Contents

Published: Wednesday 13 December 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 12 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

201Norrie Brown and the Duke of Edinburgh Torchbearer of the Year award 2023

Tabled: 12/12/23 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House congratulates Norrie Brown on securing the Duke of Edinburgh Torchbearer of the Year award at the This is Youth Awards 2023; notes that these awards showcase the achievements of young people participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award, as well as adults who support them; further notes that Norrie has led the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme at Auchenharvie Academy in Stevenston, North Ayrshire, for 20 years; recognises that Norrie has helped countless young people realise their potential and develop valuable skills and experience; acknowledges that the Duke of Edinburgh programme supports many Auchenharvie pupils in securing positive destinations; and commends Norrie’s inspiring commitment to improving opportunities and outcomes for young people in North Ayrshire.

202Scottish Youth Brass Band Championship silver award winners

Tabled: 12/12/23 Signatories: 1

Hannah Bardell

That this House congratulates West Lothian Schools Brass Band (WLSBB) on their amazing success at the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships; notes that the competition involved over 500 talented musicians from across Scotland; understands that 30 youth bands performed at Perth Concert Hall in this competition; highlights the team's terrific achievement of winning the silver award with their renditions of Eye of the Tiger and Final Countdown; commends the efforts of the team's conductors, teachers and other folk who supported this achievement; and wishes future success to all team members.

20325th anniversary of Caledonian Credit Union

Tabled: 12/12/23 Signatories: 1

Hannah Bardell

That this House congratulates Caledonian Credit Union on its 25th anniversary; notes that the Credit Union began as North Livingston Credit Union in 1998 operating out of St Peter’s Church; commends its recent expansion to serve members from as far as Lanarkshire all the way through to the Borders; recognises Caledonian Credit Union’s commitment to serving the public and ensuring they have access to local financial institutions; highlights their founders Fr Gerry Prior, Billy Thomson, and Nancy MacGilivray, and the rest of the wonderful staff and volunteers keeping the Credit Union thriving today; and wishes Caledonian Credit Union every success for the future.

204The Pensions Regulator pay

Tabled: 12/12/23 Signatories: 3

Chris Stephens

Caroline Lucas

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

That this House deplores The Pensions Regulator’s (TPR) failure to pay staff in line with the civil service pay remit guidance; regrets that TPR is the only civil service employer of 212 employers to do so, imposing only a 3% pay rise instead of the recommended 4.5 - 5%; further deplores the refusal of TPR’s sponsoring Department, the Department for Work and Pensions, to take any part in assisting the resolution of the dispute; further regrets that TPR has refused to engage with proposals to reallocate any of its bonus pot to meet the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) pay claim; notes that the union’s widely supported strike action has continued into December 2023, with PCS membership at TPR increasing from 150 to 360 during this dispute; and calls on the Government to encourage further talks between TPR, PCS, and ACAS to ensure this issue is resolved quickly to provide a fair pay deal and the resumption of TPR services.

205Rwanda Treaty

Tabled: 12/12/23 Signatories: 43

Alison Thewliss

Stephen Flynn

Mhairi Black

Chris Stephens

Brendan O'Hara

Owen Thompson

That the Agreement, done at Kigali on 5 December 2023, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Rwanda for the Provision of an Asylum Partnership Agreement to Strengthen Shared International Commitments on the Protection of Refugees and Migrants (CP 994), a copy of which was laid before Parliament on 6 December 2023, should not be ratified.

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.

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

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 16

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.

156Volunteering by Swifts FC Girls u-12s, 9s and 7s

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 11

Douglas Chapman

Kirsten Oswald

Dr Philippa Whitford

Stewart Hosie

Brendan O'Hara

Stuart C McDonald

That this House commends Izzy Breach, Robyn Clarkson, Lucy Final, Amy Innes, Erin Lane, Sophia Hanlin, Erin Milne, Ellie Breach, Ava Morris, Olivia Morris and Keira Moffat from Swifts FC, based in Inverkeithing, Fife for volunteering as ball girls at the European Nations League qualifiers for amputee football; notes that over two days, during terrible weather, they ensured games finished on time and were full of action without delay; recognises the girls' conscientiousness which helped raise the profile of amputee football in Scotland and across Europe; commends them for being a fantastic credit to their parents and ambassadors for the club; and thanks them for giving up their time to help others.

15710th anniversary of the 2013 Glasgow helicopter crash

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 13

Alison Thewliss

Kirsten Oswald

Dr Philippa Whitford

Stewart Hosie

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Law

That this House recognises that 29 November 2023 was the 10 year anniversary of the tragic helicopter crash at the Clutha Bar in Glasgow city centre; recalls that on 29 November 2013, a police helicopter with three crew members on board crashed into the Clutha Bar on Stockwell Street, killing all three crew members and seven patrons of the bar and injuring a further 31; commends the dedication and bravery of Glasgow's emergency services on the scene of the crash, including 125 firefighters, more than 25 ambulances, and two Special Operations Response Teams; understands that as a result of recommendations made by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch after the accident, the Civil Aviation Authority mandated that all police helicopters be fitted with Cockpit Voice Recorders and Flight Data Recorders; appreciates that the Clutha reopened its doors in July 2015, in a ceremony attended by then-First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon; and expresses its continued sympathy for all those impacted by the catastrophe, and its deepest regret for the casualties of the events of 29 November 2023.

168Clarkston Chanukah celebration

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 7

Kirsten Oswald

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House wishes all those celebrating a Happy Chanukah; notes that Chanukah 2023 begins on Thursday 7 December; appreciates the efforts made across communities to mark the miraculous festival of lights; recognises the tireless work undertaken by Debra Clapham to secure a Menorah, donated by East Renfrewshire Council which replaced a Menorah previously donated by Sholom Jacobs of the Lubavitch Foundation; welcomes the fact that the Menorah is displayed at Clarkston Toll, shining on the communities of East Renfrewshire; understands that the custom is to light one candle on the first night and then add a candle each subsequent night; appreciates the efforts of Clarkston Chanukah Celebration Association, working with local organisations including Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue, to bring people together from across the diverse communities of East Renfrewshire to celebrate together at this time of year; recognises the joy and appreciation felt by those joining these celebrations; and sends all those celebrating best wishes for Chanukah.

169Migrants and domestic abuse

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 11

Apsana Begum

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Caroline Lucas

Claudia Webbe

That this House notes that domestic abuse can have profound long-term effects on survivors and is concerned that it is very difficult to speak out about domestic abuse and often those that do are subject to further silencing tactics; is concerned that police forces potentially sharing migrant data with Immigration Enforcement could prevent migrants experiencing domestic abuse from reporting to the police and others due to the fear that they will be treated as an offender themselves and face potential criminalisation, detention and deportation; is further concerned that many migrants experiencing domestic abuse are left without support due to the No Recourse to Public Funds policy; believes that everyone experiencing domestic abuse must feel able to report abuse and access justice and safety, and that perpetrators should not be allowed evade justice by using immigration status in order to silence, abuse and control; and calls on the Government to introduce a firewall between all public services and the Home Office and to scrap the No Recourse to Public Funds policy.

170Two child benefit cap

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 17

Jon Trickett

Jonathan Edwards

Martyn Day

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

That this House strongly opposes the continuation of the cruel and unnecessary two child limit for benefits, introduced by the Government in 2017; notes that recent research shows that one in 10 children live in households affected by the two-child limit, that is 1.5 million children; highlights the University of York and Nuffield Trust report which states that the two child limit along with the benefit cap have contributed to the rising levels of child poverty and that they are poverty-producing policies; strongly advocates scrapping the two child limit, noting the House of Commons Library data that shows if the cap was removed it would lift 270,000 households out of poverty at a cost of just £1.4 billion, far less than the Government’s £5 billion claim; and finally notes that the current Government has overseen a huge increase in child poverty since 2010, with a majority of children living in poverty in households where at least one adult is in work.

172Sewage discharges by United Utilities

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 10

Tony Lloyd

Jonathan Edwards

Claudia Webbe

Apsana Begum

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

That this House condemns the regular and large-scale dumping of sewage by United Utilities across the North West of England; notes that recent Freedom of Information requests show that since 2018 raw sewage has been pumped into the North West’s natural environment for a total of 2,219,418 hours; highlights that in 2021 United Utilities recorded the highest number of sewage spillages in English rivers of any water company; believes that United Utilities clearly needs to act to greatly reduce its level of sewage-dumping; is concerned by the suggestion by United Utilities that they will increase customers’ bills as part of a plan to reduce sewage-dumping; and calls on United Utilities to first look to raise any funds required to reduce sewage-dumping by cutting expenditures such as the more than £300 million paid as dividends to shareholders earlier this year.

173Clothing poverty awareness

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 15

Apsana Begum

Jeremy Corbyn

Jonathan Edwards

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

That this House notes with concern that rising numbers of people are unable to afford adequate clothing in the United Kingdom, that the demand for clothing banks has increased dramatically and is particularly acute during winter months and that even despite the best efforts of clothing banks clothing deprivation is an hidden aspect of poverty in the United Kingdom; further notes that whilst other deprivations, notably food deprivations, are highly publicised and visible in the United Kingdom’s public consciousness the same is not true of clothing deprivation; acknowledges that through its voluntarily ratification of a range of treaties the United Kingdom has recognised and assumed obligations in international law to work towards the realisation of the right to adequate clothing; recognises the right to adequate clothing; calls on the Government to acknowledge the growing issue of clothing deprivation; further calls on the Government to publish a clothing strategy to ensure that nobody is excluded from accessing adequate clothing as well as address concerns regarding the environmental damage caused by fast fashion and the exploitation faced by garment workers in this country and in global supply chains; and also calls on the the Government to begin work towards addressing these issues through policy and law.

177Arms to Israel

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 46

Chris Law

Afzal Khan

Tommy Sheppard

Imran Hussain

Zarah Sultana

Kim Johnson

That this House notes with deep concern that UK-made military equipment and technology is being used by Israel, including in its most recent bombardment of the occupied Gaza Strip which has resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries; expresses alarm at reports by the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and others of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law by Israel, including apparently unlawful attacks that may amount to war crimes; further notes that Israel uses military technology and weaponry, including surveillance technology, in the broader repression of Palestinians across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory; is therefore alarmed by the granting of and continuation of extant UK licences for export to the Israeli military of arms and arms components including for aircrafts, helicopters, drones, missiles, military technology, armoured vehicles, tanks, ammunition, and small arms; reminds the Government that under international and domestic law, the UK is required to prevent the transfer of military equipment where there is a clear or overriding risk that such exports might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law or international human rights law, as affirmed by Articles 6 and 7 of the Arms Trade Treaty, and criteria one and two of the UK’s Strategic Export Licensing Criteria; and therefore calls for the Government to immediately halt all transfers of military equipment and technology, including components, to Israel, and to suspend the issuing of new licences.

178Welsh devolution

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 2

Mr Rob Roberts

Geraint Davies

That this House recognises that devolution in Wales was established by a 50.3% Yes vote based on a 50.2% turnout in the 1997 referendum; notes that the subsequent 25 years of devolution has brought no tangible benefits to the people of Wales; further notes that the most recent PISA scores show that Wales has the worst educational standards of the nations of the United Kingdom; notes that the health service in Wales is the poorest-performing in the United Kingdom; notes that in 1997 the average salaries in Wales and Scotland were almost identical but in 2023 the average salaries in Wales are 20% lower than in Scotland; notes that economic development in Wales has stalled due to the Welsh Government's refusal to build more roads or carry out improvements to existing ones; notes that economic development is further hampered by the damaging 20 miles per hour default speed limit imposed on the people of Wales leading to anger and frustration among the population; notes that more people have signed a petition to repeal the 20 miles per hour law than voted for the Welsh Government in its entirety in the last Senedd elections; and calls on the UK Government to schedule a referendum so that the people of Wales can have their say on whether they want to keep this failing institution in place or scrap devolution in Wales entirely.

180Household Support Fund

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 5

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Caroline Lucas

Jonathan Edwards

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

That this House calls on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to extend the Household Support Fund beyond March 2024 in his next Budget; notes that the removal of the fund will have the largest impact on the most vulnerable members of society including those most affected by inflation; further notes that increasing pressure on councils' budgets may result in critical food and energy help infrastructure being dismantled; and further calls on the UK government to ensure that sufficient funding be made available to county councils and unitary authorities.

181John Patrick Byrne

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 45

Gavin Newlands

Mhairi Black

Stephen Flynn

John Nicolson

Anne McLaughlin

Hannah Bardell

That this House notes the sad passing of the incredibly talented artist and writer John Byrne at the age of 83; marks the high regard he is held in the global arts community; acknowledges that Renfrewshire Council awarded him the Freedom of Renfrewshire last year; observes that John grew up in Ferguslie Park, attended Glasgow School of Art in 1958, won the Newbery Medal for best final student and a scholarship allowing him to study in Italy; further notes that his art work is displayed in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of Modern Art, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and that his mural of friend and comedian, musician and artist Billy Connolly appeared on a Glasgow gable-end; recognises his exceptional writing in The Slab Boys trilogy, Tutti Frutti, and Cuttin’ a Rug, set in Paisley Town Hall inspired many of the names of rooms in the newly renovated hall; notes that his final play Underwood Lane, inspired by his time growing up in Paisley with childhood friend Gerry Rafferty, received its world premiere in Renfrewshire; acknowledges the role his artwork for record covers for close friends Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty, Donovan and The Beatles played in the music world; declares John a proud buddie and one of Paisley and Renfrewshire’s favourite sons who was fiercely proud of his hometown which shaped many of his iconic works; agrees that no one else did more to export the artistic culture of Paisley worldwide; and conveys deepest sympathies to his family

182UN Security Council vote on a ceasefire in Gaza

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 3

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

Jess Phillips

This House notes with concern the Government’s position on the UN Security Council Resolution vote on a ceasefire in Gaza on 8 December 2023; further notes that the resolution was presented by a non-permanent member, the United Arab Emirates, following a letter sent by the UN General Secretary, Antonio Guterres, to the Security Council invoking Article 99 of the UN Charter; also notes that Article 99 is initiated when the General Secretary believes events threaten the maintenance of international peace and security; understands that Security Council members Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Switzerland, the United Arab Estimates, China, France and Russia all supported the Ceasefire Resolution; further understands that the US voted against the resolution and that the UK abstained; expresses concern that the Government’s current position leaves the UK isolated internationally, causing irreparable reputational damage; and calls on the Government to fully engage with international efforts to bring the terrible war in Gaza to an end.

183Raising awareness of Rett syndrome

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 4

Daisy Cooper

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Mohammad Yasin

That this House recognises Rett Syndrome Awareness Month from 1 to 30 October; notes its importance for raising awareness of the rare genetic disorder as the second most common cause of severe disability in women and girls; commends the charitable organisation Rett UK, for their outstanding work in providing information, support and advocacy services for people impacted by the condition across the UK; and recognises the importance of their campaign this Rett Syndrome Awareness Month to inform, educate and engage people who can help improve the lives of people living with Rett Syndrome and their families.

184Court of Session decision on the Gender Recognition Reform Bill and Section 35 Scotland Act 1998 appeal

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 2

Neale Hanvey

Angus Brendan MacNeil

That this House notes the outcome of the Court of Session’s decision that the Secretary of State for Scotland’s use of the provision set out in Section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998 was lawful; further notes that this was the first use of Section 35 since devolution; regrets that the Scottish Parliament brought forward legislation that was so fundamentally flawed that it provided the UK Government an opportunity to mount their successful lawful challenge on a devolved matter; recognises the views of women across Scotland that the Gender Recognition Reform Bill as proposed presented a risk to the safety, privacy and dignity of women and girls; further recognises that such concerns were repeatedly dismissed as invalid; expresses concern that the Scottish Government has spent significant parliamentary time and, more recently, public funds on legal costs in its attempt to deliver this widely unpopular legislation; agrees that while decisions about Scotland should be for the people of Scotland to decide this can best be achieved when Scotland becomes an independent country; and calls on the Scottish Government to halt any further legal action and to dispose of any intention to progress the Gender Recognition Reform Bill and other associated legislation.

185Michael Gowans, Migo Run Club

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 3

Kirsten Oswald

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Michael Gowans of Migo Run Club on winning Jog Leader of the Year Award at the 4J Studios JogScotland Annual Awards ceremony; recognises Michael was awarded Jog Leader of the Year for his ability to create sessions that are engaging, fun, and responsive to participant’s feedback; notes that Michael's running sessions cater for runners of all abilities; applauds Michael’s charitable work which includes fundraising for local foodbanks and Refuweegee, a charity that gives a warm welcome to forcibly displaced people arriving in Glasgow; highlights the positive impact that running has on a runner’s physical, mental, and social wellbeing; and wishes Michael and all involved with Migo Run Club all the very best for the future.

188Adult literacy

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 24

Margaret Greenwood

Ian Mearns

Kim Johnson

John McDonnell

Rachael Maskell

Ian Byrne

That this House recognises that poor literacy skills and illiteracy can consign adults to insecure and low-paid work, lead to poverty and isolation and leave them vulnerable to exploitation; further recognises that people who struggle to read and write can face difficulty in accessing housing, social security, health and care services, education, skills, training and job opportunities, supporting their own children’s educational development and in staying in touch with friends and family; notes that literacy is invaluable in enabling people to communicate with each other and engage with the world around them; expresses concern that the National Literacy Trust estimates 7.1 million adults in England, 16.4% of the adult population, have very poor literacy skills, 931,000 adults in Scotland, 26.7%, experience challenges due to their lack of literacy skills, 216,000 adults in Wales, 12%, lack basic literacy skills and 256,000 adults in Northern Ireland, 17.4%, have very poor literacy skills; believes that these figures amount to a crisis in adult literacy across the UK and that this needs attention as a matter of urgency if we are to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential and if we are to address the economic challenges our country faces; and further believes it is vital that adults who struggle with reading and writing get the support that they need.

189In memory of Margaret Payne

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 3

Jamie Stone

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

That this House commemorates the life and achievements of Margaret Payne; acknowledges the huge contribution of £434,562 to the NHS, NHS Highlands, Highland Hospice and RNLI raised through her tremendous fundraising efforts; notes that Margaret raised this money by climbing her stairs 282 times over 73 days or 10 weeks, equating to the height of Suilven -Scotland's Sugarloaf Mountain of 2,398 ft; and pays tribute to Margaret as an outstanding citizen and a dear friend.

190BBC and repeat offences

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 2

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

That this House notes recent comments from the highly paid BBC presenter Gary Lineker where he has engaged in public spats with MPs, signed a letter regarding Government policy, having done this in the knowledge that the BBC, which is funded by the public purse via the licence fee, have only recently declared that presenters of flagship programmes outside news and current affairs have a particular responsibility to respect the BBC's impartiality because of their profile on the BBC, and this was only enacted as a result of his previous political activism; and calls on the Director General to indicate what action he intends to take given the fact that Gary Lineker is a repeat offender and appears to believe he can be a millionaire public sector sports presenter at the same time as being a political commentator.

19170th anniversary of St Monica's Primary School

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 3