Contents

Published: Tuesday 19 December 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 18 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

221Members of Parliament (Oil and Gas Companies) Bill

Tabled: 18/12/23 Signatories: 6

Richard Burgon

Caroline Lucas

Claire Hanna

Liz Saville Roberts

Nadia Whittome

Clive Lewis

That this House welcomes the publication of the Members of Parliament (Oil and Gas Companies) Bill on 13 December 2023; supports the Bill’s aims of prohibiting Members of Parliament from working for or receiving any financial or other benefit from oil and gas companies as well as its call for the divestment of the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund from oil and gas companies; notes that the world faces a climate emergency that has been driven by the fossil fuel industry; further notes that the science is clear that it will be impossible to limit global heating to 1.5°C without the phasing out of all fossil fuels; also notes that for decades fossil fuel companies and their lobbyists have used their financial and political influence to delay, weaken and undermine climate action to protect their profits; believes that as with the tobacco industry in the past, the damaging influence of the fossil fuel industry on democratic processes poses a huge risk to the public; and believes this Bill can play a positive role in creating the necessary firewall to protect democratic institutions and political decision-making from fossil fuel industry interference.

222St Leonards School Award

Tabled: 18/12/23 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House celebrates St Leonards School in St Andrews, Fife for being named Scottish Independent School of the Year for Academic Performance 2024 (A-level) by The Sunday Times’ Good Schools Guide 2024; recognises this ranks the co-educational boarding and day school above every other Scottish independent secondary school; acknowledges that St Leonards were also named Top Independent School in Scotland for IB/A Level results in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022; and commends the teachers, students and the Head of St Leonards, Simon Brian for their hard work and dedication in order to achieve this award.

223Pratis Barns

Tabled: 18/12/23 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House celebrates Pratis Barns on winning the Fife and Tayside Venues award at the Your Scottish Wedding Awards in November 2023; understands Pratis Barns is a luxury events venue which specialises in weddings with in-house service such catering headed by Chef Calum and onsite events manager Louise; recognises the owners Nicola and Patrick Gilmour’s commitment to sustainability, such as past couples donating wedding decorations and props that can be re-used to avoid creating waste; commends Business Gateway Fife’s support for Pratis Barns through the Expert Help and Fife Investment Fund; notes that this award is a result of the Gilmours and their team’s passion and dedication for the venue; and welcomes the contribution of Pratis Barns and other hospitality businesses to the local community.

224The work of people across the Parliamentary Estate

Tabled: 18/12/23 Signatories: 16

Jeremy Corbyn

John McDonnell

Tony Lloyd

Ian Byrne

Sir Julian Lewis

Ben Lake

That this House recognises the essential contribution of all staff across the Parliamentary Estate, including, but not limited to, cleaners, caterers, chefs, kitchen stewards, baristas, doorkeepers, clerks, library support specialists, tour guides, police and firefighters, as well as those in Parliamentary offices and Departments, such as the Speaker’s office, the Serjeant at Arms, Health and Wellbeing, Service Delivery, Maintenance, Visitors Assistants, Porterage, Workspace, Members Services, Heritage, Accommodation, Governance, Parliamentary Health and Safety, Broadcasting, Project, Renewal and Restoration, Learning and Development, and Diversity and Inclusion; accepts that, without them, Parliament could not function; notes the vital role they therefore play in ensuring this institution runs safely and efficiently and in upholding our democracy; and acknowledges that all deserve to be respected for their important contribution and treated equally with dignity, kindness and respect.

225Santa Claus

Tabled: 18/12/23 Signatories: 9

Owen Thompson

Alison Thewliss

Gavin Newlands

Marion Fellows

Douglas Chapman

Kirsten Oswald

That this House notes that an annual statement is read out in the Dail to welcome Santa Claus into Irish air space; further notes that the Civil Aviation Authority does not make a similar gesture; recognises the importance of Santa Claus to children; and calls on the Government to acknowledge the contribution of the idea of Santa Claus to Christmas.

226Child poverty (No. 2)

Tabled: 18/12/23 Signatories: 1

Jon Trickett

That this House expresses its dismay at the number of children in poverty in the UK; believes that as the UK is one of the richest countries in the world, it is shocking that 29% of children in our country are living in poverty and that 71% of those children live in a household where at least one person works; notes the recent UNICEF report which found that child poverty levels in the UK were the worst among the world’s richest nations and have increased faster than all other rich nations; highlights that child poverty has increased because of the huge programme of public service cuts enacted since 2010, the current cost of living crisis and policies such as the two-child limit on claiming welfare benefits; and calls on the Government to tackle child poverty by extending child benefits and restructuring our economy to deliver for working families and children.

227Centenary of Rotary St Helens

Tabled: 18/12/23 Signatories: 1

Conor McGinn

That this House congratulates Rotary St Helens on the 100th anniversary of its formation in 1923; notes its commitment to the borough through volunteering, charitable work and community activities; commends it on receiving the Kings Award for Voluntary Service in its centenary year; and wishes its members well as they continue to put Service Above Self locally, nationally and globally.

228Integrated Care Board funding for children’s hospices in England

Tabled: 18/12/23 Signatories: 1

Siobhain McDonagh

That this House notes with concern the huge variance in local NHS spending on children’s hospice and palliative care in England, as found in the recent freedom of information requests published by the charity Together for Short Lives; is concerned that the amounts spent by each NHS integrated care board (ICB) varied by as much as £483 per child or young person in 2022-23; is also concerned by the lack of understanding among ICBs on the number of children who need palliative care or the numbers accessing services; calls on the Government to urgently confirm how and when the £25 million NHS England Children’s Hospice Grant will be distributed in 2024-25; further calls on the Government to direct NHS England to hold ICBs to greater account for the way in which they commission children’s palliative care; asks the Government to direct NHS England to ensure ICBs work with neighbouring ICBs in their region to plan and fund children’s palliative care services; and also calls on the Government to commit to a dedicated long-term strategy in the NHS mandate that addresses the palliative care needed by children and young people.

229In memory of Councillor Hanzala Malik

Tabled: 18/12/23 Signatories: 2

Alison Thewliss

Patrick Grady

That this House notes with sadness the passing of Councillor Hanzala Malik, who represented Hillhead ward on Glasgow City Council, whose death at the age of 67 was announced on Thursday 14 December 2023; further notes that Councillor Malik served for two periods on the City Council, from 1997 to 2012 and again from 2017, and served as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Glasgow Region between 2011 and 2016; notes the many tributes to Councillor Malik that have been paid from across the political spectrum and the wider community in Glasgow, recalling his dedicated service to his local community in Hillhead as well as championing equality, diversity and social justice across the city and region as a board member of the West of Scotland Regional Equality Council; and sends its deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.

230Glasgow Rangers Success at Viaplay Cup

Tabled: 18/12/23 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Glasgow Rangers for their victory over Aberdeen which has secured them the Viaplay Cup; highlights the tremendous game that was played as Rangers seek to keep their head down and their focus sharp; and wishes them every success in their league and cup goals this year.

231Closure of Bank of Scotland, Byres Road

Tabled: 18/12/23 Signatories: 1

Patrick Grady

That this House notes with concern the announcement by Lloyds Banking Group to close the Bank of Scotland branch on Byres Road in the West End of Glasgow; further notes that the branch has been a long-standing and much-valued presence on the street, and that its closure represents a further significant reduction in the availability of branch-based banking services to the local community, following the closure of other major retail bank branches in recent years; expresses concern about the impact of the closure especially on older, more vulnerable or less computer-literate customers who may have to travel further at greater expense to access alternative provision; and calls on Lloyds Banking Group and the Bank of Scotland, if not willing to reconsider this decision, to ensure that affected customers are fully consulted, engaged and supported in order to be able to use banking services that meet their needs in the future.

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.

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

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 17

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.

14375th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 23

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.

147Dermatology services

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 4

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

Bob Blackman

John McDonnell

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.

151Medical support for children in Gaza

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 15

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.

155Pay for Royal Fleet Auxiliary Seafarers

Tabled: 5/12/23 Signatories: 18

Ian Mearns

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Ian Lavery

John McDonnell

Andy McDonald

Richard Burgon

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 compromises 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.

15710th anniversary of the 2013 Glasgow helicopter crash

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 14

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.

15933rd anniversary of Cathouse Glasgow rock club

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 9

Alison Thewliss

Kirsten Oswald

Stewart Hosie

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Cathouse Glasgow, Glasgow's oldest rock club, on the 33rd anniversary of its opening on 22 November 22 1990; acknowledges the contribution of Donald Macleod MBE in establishing the club; recognises the immense contribution of Cathouse to Glasgow's nightlife and cultural flourishing over the years; acknowledges that over the years Cathouse has played host to live performances from world-famous and commercially successful bands such as Anthrax, Black Stone Cherry, Halestorm, Pearl Jam, Fall Out Boy, Queens of the Stone Age, and many others; commits itself to supporting the continued flourishing of the Glasgow night-time economy sector, represented by such iconic institutions of the city as Cathouse; and wishes the staff and management of Cathouse all the best in all future endeavours.

162Moroccan Paradise Golf and Beach Resort and Atlantic View Development

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 6

Kirsten Oswald

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

John McDonnell

That this House understands that some 800 investors, 300 of whom were British, made investments in the Moroccan Paradise Golf and Beach Resort and Atlantic View Development which was first advertised in 2006; notes the development was subsequently promoted in 2010 as part of Morocco’s Vision 2020 tourism plan receiving some £35 million of foreign investment of which just £12 million appears able to be accounted for; further notes that the development was marketed as a luxurious five-star tourist resort near the city of Tangier but remains incomplete after construction halted in 2009; recognises the distress that this long-running dispute has caused investors who have failed to recoup their initial investments; further understands that UK government ministers have raised the issue of the incomplete resort at meetings with their Moroccan counterparts since 2016 which have been described as constructive but not conclusive; and calls on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to take all necessary actions to bring a about a swift resolution to this dispute, with investors being refunded in full.

168Clarkston Chanukah celebration

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 8

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: 14

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: 20

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: 12

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: 19

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.

174Funding domestic abuse services

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 14

Apsana Begum

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Claudia Webbe

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House notes that domestic abuse has wide ranging effects, including mental, emotional, physical, social and financial, on all areas of life for the individual survivor and those around them; recognises that community-based domestic abuse services provide holistic, specialist support to women and children experiencing domestic abuse on both a short and long-term basis; further recognises that access to support at all stages - whether still living with the abuser, planning to flee, or having already left to rebuild their lives – is absolutely critical; is alarmed that many such services are chronically underfunded and working to short-term contracts, creating a postcode lottery of provision across the country; and calls on the Government to ensure that domestic abuse services, including specialist services for disabled, LGBTQ+ and Black and Asian survivors, are properly funded so that every survivor can access the support they need.

175Domestic abuse and the workplace

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 13

Apsana Begum

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Ian Lavery

Claudia Webbe

That this House notes that domestic abuse can have profound long-term effects on survivors and is concerned that is very difficult to speak out about domestic abuse and often those that do are subject to further silencing tactics; recognises that domestic violence is a workplace issue and that it can affect employment performance and in some cases even mean the abuse is carried out in the workplace; believes that domestic abuse policies form an essential part of a strategy to achieve equal opportunities in the workplace; recognises trade unions are key in holding employers to account and have an important role to play in bargaining for better workplace conditions; calls on all employers to ensure workplaces are places of safety for survivors of domestic abuse with measures in place for their protection and an environment fostered where individuals experiencing domestic abuse feel confident that they will be believed, listened to and treated supportively; and calls on the Government to ensure a nationally funded network of domestic violence and abuse support services.

177Arms to Israel

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 66

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.

179Alpino’s Fish and Chips, Barrhead

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 5

Kirsten Oswald

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates Alpino’s Fish and Chips in Barrhead for being named the Best Dine in Restaurant and the Best Family Business at the 2023 Scottish Fish and Chips Awards; understands that across East Renfrewshire there were several other fish and chip shops noted for their excellence, including Kadir’s Fish and Chips who were shortlisted for the Best Chippy Award, L’arco Takeaway who were shortlisted for Best Family Business and Best Delivery Service, and CATCH Fish and Chips Giffnock who won in the Best Chippy West category; appreciates that the awards were decided by a public vote; notes the Scottish Fish and Chips Awards celebrate culinary expertise, commitment to traditional cooking, and exemplary customer service; welcomes the contribution that fish and chip shops have across communities in East Renfrewshire; and wishes all the staff at Alpino’s Fish and Chips the very best for the future.

180Household Support Fund

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 16

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Caroline Lucas

Jonathan Edwards

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

Dan Carden

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.

182UN Security Council vote on a ceasefire in Gaza

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 7

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Alison Thewliss

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: 6

Daisy Cooper

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Mohammad Yasin

Sarah Dyke

John McDonnell

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.

185Michael Gowans, Migo Run Club

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 5

Kirsten Oswald

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

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: 36

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: 6

Jamie Stone

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Sarah Dyke

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown

Alison Thewliss

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.

194National Lottery funding for Impact Arts

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 4

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates Impact Arts on their £117,996 National Lottery Community Fund grant for their Craft Cafe in Govan in the Glasgow South West constituency; understands this funding will be used to continue delivering their Craft Cafe based in Govan; notes that the Craft Cafe offers a safe, social, and creative environment where older people can learn new skills and renew social networks reconnecting with the community to tackle social isolation and loneliness; and wishes Impact Art the best with all its future endeavours.

199National Lottery funding for Tea in the Pot Women's Support Services

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 4

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates Tea in the Pot Women's Support Service in Govan in Glasgow South West constituency on their award of a £9,700 National Lottery Community Fund grant; understands this funding will be used to deliver a six month wellbeing programme to support vulnerable and isolated people in their community; recognises Tea in the Pot supports women to become actively engaged in the community and to enable women to identify and value their skills, experiences and talents, and to feel empowered and confident to share these with others; notes the service provides a safe and relaxing atmosphere where women can meet up with old friends and make new friends and assists women who may be coping with difficulties, or who feel under stress, have health issues of simply feel isolated; and wishes Tea in the Pot the best with all its future endeavours.

200National Lottery funding for South West Community Transport

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 4

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates South West Community Transport based in the Glasgow South West constituency on their award of a £10,000 National Lottery Community Fund grant; understands this funding will be used to provide community patient transport and patient advocacy for vulnerable people across Glasgow; recognises Glasgow South West Community Transport have supported thousands of residents of Glasgow South West with their patient transport service and weekly Hoppa Shoppa Service for those who are elderly, with mobility challenges or who struggle to use public transport; and wishes South West Community Transport the best with all its future endeavours.

202Scottish Youth Brass Band Championship silver award winners

Tabled: 12/12/23 Signatories: 5

Hannah Bardell

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Dr Philippa Whitford

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.

204The Pensions Regulator pay

Tabled: 12/12/23 Signatories: 12

Chris Stephens

Caroline Lucas

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Jonathan Edwards

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: 49

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.

206Kay Latimer

Tabled: 13/12/23 Signatories: 4

Joanna Cherry

Allan Dorans

Jonathan Edwards

Dr Philippa Whitford

That this House celebrates the life of community activism and dedication to others of Kay Latimer and mourns her passing on 18 November 2023; notes Kay’s life of service as a nurse both in England and in Scotland; recalls her care for terminally ill people through her work with the Marie Curie Hospice and latterly her nursing of the elderly and people living with dementia; further notes her passion for sharing her knowledge and skills; celebrates the many younger colleagues who benefited from her support and guidance; recognises her dedication to Balerno Parish, her pastoral care for parishioners, her work as an Elder and the training and support she provided across the Presbytery; gives special recognition and thanks for her pioneering work in Balerno supporting people living with dementia and their carers through the establishment of the People with Advanced Loss of Memory, or PALM, Café and through her enthusiasm and drive spreading this model of dementia care to the neighbouring parishes of Currie and Juniper Green in part through The Meeting Place Community Cafe; gives thanks for the formation of her charity Dementia Friendly Pentlands which fights to improve the quality of life for families and unpaid carers and the people they care for; extends condolences to Kay’s family, her wide circle of friends and all those who continue to benefit from her legacy of devotion and care for others; and is certain she will be missed.

208Fuel poverty

Tabled: 13/12/23 Signatories: 8

Jon Trickett

Caroline Lucas

Mary Kelly Foy

Jonathan Edwards

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Dan Carden

That this House notes with huge concern the figures from National Energy Action which has estimated that the total number of households across the UK in fuel poverty increased from around 4 million in summer 2020 to 6.7 million in October 2022 and expects it to reach 7.5 million households by April 2023; further notes that the Government’s estimates are even higher, estimating that 8.8 million households in England could be classed as fuel poor by the end of 2023; highlights that the number in fuel poverty could continue to increase, as the fuel poverty gap continues to grow, from £338 per fuel poor household in 2022 to a projected £443 in 2023, noting that this would be a new record high, beating the previous record of £354 in 2010; in addition notes that currently five million people are in debt to their energy supplier; raises concerns over the regional spread of fuel poverty, with 17.5% of households in fuel poverty in Yorkshire, compared to the English average of 13.2%; and calls on the Government to urgently protect the most vulnerable in our society and introduce a Emergency Energy Tariff.

209Council funding

Tabled: 13/12/23 Signatories: 7

Jon Trickett

Mary Kelly Foy

Mohammad Yasin

Richard Burgon

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

That this House expresses its deep concerns about the future of local government funding and the cuts which have been imposed on local authorities by the Government, which on average amount to a 40% decrease in funding; highlights the comments made by some council leaders who have expressed their concerns about how difficult the financial situation could get, particularly those of Wakefield Council leader Denise Jeffery who has said Wakefield could face financial hardship by 2027 without better investment; notes the SIGOMA report which showed that the most deprived council areas have seen three times the cuts at the richest; and urgently calls on the Government to properly fund and invest in local government.

210Manufacturing in the UK

Tabled: 13/12/23 Signatories: 3

Jon Trickett

Jonathan Edwards

John McDonnell

That this House acknowledges the decline in manufacturing in the UK; notes that the number of manufacturing jobs has fallen from 7.8 million in 1971 to 2.3 million in 2022; further notes that most of these cuts to manufacturing have occurred in the North of England, with nearly a million manufacturing employees in Yorkshire in 1971 and only 280,000 such jobs in 2022; also notes the recent Two Nations report by the Social Justice Commission which stated that a key driver of low pay is de-industrialisation, which left a vacuum of good jobs that paid a medium to high wage; and calls on the Government to rebalance the economy and tackle the regional dimension of low pay as well as investing in manufacturing jobs across the country.

212Girlguiding UK and the British Overseas Territories and military bases

Tabled: 13/12/23 Signatories: 6

Judith Cummins

Sir Mike Penning

Peter Dowd

Sir George Howarth

Alison Thewliss

Jim Shannon

That this House expresses its concern and disappointment in Girlguiding UK’s withdrawal of support in the British Overseas Territories and on military bases and the closure and sale of all their outdoor activity centres in the UK; notes this will have a detrimental impact on young women and communities within each Overseas Territory and military community; further notes that the Crown Dependencies are already part of Girlguiding regions in the UK (North West and South West), representing a disparity between the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies; also notes that these places are an important part of the British family; and calls on Girlguiding UK to reconsider its decision.

213Imprisonment of Jimmy Lai

Tabled: 13/12/23 Signatories: 15

Jim Shannon

Caroline Lucas

Sir Mike Penning

Neil Coyle

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Bob Blackman

That this House notes with deep concern the forthcoming trial of Mr Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, founder and proprietor of the Apple Daily newspaper, under the National Security Law in Hong Kong; expresses alarm at the prospect that he will not receive a fair trial, and has been denied his first choice of legal counsel; further notes with profound concern his continued imprisonment on multiple other charges for the past three years; expresses urgent concern that, having marked his 76th birthday on 8 December, he faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life in prison in Hong Kong; observes that his unjust arrest and imprisonment illustrate the grave dismantling of freedom of expression, press freedom, freedom of peaceful assembly, democracy and the rule of law in Hong Kong; welcomes the recent meeting of the Foreign Secretary with Sebastien Lai, son of Jimmy Lai; urges the Government to lead the international community in highlighting the human rights situation in Hong Kong in general, calling for the repeal of the National Security Law in particular and for the immediate and unconditional release of Jimmy Lai specifically, in the forthcoming Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations; and calls on the Government to publicly and repeatedly demand the immediate and unconditional release of Jimmy Lai, as the United States, the European Parliament, and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of assembly and of association, among others, have done.

214National Policy Statement EN-5

Tabled: 14/12/23 Signatories: 5

Jonathan Edwards

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Dr Thérèse Coffey

That this House acknowledges that to meet net-zero targets significant new electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure will be required; notes that the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero published a revised National Policy Statement (NPS) EN-5 in November 2023, with the aim of setting policy guidance for the required new infrastructure; recognises that there is significant opposition to traditional pylon development for electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure; notes that many European countries are undergrounding new and old infrastructure which may maintain public support for net-zero targets; queries whether cable-ploughing technology offers a way to underground electricity cable infrastructure at a minimised cost and with reduced impact; calls for the removal of paragraph 2.9.20 from NPS EN-5 and a reversal of the Government’s position that overhead lines should be the strong starting presumption for electricity networks developments in general; calls on the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to commission an expert panel to investigate the different undergrounding technologies now available, such as cable ploughing, and to assess the costs and impact comparisons and the feasibility and viability comparisons of all alternative technologies, types and methods available for conveying electricity for transmission and distribution; further calls on the Department to revise and formulate policy on pylons versus undergrounding for conveying electricity once the expert panel has reported and to re-issue guidance accordingly; and also calls on the Government to set aside Government time for a debate on electricity transmission and distribution policy.

215Honours system

Tabled: 14/12/23 Signatories: 7

Jon Trickett

Jonathan Edwards

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Dan Carden

That this House expresses concern over the current honours system, which gives power to the Government and its senior Ministers to recommend candidates; highlights the potential misuse of the system as a result, noting the findings of an Electoral Reform Society report, which found that 65% of the public believe that party donors can effectively buy honours; and calls for an overhaul of the honours system, to ensure that big money stays out of the system and that the awarding of political honours is independent and weighted towards the contribution of ordinary British people.

216Oral health strategy for children

Tabled: 14/12/23 Signatories: 17

Margaret Greenwood

Richard Burgon

Jonathan Edwards

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Jon Trickett

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

That this House notes that tooth decay is one of the most common causes of hospital admission in young children, despite the fact that it is a largely preventable disease; expresses concern that, according to Government statistics, as of 2022, 23.7% of five year-olds in England experienced dentinal decay, with notable regional disparities, ranging from 19.1% in the South West to 30.6% in the North West; highlights that, in 2022, children living in the most deprived areas of the country were almost three times as likely to have experience of dentinal decay as those living in the least deprived areas; further highlights that poor oral health in children can lead to school absenteeism and that, as the Government has stated, it can cause pain and infection and affect a child’s ability to eat, smile and socialise; calls on the Government to urgently develop a comprehensive national children’s oral health strategy to secure a healthier future for children in England; believes that such a strategy should be led by the Department of Health and Social Care and that there should be collaboration with other Government departments and a wide range of stakeholders, including specialist paediatric dentists, in developing the strategy; and further believes that the strategy should commit to investing in oral health promotion initiatives, that it should outline clear goals to reduce waiting times and should focus on targeted preventive measures, early intervention, and improved access to high-quality dental care for all children, regardless of socioeconomic status or location.

217Specialist paediatric dentists

Tabled: 14/12/23 Signatories: 17

Margaret Greenwood

Richard Burgon

Jonathan Edwards

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Jon Trickett

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

That this House notes the shortage of specialist paediatric dentists in the UK and the prolonged waiting times for children's dental procedures; highlights that specialist paediatric dentists provide comprehensive oral healthcare for children and adolescents, including those with special care needs; further highlights that they undergo three years of additional specialist training, gaining expertise in child psychology, growth and development, pharmacology, pathology, oral diseases, and advanced diagnostic and surgical procedures; draws attention to data which indicates that there are only around 200 full time equivalent specialists in paediatric dentistry working in the UK and that, to meet the demands of the population, there needs to be approximately triple this number; believes that this shortage worsens health inequalities, disproportionately affecting disadvantaged children who are more than twice as likely to face oral health issues than those in the least deprived areas; further believes that timely access to paediatric dental care is a fundamental aspect of children's health and wellbeing; expresses disappointment that the recent Government-backed NHS Long Term Workforce plan makes no specific reference to specialist paediatric dentistry; and calls on the Government to urgently address the shortage of specialist paediatric dentists and improve accessibility to dental care for all children.

218Lady Prue Penn

Tabled: 14/12/23 Signatories: 2

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

That this House expresses its deepest condolences following the death of Lady Prue Penn at the age of 97; understands that Lady Prue’s father was born in St. Andrews and that she spent time living in Carnbee, situated in the East Neuk of Fife; notes her impressive accomplishments working at the Foreign Office and for MI6 in a male-dominated era; acknowledges her services to the royal family as a close friend of the late Queen Elizabeth II, a former lady-in-waiting to the Queen Mother, and a confidante of Princess Margaret; understands this loss is felt widely; and expresses sympathy to her friends and family following the sad news of her passing.

219Letham Nights award nomination

Tabled: 14/12/23 Signatories: 2

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates North East Fife music venue Letham Nights on their nomination for Club of the Year in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 2 December at Dundee’s Caird Hall; understands Letham Nights brings small gigs to Letham Village Hall; recognises they are a member of Scotland’s Green Arts Initiative who promote sustainability; commends them for using their profit from gigs to make Letham Village Hall carbon neutral; celebrates that this is a platform for local talent to shine and local businesses to sell their alcohol and food; and notes the venue opened in 2008 and this nomination is testament to the founders and local community’s support.

220Defence Equipment and Support Beith

Tabled: 14/12/23 Signatories: 5

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Alison Thewliss

Carol Monaghan

That this House is aware that workers at Defence Equipment and Support (DE and S) at Beith in North Ayrshire, an arm’s length body of the Ministry of Defence, are continuing strike action for improved pay and conditions; notes that this strike action is unprecedented, the first in the history of that organisation, and backed by 93 per cent of members; is concerned to hear that non-craft workers preparing arms for shipment at the depot, face discrimination in the payment of bonuses, relative to craft workers who assemble munitions; rejects the fact that retention payments are made to managers and craft workers, while non-craft colleagues earning less than £21,000 a year have been excluded from retention bonuses; understands that the operation of the facility is vital in ensuring the uninterrupted supply of equipment to UK armed forces and the Ukrainian frontline as it fights to protect its territorial integrity and freedom in the face of Russian aggression; is mindful of the fact that the striking workers have not undertaken this action lightly; believes it is essential to stand with these workers who reject a two-tier workforce and support their action for a fairer and more equal working environment where the work of all those at DE and S is respected and recognised with a bonus scheme which is fair to all workers at the site; and calls on the Ministry of Defence to urgently intervene to ensure a fair resolution to the industrial dispute.