Contents

Published: Wednesday 6 December 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 5 December 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

15340 years of Street Life Newtownards

Tabled: 5/12/23 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates 40 years of men's clothing store Street Life in the town of Newtownards; notes their first store which was initially opened in Bangor and now their transformation to their current store in Newtownards where they have doubled in size, with a brand new suit lounge; highlights the ten members of staff who have unique in store and online shopping experience, and who always go the extra mile in terms of customer service; thanks them for their contribution to the local economy in Newtownards and wishes them all the best for the future.

154Scottish independence and the role of the Scottish Government (No. 2)

Tabled: 5/12/23 Signatories: 1

Angus Brendan MacNeil

That this House notes that 30 November is St Andrew's Day, the patron saint of Scotland; further notes that the UK government continues to refuse to grant a Section 30 order to test Scottish opinion, post-Brexit, on independence; notes that in November 2022 the UK Supreme Court ruled against the Scottish Parliament from legislating on a lawful referendum due to its consequences stemming from authority of the ballot box, noting that referendums usually have no immediate legal consequences but that the outcome, as Holyrood is a devolved Parliament of Westminster and not a sovereign parliament of a nation or a people, could force the Parliament at Westminster through the political culture of democracy to alter the constitution of the United Kingdom; and further notes that the Scottish Parliament can call an unscheduled election at any time by three means: a resignation by a First Minister with no new First Minister appointed within 28 days, a two-thirds majority of MSPs voting for an election or a change to Section 3 (1)(A) of the Scotland Act 1998, where a majority of MSPs amend the two-thirds rule to a simple majority for holding the unscheduled Holyrood election, on any manifesto ask, obviously including independence, to gain the authority of the ballot box, and therefore the route to hold such a ballot box event and to put a question on independence to the Scottish people therefore at present lies with the Scottish Government at Holyrood.

155Pay for Royal Fleet Auxiliary Seafarers

Tabled: 5/12/23 Signatories: 5

Ian Mearns

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Ian Lavery

John McDonnell

Andy McDonald

That this House pays tribute to the commitment and dedication of the 1,700 civilian seafarers, including trainees, at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA); is concerned that nearly fifteen years of pay restraint is having a negative effect on recruitment, retention, training and industrial relations in the RFA; notes that inflation and pay restraint have effectively cut the value of RFA seafarers' pay by over thirty per cent since 2009-10; further notes that the number of RFA seafarers has fallen by twenty eight per cent since 2015 which comprises full and safe deployment of the RFA fleet; notes that RFA's thirteen ships support, re-supply and re-fuel the Royal Navy fleet on international deployment, combat drug trafficking and discharge the UK's humanitarian responsibilities following natural disasters; recognises the integral role that RFA crew play in maintaining the security and international interests of the UK and its maritime allies; highlights the RMT union's finding that nearly sixty per cent of RFA seafarers have worked for the RFA for over ten years; and calls on the Government to convene a forum with the recognised trade unions in the RFA to agree a fair pay award and wider reforms to prevent a crewing crisis at the RFA.

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.

89Asbestos-related lung cancer

Tabled: 21/11/23 Signatories: 20

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Paul Girvan

John McDonnell

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House is concerned that sufferers of asbestos-related lung cancer are denied full compensation if they are unable to trace all their former employers whose negligence contributed to the disease; recognises that the number of people affected is small, but the impact on their lives and the lives of their families can be devastating; is aware that section 3 of the Compensation Act 2006 allows sufferers of mesothelioma in these circumstances to receive full compensation; further recognises that mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer are similar diseases which are often difficult to distinguish, even with expert medical evidence; believes that sufferers of asbestos-related lung cancer should have their right to full compensation protected by legislation; and urges the Government to introduce legislation similar to section 3 of the Compensation Act 2006 for suffers of asbestos-related lung cancer.

90Reinstatement of the Access to Elected Office Fund

Tabled: 21/11/23 Signatories: 13

Daisy Cooper

Jim Shannon

Michael Shanks

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Wendy Chamberlain

Caroline Lucas

That this House notes with regret the underrepresentation of disabled people in Parliament, whilst one in five members of the working-age population identify as disabled, just five MPs disclosed they identify as disabled at the 2019 General Election; believes it is important that disabled people are enabled to contribute to the decisions which affect their lives; understands that financial barriers are a major factor in preventing many disabled people from pursuing elected office; acknowledges that disabled people face additional disability related costs such as paying for Personal Assistants, BSL Interpreters, transport, and assistive technology; commends the Centenary Action report entitled Overcoming the barriers to disabled women’s involvement in politics which found that financial support was the most commonly cited requirement by disabled women to contest an election; regrets that the government abolished the Access to Elected Office Fund in 2015 and the successor EnAble Fund by government in March 2020; notes that the government report Barriers to elected office for disabled people also identified the impact of financial barriers on the selection and election of disabled people; and supports the reinstatement of a fund on a permanent basis to enable disabled people to stand for election for public office, and bring a diversity of experience to our society and democracy.

101Go North East bus strike

Tabled: 23/11/23 Signatories: 11

Grahame Morris

Mary Kelly Foy

Jon Trickett

Kate Osborne

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

That this House condemns Go North East for their failure to resolve ongoing industrial action; notes that when at full operation Go North East is part of a failed status quo of sub standard public transport provision in the North East region outside of major cities; believes Go North East undermines the local economy by paying drivers 20% less in the North East than in the North West; supports pay parity and equal pay for equal work and North East drivers should receive the same rates of pay as colleagues in the North West; and calls on the Government to recognise that privatised deregulated bus services is damaging our community, local economy and employment and urgent reform is required to create publicly owned, publicly run municipal bus provision that reinvests profits into better wages, terms and conditions, lower fares, more frequent and reliable service that meets the needs of the community and new green and environmentally sustainable infrastructure rather than continuing to pay excessive executive pay and shareholder dividends.

107154th anniversary of the founding of the Durham Miners’ Association

Tabled: 27/11/23 Signatories: 13

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

Grahame Morris

Jonathan Edwards

Kate Osborne

That this House celebrates the 154th anniversary of the founding of the Durham Miners’ Association; recognises that, within three years of its founding, the Durham Miners’ Association had secured the abolition of bonded labour practices; further recognises its remarkable contributions to trade unionism and the wider labour movement; thanks the Durham Miners' Association for its cultural and economic contribution to Durham and beyond; commends the Durham Miners' Association for the enormous success of the 2023 Durham Miners’ Gala, which saw thousands of people gather for the 137th iteration of the Big Meeting; encourages everyone to attend the Durham Miners Gala next year to mark the 40th anniversary of the great strike of 1984-5; and further encourages everyone to become a Marra by joining the Friends of the Durham Miners’ Gala.

108Free school meals

Tabled: 27/11/23 Signatories: 16

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Tahir Ali

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

John McDonnell

That this House notes that free school meals ensure millions of children get a hot and healthy meal each day; is concerned that children whose families meet financial eligibility requirements, but receive their education other than at school, do not benefit from these meals; congratulates both Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council for their work to guarantee equity of access for all eligible families; and calls on the Government to provide clearer guidance and, if necessary, additional funding to ensure that no child in education goes hungry during the school day.

113COP28

Tabled: 27/11/23 Signatories: 30

Caroline Lucas

Alex Sobel

Claire Hanna

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

That this House notes that COP28 in Dubai marks a critical moment in efforts to secure a liveable future; expresses profound alarm that, according to the UN, governments plan to produce double the amount of fossil fuels in 2030 than is consistent with limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees and that current pledges under the Paris Agreement would lead to a 2.5-2.9°C temperature rise this century; welcomes the Prime Minister's attendance at COP28 in person and calls on him to work with other leaders to deliver an agreement on the urgent and just phase-out of all fossil fuels in recognition of the end of the fossil fuel era; calls on the UK to back an ambitious political deal in response to the Global Stocktake; further notes the damaging impact of the delayed delivery of the $100bn climate finance pledge and the UK’s changes to its climate finance definitions on trust between countries and efforts to achieve the Paris Agreement goals; urges the Government to deliver its existing climate finance commitments in full, ensure funding is new and additional and support efforts to increase climate finance at COP28, laying the ground work for agreement of the New Collective Quantified Goal; notes that the full operationalisation of a properly resourced Loss and Damage Finance Fund will be the litmus test of success at COP28; and further urges the UK to support this goal and to contribute by providing grant-based funds which are additional to existing ODA and climate finance commitments.

114Dogs

Tabled: 27/11/23 Signatories: 11

Sir Christopher Chope

Sir Julian Lewis

Paul Bristow

Philip Davies

Sir Edward Leigh

Ian Lavery

That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) (England and Wales) Order 2023 (S.I., 2023, No. 1164), dated 31 October 2023, a copy of which was laid before this House on 31 October 2023, be annulled.

118Carntyne Primary School win road safety award

Tabled: 28/11/23 Signatories: 7

Anne McLaughlin

Jim Shannon

Dr Philippa Whitford

Allan Dorans

Stuart C McDonald

Marion Fellows

That this House congratulates pupils from Carntyne Primary School for winning Best Props at the School Travel and Road Safety Film Awards Ceremony; recognises the hard work and dedication of the pupils and staff who have highlighted the importance of road safety; acknowledges the time and effort put into raising awareness of road safety by pupils, staff and parents; and looks forward to hearing more success stories from Carntyne Primary School and its talented pupils in the future.

121Anniversary of the Bhopal gas leak

Tabled: 28/11/23 Signatories: 15

Mr Virendra Sharma

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

John McDonnell

Kim Johnson

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

That this House remembers 2 and 3 December 1984, when a Union Carbide factory leaked ultra-toxic chemical methyl isocyanate across sixteen square miles of the city of Bhopal, India, exposing 573,000 people to poison gases; deplores the continuing suffering in Bhopal 39 years after the world's worst industrial disaster; recognises a 2023 study of the university of San Diego that finds eight times higher rates of cancer among those in utero in 1984; notes that 200,000 people now live in areas in which persistent organic pollutants such as organochlorines, solvents and heavy metals contaminate drinking water due to thousands of tons of toxic wastes dumped around the factory being left uncleaned, despite Carbide knowing of the threats to health since the 1980’s; notes Carbide’s owner Dow Inc refuses India’s criminal jurisdiction, in violation of international law, in a manslaughter case concerning the deaths of over 23,000 people; commends the work of Indian civil society groups, the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal, the Trades Union Congress, UNISON and Action for Bhopal in campaigning on this issue; further commends UK charity the Bhopal Medical Appeal for providing free care to Bhopal’s damaged children; and calls for justice and dignity for the victims, who have been waiting 39 years to finally receive closure.

123Launch of The Rational Policy-Maker’s Guide to the NHS report

Tabled: 28/11/23 Signatories: 17

Richard Burgon

Caroline Lucas

Kenny MacAskill

Margaret Greenwood

Ian Byrne

Jim Shannon

This House welcomes the publication of the report The Rational Policy-Maker’s Guide to the NHS; supports the report’s main conclusions that the NHS is the best and most cost-effective healthcare model yet to be demonstrated in practice in an advanced economy, that the current serious underperformance of the NHS is not the result of its publicly-funded and publicly-provided model but the inevitable result of 13 years of underfunding, and that the worsening health of the British public resulting from this underinvestment is holding back economic growth; notes that the NHS was, until recently, consistently regarded as the best health service in the world by the Commonwealth Fund; further believes that NHS funding has failed to keep pace with need and that no healthcare system can withstand the levels of sustained underfunding experienced by the NHS since 2010 without significant deterioration in its performance; rejects calls for any greater role for the private sector in the NHS, for any privatisation of the NHS or any replacement of funding through progressive taxation with direct charges or what would be a more expensive insurance-based system; and encourages all hon. Members to read the report and policy-makers to act in line with its recommendations and findings.

12560th anniversary of Dr Who

Tabled: 29/11/23 Signatories: 25

Kate Osborne

Grahame Morris

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Mick Whitley

Nadia Whittome

Richard Burgon

That this House congratulates Dr Who on reaching its 60th anniversary; welcomes the inclusive and diverse nature of the 60th anniversary episode; notes the long history of Doctor Who breaking barriers in inclusion in gender and diversity including the recent positive representation of trans people; further notes the pleasure and enjoyment that it has brought to many generations of fans; and highlights that the BBC is truly providing its licence payers with the best of the BBC in this programming.

128BBC investigative journalism

Tabled: 29/11/23 Signatories: 22

John McDonnell

Grahame Morris

Rachael Maskell

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

Ian Lavery

That this House deplores the announcement by the BBC that more than half the jobs on flagship weekday evening programme Newsnight will be lost as part of the latest misguided Digital First savings strategy; regrets that Newsnight will no longer screen investigative reporting and will be truncated to just thirty minutes; is further concerned by proposed reductions to the budget of Panaroma; welcomes investment into the creation of digital news content but remains deeply sceptical of claims that this will compensate for cuts to flagship investigative news programmes; and calls on BBC management to work constructively with the National Union of Journalists to avoid compulsory redundancies and retain the key skills and expertise of its investigative journalists.

131Verification of gestational age for at-home abortions

Tabled: 29/11/23 Signatories: 11

Carla Lockhart

Jim Shannon

Paul Girvan

Martin Vickers

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Ian Paisley

That this House welcomes the introduction of the At Home Early Medical Abortion (Review) Bill [HL] that seeks a review into the risks to women of at-home abortion under current law; expresses its support for the Bill; calls on the Government to reinstate in-person medical appointments before abortion pills may be prescribed to determine the gestational age of a baby and to ensure women seeking abortion are not facing coercion; notes that recent illegal late-term abortions of viable unborn babies would not have been able to occur had in-person appointments to accurately assess gestational age been required; further notes that self-performing a late-term medical abortion away from a clinical environment without in-person medical supervision puts the lives of women at considerable risk; and calls on the House to reject proposals that would likely lead to a worsening of the situation and the lives of many more women being endangered, by removing offences that make it illegal to perform a self-abortion right through to birth.

134Teachers' pay in Northern Ireland

Tabled: 30/11/23 Signatories: 10

Claire Hanna

Colum Eastwood

Stephen Farry

John McDonnell

Ian Paisley

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House notes the long-standing teachers and schools leaders pay dispute in Northern Ireland; stands with unions and their members campaigning for change; further notes that teacher’s pay in Northern Ireland has dropped by a staggering 25% in the past decade, causing recruitment and retention issues, resulting in a continued shortage of teachers and an impact on the quality of education for children and young people; additionally notes that Northern Ireland teachers are paid significantly less than their counterparts elsewhere in the UK; highlights the lack of action on this and the devastating impact this is having on the morale of the profession; calls on the UK Government to take action to implement parity and a fair pay settlement to ensure teachers in NI are properly remunerated for the critical job they do; is concerned by the long-term systemic defunding of school budgets, which is severely hampering schools’ abilities to meet the immediate needs of enrolled children; further highlights the demise of many supporting services and initiatives, resulting in additional heavy responsibilities being devolved to schools; and is further concerned by the collapse of support services for children with additional and special educational needs and the severe shortage of special school places, resulting in children being taught in inappropriate settings with inadequate resourcing for their needs.

135University of Edinburgh and generative artificial intelligence

Tabled: 30/11/23 Signatories: 12

Tommy Sheppard

Jonathan Edwards

Dr Philippa Whitford

Allan Dorans

Deidre Brock

Christine Jardine

That this House celebrates the successful launch of the Generative Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (GAIL) at the University of Edinburgh on 9 November 2023; acknowledges that the university is a leader in artificial intelligence (AI), as exhibited by its celebration of 60 years of AI research this year; supports that GAIL will develop techniques for generative AI in key areas such as robotics, drug discovery, medical diagnoses, semi-conductor development and tackling climate change; understands experts will also work with the university’s Centre for Technomoral Futures to develop ethical, legal and regulatory frameworks necessary to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI; further supports the university’s development of relationships with various public and private sector partners, which will allow for even more innovative discovery and economic growth in Scotland and the wider UK with the implementation of GAIL; and once again congratulates the university on its successful launch of GAIL and its continued work on AI.

136Glencore’s mining activities in Colombia and Peru (No. 3)

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 7

Tony Lloyd

Jonathan Edwards

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Brendan O'Hara

That this House expresses its concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of the Carbones de Cerrejón open-pit coalmine in Colombia and the Antapaccay-Coroccohuayco mine in Espinar in Peru, both owned by British-registered multinational Glencore Plc; notes that eight UN Special Rapporteurs called for a halt to Cerrejón’s mining operations because of health and environmental concerns; highlights the specific concerns of the Colombian Wayuu indigenous peoples and the UN Special Rapporteurs regarding contamination of the air, water and vegetation, irreversible biodiversity loss and damage to the globally important dry forest ecosystem; expresses its concern regarding documented child malnutrition in communities near the Cerrejón mine; further highlights indigenous peoples’ concerns regarding the beyond permissible levels of heavy metals in Espinar; highlights reports that the information needed to comply with informed consent under ILO Convention 169 for the Espinar mine’s expansion is not available to communities; notes that Glencore is suing the Colombian government pursuant to the investor–state dispute settlement mechanism clause within an applicable trade agreement challenging a Colombian High Court decision upholding the fundamental rights of indigenous peoples in relation to the Bruno Stream, Arroyo Bruno; calls on the UK Government to join other governments which do not include an investor state dispute settlement mechanism provision in their trade agreements, thereby preventing companies from suing governments over climate policies; and further calls on the UK to adopt a business, human rights and environment act to protect communities harmed by mining linked to UK companies and their supply chains.

137Ann Nisbet and the 2023 Doolan Best Building award

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 2

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulations to Ann Nisbet for securing the title of Scotland's Best Building of the Year 2023, awarded by the Royal Incorporation of Architects; applauds Ann and her studio for their outstanding achievement in designing and bringing to life a building within a ruin, a project that stood out and earned her this prestigious accolade; recognises the dedication and skill demonstrated by Ann in preserving the character of the original structure and its harmonious integration with the landscape in Cuddymoss, Ayrshire; and extends best wishes to Ann for continued success in her future endeavours.

138EmilyTest Gender-Based Violence Charter Award to St Andrews

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 2

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

That the House commends the University of St Andrews on becoming the first university in the UK to be granted the EmilyTest Gender-Based Violence Charter Award; understands that the University was presented with the award on 22 November by the charity’s founder and CEO Fiona Drouet MBE and Scottish Minister for Higher and Further Education Graeme Dey; recognises that achieving the award involved significant work by both students and staff and involved the University’s policies, practices and procedures on gender-based violence being assessed by a trained independent panel; believes that the award demonstrates the University’s commitment to achieving a campus that is responsible in tackling gender-based violence; notes that the charity EmilyTest was founded by Fiona Drouet after her daughter Emily, an 18-year-old undergraduate law student, took her own life after being subjected to a sustained campaign of abuse at the hands of a fellow student; further notes that the charity focuses on tackling gender-based violence in education and, alongside the Charter, has developed training programmes and a risk assessment, helping to ensure universities and colleges have the skills, training and resources needed to keep students safe; congratulates the University on taking steps to ensure that it can tackle gender-based violence effectively; and encourages other education institutions to work towards the award.

139No.40 by Bruin's first birthday

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 2

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

That this House commends No.40 by Bruin on its first birthday; recognises the contribution they make to the community in Bearsden, especially by supporting local suppliers and promoting small Scottish businesses; notes its focus on sustainability, helping the local community to access high-quality goods which are responsibly sourced; celebrates the community it has created through its friendly atmosphere and regular events; and wishes everyone at No.40 by Bruin all the best for the future.

14070th anniversary of Ayr Hospital Radio

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 4

Allan Dorans

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

That this House recognises, celebrates and congratulates Ayr Hospital Radio, one of Scotland’s oldest hospital radio stations on their 70th anniversary; notes that Ayr Hospital Radio was initially established in 1953 to provide patients in Ayr Hospital with live commentary of Ayr United Football Club match days; further notes that it has developed over the years as a charity and is now based at the University Hospital Ayr, with a team of currently about twenty five volunteers; observes that it is a live, seven days a week radio service, broadcasting an eclectic range of music and entertainment for patients in local hospitals and available on the world wide web for the local community; highlights that it provides the opportunity for patients requests and for relatives and friends to request dedication for patients, contributing to their recovery and wellbeing; further highlights that it provides training, skills and experience for volunteers in broadcasting; notes especially the contribution on Mr Mike Manley, one of the original founders and longest serving volunteer, the volunteer Management Committee; and gives thanks to all the volunteers over the last 70 years for their contribution to the community.

141Perth Racecourse and the Racecourse Association Showcase Awards 2023

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 4

Pete Wishart

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

That this House congratulates Perth Racecourse on its victory in the Diversity and Inclusion category of the Racecourse Association's 2023 Showcase Awards; understands that this award was in recognition of Perth Racecourse's Pride Raceday event, the first-headline billed Pride Raceday in British racing, which attracted thousands of new racegoers to Perth for the first time; and commends Perth Racecourse on its commitment to creating an unrivalled racing experience that offers a blend of tradition and innovation for racing enthusiasts, business and the local community.

142Venezuela and Guyana

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 3

Daniel Kawczynski

Mr Rob Roberts

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises neither the illegitimate Socialist dictator of Venezuela as President nor his immoral and dangerous referendum to try to seize vast territory from Guyana; notes that this border was settled over 100 years ago; believes that in his attempt to distract the Venezuelan people from the economic disaster that his hard Socialism has brought to the country he is attempting to steal land from Guyana now that this country has found large oil and gas reserves; given the highly biased nature of the questions and extensive irregularities of the referendum urges the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to publicly condemn and reject the outcome; also urges the Government, as the former colonial power, to come to the assistance of Guyana to protect that nation’s integrity and border; and further urges the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office to raise the issue urgently at the UN and to work with Caricom and others to do everything possible to protect Guyana.

14375th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 11

Tony Lloyd

Jonathan Edwards

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Patrick Grady

That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; notes that its adoption in 1948 was a watershed moment reflecting the collective determination of world leaders to prevent a repetition of the horrors inflicted during World War Two and to champion the inherent dignity of every individual; recognises the Declaration’s continued importance in empowering and protecting many globally; regrets that millions continue to suffer appalling violations of the rights set out in the Declaration; expresses its solidarity with human rights defenders, particularly those working at great risk to themselves and their communities, and governmental and non-governmental organisations focused on the realisation of human rights; calls on the Government to ensure that the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights is a key plank of its foreign policy, including in its bilateral and multilateral trading and security arrangements, and to do more to support human rights and environmental defenders; and further calls on the Government to bring forward legislative proposals on mandatory supply chain due diligence to protect human rights and the environment, modelled on the Bribery Act 2010.

14440th anniversary of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 8

Deidre Brock

Patrick Grady

David Linden

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

That this House congratulates the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, which has been celebrating its 40th anniversary throughout 2023; notes that the Society was founded in 1983 by a group of friends in Edinburgh, led by Pip Hills, who had previously jointly purchased a cask of single malt Scotch whisky and wanted to share the experience of sampling single cask whisky with the wider public; further notes that the founding of the society led to the opening of dedicated society tasting rooms at the Vaults in Leith, with later venues opening in London, Queen Street in Edinburgh and most recently in Glasgow; recognises the growth in membership across the UK and around the world over the past four decades, and the expansion of the Society’s bottlings into a range of different spirits, while still maintaining an enthusiasm for rare and unique flavours and a sense of adventure and exploration across their output; notes that events and activities to mark the anniversary have included a refurbishment of the original Vaults venue and a record-breaking online whisky tasting event recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records; and wishes all those involved with the Society every success in the years to come.

145Erin Boothman

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 2

Kirsten Oswald

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Erin Boothman, a pupil from Williamwood High School, East Renfrewshire, on her recent cycling successes; notes that Erin achieved a fantastic result at the British Youth Track Cycling Championships in 2022, placing 2nd in the under-16 women’s category; further notes that in July 2023 Erin was crowned champion at the National Youth Omnium Championship at the Lee Valley VeloPark; understands that Erin represented Team GB at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Slovenia where she won a silver medal in the time trial despite some very tough competition from other participants; further understands that Erin was awarded a place on the Scottish Cycling Junior Training Programme; notes that Erin is working towards her goal of representing Scotland at the next Commonwealth Games; and wishes Erin all the very best as she continues in her cycling career.

146Monkton Milers' santa dash for Ayrshire Parkinson's Group

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 11

Dr Philippa Whitford

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Patricia Gibson

Alan Brown

That this House congratulates the Monkton Milers on organising their highly successful Santa Dash in Troon to raise funds for the Ayrshire Parkinson's Group; notes that Rachel Cox, Chairperson of the Milers, won the JogScotland Jog Leader of the Year in 2022, and acknowledges the valuable contribution such volunteer-led running groups make towards keeping people active and healthy as well as raising funds to support local community projects.

147Dermatology services

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

That this House supports AbbVie’s new report From National Guidance to Local Action: Improving Access to Dermatology Services; recognises that patients with long term inflammatory skin conditions wait too long in accessing care, services and treatment in the UK; understands the pressing workforce need in dermatology; further understands that, once diagnosed, patients face long waits before being seen in secondary care after referral; believes that patients should receive timely access to approved treatments they are eligible for regardless of where they live; and urges the Government to ensure that the latest guidance from NHS England to improve capacity in dermatology services, including Referral Optimisation for People with Skin Conditions, Teledermatology Virtual Urgent Cancer Pathway and Patient Initiated Follow Ups, are implemented and barriers in access to care, services and treatment are removed.

148Retirement of Paul McLaughlin

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 3

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

That this house warmly congratulates Mr Paul McLaughlin on his retirement after twenty years of dedicated service as headteacher at St. Ninian’s High School in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire; recognises Mr Paul McLaughlin’s unwavering commitment to education and his tireless efforts in fostering an environment of learning and growth at St. Ninian’s, demonstrated by the school achieving the prestigious Raising Attainment in Numeracy award in 2017 at the Scottish Education Awards; commends Mr Paul McLaughlin for playing a pivotal role in shaping the lives of countless students and contributing to the overall success and reputation of St. Ninian’s, which was reflected in his achievements in his post as headteacher when he was named Headteacher of the Year at the Scottish Education Awards in 2009, due to his inspirational leadership at St. Ninian’s High School; acknowledges the positive impact Mr Paul McLaughlin has had on the school community, creating a culture of inclusivity and respect, dedicated to nurturing not only academic achievements but also the holistic development of students, instilling in them values that extend beyond the classroom, which is highlighted through St. Ninian’s High School collaboration with Celtic Youth Academy and its intermediate school programme; wishes Mr Paul McLaughlin a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement, filled with joy, relaxation and new adventures; and calls on the House to join in extending a heartfelt thanks to Mr. Paul McLaughlin for his outstanding contributions to education and the wider Kirkintilloch community throughout his tenure as headteacher at St. Ninian’s High School.

14985th anniversary of the return of the British and Irish volunteers in the International Brigades

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 15

Beth Winter

Richard Burgon

Chris Stephens

Jeremy Corbyn

Ian Byrne

Claire Hanna

That this House notes that 7 December 2023 marks the 85th anniversary of the return to Britain of the British and Irish volunteer members of the International Brigades who fought on the side of the Republican Government against fascism of Franco, Mussolini and Hitler in the Spanish Civil War; recalls that 304 volunteers of around 2500 who served from Britain, Ireland and the Commonwealth were met at Victoria Station by Labour Party leader Clement Attlee MP; regrets the 530 deaths the British and Irish volunteers suffered; notes there are now over 100 memorials to volunteers across Britain and that they continue to increase in number; and celebrates the ongoing work of the International Brigade Memorial Trust, including through its work in schools, and through its close relationship with official governmental and civic society sister organisations in Spain, to keep the volunteers memory alive.

150Reductions in railway funding

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 28

Ian Mearns

Grahame Morris

Rachael Maskell

John McDonnell

Caroline Lucas

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House notes the Government funding settlement for the next five-year Railway Control Period 7 from 2024 to 2029 will result in a £1.2bn cut in Network Rail's budget for vital safety-critical railway infrastructure work compared to the previous five year period; further notes these cuts will fall on the renewal of track, signalling and other assets at a time of increased degradation of railway assets and structures, and that extreme weather events linked to climate change could lead to an increased risk of structural and earthwork failures similar to those that caused the Carmont rail disaster in 2020; is concerned that Network Rail's reduction in spend on railway renewals and an increased reliance on railway maintenance will lead to an increase in safety risks and a reduction in performance, including speed restrictions and 'go slows' and the loss of rail worker's jobs and skills which are needed for now and in the future; highlights that these cuts to infrastructure funding are part of Network Rail's drive under Government instruction to make efficiency savings; believes these rail cuts are a false economy that will increase economic inefficiencies within the railway and wider economy; and calls on the Government to reverse the £1.2bn cut in renewals and instead protect rail safety, services and jobs delivering efficiencies through reducing fragmentation and moving to a unified, integrated and publicly owned railway.

151Medical support for children in Gaza

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 6

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Jonathan Edwards

Mary Kelly Foy

Caroline Lucas

That this House notes that the United Nations Children’s Fund has warned that Gaza is the most dangerous place in the world to be a child, following the end of the temporary pause in hostilities between Israel and Hamas on 1 December 2023; mourns the fact that at least 6,150 children have been killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023; further notes that hundreds of children are suffering severe injuries such as burns, amputations and complex fractures due to the conflict; applauds the offer of countries such as France to make arrangements to treat wounded and sick children from Gaza in hospitals in France; and calls on the United Kingdom to offer similar support to the children of Gaza.

152Saving rates at mutual organisations

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 5

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jonathan Edwards

Carla Lockhart

Jim Shannon

Sir Mike Penning

That this House notes that regular savers can obtain much higher interest rates with mutual organisations than at most high street banks and can also receive one-off financial benefits for switching; and calls on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to meet with representatives of banks to encourage them to offer more competitive rates to their millions of savers, especially older citizens, many of whom depend on interest from their savings to supplement their State Pension income.