Contents

Published: Wednesday 20 December 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 19 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

232Julie Fleeting induction to the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame

Tabled: 19/12/23 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House congratulates sporting hero Julie Fleeting on her induction to the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame; recognises Julie’s exceptional achievements as a professional footballer, having won 17 major trophies with Arsenal, 121 caps for Scotland, and being the first Scot to play as a full-time professional in the US women’s game; notes that Julie also represented Scotland in basketball and was awarded an MBE in 2008; admires Julie’s talent as a professional footballer, which has seen her star for teams such as Ross County, Arsenal, Celtic and Valur, as well as her native team Kilwinning; praises her many years of service to North Ayrshire as a physical education teacher at Auchenharvie Academy, Stevenston, where she has been teaching since 2008; and understands that Julie’s incredible career is a testament to her remarkable determination, skill, and commitment to sport.

233Palestinian family visa scheme

Tabled: 19/12/23 Signatories: 11

Geraint Davies

Tony Lloyd

Grahame Morris

Angus Brendan MacNeil

Jeremy Corbyn

Peter Grant

That this House notes that at least 18,000 civilians have already been killed by the bombardment and siege of Gaza alongside an escalating death toll in the West Bank; further notes that 60 per cent of buildings in Gaza have been flattened and hospitals and schools bombed, food, water and medical supplies denied; notes that civilians are being forced into a smaller and smaller area without shelter or aid and that civilian death is escalating through starvation, disease and lack of medical treatment as well as from bombing and shooting; and calls upon the Government to immediately implement a Palestinian Visa Scheme, based upon the Ukraine Visa scheme, that allows those with family in the UK to be given safe passage to the UK and to be allowed to join their families here.

234St Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Clarkston

Tabled: 19/12/23 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House acknowledges the centenary year of St Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Clarkston; welcomes this milestone marking 100 years of the Church playing a pivotal role in the local community; joins the congregation in commemorating this important anniversary; notes that a special centenary service of thanksgiving and commemoration took place on Sunday 3 December at which the Rt Rev Kevin Pearson, Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway preached; recognises the importance of St Aidan’s Church to the community and the broad range of open, welcoming activities which the Church is involved in locally; appreciates the continued care of the congregation for the local community and those further afield; and wishes all involved with St Aidan’s Church the very best for the next 100 years at the heart of the local community.

235Life in the UK test

Tabled: 19/12/23 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House recognises the importance of the Life in the UK test for applicants and their concern that if something goes wrong they may face severe delays to their settlement, the risk of deportation, the loss of their livelihood and separation from their families; notes with concern that the Government has failed to publish details of adjustments and alternatives to the test for those unable to complete it due to long term mental or physical health conditions; is dismayed by reports of lost evidence and delays to applications and further that the Home Office does not record data relating to requests for exemptions; expresses distinct unease that the Home Office many not be able to monitor its compliance with equalities duties without such information; regrets that the Government has failed to address the concerns in the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee report dated 28 June 2022; and urges the Government to review the functioning of the Life in the UK test, consider means of making the test fully accessible to disabled candidates, publish a range of reasonable adjustments available to candidates who need them and urgently monitor and report on the extent of processing delays and errors for applicants requiring adaptions and take steps to address them.

236Long March in Balochistan

Tabled: 19/12/23 Signatories: 1

John McDonnell

That this House expresses its admiration for the courage displayed by the women leading the Long March to Islamabad from across Balochistan to raise awareness of the disappearances, abductions and killings associated with the operations of Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department; notes that there have been violent attacks on the marching protesters by the Police; and calls upon the Government to raise its concerns about the violation of fundamental human rights against the people of Balochistan with the Pakistani government.

237Anniversary of Harrods Bombing

Tabled: 19/12/23 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House remembers the Harrods bombing which took place on 17 December 1983, in which a car bomb placed by the IRA took the lives of three police officers, three civilians and injured more than 90 people; highlights the 37-minute warning which did not give enough time to clear the area on the Saturday before Christmas Eve, the busiest shopping day of the year; expresses our sincere and continuing sympathy to those who live without a loved one and those who live with the physical and emotional impact of that dreadful atrocity designed to take lives and injure as many as possible in the lead up to Christmas; and condemns utterly the actions of the IRA and Sinn Fein who defended them and continue to attempt to justify and eulogise those who engaged in despicable life changing activities.

238People’s Postcode Lottery grant to Hopscotch Theatre Company

Tabled: 19/12/23 Signatories: 1

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Hopscotch Theatre Company, based in Govan in Glasgow South West constituency, on their award of a £24,010 grant from the People’s Postcode Lottery; understands this funding will be used to put on their production of Plop! In the Ocean, which is an ancient Greek comedy for children aged between eight and 12; notes that the show was created using the diaries and experiences of Sarah Mooney, former Roald Dahl Foundation storyteller, sailing across the Atlantic Ocean with a group of twelve female-identifying scientists who were studying the impacts of plastic pollution and ocean toxicity on our seas; supports the aims of the production to educate children and young people, in an age appropriate way, about the dangers of plastic pollution to our oceans and the small everyday actions we can all make to change this; further supports Hopscotch Theatre Company’s plan to tour the production to thirty primary schools in Edinburgh and the North East of Scotland, with each school receiving an hour long performance of Plop! along with a creative resource pack to support pupils learning before and after the production; and wishes Hopscotch Theatre Company good luck with their production and success in all its future endeavours.

239Centenary of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society

Tabled: 19/12/23 Signatories: 1

Alison Thewliss

That this House celebrates the centenary of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RCDS); notes that the RSCDS was founded on 26 November 1923 in what is now the Hardrock Cafe, formerly the Atheneum, on Buchanan Street in Glasgow; appreciates that the RSCDS aims to grow a vibrant worldwide community of Scottish dance and music through local organisations who teach and encourage participation in Scottish country dancing; notes that the RSCDS has 160 branches in Scotland and around the world, including in Australia, Austria, Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, South African, Sweden, the US and Wales, as well as 235 affiliated groups which include Dundee, Cambridge, St Andrew's, Edinburgh and Oxford universities; acknowledges that the RSCDS also publishes dance books and recording music, creating an archive for the future as well as providing valuable resources to those dancing today; is grateful to the initial founders Mrs Ysobel Stewart, Mr Michael Diack and Miss Jean Milligan for their work in ensuring Scottish country dancing has continued to thrive 100 years after their initial meeting; and wishes all involved in the RSCDS the very best for the future.

24060th anniversary of St.Bernards R.C. Church

Tabled: 19/12/23 Signatories: 1

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates the Parish of St.Bernards R.C. Church, Nitshill, Glasgow on its 60th Anniversary; notes a number of events were carried out throughout the year, including a special mass conducted by Archbishop William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow on 3 December 2023; congratulates all in the parish for this significant anniversary; and sends them our best wishes for the years ahead.

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.

176East Renfrewshire Christmas card competition

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 5

Kirsten Oswald

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Chris Law

That this House applauds the fantastic artistic endeavours of the many hundreds of artistic East Renfrewshire primary school children, from schools all across the local area, who took part in the 2023 Christmas picture competition organised by the hon. Member for East Renfrewshire; notes that children produced beautifully festive and creative artwork, designed to share good cheer; appreciates the efforts and participation of all of those who took part; acknowledges the very high standard of all entries received; heartily congratulates all winners; recognises that the overall winner was Connie McCloy of Carolside Primary School; with runners up Callum O’Donnell, Caskie Kennedy, David Oliphant, and Nuala Riley of Isobel Mair School who worked together on their design; understands that the winner in the P1-P2 category was Martha McLaughlin of Eaglesham Primary School; notes that the winner in the P3-P5 category was Thom Bull of Hillview Primary School; appreciates that the winner in the P6-P7 category was Lilly-Rose Robertson of St Mark’s Primary School; thanks the outstanding school teams across East Renfrewshire for all their efforts supporting pupils throughout the year; and wishes teachers, families and children a peaceful and happy Christmas.

177Arms to Israel

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 68

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: 6

Kirsten Oswald

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

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: 19

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.

185Michael Gowans, Migo Run Club

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 6

Kirsten Oswald

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

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.

19170th anniversary of St Monica's Primary School

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 6

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Richard Burgon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House congratulates St Monica's RC Primary School in Pollok in the Glasgow South West constituency on their 70th anniversary; notes the school was built in 1953; further notes a mass to mark the anniversary was held on Friday 1 December at St James the Great RC Parish Church in Pollok by the Archbishop of Glasgow Rev William Nolan; pays tribute to the contribution of current and past staff at St Monica's; also notes the current headteacher Mrs Davina McGeever was a former pupil of the school; and sends our best wishes to the school for the future.

192National Lottery funding for Govan Docks Collective

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 4

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Govan Docks Collective 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 hold multiple outdoor events with local musicians and food for the local community; notes the organisation promotes community ownership of the Govan Graving Docks and aims to protect the Graving Docks from gentrification and housing development; and wishes Govan Docks Collective the best with all its future endeavours.

193National Lottery funding for Govan HELP

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 4

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Govan HELP based in the Glasgow South West constituency on its award of a £133,000 National Lottery Community Fund grant; understands that this funding will be used to continue delivering their family support service based in the heart of Govan; notes this service offers parenting and personal development support to parents of children aged up to 12 years old; further notes families can also access a range of activities at the centre; recognises that Govan HELP provides a valuable service for families and individuals needing food and emotional support; and wishes Govan Help the best with all its future endeavours.

194National Lottery funding for Impact Arts

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 5

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

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.

195National Lottery funding for Pollok United

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 4

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Pollok United based in the Glasgow South West constituency on their award of a £78,572 National Lottery Community Fund grant; understands this funding will be used to deliver their Fit for Life programme that aims to tackle social isolation, economic disadvantage and improve mental health through a comprehensive programme of inclusive Health and Wellbeing activities for all ages and abilities delivered in their community hub in Corkerhill; recognises Pollok United use sport and recreational activities as a way to engage the local community to improve the overall health and wellbeing in the areas they serve; and wishes Pollok United the best with all its future endeavours.

196The Govan Pantry, SURF 2023 Community Led Regeneration Award

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 4

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House congratulates The Govan Pantry run by Govan HELP, on its recent success as winners of SURF (Scotland's Regeneration Forum) Community Led Regeneration 2023 award; notes the Judging Panel were impressed by the high levels of community involvement at every stage of the development of the project, and its constant response to local needs; further notes the Panel recognised the evolvement of the project more than just as a community subsidised shop to become an inclusive service providing access to a wider range of support services; recognises that this has allowed the project team to identify and address multiple challenges for residents many of whom would not have sought support through traditional means; further recognises that service users who have become volunteers have been supported through the projects training programme providing a route into meaningful employment; celebrates that the project has provided a catalyst to bringing the Govan community together; and wishes the Govan Pantry project continued success as a vehicle to eliminate food poverty and reaches those in the community most in need.

197National Lottery funding for Potential in Me

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 4

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Potential In Me in the Glasgow South West constituency on their award of a £70,000 National Lottery Community Fund grant; understands this funding will be used to deliver multiple strands of holistic support for vulnerable children, young people, and their parents and carers; recognises Potential in Me support the adults in young people's lives so that no matter what setting a young person feels supported and cared for; further recognises through work to strengthen meaningful communication in a young person's live the organisation achieves positive outcomes and helps improve the wellbeing of the people they help; and wishes Potential in Me the best with all its future endeavours.

198National Lottery funding for Govan Appliance Project

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 4

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Govan Appliance Project based in Cardonald in the Glasgow South West constituency on their award of a £9,800 National Lottery Community Fund grant; understands this project will use the funding to deliver structured training workshops for the diagnosis of faults of white goods and how to repair them in the Govan area and in collaboration with local housing associations; notes that Govan Appliance Project aims to create a community hub to provide training, advice and to help support individuals struggling in low income households with upskilling; and wishes Govan Appliance Project the best with all its future endeavours.

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

Tabled: 11/12/23 Signatories: 5

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

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: 5

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

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.

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

Tabled: 12/12/23 Signatories: 4

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

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: 6

Hannah Bardell

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Dr Philippa Whitford

Chris Law

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: 5

Hannah Bardell

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

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: 14

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.

206Kay Latimer

Tabled: 13/12/23 Signatories: 5

Joanna Cherry

Allan Dorans

Jonathan Edwards

Dr Philippa Whitford

Chris Law

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.

207Graeme Ramage Football Academy

Tabled: 13/12/23 Signatories: 3

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House acknowledges the invaluable work carried out by the Graeme Ramage Football Academy in Alexandria in supporting the local community; understands that the Academy provides coaching to over 150 kids and adults each week, which contributes to the health and wellbeing of the local community, and also works closely with Daniel's Wish to support children with complex support needs; notes that this year Graeme and his team are holding a Christmas toy appeal to support over 1,000 families in the area, which is an increase from the 300 families last year; further notes that many local companies have given their support to this appeal which is a testament to the impact of Graeme's work in the community and how well thought of he is; also notes that in addition to supporting families, the Christmas toy appeal will also support local organisations such as Food For Thought, Women’s Aid, West Dunbartonshire FoodShare and many others; and wishes to put on record sincere thanks to Graeme and his team at the Academy for their dedicated service to the local community.

208Fuel poverty

Tabled: 13/12/23 Signatories: 9

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: 8

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: 4

Jon Trickett

Jonathan Edwards

John McDonnell

Ian Lavery

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: 12

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: 18

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.

215Honours system

Tabled: 14/12/23 Signatories: 10

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: 19

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: 19

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.

220Defence Equipment and Support Beith

Tabled: 14/12/23 Signatories: 7

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Alison Thewliss

Carol Monaghan

Douglas Chapman

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.

221Members of Parliament (Oil and Gas Companies) Bill

Tabled: 18/12/23 Signatories: 18

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.

224The work of people across the Parliamentary Estate

Tabled: 18/12/23 Signatories: 24

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: 11

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: 6

Jon Trickett

Claudia Webbe

Ian Lavery

Caroline Lucas

Richard Burgon

Beth Winter

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.

229In memory of Councillor Hanzala Malik

Tabled: 18/12/23 Signatories: 5

Alison Thewliss

Patrick Grady

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Chris Law

Carol Monaghan

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.

231Closure of Bank of Scotland, Byres Road

Tabled: 18/12/23 Signatories: 3

Patrick Grady

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

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.