Contents

Published: Monday 26 February 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Friday 23 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

421Sanctions against Russia

Tabled: 23/02/24 Signatories: 2

Caroline Lucas

Dame Margaret Hodge

This House notes that it has been two years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and welcomes the existing sanctions against Russia, including those in relation to the sale of oil; further notes that, under the existing sanctions regime, the legal country-of-origin for a refined oil product, namely diesel, jet fuel or petrol, is considered to be the country in which it was refined from crude oil to a refined product; is concerned that this loophole means it remains legal to import fuels made using Russian crude, provided they have been refined elsewhere; is further concerned that in the 12 months since 5 December 2022 when the crude oil embargo was enforced, the loophole was worth £141 million to the Kremlin in direct tax revenues and that, in the summer of 2023, one in every 20 UK flights ran on jet fuel derived from Russian oil; welcomes moves in the US to close a similar refining loophole; supports the Government’s policy of imposing measures to weaken Russia’s economic and financial ability to wage war against the people of Ukraine; and therefore calls on the Government to take immediate steps to extend the current import ban to include refined petroleum products from any refinery that has processed Russian crude oil.

422Closure of the Inter Faith Network

Tabled: 23/02/24 Signatories: 1

Wera Hobhouse

That this House deeply regrets the Government’s announcement that it will cut off funding to the Inter Faith Network; further regrets that this decision came despite new Government funding having been promised; notes with concern that islamophobia is rising and antisemitism in the UK is at the highest level on record; recognises the importance of inter faith dialogue at a time of heightened community tensions; further recognises the valuable work done by the Inter Faith Network and its branches around the country to bring communities together and nurture tolerance and understanding; further notes with concern that there is no organisation to take the Inter Faith Network’s place; and urges the Government to reinstate funding to the Inter Faith Network.

423Administration of SSB Law

Tabled: 23/02/24 Signatories: 1

Imran Hussain

That this House notes with concern the collapse of SSB Law that has left hundreds across the country facing demands for payment stretching into thousands of pounds; stresses that a number of those affected by SSB Law’s collapse cannot meet the large demands for payment and will face significant consequences, including the repossession of their home; urges the Government to ensure that all demands for payment and court orders resulting from the collapse of SSB Law are dropped immediately; calls on Ministers to meet with those affected by the SSB Law’s collapse; declares that an independent investigation into the circumstances leading to the collapse of SSB Law and the issue of demands for payment and court orders must be conducted as soon as possible; and requests that the Solicitors Regulation Authority publish all information that they received which identified SSB Law as a potential regulatory risk, along with the full findings of their investigation which concluded there was no need for regulatory action.

42420th anniversary of opening of Auchenback Resource Centre

Tabled: 23/02/24 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House notes that the Auchenback Resource Centre (ARC), Aurs Drive, Barrhead, the home of local charity Auchenback Active Limited, was opened 20 years ago on 27 February 2004; applauds the significant work undertaken then and now by dedicated volunteers to making this fantastic community resource the great success that it is; appreciates the variety of groups, activities and events which take place in the ARC; understands the particular place the Tuesday and Thursday community cafe has in the hearts of local residents; acknowledges that the community came together on 23 February 2024 to mark 20 years of the ARC at the heart of the Auchenback Community; appreciates the hard work of all the directors and appreciates their efforts; further notes that Chair, Brian Connelly, has described the ARC as a striking tribute to the Auchenback community; warmly welcomes the beautiful commemorative benches in the names of Rita Connelly and Irene Simpson, who gave so much to the local community and who are very fondly remembered; and wishes all involved at the ARC every good wish for many more years making a difference at the heart of the Barrhead community.

425Defective cavity wall insulation

Tabled: 23/02/24 Signatories: 1

Imran Hussain

That this House expresses serious concern about widespread reports of defective installation of cavity wall insulation leading to mould, damp and structural damage to homes which leads to those affected taking legal action for damages caused; reaffirms that properly installed cavity wall insulation remains one of the best ways to improve a home’s energy efficiency and reduce energy bills in the cost-of-living crisis; and demands that the Government undertake a thorough review of all Government-funded home insulation schemes and identifies the number affected by defective cavity wall insulation.

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.

362Mortgage prisoners

Tabled: 5/02/24 Signatories: 28

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.

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

Tabled: 7/02/24 Signatories: 44

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.

38313th anniversary of the Bahrain pro-democracy uprising

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 8

John McDonnell

Claudia Webbe

Ian Mearns

Jonathan Edwards

Kenny MacAskill

Stuart C McDonald

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.

387Committee of the Future

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 6

Douglas Chapman

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Dr Philippa Whitford

John McNally

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

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.

389Dennistoun cost of living event

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 3

Anne McLaughlin

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

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: 4

Hannah Bardell

Dr Philippa Whitford

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

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: 23

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: 6

Anne McLaughlin

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Dr Philippa Whitford

Chris Law

Christine Jardine

Allan Dorans

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: 11

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: 4

Patricia Gibson

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

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: 7

Patricia Gibson

Dr Philippa Whitford

Zarah Sultana

Patrick Grady

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

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: 18

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: 7

Owen Thompson

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Law

Christine Jardine

Douglas Chapman

Jim Shannon

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: 12

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.

402Alan Bates and the Freedom of the City of Liverpool

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 33

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.

405Durham Area Youth

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 5

Mary Kelly Foy

Ian Mearns

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

Kate Osborne

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.

409Second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Tabled: 20/02/24 Signatories: 6

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Law

Dr Philippa Whitford

Allan Dorans

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.

411Use of artificial intelligence in journalism

Tabled: 21/02/24 Signatories: 18

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: 71

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: 4

Judith Cummins

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Ms Marie Rimmer

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: 12

Dr Philippa Whitford

Hannah Bardell

Patricia Gibson

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

Drew Hendry

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: 6

Sarah Dyke [R]

Richard Foord

Claudia Webbe

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Jamie Stone

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.

416SRUC awarded Queen's Anniversary Prize

Tabled: 22/02/24 Signatories: 2

Wendy Chamberlain

Sarah Dyke

That this house celebrates Scotland’s Rural University Campus’ (SRUC) being awarded with the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize; acknowledges that this is the highest form of national recognition open to educational institutions in the UK; commends that the award recognises SRUC’s contribution to animal welfare, veterinary science, education, research and the economy through its world-class Veterinary Services network; appreciates the vital role SRUC plays in the local communities where they have campuses in North East Fife, Edinburgh, Ayrs, Dumfries, Aberdeen, West Lothian and Glasgow; recognises that the campuses’ contributions support 7,300 farmers and livestock keeper members across the UK; and welcomes SRUC growing the UK’s first tertiary model of veterinary teaching and learning to address the critical shortage of vets in this sector.

417Shropshire Day 2024

Tabled: 22/02/24 Signatories: 5

Helen Morgan

Sarah Dyke

Wendy Chamberlain

Jamie Stone

Tim Farron

That this House welcomes Shropshire Day which falls on 23 February and celebrates the county’s magnificent heritage; praises the natural beauty of the area from the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to the expanses of glorious farmland and the meres and the mosses, all of which host an abundance of varied wildlife; commemorates the county’s rich history of Iron Age hillforts, Roman ruins, medieval castles, heritage railways and canals; pays tribute to the farmers who care for the outstanding natural environment across the county, fuel the local economy, and put quality Shropshire produce on our plates; applauds the local businesses who keep market towns and highstreets bustling with trade; and comes together to admire the strong community spirit which is characteristic of Salopians.

418Political reform

Tabled: 22/02/24 Signatories: 3

Jon Trickett

Claudia Webbe

Jonathan Edwards

That this House acknowledges the perception amongst many people in Britain that key decision making structures are dominated by an unrepresentative social group whose concerns often fail to understand the wishes of British working people; understands that we need to renew our democracy as a result of the growing alienation in many communities from Westminster’s political processes; recognises that Britain is one of the most centralised countries in Europe; thinks that democratic renewal must ensure our political institutions are fully connected to the electorate and that we urgently need a new deal for our regions and nations to decentralise decision-making and strengthen local democracy; believes the hereditary principle in the House of Lords should be ended and the House of Lords should be abolished in favour of an elected Senate of the Nations and Regions; further believes there should be a ban on paid second jobs for MPs; believes that we need more elected representatives drawn from a wider social milieu, and especially regrets the decline in working class representation as well as that of other disadvantaged groups; further understands that democratic renewal requires legitimacy and therefore believes we ought to consider establishing a UK-wide constitutional convention to examine how power is distributed in the UK today; and, finally, insists that the intrusive and damaging role of private sources of big money is eliminated from our political system.

419Jim Carswell, Scotland cap

Tabled: 22/02/24 Signatories: 3

Gavin Newlands

Steven Bonnar

Allan Dorans

That this House congratulates Jim Carswell, formerly of Paisley, Grammarians, Rugby Club, Jordanhill RFC and Glasgow on receiving his Scotland rugby cap 47 years after playing for his country against Japan in 1974; acknowledges this award makes him Paisley Rugby Club’s first player to go on and win full international honours; notes that a Mr D Lang who played for Paisley Football Club, an early and shortlived rugby club in the town, played for Scotland in 1876 and 1877; believes that acknowledging the contributions of previously overlooked players such as Mr Carswell enriches the history of Scottish Rugby and serves as an inspiration to current and future generations; further congratulates the 74 other recipients of retrospective caps recently awarded by the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU); welcomes the SRU’s initiative in righting the historical record and ensuring all those eligible for national caps are given them; and looks forward to further caps being awarded to Scotland Women’s internationals and international referees as part of this initiative.

420Retirement of Rt Revd Paul Butler

Tabled: 22/02/24 Signatories: 2

Mary Kelly Foy

Kate Osborne

That this House gives its best wishes to the Rt Revd Paul Butler, the 79th Bishop of Durham, in his retirement; notes that Bishop Butler has served as Bishop of Durham for ten years; further notes the rich history of the diocese of Durham, a diocese that stretches back into the medieval world; acknowledges his advocacy of the poor and for refugees in the diocese and in the Other Place; commends Bishop Butler for his advocacy of the North East; recalls that Bishop Butler’s first sermon was rooted in the Parable of the Mustard Seed; thanks Bishop Paul for his role in the Durham miners’ service; and extends its best wishes to Rosemary and Bishop Paul’s entire family.