Trust Housing provides over 3,600 affordable homes across 23 local authorities in Scotland, including several developments located on the Isle of Arran in North Ayrshire, and aims to redefine the standards of service within the housing sector; commends Trust Housing Association’s commitment to providing exceptional care for its customers as well as making a positive difference to the communities it serves; acknowledges that it also maintains that commitment as an employer and is recognised as a Platinum employer by Investors in People and accredited as Leaders in Diversity; and wishes Trust Housing Association all the best as it continues to grow as an organisation.

1652Centenary of the Redding Pit Disaster

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 4

Martyn Day

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

That this House acknowledges that 25 September 2023 marked the centenary of the Redding Pit disaster; respectfully remembers the 40 men who lost their lives following a sudden inrush of water from disused mine workings flooded No. 23 Pit, trapping 66 miners underground; further remembers the subsequent rescue operation to reach survivors, and remembers the families of the miners, who waited anxiously at the pit head for news of their loved ones; further acknowledges the lasting impact of the disaster upon Redding and the surrounding community; commends the efforts of the Sir William Wallace Grand Lodge of Scotland Free Colliers and the community in establishing an upgraded memorial and in holding memorial events to mark the centenary; and further commends the whole Redding community for their endeavours in honouring the men who lost their lives and their families, and in ensuring that the story of the disaster and the memory of those lost is preserved for future generations.

1653Recognition of the Cumnock Tryst

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 3

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

That this House notes and recognises the outstanding achievement of the Cumnock Tryst, their Founder and Artistic Director, Sir James MacMillan CBE, the Directors and many volunteers of this local Charity who have worked tirelessly with the community to produce a spectacular musical event, A Musical Celebration of the Coalfields, at the Barony Hall, Cumnock and other local music events over three days, celebrating and inspired by their environment, coal mining heritage, people and local community; also notes the involvement, dedication and commitment of the significant number of local individuals, groups and organisations throughout the former coal mining communities of Cumnock and Doon Valley; further notes the contribution of the team of volunteer composers, songwriters and workshop leaders; and thanks the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra for their support and accompaniment of the musical performances and thank all who contributed to this unique event.

165421st annual Baby Loss Week in the UK

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 5

Steven Bonnar

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

That this House acknowledges the 21st annual Baby Loss Week in the UK; notes that Baby Loss Week from 9 to 15 October 2023 is a special opportunity to mark the lives of babies lost in pregnancy or at or soon after birth; also notes that this year Baby Loss Awareness Week focuses on the steps along that journey, and how they are different for everyone; and both recognises and appreciates the fantastic work being undertaken by Julie and Bryan Morrison at the Baby Loss Retreat based in North Lanarkshire to help support families at the most difficult of times across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

1655The Little Art School

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 4

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates the Little Art School on its 10 year anniversary, celebrated on 24 October 2023; notes that it is an art school that puts nurturing and confidence building at the heart of its classes, first running dementia art classes backed by the charity Dementia Arts Trust, and developing self-esteem in children, through the charity the Little Arts Stars; also notes that the Little Art School, with its children’s art studios, online course and trading organisation, has developed over the past decade by its partnership pulling together very different skill sets and working to develop an organisation that uses art as a positive force in the community; believes that it is blazing a trail advocating the benefits of flexible working opportunities for women who often decide to take a career break after beginning their family, and as a company recognises that employees might need to work from home occasionally; and further notes that the Little Art School pupils demonstrate a kindness to each other which is actively fostered.

1656Death of Sir Michael Bonallack OBE

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 4

Wendy Chamberlain

Jonathan Edwards

Layla Moran

Chris Stephens

That the House expresses condolences following the sad news of the death of Sir Michael Bonallack OBE at the age of eighty-eight; notes that Sir Michael was Britain’s most decorated amateur golfer and a leading figure in the sport; understands that he also served as Secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews for fifteen years from 1984 to 1999 during which time he was awarded a knighthood in recognition of his role as an ambassador for golf; further understands that Sir Michael’s career as an amateur golfer included winning the Amateur Championship and the English Amateur Championship five times; recognises his contribution in representing Great Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup nine times, including winning the competition in 1971 which was the first occasion since 1938 on which the team representing Great Britain and Ireland were victorious; welcomes the fact that Sir Michael was able to attend the opening ceremony of the recent Walker Cup match at St Andrews where he was given a standing ovation by the many fans who were there to celebrate the centenary of the first staging of the match; and expresses condolences to his friends and family at the sad news of his passing.

1657Haydays, Member Group of the Year

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 3

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That the House congratulates Haydays on being named Member Group of the Year by Age Scotland on Tuesday 3 October; understands that for over twenty years Haydays has provided educational, creative, and active events for people over the age of fifty in St Andrews, and has grown to over 170 members; notes that its activities include a cafe with home baking where members can relax and socialise, join in arts and crafts sessions, ukulele tuition, and tai-chi; recognises the vital role of Haydays and similar organisations in reducing loneliness and isolation amongst people over the age of fifty; further understands that Haydays overcame considerable difficulties, including the sudden closure of its original venue, and restrictions during the covid pandemic; commends the local volunteer tutors who lead Haydays’ activities, and its committee members and other volunteers for their commitment of the group’s work; endorses the group’s motto, that you don’t stop playing when you get old, you get old when you stop playing; and wishes all members of Haydays continued success in their varied programme of activities.

1658Launch of SafeKab

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 5

Drew Hendry

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Gavin Johnston and the team at Inverness Taxis on the successful launch of SafeKab, an app designed to improve safety for people using taxis in the Highlands; acknowledges SafeKab's commitment to enhancing passenger safety; and commends the hard work and commitment of all those involved in successfully launching this app.

1660Rogue Jones and the Welsh Music Price 2023

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 3

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

This House congratulates the band Rogue Jones from Carmarthenshire on winning the 2023 Welsh Music Prize for their Album Dos Bebés; notes that the band sing in both Welsh and English languages, with themes including parenthood, computer science and Welsh independence; and wishes the duo Bethan Mai and Ynyr Morgan Ifan well for the future.

1661Imprisonment of journalists in Belarus

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 9

Tony Lloyd

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Ms Marie Rimmer

Chris Stephens

Grahame Morris

That this House condemns the imprisonment for twelve years of Belarusian journalists Maryna Zolatava and Liudmila Chekina by the Lukashenka regime on politically-motivated charges; further condemns that the two have been added to the Lukashenka regime’s list of extremists, meaning they will be banned from taking on any public role in Belarus and the police will be able to follow them when they are released from prison; emphasises that their cases are part of the wider crackdown launched by the Belarusian authorities following the fraudulent presidential election in August 2020, with over thirty journalists currently behind bars in Belarus, making the country the fourth largest jailer of journalists in the world; supports the campaign by Reporters Without Borders, who are collecting messages of support for Maryna Zolatava to be delivered to the Belarusian Embassies in several countries, including the UK, on her birthday on 6 November; and calls on the Lukashenka regime to release Maryna Zolatava and all other political prisoners in Belarus.

1662Detention of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu in Azerbaijan

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 4

Tony Lloyd

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House condemns the arbitrary detention in Azerbaijan of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, a senior visiting fellow at the London School of Economics; notes that Dr Ibadoghlu has been an outspoken critic of the systemic corruption surrounding Azerbaijan’s ruling elite; highlights that Amnesty International considers the charges against Dr Ibadoghlu to be fabricated in another example of the Azerbaijani authorities’ misuse of the criminal justice system to target peaceful criticism and dissent; is deeply concerned by reports that Dr Ibadoghlu’s health is severely deteriorating during his detention; calls on the Azerbaijani government to immediately and unconditionally release Dr Ibadoghlu, ensure his access to the medical treatment he needs and fully respect his rights and those of his family, lawyers and supporters without subjecting them to reprisals; and, as the UK is one of Azerbaijan’s largest foreign direct investors, calls on the Government to use its influence to work urgently for Dr Ibadoghlu’s immediate release and access to medical treatment.

1663Funding for the North Berwick Kindness Co-operative

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 3

Kenny MacAskill

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates North Berwick Kindness Co-operative on receiving a donation of £2,000 from the Dirleton Fete and Games Committee in recognition of the continuing cost-of-living crisis; understands that North Berwick Kindness Co-operative supports people struggling financially in the Coastal ward of North Berwick by providing foodbanks referrals, frozen meals, dried goods, sanitary products, food vouchers for fresh items and pet supplies, and home fuel support; notes that Dirleton Fete and Games Committee had a successful year for their event, which enabled them to provide their donation to the North Berwick Kindness Co-operative; commends the North Berwick Kindness Co-operative for their ongoing efforts to support the community, and wishes everyone the best of luck with their futures.

1664Baby loss awareness week and employer’s guidelines

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 4

Claire Hanna

Colum Eastwood

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

That this House marks Baby loss awareness week 2023; acknowledges the grief and pain of bereaved parents and families and remembers the much-loved babies that have passed; recognises that although Northern Ireland is the first place in Europe to pass legislation so that parents who experience baby loss before 24 weeks of pregnancy are eligible for statutory paid leave that the implementation of this Act has been delayed due to lack of a Northern Ireland Executive; understands that the Government has yet to bring forward similar provisions; further notes that in its 2022 survey on pregnancy and baby loss in the workplace, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development found that fewer than 26 per cent. of organisations had specific policies in place to support their employees; urges the Government to work with employers and industry bodies in all regions to develop guidelines and put in place policies; and calls on the Government to introduce a bill in the next parliamentary session.

1665Environmental situation at Lough Neagh

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 3

Claire Hanna

Colum Eastwood

Chris Stephens

That this House recognises Lough Neagh as one of Northern Ireland's most significant natural assets of huge ecological importance; notes that Lough Neagh supports an immense range of biodiversity, provides approximately 40% of people in Northern Ireland with drinking water and provides livelihoods and leisure for many; further notes the unprecedented ecological and environmental crisis emergency facing the Lough; and calls on the UK Government and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to work with all Northern Ireland Departments and stakeholder organisations to create a taskforce to address the situation urgently and to have discussions on the future of Lough Neagh and its protection.

1666Rosemary Potter, Chair of Kirkcaldy’s Old Kirk Trust, Custodian, Steward and Keeper of History

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 3

Neale Hanvey

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House commends Rosemary Potter, Chair of Kirkcaldy’s Old Kirk Trust for her faith, dedication and passionate determination to preserve and enhance the Old Kirk’s role as a concert hall, community resource, heritage centre and continuing place of worship; celebrates the many successful exhibitions, tours, workshops and worship events hosted by the Trust for the benefit of the local community; congratulates the Trust on its successful five-year fundraising mission to preserve the Old Kirk’s ancient 15th century tower; notes that the Kirkcaldy Old Kirk is the first site of Christian worship in the Lang Toun being established by Celtic missionaries in the 7th century; further commends Rosemary Potter for her involvement with other local organisations including the Kirkcaldy Civic Society, Hayfield Community Centre and her commitment to the Hayfield Cafe during the Covid-19 pandemic; and expresses thanks for her lifelong commitment to helping those in need as a social worker, a community leader and for securing the Old Kirk’s continued service to the people to Kirkcaldy for generations to come.

1667140th anniversary of Boys Brigade

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House recognises The Boys’ Brigade, a Christian youth organisation, which provides opportunities for children and young people to learn, grow and discover, celebrates its 140th anniversary; notes that the organisation was founded in 1883 by Sir William Alexander Smith and that it was the first voluntary uniformed youth movement in the world to which many of today's organisations for young people can trace their roots; highlights the marking of the milestone by the Brigade planting an oak tree to commemorate the life and legacy of its founder in a special Heroes of the Faith Woodland which is being created on the outskirts of Birmingham; further notes the action being taken at local levels to celebrate this event all across the country, including a live Monopoly challenge last weekend for young people; and wishes all Boys’ Brigade members across the UK cheerful celebrations and many more years of great work and contribution to the local community.

1669Kirkcaldy Rugby Football Club 150th anniversary

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 4

Neale Hanvey

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Kirkcaldy Rugby Football Club as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of the club’s formation on 1 October 1873; notes that the first recorded match was an away game on 3 January 1874 against Portobello, with Kirkcaldy winning by a significant margin of 121 goals and 12 tries to nil; recognises that the Kirkcaldy club was but one of many such football clubs established across Scotland under rugby rules in the early 1870s following the success of the inaugural international match between Scotland and England in 1871; pays tribute to David Howie the first Kirkcaldy player to represent Scotland internationally in a match against France in 1912 and on seven further occasions before his tragic death in 1916 during the First World War; pays further tribute to all Kirkcaldy Rugby Football Club members lost in action since the club was formed; commends the club on their track record of achievement and community engagement through the shared endeavour of competitive sport from their Senior Blues, Women’s, Colts, Youth Girls and Boys to their children’s Wee Blues teams; wishes them continued success with their celebrations and fund raising activities, and the best of luck for the season ahead and throughout the coming years.

1670Martin Christie and Dunnikier Park Community Golf

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 4

Neale Hanvey

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Martin Christie, Chairman and former Captain of of Dunnikier Park Community Golf, on the introduction of Park Gowf to Kirkcaldy, a first for Europe; notes that this one club, one ball, sport originated in the parks of Japan and offers barrier-free access to people of all ages and abilities to socialise and have fun playing a community sport; further notes that the purpose of the charity is to support healthier lifestyles, raise self-esteem and confidence, build a successful pathway to enjoyable participation in golf, and strengthen community engagement; welcomes the club’s contribution to improving mental health and wellbeing by engaging with Alzheimer Scotland, Sporting Memories, the Nourish Support Centre, the Salvation Army, the Curnie Club, Phoenix Futures and Active Fife; appreciates the support of Fife Golf Club, Kirkcaldy Area Committee and the Community Mental Health Wellbeing Fund and all members of the golf club; and wishes Martin and everyone at the Hame of Park Gowf every success for the future.

1671Jordan Rochford, Hot Rod World Championship

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 3

Carla Lockhart

Jim Shannon

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House congratulates Jordan Rochford from Portadown on winning the 2 litre World Hot Rod World Championship in Ipswich in July 2023; recognises this significant achievement in defending his title after success in Scotland last year in the same World Championship; and wishes Jordan ongoing success.

1672100th anniversary of WLOL 101 Jessie-Collen Memorial, Edenderry

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 3

Carla Lockhart

Jim Shannon

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House congratulates the sisters of Women's Loyal Orange Lodge 101 Jessie-Collen Memorial, Edenderry, Portadown on its 100th anniversary year; thanks the Lodge for its positive contribution to the Portadown area and to the enrichment of cultural expression among women throughout its history; and wishes the Lodge well as it celebrates the significant milestone and for the future.

167345th anniversary of Nationwide Building Society, Newtownards

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

That this House notes the 45th anniversary of Nationwide Building Society serving the town of Newtownards in the constituency of Strangford; highlights the staff and the efforts they make to ensure that customers of all ages have access to cash and advice regarding all types of accounts, ISAs and bonds; thanks the staff for all of their great work within the town and for the decision to keep a physical branch in this town; and wishes them all the best for their future.

1675Amazon's business practices and small businesses

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 5

Tony Lloyd

Mick Whitley

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Ian Lavery

That this House is seriously concerned by the impact on small businesses of the decision by Amazon to hold onto the funds from sales for an increased period of time before releasing them to those businesses; is further concerned by Amazon offering loans to those businesses impacted by Amazon itself withholding funds; sees those actions as being exploitative of Amazon’s position in the market and the reliance that many small businesses have on its platform; believes that the Government has not done enough to challenge that practice; calls on Amazon to reverse this decision; and calls on the Government to bring meaningful pressure to bear on Amazon.

1676Israel's response to Hamas atrocities and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 20

Brendan O'Hara

Liz Saville Roberts

Ms Anum Qaisar

Hannah Bardell

Patrick Grady

Gavin Newlands

That this House unreservedly condemns Hamas and their appalling act of terrorist violence in which more than 1,400 Israeli civilians were murdered and hundreds more taken hostage; supports Israel’s right to find the perpetrators of those atrocities and hold them accountable for their actions; believes that any Israeli response to those attacks must be legal, proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law; recognises that the vast majority of Palestinians want nothing to do with Hamas and therefore deeply regrets Israel’s decision to impose a collective punishment, including forced displacement, on the civilian population of Gaza, who as a result of Israel’s actions now have little or no access to water, food, fuel or medicine, and who are living under constant military bombardment; calls on Israel to immediately end its siege and restore power and water supplies and open the Rafah border to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza; urges the Government to work with international allies to create a humanitarian corridor, one which allows innocent civilians to flee Gaza but which also provides them with a guaranteed right of return; believes that the UK has an obligation to uphold and promote international humanitarian law; and calls on the Government to play its part, along with the rest of the international community, to find a just solution to this ongoing crisis, as without justice, there can be no peace, and this cycle of violence will continue resulting in even more innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives being lost.

1677Standing charges on utility bills

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 4

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House notes recent increases in standing charges being levied on utility bills; condemns the practice which unfairly penalises homeowners that use less electricity and gas; and calls upon Ofgem to review its decision which will result in millions of hard pressed consumers having to pay hundreds of pounds each year even when some, particularly in one or two person households, use relatively little energy at a time when other household prices continue to escalate.