Contents

Published: Tuesday 20 February 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 19 February 2024

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

38313th anniversary of the Bahrain pro-democracy uprising

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

John McDonnell

That this House notes the 13th anniversary of Bahrain’s 2011 uprising, when widespread protests demanding democratic change and decrying structural inequalities, corruption, oppression and a lack of government representation were met with government violence and repression, in which dozens of individuals were killed and hundreds arrested, some of whom are still imprisoned; raises the alarm that Bahrain’s rights record has since deteriorated and opposition leaders and human rights defenders, including Abduljalil Al-Singace, Hassan Mushaima, Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja and Abdulwahab Hussein, languish behind bars and calls for their release; decries that Bahrain holds 26 prisoners on death row at imminent risk of execution, many of whom allege torture including Mohammed Ramadhan and Husain Moosa; calls on the Government to reinstate Bahrain to the Foreign Office human rights priority list, given Bahrain’s rights record; further calls for consideration of Magnitsky sanctions for those known to be perpetrators of human rights atrocities; and raises concerns that millions of pounds of taxpayers' money continues to be spent on technical assistance to Bahrain through the Gulf Strategy Fund, despite evidence that it has supported institutions including the Bahrain Interior Ministry and the Ombudsman which have been implicated in torture, death penalty and whitewashing abuses.

384Koku Shi restaurant, Kirkcaldy

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Neale Hanvey

This this House congratulates Kirkcaldy restaurant Koku Shi on winning Japanese Restaurant of the Year at the Scottish Asian Food Awards 2023; notes that Koku Shi was the first Japanese restaurant in Fife when it opened almost eight years ago; further notes that Koku Shi has now received recognition at this prestigious ceremony for the sixth year in a row; commends Koku Shi for its policy of sourcing solely from local businesses; and offers sincere wishes to Koku Shi for continued success in the future.

385Hillend Tavern, Fife

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Neale Hanvey

That this House congratulates the Hillend Tavern in the village of Hillend, Fife, for its commitment to the provision of a quality beer product and service to the community and customers, illustrated by their participation in CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Pub of the Year competition in which it was nominated as amongst one of the top 16 pubs in Great Britain, recognised for high business and service standards; and wishes the Hillend Tavern the best in all of their future endeavours in the industry.

386Children's Mental Health Week 2024 in Oxfordshire

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Layla Moran

That this House recognises Children’s Mental Health Week 2024 which runs from 5-11 February; notes the importance of listening to children and young people in accordance with this year’s theme, My Voice Matters; celebrates and thanks Abingdon Bridge, Mental Health Natters, Abingdon Damascus Project, the Unicorn School, Oxfordshire Mind, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and all other mental health services in Oxfordshire for their incredible work towards and unwavering commitment to children’s mental health; expresses concern at the crisis facing children’s mental health services, noting that children in Oxfordshire are experiencing five-year waits from referral to being seen; acknowledges the persistent underfunding of children’s services; calls for increased funding for CAMHS, in particular for preventative services; further calls for the provision of a mental health professional in every school; and further notes the need for legislation to properly address this issue in the form of a Mental Health Bill.

387Committee of the Future

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Douglas Chapman

That this House supports the establishment of a Committee of the Future to follow in the footsteps of the successful and internationally renowned Committee of the Future in Finland, recognised for its visionary planning, rigorous analysis of challenges ahead, citizen engagement and representation, solution-focused recommendations to innovate and its ability to adapt to future challenges; recognises the importance of the work of the world’s first Future Generations Commissioner post established in Wales in 2016 and that discussions on a similar position for the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood are led by Sarah Boyack MSP; and considers and values the importance of long-term planning to build aspiration and resilience across Government and civic society with a similar approach at Westminster.

388Women and girls in global conflict zones

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Sarah Dyke

That this House notes with concern that the number of women and girls living in conflict zones worldwide reached 614 million in 2022; recognises the gendered risks conflict poses to women and girls through sexual violence, lack of healthcare, food insecurity, disruption to education and trafficking; acknowledges that women in conflict-prone areas may also experience climate instability; further recognises other difficulties faced by women with disabilities and civilians who identify as LGBTQ+; concurs with the UN statement that misogyny is a common thread in the spread of conflict and violent extremism; further notes the upcoming 25th anniversary of UN Resolution 1325; expresses support for women and girls affected by global conflict, including Israeli and Palestinian women targeted with sexual violence by Hamas, Gazan and Ukrainian women taking on healthcare responsibilities amidst failing infrastructure, and women and girls displaced in Sudan; calls for the UK's aid budget to be restored to 0.7% of gross national income; further calls for the UK Government to sign the Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action; calls for civilian access to health to be prioritised during conflict; also calls for women and girls to have their rights and access to justice preserved and defended; and further calls for women and girls to be integral to peace-building processes all over the world.

389Dennistoun cost of living event

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Anne McLaughlin

That this House thanks Home Energy Scotland, Age Scotland, Social Security Scotland, Citizens Advice Scotland, Glasgow Life, Scottish Gas, Scottish Power, One Parent Families Scotland, the Wise Group and Skills Development Scotland for attending the Dennistoun Cost of Living Event on 8 February 2024; recognises the time and effort required to attend this series of cost of living events; notes the valuable help and advice offered first hand to constituents during this cost of living crisis; commends their continued commitment and support to the constituents of Glasgow North East; and praises all the staff of the Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre for accommodating the event, with particular thanks to Kenny Trainer, Project Manager at the Bluevale Community Centre.

390Points of Light nomination for Kaydi Scottsville

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Hannah Bardell

That this House congratulates and celebrates the recent Points of Light nomination for Kaydi Scottsville; applauds Kaydi, who founded her charity called Diversified when she was fourteen after being diagnosed with autism and ADHD and was struggling in school; notes the importance of this incredible charity which hosts a range of social groups and an innovative out-of-school wellbeing and alternative learning service which is supporting thousands of neurodivergent young people in West Lothian and Edinburgh; thanks Kaydi for all her hard work to achieve this nomination within the local Livingston Community; and wishes Kaydi all the best for the year ahead.

391Cash payments and Avanti West Coast catering services

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 15

Cat Smith

Chris Stephens

Kim Johnson

Dan Carden

Zarah Sultana

Charlotte Nichols

That this House notes with concern reports that rail operator Avanti West Coast is proposing to withdraw cash as an accepted payment method for its catering services from March 2024; expresses concern about the impact of this decision on people who rely on, or prefer to use, cash; further notes that over one million people in the UK do not have access to a bank account and that people on lower incomes are disproportionately more likely to be unbanked; also notes reports from the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers that withdrawing cash from catering services could put jobs involving cash handling at risk; understands that, since Avanti took on the franchise, net staff numbers have reduced by 200; believes that the withdrawal of cash sales from the catering service would further worsen the travel experience for Avanti passengers, who continue to be faced with delays, cancellations and disruption; and therefore calls on the Department for Transport, which manages the franchise, to instruct Avanti West Coast to scrap its proposals to withdraw cash from catering services.

392Bleed kits

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Mohammad Yasin

That this House notes that in the region of 19,000 people die after injury each year in the UK; further notes that it is the leading cause of death among young adults up to 40 years and children in the country; recognises the positive impact of bleed kits as a tool to administer life-saving treatment quickly in the event and at the site of traumatic injury; highlights the importance of making bleed kits accessible in public locations; further recognises the efforts of organisations such as the Daniel Baird Foundation, the Wingman Mentors and initiatives like Stop the Bleed Day in this endeavour; and urges the Government to support organisations, local authorities and other agencies with designated funding for bleed kits and training.

393Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund’s 2024 Wee Box Appeal

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Anne McLaughlin

That this House welcomes the launch of Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund’s (SCIAF) 2024 Wee Box Appeal; understands that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide which killed an estimated one million people and caused deep trauma which remains to this day; notes that the appeal highlights that violence against women and girls has become normalised and that, shockingly, almost half of women aged 15-49 in Rwanda have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime; welcomes SCIAF’s partnership working with local Rwandan organisations to support projects which help women and girls to rebuild their lives after abuse, change social attitudes and build a future free of abuse and discrimination; and wishes the campaign every success.

394Pathological Demand Avoidance

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Sir Mike Penning

That this House commends the PDA Society and other PDA campaigners for their call to action campaign to raise awareness, recognition and understanding of the Pathological Demand Avoidance profile of autism; and supports their calls for autism boards, local authorities and clinical commissioning groups to issue a position statement to help health and education professionals provide the support so desperately needed by children and young people with PDA and their families.

395100th birthday of Holocaust survivor Henry Wuga

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House congratulates Holocaust survivor, Giffnock resident, Henry Wuga on his 100th birthday; notes that Henry was born in Nuremberg on 23 February 1924 and arrived on the Kindertransport in 1939; understands he was sent to Glasgow, then Perth following the outbreak of war; recognises Henry met his wife, Ingrid Wolff, who also arrived on the Kinderstransport, at the German and Austrian refugee centre in Glasgow; further notes Henry and Ingrid married on 27 December 1944 and ran a kosher catering business; further understands they spent considerable time sharing their testimony and educating others about the Holocaust; acknowledges Henry and Ingrid devoted 20 years of their lives to fundraising for the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice; further notes Henry worked as a ski instructor with the British Limbless Ex-Serviceman’s Association; further recognises Henry was awarded an MBE in 1999 for services to sport for disabled people and Ingrid received a British Empire Medal in 2019 for services to Holocaust education; further acknowledges Henry is a great admirer of Robert Burns, his writings on themes of liberty and freedom meaning a great deal to him with Burns Night celebrated just two days before Holocaust Memorial Day annually; understands Ingrid sadly passed away in October 2020 but the couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in 2019; recognises Henry and Ingrid have two children, four grandchildren and three great grand-children; and reflects that on reaching his 100th birthday, Henry is a truly remarkable individual and offers warm wishes to him.

396Lisa Mason

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House congratulates Ms Lisa Mason, this year’s vocational category winner for Scotland at the fifth annual British Education Awards; notes that the vocational category recognises those who have achieved excellence in their apprenticeship, BTEC, or NVQ equivalent qualification; further notes that these awards were established to promote excellence in education and highlight the success of students from diverse backgrounds and abilities from across the UK; understands that the British Education Awards is distinct in its focus in recognising individual students rather than educational establishments and institutions; acknowledges that these awards celebrate students’ commitment and personal endeavour to develop and realise their potential through education; commends Lisa’s dedication to her education and personal development; applauds her as the pride of Kilwinning and North Ayrshire; and wishes her continued success in all her future endeavours.

397Ardamata and Masalit massacres

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House condemns the horrors currently being inflicted on the Masalit community of West Darfur at the hands of paramilitary groups, the Rapid Support Forces and Janjaweed, in light of reports that these groups massacred between 800 and 1,300 unarmed people on 8 November 2023; considers that an ethnic cleansing of dark-skinned non-Arab people is taking place in West Darfur now, with other massacres having taken place; acknowledges that these massacres have been described by the Economist, Genocide Watch, and the West Darfur Governor, Khamis Abakar, as a genocide; believes that Sudan has been in chaos since civil war erupted on 15 April 2023, with at least 9,000 deaths since then, with 1.3 million Sudanese people having fled the country, and with almost five million people being internally displaced; recognises that the world’s focus now is primarily on Gaza; and further believes that the United Nations must show leadership in trying to address the Sudanese civil war and what it sees as many other ongoing, seemingly endless, conflicts across the world, from Libya and Congo to Syria and Yemen, Myanmar and Ukraine.

398Transport for London and London Underground maintenance workers

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 13

John McDonnell

Apsana Begum

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Jeremy Corbyn

Ian Mearns

Grahame Morris

That this House is dismayed to learn that Transport for London (TfL) is re-tendering essential track maintenance work on the Underground to private companies as part of its Track Labour Framework, rather than bringing this work in-house; expresses concern that, under existing sub-contracting arrangements, three-quarters of these sub-contracted workers reported that they struggle to make ends meet, and two-thirds would be worried about reporting safety concerns in case they jeopardise their chances of future work; is further concerned that there are no guarantees of protection for the earnings and working hours of these workers as part of the new tendering process, leaving TfL open to accept low bids that seek to cut costs and extract profits by driving down workers’ living standards; and calls on TfL to ensure that these contracts are funded sufficiently and structured to ensure that track workers’ earnings and hours of work are protected so they suffer no detriment as a consequence of the tendering process, and to review its overall approach to sub-contracting.

399Midlothian View

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Owen Thompson

That this House applauds Midlothian View, a local digital news brand, for being nominated twice in the Business Awards 2024 organised by Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce; recognises that the awards are a highlight of the business calendar and offer Midlothian businesses the opportunity to promote major achievements and celebrate success; notes that Midlothian View have been nominated for the Best Commitment to Youth Development and Best Community Impact awards; further acknowledges Midlothian View's vital contributions to local journalism and its pivotal role in fostering community engagement through its in-depth coverage of news, events and issues pertinent to the Midlothian area; applauds this brand’s journalistic excellence, integrity, and dedication to truth; further applauds its commitment to providing timely, accurate and engaging content which has made it an indispensable resource for the local community, bridging gaps and bringing people closer together; and wishes Midlothian View continued success for the future and good luck at the awards dinner ceremony on 7 March 2024.

400Cwmni Da

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 3

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

That this House celebrates the success of Cwmni Da, named among the best places to work in the UK by Broadcast magazine; notes that Cwmni Da has been an employee-owned business since 2019, where staff satisfaction is high and staff members feel valued; acknowledges that the Caernarfon-based TV production company was also named by Televisual magazine as one of the top 100 truly independent media companies in the UK; congratulates the business on also receiving two grants of £25,000 each to boost its development and growth; values the company’s commitment to the Welsh language and culture since its establishment in 1997; and wishes Cwmni Da continued success in future.

401VAT and the hospitality sector

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Douglas Chapman

That this House recognises the continuing challenges facing the hospitality sector during the cost of living crisis; notes that the Government implemented a temporary cut of 5% on VAT for hospitality businesses during the pandemic; further notes that VAT is not devolved and can therefore only be set by the UK Government; notes that the UK is an outlier for having a higher rate of VAT for the hospitality sector compared to other European economies; further notes that organisations such as the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Scottish Beer and Pub Association and Scottish Hospitality Group support a cut of 5% on VAT as the most straightforward and effective policy measure to help many small and local businesses; recognises businesses such as the Wee Restaurant in North Queensferry, whose team work hard everyday to serve their loyal customer base against the competing demands of inflation, higher energy costs and the cost and availability of raw materials; and calls on the Government to implement a permanent cut of 5% on VAT to help hospitality businesses meet the challenges of the cost of living crisis, to give them some financial breathing space after the covid-19 pandemic and to remain sustainable in the future so that they can continue to contribute to the wider economy.

402Alan Bates and the Freedom of the City of Liverpool

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 18

Ian Byrne

Kate Osborne

Mick Whitley

Margaret Greenwood

John McDonnell

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House supports the call for the Freedom of the City of Liverpool to be bestowed upon Liverpool-born Post Office Horizon campaigner Alan Bates; notes this is the highest civil award in the city and has previously been awarded to those who have left an indelible mark on the people of Liverpool, including the 97 Hillsborough victims; recognises that resilient and determined campaigning against injustice lies in the heart and DNA of this city’s daughters and sons; further recognises the need for a duty of candour and a Hillsborough Law now to prevent further miscarriages of justice; notes that the ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office has sparked renewed interest in the Post Office Horizon scandal which left hundreds of British sub-postmasters falsely accused of theft, fraud and false accounting because of a defective IT system; further notes Alan Bates’ vital role in bringing the Post Office Horizon scandal to light; recognises that, in 2009, Alan Bates joined forces with other sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal and went on to found the Justice for Sub-postmasters Alliance; reflects that, almost a decade later, Alan Bates and five others took the Post Office to the High Court, representing more than 500 sub-postmasters, and the Horizon computer system was ruled at fault; and further notes that Alan Bates continues to campaign today for all sub-postmasters affected and for a Government compensation scheme.

403Death of Alexei Navalny

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House deeply regrets the death of Alexei Navalny; notes that he was a Russian opposition leader, lawyer, anti-corruption activist and political prisoner; highlights the sad news that his family have been denied access to his body and expresses sincere condolences and sympathies to them at this time; urges the judicial system in Russia to ensure his body is returned to the family as soon as possible; and calls for a full investigation into this death to ensure justice is served.

404Docklands bombing in 1996

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House remembers the London Docklands bombing, where a 3,000lb device that included Libyan-supplied explosives detonated in a vehicle parked outside the Bashir family business on 9 February 1996 as the IRA ended an 18-month ceasefire; notes with sadness the death of Inam Bashir, who was killed in the newsagents along with colleague John Jeffries; highlights that the force of the bomb left 42 people badly injured; underlines the horrific damage caused by the blast and notes the subsequent conviction of IRA member James McArdle in 1998; sends deepest condolences and sympathies to all those who still bear the scars and memories of that day; and notes that the legacy of those who were killed will never be forgotten.

405Durham Area Youth

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House recognises the vital work of Durham Area Youth and its service to young people aged 6-18 in the areas of Pittington, Shadforth, Sherburn Hill and West Rainton in City of Durham; notes that they reach up to 300 young people per week through the provision of direct support, including, but not limited to community outreach projects, travelling community support, wellbeing activities, a youth forum and youth work, as well as alternative and special educational needs support; further notes Durham Area Youth’s recent projects with Durham Pride and mental health in the region; praises Durham Area Youth for its work on feeding families in the region and campaigning against period poverty; congratulates those who won the hon. Member for the City of Durham's Christmas card competition; and sends Durham Area Youth our best wishes.

406International Mother Languages Day 2024

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 1

Apsana Begum

That this House pays tribute to International Mother Language Day 2024, which was the initiative of Bangladesh and was approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference; notes that it has been observed on 21 February throughout the world since 2000 and commemorates the Bangladeshi university students martyred for the Bangla language in 1952; further notes 2024’s theme is “multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning”; and believes that valuing linguistic diversity helps provide people with an understanding of language and culture, raises educational attainment, and celebrates the plurality and richness of multicultural communities.

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.

334High Income Child Benefit Charge

Tabled: 29/01/24 Signatories: 17

Douglas Chapman

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Dr Philippa Whitford

Paul Girvan

Jim Shannon

That this House expresses deep concern that the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) continues to create unfairness and anomalies such as discriminating against a family with one earner who earns in excess of £50,000 compared with a family whose joint earnings may exceed the £50,000 threshold; remains concerned that it has not been increased to reflect pay inflation from 2013 and discourages claims to child benefit through the need for higher earners to undertake a self-assessment tax return and potentially negatively impacts on National Insurance Contributions; and calls on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to review the HICBC at the first opportunity with a view to removing the anomalies or make arrangements to devolve responsibility and related funding for Child Benefit to the Scottish and Welsh governments and the Northern Ireland administration.

337Childhood cancer

Tabled: 30/01/24 Signatories: 27

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Claudia Webbe

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Jon Trickett

That this House notes that over 4,000 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK every year; further notes that cancer is still the biggest killer by disease of children and young people in the UK; recognises the unique medical and psychosocial impacts of cancer on children and young people as compared to cancer in adults; expresses concern that the Major Conditions Strategy is being driven by adult-focused conditions and will be insufficient to address these unique impacts; highlights the Children and Young People’s Cancer Plan proposed by the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group and Young Lives vs Cancer; and urges the Government to adopt the provisions of the Plan to comprehensively address the needs of children and young people with cancer.

340Lothians Veterans Centre

Tabled: 31/01/24 Signatories: 8

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Allan Dorans

Chris Stephens

Patricia Gibson

That this House notes the invaluable contribution of the Lothians Veterans Centre, a small independent charity dedicated to supporting military veterans and their families in Midlothian; further notes that the centre operates a vital drop-in facility in Dalkeith, staffed by a committed team ready to address a variety of challenges faced by veterans and their families; commends the safe, welcoming environment provided by the Lothians Veterans Centre which is crucial in offering instant assistance, support and advice on a wide range of services; acknowledges the comprehensive support offered by the Centre including, but not limited to, health and wellbeing, housing, employment, benefits, pensions, further education and training, access to health services, welfare, comradeship and activities; appreciates the importance of the informal support provided by the Centre such as the opportunity for veterans to drop in for a brew and a chat which plays a vital role in building community and offering emotional support; applauds the exceptional dedication and commitment of staff at the Lothians Veterans Centre; highlights the importance of such organisations in supporting those who have served our country; and wishes the staff and veterans there good health and success in the future.

343Barnet mental health union dispute

Tabled: 31/01/24 Signatories: 13

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Jon Trickett

Dawn Butler

Beth Winter

That this House notes with grave concern the ongoing industrial dispute over recruitment and retention payments with Barnet Council and UNISON in relation to the deeply disturbing endemic staffing crisis that exists within frontline mental health services in Barnet; further notes that this dispute is now the longest-running mental health social worker dispute in UNISON’s history; observes that Barnet Council has refused to negotiate since they were first notified of the strike dates on 1 September 2023; believes that Barnet Council has a duty to its staff and mental health service users to try to expedite a resolution that will ensure a safe service with no waiting lists; and calls on Barnet Council to enter into meaningful negotiations with Barnet UNISON, the local trade union, to try and resolve this dispute constructively in order to allow mental health social workers to feel safe and secure in their workplace.

346Hope Robertson, Clydebank Asbestos Group

Tabled: 31/01/24 Signatories: 11

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Ian Lavery

Allan Dorans

That this House pays tribute to Hope Robertson, the prominent campaigner against the use of asbestos, and champion for people suffering at home and abroad due to exposure to asbestos, who died on Saturday 27 January 2024; recognises that, as the former Secretary, stalwart supporter and contributor to the work of Clydebank Asbestos Group, Hope ensured that, across the political and health spectrum, the campaign to end the ongoing exposure of people to asbestos remains a key commitment for many; and sends its deepest condolences to Hope's family, friends and fellow campaigners.

354Scottish curlers gold at Winter Youth Olympics

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 19

Angela Crawley

Wendy Chamberlain

Allan Dorans

Jonathan Edwards

Ian Blackford

Drew Hendry

That this House congratulates Logan Carson, Tia Laurie, Archie Hyslop and Holly Burke on winning gold in the mixed team curling at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea; understands that they came from behind to defeat Denmark 7-5 after an extra end in the gold medal match; further congratulates Callie Soutar and Ethan Brewster for winning gold in the mixed doubles curling completing a clean sweep of curling golds at the games; praises the curlers and their coaches for their collective efforts, hard work and determination to succeed throughout the competition; commends them for upholding the spirit of curling at the games; and wishes them well in their future sporting endeavours.

355Fuel poverty and the private rented sector

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 18

Caroline Lucas

Claire Hanna

Jonathan Edwards

Richard Burgon

Dr Philippa Whitford

Mick Whitley

That this House believes it is a national scandal that in 2022-23 almost 5,000 excess winter deaths were caused by people living in cold and damp homes; is deeply concerned that 6.5 million UK households are experiencing fuel poverty following the energy price cap rise in January 2024; urges the Government to provide emergency support for families struggling to pay their energy bills and to alleviate energy debt; notes that the private rented sector (PRS) has the least energy efficient homes of any tenure in the UK and that over a quarter of renting households live in fuel poverty; expresses alarm that the Government has scrapped the planned upgrade to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for the PRS which, according to the Climate Change Committee, would save tenants £255 per year, even under so-called normal energy prices; calls on the Government to reverse this decision and require private landlords to bring their properties up to EPC C by 2028; further notes that, according to National Energy Action, introducing effective regulation for landlords would lead to an £8 billion reduction in the central investment required to meet the target for all fuel poor households in England to reach EPC C by 2030; observes that 80% of landlords are in favour of stricter energy efficiency standards; and further believes that improving the UK’s leaky housing stock would create numerous benefits for public health, the economy and the climate, whilst delivering genuine energy security and ensuring that everyone has a warm, comfortable home.

356Crystal FM Radio

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 7

Owen Thompson

Allan Dorans

Anne McLaughlin

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Chris Law

That this House celebrates the remarkable milestone of Crystal FM, a distinguished community radio broadcaster based in Penicuik, on completing its 11th year of operation, marking more than a decade of exceptional service in community radio broadcasting; acknowledges with great admiration the recent accolade bestowed upon the station as the Best Community Radio Broadcaster for the second consecutive year in the SME News, Scottish Enterprise Awards; commends the dedicated volunteers who are the backbone of Crystal FM Radio, whose tireless efforts and passion ensure the station's smooth operation, broadcasting across Midlothian, into Edinburgh and the Lothians, and globally via the internet; applauds Colin McCall, the station coordinator and a former primary school teacher, for his pioneering vision in founding Crystal FM Radio; further applauds his leadership, along with a group of enthusiasts, which has seen the station evolve from a modest venture to an award-winning community broadcaster; praises the diverse team of around 50 presenters and information providers who contribute to the station's 24/7 broadcasting schedule; and encourages continued support for community radio stations like Crystal FM Radio, which play such a vital role.

357Ninewells Hospital 50th anniversary

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 10

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Dr Philippa Whitford

Anne McLaughlin

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of Ninewells Hospital in Dundee; notes that the first patients were admitted on 31 January 1974, with the official opening held later that year in October; thanks the thousands of current and former staff who have worked in the hospital, providing treatment to millions of patients from across Dundee, Tayside and beyond over the last 50 years; recognises that the medical and nursing schools at Ninewells Hospital have been and continue to be instrumental in bringing through generations of healthcare professionals; further recognises the important role that Ninewells Hospital has played in the advancement of medical science; and wishes all at the hospital well in their anniversary year and for the coming future.

358Allied Steel and Wire workers’ pensions

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 9

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Mick Whitley

Jonathan Edwards

Jon Trickett

That this House recognises the 22 year injustice experienced by Allied Steel and Wire (ASW) workers in relation to their pensions; notes that around 1000 ASW pensions were lost in 2002 despite decades of contributions because their employer went bankrupt; acknowledges that despite having paid for 100% of their pensions, ASW workers were only promised 90% of their value by the UK Government; further notes that the Government’s financial assistance scheme fails to protect money paid in before April 1997 from inflation, allowing their value to further erode over time; is concerned that some ASW workers are only receiving half of what is owed to them; welcomes retrospective action beginning to finally right the wrongs of the Horizon Post Office scandal; and calls for the UK Government to similarly address this injustice experienced by ASW pensioners without delay.

360200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution

Tabled: 2/02/24 Signatories: 27

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Sarah Dyke

Jonathan Edwards

Kim Johnson

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House celebrates the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), formed on 4 March 1824; recognises that as a charity, the RNLI has throughout its history worked in the most challenging situations to protect lives at sea; notes that the RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations with thousands of lifeboat and shore crew, has lifeguards watching over 200 beaches across the UK, and relies upon thousands of hardworking fundraisers; understands that the RNLI has saved more than 144,000 lives over the course of its work since its founding; further recognises that more than 600 people have died in the RNLI's service; further notes that the RNLI maintains a close relationship with coastal communities around the United Kingdom; believes that the RNLI represents some of the best of this country’s charitable principles; and wishes the organisation the very best for its future.

362Mortgage prisoners

Tabled: 5/02/24 Signatories: 25

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the new campaign launched by the UK Mortgage Prisoners Action Group which calls for urgent and sweeping legislative reforms to mortgages to avert further homeowner crises and go some way to righting the current wrongs; understands that there are nearly 200,000 mortgage prisoners who are still suffering severe financial hardship due to decisions made by the Government and regulator in the course of bailing out the banks following the 2008 global financial crash; and believes urgent action must be taken to address the injustice that so many have suffered through no fault of their own and rather as a consequence of sales of mortgages to non lenders, repeated securitisation and regulatory changes further trapping many thousands of historic interest only customers.

365Fetcha Chocolates

Tabled: 5/02/24 Signatories: 13

Brendan O'Hara

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

David Linden

Stewart Hosie

Ronnie Cowan

That this House congratulates Fiona McArthur, owner and creator of Fetcha Chocolates from Campbeltown in Argyll and Bute on being selected to provide dairy-free, vegan chocolates which will be included the 2024 Academy Awards ceremony gift bag; understands that Fiona who started the business from her mum’s kitchen in 2019 will create boxes of 24 handmade chocolates which will feature six different flavours inspired by six of the Oscar nominated movies, Barbie, Oppenheimer, Killers Of The Flower Moon, Poor Things, The Holdovers and Maestro; recognises that Fetcha Chocolates have been chosen for inclusion at the Oscars because in addition to being handmade and being free of dairy products, Fiona’s chocolates contain no egg, gluten, soy or palm oil, are alcohol-free, and come in packaging that has no plastic content; and sends Fiona McArthur and Fetcha Chocolates very best wishes for the future.

36750th anniversary of the loss with all hands of the trawler fishing vessel Gaul

Tabled: 5/02/24 Signatories: 13

Emma Hardy

Jonathan Edwards

Sir Mike Penning

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Jon Trickett

That this House notes with solemnity and sadness the 50th anniversary of the loss of the fishing vessel Gaul, with all hands, on the night of 8-9 February 1974 in storm conditions in the Barents Sea, north of Norway; remembers the 36 crew who lost their lives; further notes that this remains the worst peacetime disaster to befall the British commercial fishing industry; offers its sincere condolences to their families, friends, relatives and the fishing community of Hull; deeply regrets the failure of the Government to locate the wreck following the sinking; notes that it took a further 23 years for the wreck to be located; recognises the distress and suffering of all those affected by the tragedy in the intervening years of uncertainty; further recognises the determination of all those who continued to campaign for answers to the tragedy; thanks the Dispatches team led by the late documentary filmmaker Roger Fenton whose work resulted in the discovery of its final resting place; further notes the series of events taking place in Hull between 8 and 11 February to commemorate the anniversary; acknowledges the eternal debt of gratitude owed by the nation to the generations who risked their lives at sea as part of the British fishing fleet; and honours the memory of all those who did not return.

3692,000th edition of Sound Around Ards

Tabled: 5/02/24 Signatories: 4

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

Gavin Robinson

Alison Thewliss

That this House notes the important milestone for Sound Around Ards, a talking newspaper service for the Ards peninsula in Strangford constituency, which last week recorded its 2,000th edition since its launch in 1980; highlights that each week, volunteers record 40 minutes of the highlights from local newspapers onto CDs, as it aims to assist those within the sight impairment community but now serves for all those who feel they would benefit from the service; further highlights the incredible work of the volunteers and the secretary Alison Coyle who go above and beyond to provide this service for so many who depend on it; and wishes the team all the best for the future and many more episodes to come.

37220th anniversary of cockling deaths at Morecambe Bay

Tabled: 7/02/24 Signatories: 7

Tim Farron

Mary Kelly Foy

Sarah Dyke

Mohammad Yasin

John McDonnell

Alison Thewliss

This House solemnly notes the 20th anniversary of the death of 23 cocklers in Morecambe Bay on 5 February 2004; honours their memory and holds their loved ones in our thoughts and in our prayers; remains committed to maintaining safety in the Bay and supports legislation that has prevented a repeat of the tragedy; notes with concern however that restriction of access to the Bay has caused great hardship to local families who have cockled for generations; urges the government to reconsider the Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority's licensing scheme; recommends local cocklers be given priority for these permits; and calls for family members to be allowed to pass their permits down to younger generations in order to maintain the safety of the Bay and the survival of the local cockling industry.

373VAT on hair and beauty salons

Tabled: 7/02/24 Signatories: 9

Kirsten Oswald

Deidre Brock

Chris Law

Alison Thewliss

Allan Dorans

Caroline Lucas

That this House recognises the significant contribution made by hair and beauty salons to high streets across the country; notes the severe pressure which businesses in the hair and beauty sector are currently facing due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, increasing bills, and payroll pressures; understands that salons which operate a rent-a-chair model often do not reach the threshold at which they are required to pay VAT, but that traditional salons who are also employers are under significant pressure due to the VAT burden; highlights that the potential closure of a large number of traditional salons threatens the vibrancy of high streets, employment prospects, and the tax take for the Exchequer; further notes that salon closures jeopardise apprenticeship opportunities for people entering into the hair and beauty sector; further recognises the important wellbeing impact of hair and beauty salons and the services and support they provide; and calls on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to act at the upcoming Spring Budget on 6 March 2024 by reducing VAT for hair and beauty salons to 10% support these vital businesses during this challenging period.

374Jagtar Singh Johal

Tabled: 7/02/24 Signatories: 31

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Deidre Brock

Ms Anum Qaisar

Ronnie Cowan

Kenny MacAskill

Alison Thewliss

That this House notes that Jagtar Singh Johal, a Sikh activist and resident of Dumbarton, will be marking his 37th birthday on 9 February, his sixth in arbitrary detention in India since being abducted from the street during his honeymoon by unidentified assailants who turned out to be undercover police agents on 4 November 2017; notes that during his incarceration it is alleged that he was tortured both physically and through electric shocks to his nipples and genitals, something which led him to signing a confession, a confession that has subsequently been used when filing charges against him; supports the ruling of the UN Working Group on arbitrary detention which in May 2022 gave its opinion that Jagtar’s detention was an arbitrary one; urges the Government to also support this opinion and do what it can to achieve Jagtar’s immediate release to ensure that his birthday will be marked, in person, at home with his family.

376Hospitality and VAT

Tabled: 7/02/24 Signatories: 25

Alyn Smith

Patricia Gibson

Deidre Brock

Kenny MacAskill

Chris Law

Alison Thewliss

That this House recognises the immense challenges facing the hospitality sector during the cost of living crisis; notes that the Government implemented a temporary cut of 5% on VAT for hospitality businesses during the pandemic; further notes that VAT is not devolved and can therefore only be set by the UK Government; notes that the UK is an outlier for having a higher rate of VAT for the hospitality sector compared to other European economies; further notes that organisations such as the Scottish License and Trade Association, Scottish Beer and Pub Association and Scottish Hospitality Group support a cut of 5% on VAT as the most straightforward and effective policy measure to help many small and local businesses get through the current crisis; acknowledges that local hospitality businesses deliver an important social good to their communities as well as bring in vital income and jobs; and calls on the UK Government to implement a permanent cut of 5% on VAT for the hospitality sector to help hospitality businesses meet the challenges of the cost of living crisis.

377International Court of Justice Ruling on Gaza and the UK’s duties under the Genocide Convention

Tabled: 7/02/24 Signatories: 35

Zarah Sultana

Apsana Begum

Richard Burgon

Imran Hussain

John McDonnell

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

That this House notes the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 26 January 2024, which found that it is plausible that Israel’s ongoing attacks on the Palestinian people in Gaza are in breach of the Genocide Convention; further notes that the ICJ issued provisional measures, including ordering Israel and its military to prevent acts against Palestinians in Gaza prohibited by Article II of the Genocide Convention, such as killings of Palestinians in Gaza, as well as ordering Israel to prevent and punish incitement to genocide and to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza; supports the ICJ call for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages; notes that as a signatory to the Genocide Convention the UK has a duty to prevent genocide and to ensure that the Convention is not breached; believes the UK has a responsibility to act to ensure this ruling is upheld, and not to undermine it; therefore calls on the UK Government to support the ICJ’s provisional measures; further believes that it is not possible for Israel to fulfil the ICJ’s order without an immediate end to its military assault on Gaza; and therefore, in light of plausible breaches of the Genocide Convention, further calls on the UK Government to demand an immediate ceasefire and suspend all arms exports to Israel.

378Gellings Riding School

Tabled: 7/02/24 Signatories: 20

Ian Byrne

Mary Kelly Foy

Kim Johnson

Peter Dowd

Mick Whitley

John McDonnell

That this House supports Gellings Riding School in its efforts to acquire the land it is situated upon in order to secure its existence for future generations; notes that the school is a vital community asset which has been an integral part of the West Derby community for 30 years, providing inclusive opportunities for education, health and wellbeing to residents in the entire Liverpool City Region; specifically notes its provision of visually impaired riding facilities and the use of its stables for neurodiverse young adults and those experiencing poor mental health; reflects on a recent devastating report on inequality in public health in Liverpool from the city’s Director of Public Health which revealed that people living in the poorest areas of the city, including many in West Derby, live an average of 15 years less than those in the most affluent areas and live with poor health for 18 years longer; further reflects that residents in the most deprived areas of the city are also living with major illness from around 10-15 years earlier than those in the most affluent areas, that around 1,900 residents die young - under the age of 75 - and that 1,100 of these deaths are preventable; supports the view that against this backdrop access to outdoor spaces and sporting facilities for Liverpool City Region residents is vital; and further notes that Gellings supports the mental and physical health, education and social and environmental development of people across the entire Liverpool City Region.

379Achieving clean air

Tabled: 9/02/24 Signatories: 13

Caroline Lucas

John McDonnell

Clive Lewis

Geraint Davies

Dr Philippa Whitford

Rachael Maskell

That this House notes that 15 February marks the anniversary of the death of Ella Roberta Adoo-Kissi Debrah who became the first person to have air pollution listed on her death certificate, and extends its deepest sympathies to her family; notes that air pollution is associated with conditions like asthma, heart disease and cancer, impacts mental health, and causes up to 43,000 premature deaths each year in the UK; believes that air pollution is a public health emergency; is concerned that children are particularly affected by dirty air and that the UK has one of the highest rates of asthmatic children across Europe, with one in eleven young people living with asthma; urges the Government to take urgent action to deliver clean air, including strengthening the air quality targets under the Environment Act 2021, including committing to reduce annual mean levels of PM2.5 to 10 µg/m3 in England by 2030; welcomes the introduction of the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill, known as Ella’s Law, which would enshrine the right to breathe clean air and require the Secretary of State to deliver this in England within five years with the possibility of limited postponements subject to strict conditions; notes that it responds to the UN resolution recognising the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and has already undergone scrutiny in the House of Lords; and calls on the Government to support this Bill as a means to achieve clean air and prevent future deaths.

380Murder of WPC Yvonne Fletcher

Tabled: 9/02/24 Signatories: 8

Allan Dorans

Kirsten Oswald

Anne McLaughlin

Sir Mike Penning

Angela Crawley

Dr Philippa Whitford

That this House recalls that on 17 April 1984, WPC Yvonne Fletcher, aged 25, was shot in the back and murdered by shots fired from inside the Libyan People’s Bureau while policing a political demonstration; notes that no one has ever been charged in connection with her death, despite there being an individual identified as Saleh Mabrouk suspected of involvement in her murder; further notes that in 2017 the Government refused to allow the release of certain evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, on the grounds of national security which would potentially have allowed Saleh Mabrouk to be prosecuted in a criminal court; notes that former police officer John Murray, who was with Yvonne when she was murdered, has campaigned relentlessly for justice for Yvonne for 39 years; and on 16 November 2021, won an outstanding victory at the Royal Courts of Justice; notes the judgment determined that Saleh Mabrouk, together with others, was jointly responsible for Yvonne’s death; further notes that the Government has not in any way assisted Mr Murray in his campaign for justice for Yvonne; and calls for an inquiry into why a report commissioned by the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, in 1984 (the Sir Antony Duff Report) has never been made public, and asks that it now be released; and asks that the evidence withheld from the CPS in 2017 be reviewed to ascertain if it can now be safely released with a view to the consideration of a criminal prosecution of Saleh Mabrouk.

381UK funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

Tabled: 9/02/24 Signatories: 11

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

John McDonnell

Stephen Farry

Caroline Lucas

This House notes the UK’s decision to pause funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA); further notes that UNRWA's services are primarily funded through contributions from UN member states, constituting around 93% of the agency’s funds; is concerned that UNRWA has warned that the decision by the UK and other countries to suspend funding will leave it unable to fund its aid operations in a matter of weeks; notes that UNRWA supports 5.9 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza and other countries including Syria, Lebanon and Jordan and employs 30,000 staff, 13,000 of whom work in Gaza; further notes the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza where over 2 million people are at imminent risk of famine and 152 UNRWA staff have been killed; notes UNRWA’s swift action to terminate the contracts of 12 employees following allegations of their involvement in the 7 October attack and launch an investigation by the UN Office of Internal Oversight, in addition to the appointment of an independent review group by the UN Secretary-General to assess how UNRWA ensures neutrality and responds to allegations of serious wrongdoing; further notes that other countries including Ireland, Norway, Belgium, Denmark and Spain continue to fund UNRWA in light of the agency’s swift disciplinary and investigative response; and calls on the UK Government to immediately re-instate funding for UNRWA given the disastrous humanitarian consequences that the pause in funding will have for people in Gaza and the wider region.

382VAT Cut for Hospitality Sector

Tabled: 9/02/24 Signatories: 7

Paul Girvan

John McDonnell

Dr Philippa Whitford

Rachael Maskell

Pete Wishart

Claudia Webbe