Contents

Published: Friday 20 October 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 19 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

1687Levels of neighbourhood policing in London

Tabled: 19/10/23 Signatories: 1

Sarah Olney

That this House acknowledges the 64% reduction in police officers deployed to full time neighbourhood policing in London since 2015; recognises that over the last decade nearly 100 police stations have been closed to the public including Richmond’s Sovereign Gate Station; notes that this has degraded the Metropolitan Police Service’s ability to support the communities they work in; further notes that the loss of neighbourhood policing has been due in part to the Government’s failure to increase the Metropolitan Police’s central government funding settlement in line with inflation; and calls on the Home Secretary to work with the Mayor to increase the number of full time neighbourhood police officers in London.

1688Itihaas and Radhuni

Tabled: 19/10/23 Signatories: 1

Owen Thompson

That this House applauds the tireless work of Midlothian entrepreneur Matin Khan who has been named the UK’s top curry chef by the industry’s trade magazine; recognises the dedication of Mr Khan, executive chef of Itihaas in Dalkeith and The Radhuni in Loanhead, who was given the accolade at the Curry Life Awards in London recently; congratulates the Radhuni restaurant which also scooped the title of the UK’s best curry restaurant; further recognises that since opening in 2007, the 80-seat Itihaas eatery has won numerous titles including Scotland’s Curry Chef of the Year, Best South Asian Restaurant and Restaurant of the Year in the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Awards; and wishes Mr Khan, his family and his business further success for the future.

1689Green Home Systems, Chamber Network Business Awards Planet Saver of the Year

Tabled: 19/10/23 Signatories: 1

Dr Philippa Whitford

That this House congratulates Green Home Systems, based in Irvine, on being recognised as the British Chamber of Commerce’s Planet Saver of the Year 2023 at the Chamber Network Business Awards which celebrate the business successes and achievements of their members each year; notes that the awards, now in their 20th year, are one of the showpieces of the business calendar and highlights the achievements of firms in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities, with the Planet Saver award recognising the work of companies with sustainability at the heart of their business which are fully committed to sustainable best practice and making the world a better and safer place; recognises that Green Home Systems, a member of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, was a strong winner with its focus being centred on reducing householders’ energy use, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and lifting people out of fuel poverty; further notes that Green Home Systems has installed more than 16,500 energy efficiency measures in people’s homes, saving more than half a million tonnes of CO2 and making energy bills more affordable for 7,000 people; and believes that Green Home Systems is a worthy winner of the Planet Saver Award and wishes them every success in the future as they follow through their mission of tackling both fuel poverty and the climate crisis at the same time.

1690150 years of East Park School, Glasgow

Tabled: 19/10/23 Signatories: 7

Patrick Grady

Alison Thewliss

Anne McLaughlin

David Linden

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Carol Monaghan

That this House congratulates East Park School, based on Maryhill Road in Glasgow, as it begins a year of celebrations to mark its 150th anniversary; notes that the celebrations for the charity, which began on 6 October 2023 with the launch of a 150th Anniversary Exhibition Timeline at the Maryhill Burgh Halls in Glasgow will also include a major conference in November 2023 and further events activities over the coming months; acknowledges that since its foundation in 1874, East Park School has provided education and support accommodation to children and young people with additional support needs, including autism, from the same site in central Maryhill since its foundation, and continues to be an integral part of the local community; recognises the remarkable hard work of its dedicated staff in delivering wide-ranging support to children and young people aged five and 18 through the school itself, as well as their Workmates service which supports young adults aged 17 to 25 with high support needs to continue education, complete work experience and achieve their full potential; and extends gratitude and best wishes for their continued success.

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: 6

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

Mr Gregory Campbell

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Christine Jardine

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.

1646Breast cancer screening and entitlement to paid leave

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 4

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

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.

164825th anniversary of the Multi-Cultural Family Base

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 9

Deidre Brock

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

Brendan O'Hara

Stuart C McDonald

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.

165025th anniversary of Kingdom FM

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 8

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.

1652Centenary of the Redding Pit Disaster

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 6

Martyn Day

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

Neale Hanvey

Douglas Chapman

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.

165421st annual Baby Loss Week in the UK

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 7

Steven Bonnar

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

Deidre Brock

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.

1656Death of Sir Michael Bonallack OBE

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 5

Wendy Chamberlain

Jonathan Edwards

Layla Moran

Chris Stephens

Christine Jardine

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.

1658Launch of SafeKab

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 12

Drew Hendry

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

Anne McLaughlin

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.

1661Imprisonment of journalists in Belarus

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 11

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.

1664Baby loss awareness week and employer’s guidelines

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 9

Claire Hanna

Colum Eastwood

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Sir Mike Penning [R]

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: 6

Claire Hanna

Colum Eastwood

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Conor McGinn

Stephen Farry

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.

1667140th anniversary of Boys Brigade

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 7

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Mr Gregory Campbell

Paul Girvan

Sir Mike Penning

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

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.

167345th anniversary of Nationwide Building Society, Newtownards

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 5

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Stephen Farry

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.

167425 anniversary of Hilton hotel, Belfast

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 5

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Paul Girvan

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Stephen Farry

That this House notes the 25th anniversary of Helton Belfast which was the first international hotel brand to open in Belfast back in 1998, the year the Good Friday Agreement was signed; notes that the hotel is under new management with an intention to invest in this flagship hotel; and wishes them every success as they continue to build the brand an encourage travellers to consider the world class accommodations, tours, shops and leisure and sports that Northern Ireland has to offer.

1675Amazon's business practices and small businesses

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 7

Tony Lloyd

Mick Whitley

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Ian Lavery

Jonathan Edwards

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: 29

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: 7

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Paul Girvan

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

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.

1680Reopening of Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding

Tabled: 17/10/23 Signatories: 9

Wendy Chamberlain

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Richard Foord

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Wera Hobhouse

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.

1682Statue of Pat Jennings

Tabled: 17/10/23 Signatories: 8

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Conor McGinn

Paul Girvan

Sir Mike Penning

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.

1685Protecting civilians in Gaza and Israel

Tabled: 17/10/23 Signatories: 53

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.

1686Kastriots defibrillator fundraising

Tabled: 18/10/23 Signatories: 2

David Linden

Allan Dorans

That this House celebrates Kastriots, a restaurant in Baillieston, which hosted a fundraiser night to fund a defibrillator for the local community; commends the restaurant for raising £3,400 to acquire the life-saving device that will be placed outside the East End Fox pub; notes that the defibrillator will provide emergency care to those experiencing a cardiac arrest and provides assurance to the public that they have access to the critical medical device; congratulates Kastriots on their generosity and commitment to the well-being of the local community; and thanks them for their fundraising efforts.