Contents

Published: Monday 23 October 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Friday 20 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

1691Cider industry

Tabled: 20/10/23 Signatories: 1

Sarah Dyke

That this House recognises the value of small-scale cider makers and apple growers to employment, tourism, traditional craft practices, biodiversity and the broader rural economy; celebrates apple day; notes that the cider industry, including fruit cider, makes up 7 per cent of the alcohol market; is deeply concerned that the cider industry has undergone the longest and most damaging period of decline on record; is further concerned about the impact losing orchards has on biodiversity; recognises the unprecedented increase in costs for traditional, small-scale cider makers in the last decade; is deeply concerned about the impact of excise rates increasing from August on cider makers, especially for traditional ciders where ABV is naturally higher than alcopop ciders; notes with concern that excise rate increases could drive traditional cider makers out of business; further notes that the Government’s new Small Producer Relief for alcohol duty is totally inadequate for traditional cider makers like Burrow Hill Cider Farm and Dowdings Apple Juice and Cider; and calls on the Government to protect traditional small-scale cider making and ensure the Alcohol Duty Review does not unduly harm the industry.

1692Hamilton Park

Tabled: 20/10/23 Signatories: 1

Angela Crawley

That this House congratulates Hamilton Park Racecourse on their nomination as a finalist for the 2023 Racecourse Association Showcase Awards; understands that the Showcase Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in racecourse operation; reflects that the Racecourse Association received nominations for 67 racecourses and nearly 5,000 votes from the race going public in deliberations for this year's awards; notes that Hamilton Park have been named finalists in three categories namely Racing Connection, Racecourse of the Year for Owners and Racing Post Readers’ Award; commends Hamilton Park for their hard work and dedication to horse racing which has previously been recognised as a Champion Racecourse by the Racecourse Association; and wishes the everyone at Hamilton Park the best of luck for the Showcase Awards.

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.

1645Funding for Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute in East Dunbartonshire

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 5

Amy Callaghan

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

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.

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

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 5

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

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: 10

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: 9

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: 5

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

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: 7

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: 8

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.

1658Launch of SafeKab

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 13

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: 14

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: 8

Tony Lloyd

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

Jeremy Corbyn

Jim Shannon

Liz Saville Roberts

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.

1664Baby loss awareness week and employer’s guidelines

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 12

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: 9

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.

1675Amazon's business practices and small businesses

Tabled: 16/10/23 Signatories: 10

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: 33

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.

1680Reopening of Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding

Tabled: 17/10/23 Signatories: 13

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.

1685Protecting civilians in Gaza and Israel

Tabled: 17/10/23 Signatories: 62

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.

1688Itihaas and Radhuni

Tabled: 19/10/23 Signatories: 3

Owen Thompson

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

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: 4

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Dave Doogan

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: 8

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.