Contents

Published: Thursday 22 February 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 21 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

411Use of artificial intelligence in journalism

Tabled: 21/02/24 Signatories: 8

Grahame Morris

John McDonnell

Liz Saville Roberts

Chris Stephens

Kim Johnson

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House supports the National Union of Journalists' (NUJ) Artificial Intelligence (AI) campaign and its concerns over rapid advancements in AI technologies using journalistic content without consent or permission; recognises the risk of grave harm to journalism and the subsequent undermining of democracy should public trust in journalism erode; acknowledges that opportunities for AI within journalism must be approached with transparency and engagement with journalists and representative organisations; further recognises that the unique skillset, creativity and experience held by journalists cannot be replaced by algorithms and technology; and therefore supports the NUJ’s calls for Government action to require AI developers and firms to comply with laws regarding the intellectual property rights of journalists.

412No confidence in the Speaker

Tabled: 21/02/24 Signatories: 33

Mr William Wragg

Gary Sambrook

Jill Mortimer

John Stevenson

Dr Kieran Mullan

Anthony Mangnall

That this House has no confidence in Mr Speaker.

413Wigan Warriors and the World Club Challenge

Tabled: 21/02/24 Signatories: 1

Judith Cummins

That this House welcomes the upcoming World Club Challenge; supports British Super League Champions Wigan Warriors in their upcoming match against the Australian NRL champions the Penrith Panthers; congratulates both teams on their success in their respective leagues; and commends the success of the Super League in cultivating an internationally-competitive environment for British clubs.

41475th anniversary of Troon Art Club

Tabled: 21/02/24 Signatories: 1

Dr Philippa Whitford

This House congratulates Troon Art Club on their 75th anniversary and celebrates that the club, founded shortly after the second world war, has gone from strength to strength over the years, working to advance the arts in Ayrshire through their set programme of art demonstrations, professional appraisals, exhibitions and competitions, which allow participants to share knowledge, explore art and showcase their work; notes that the art club is open to anyone with an artistic streak to join the weekly drawing and painting sessions, which encourage members to compete in monthly challenges, including on a range of themes during the summer break and further; and celebrates how the art club actively brings the community together, especially through attendance at the immensely popular summer exhibition every year in Troon.

415Bus services

Tabled: 21/02/24 Signatories: 2

Sarah Dyke [R]

Richard Foord

That this House recognises the dire state of bus services throughout the country and is concerned that bus provision has decreased by 28% since 2011; understands the important role buses have to play in the fight against climate change; acknowledges the growing isolation of vulnerable and elderly people in rural areas due to cuts to bus services; realises the benefit buses have in providing young people with independence and mobility to enhance their opportunities, wellbeing and overall quality of life; supports the role buses have in creating an integrated and accessible public transport system; is alarmed by the behaviour of some bus companies holding local authorities to ransom over the continuation of routes; calls for additional funding to restore bus routes and create new ones; encourages local authorities to work collaboratively to provide bus services services across Council boundaries; and urges the Government to pass the Public Transport (Rural Areas) Bill, which would guarantee minimum levels of public transport to areas of education, employment and health services in rural areas.

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.

373VAT on hair and beauty salons

Tabled: 7/02/24 Signatories: 11

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: 36

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.

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

Tabled: 7/02/24 Signatories: 38

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.

379Achieving clean air

Tabled: 9/02/24 Signatories: 22

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: 10

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: 13

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.

385Hillend Tavern, Fife

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 2

Neale Hanvey

Douglas Chapman

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.

387Committee of the Future

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 5

Douglas Chapman

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Dr Philippa Whitford

John McNally

Chris Law

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: 4

Sarah Dyke

Jonathan Edwards

Richard Foord

Christine Jardine

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: 2

Anne McLaughlin

Chris Law

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: 3

Hannah Bardell

Dr Philippa Whitford

Chris Law

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: 22

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.

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

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 5

Anne McLaughlin

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Dr Philippa Whitford

Chris Law

Christine Jardine

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.

395100th birthday of Holocaust survivor Henry Wuga

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 7

Kirsten Oswald

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Dr Philippa Whitford

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

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: 2

Patricia Gibson

Chris Law

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: 5

Patricia Gibson

Dr Philippa Whitford

Zarah Sultana

Patrick Grady

Chris Law

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: 16

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: 5

Owen Thompson

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Law

Christine Jardine

Douglas Chapman

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.

401VAT and the hospitality sector

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 9

Douglas Chapman

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Dr Philippa Whitford

John McNally

Jonathan Edwards

Hywel Williams

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.

403Death of Alexei Navalny

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 8

Jim Shannon

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Jonathan Edwards

Mr Gregory Campbell

Sarah Dyke

Richard Foord

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.

405Durham Area Youth

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 3

Mary Kelly Foy

Ian Mearns

Jim Shannon

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: 9

Apsana Begum

Claudia Webbe

Ian Mearns

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

Jonathan Edwards

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.

407General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing

Tabled: 20/02/24 Signatories: 3

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Paul Girvan

That this House notes that, during the West Belfast festival in August 2023, Pat Cullen, the General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), is reported to have made a comment about reunification being the only hope for the NHS; setting aside the irony that there is no NHS in existence in the Irish Republic, recognises that the RCN has a membership in Northern Ireland that crosses religious and political boundaries and exists to improve working conditions for all nurses; is concerned that, six months later and after several requests made in writing, there has been no response from the union on the accuracy or otherwise of the comments nor any subsequent explanation; and expresses the hope that the RCN can publicly state that any controversial comments, such as those reported, do not reflect the professionalism and integrity of the RCN.

408Detention of Frenchie Mae Cumpio

Tabled: 20/02/24 Signatories: 9

Liz Saville Roberts

Grahame Morris

John McDonnell

Chris Stephens

Rebecca Long Bailey

Kim Johnson

That this House demands the immediate release of Filipino community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who has been in detention since her arrest along with four human rights defenders since 7 February 2020 in Tacloban City; believes that the evidential basis for her arrest was fabricated, and that she is innocent of the charges; considers that the treatment of Cumpio is an attempt to silence messengers of truth and a clear violation of press freedom; fears that this represents a direct assault against Eastern Vista, which Cumpio heads as executive director, for its role in highlighting the issues of the marginalised and oppressed sectors in Eastern Visayas region, particularly the continuing plight of Yolanda victims, and the militarisation of farmers’ communities, among others; regards this case as yet another indication of the shrinking democratic space in the Philippines, as the administration hopes to deprive the poorest of the poor of another platform by which their voices are heard; and therefore supports the National Union of Journalists and International Federation of Journalists in calling on the UK Government to use every diplomatic effort to secure Cumpio’s release.

409Second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Tabled: 20/02/24 Signatories: 4

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Law

That this House acknowledges that two years after the unprovoked, brutal and illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the conflict still rages; notes that hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and maimed, with vast areas of Ukraine and many of its towns and cities devastated and millions displaced; believes that, as the world’s eyes have been averted elsewhere, Ukraine’s army is becoming increasingly exhausted and bloodied in a war against a numerically superior opponent with greater material resources; further notes that Russia is prepared to sacrifice tens of thousands of its citizens in an ongoing war of attrition; considers that the US and its allies from the start appear to have had an undeclared policy of stopping Ukraine losing while providing far too little of the materiel required to liberate the 18% of Ukraine under Russian occupation; is aware that Hungary’s veto in the EU and internal politics in the US have combined to starve Ukraine of critical munitions and financial support, forcing it on the defensive; recognises the UK’s £12 billion of military and financial assistance committed to Ukraine since the invasion; and further believes that only with the provision of EU and US funding and weaponry previously promised and more, can Ukraine hope to liberate its territory, ultimately end the conflict and secure a peaceful future for its people and Russia’s.

410Household Support Fund (No. 2)

Tabled: 20/02/24 Signatories: 6

Ian Byrne

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Sir Stephen Timms

Jon Trickett

Ian Mearns

That this House expresses deep concern that the UK Government has not committed to extending the Household Support Fund (HSF) beyond March 2024; notes that via this fund the Government has invested significantly in local crisis support as a response to the cost-of-living crisis; further notes that more than £2 billion has been invested in the fund since October 2021; acknowledges this represents the largest investment in local government in England to deliver local crisis support since the abolition of the Social Fund in 2013; notes that additional sums have also been provided to devolved administrations through the Barnett formula for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; expresses concern that almost two-thirds of councils responding to an Local Government Association survey said they could provide no additional discretionary funding to replace what is lost when the HSF ends and just under one-fifth said they would also be reducing their own local welfare discretionary funding due to financial pressures; further notes that demand for the HSF has never been higher, that foodbank usage is at record levels and one-in-four children live in poverty, and around three-quarters of councils told the LGA they expect financial hardship to increase in their area in the next 12 months; and notes a letter signed by more than 120 organisations including The Children’s Society, Trussell Trust and Barnardo’s who shared their fears that this will leave a large gap in support which neither local government, nor the voluntary sector, will be able to fill.