Commons business papers

Contents

Published: Friday 15 March 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 14 March 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

509York Fair Trade Forum, 20th anniversary

Tabled: 14/03/24 Signatories: 1

Rachael Maskell

That this House congratulates York on its 20th anniversary of becoming a Fair Trade City; further congratulates the York Fair Trade Forum for its work in promoting fair trade in York and beyond, including through holding informative events to educate residents and businesses on the benefit of fair trade and how it ensures that workers across the world are treated justly with fair pay, better terms and are able to develop sustainable businesses; notes that as a city with a major footprint in the chocolate industry, it is important to ensure that fairtrade standards are adhered to throughout that sector in York; and appreciates the work of the Forum in holding a number of events in the city of York throughout 2024, not least at the Mansion House on 14 March to promote the achievements of the York Fair Trade Forum to date and to encourage people to make a positive choice to buy fair trade products, engage with Fairtrade Fortnight and learn more about how fair trade influences the supply chain, combating global poverty and improving healthcare and education for communities in developing countries.

510Saltire Hospitality and Family Business of the Year in Midlothian 2024 Award

Tabled: 14/03/24 Signatories: 1

Owen Thompson

That this House congratulates Saltire Hospitality in Loanhead, Midlothian, for their recent success at the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Awards; recognises their award for Family Business of the Year 2024; acknowledges that this is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to the dedication and hard work put into the business; further acknowledges that this award is a well-deserved recognition of the Saltire Hospitality team’s efforts and the wide range of food that they provide for events while staying committed to being green; and wishes Saltire Hospitality continued success and acclaim in the future.

511Audio Light Systems and SME of the Year in Midlothian 2024 Award

Tabled: 14/03/24 Signatories: 1

Owen Thompson

That this House congratulates Audio Light Systems in Dalkeith, Midlothian, for their recent success at the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Awards; recognises their award for SME of the Year 2024; acknowledges that this is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to the dedication and hard work put into the business; further acknowledges that this award is a well-deserved recognition of the Audio Light Systems team’s efforts and the continued use of technology that they use to enhance and grow the business; and wishes Audio Light Systems continued success and acclaim in the future.

512Clydebank Blitz 83rd anniversary

Tabled: 14/03/24 Signatories: 1

Martin Docherty-Hughes

That this House commemorates the 83rd anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz, which commenced on 13 March 1941 for two nights; notes that it was proportionally the heaviest aerial bombardment inflicted on any civilian population in the UK during World War II; recognises the official record of deaths caused by the two nights of bombing and those who died as a result of their injuries in the days, weeks and months that followed; further recognises the profound mental trauma inflicted on the population which remained untreated; salutes the courage of those in the fire, ambulance, military and civilian services who acted so bravely, including the miners of Scotland who travelled from far and wide to dig for survivors; and acknowledges the work of the people of Clydebank who through 83 yearly acts of remembrance have sought to remind the world of the horrors of war, the devastation of aerial bombardment and the need for peace and reconciliation between all nations.

513St Patrick's Day 2024

Tabled: 14/03/24 Signatories: 1

Martin Docherty-Hughes

That this House notes that 17 March each year marks St Patrick's Day; recognises that 17 March is an opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultures and heritage of the island of Ireland, as well as celebrating the contribution that Ireland and its diaspora has made in shaping nations across the globe; understands that the people of Scotland, England and Wales, and in particular those within the village of Old Kilpatrick, West Dunbartonshire, have a strong connection to St Patrick as Old Kilpatrick, the most westerly fort of the Roman Antonine Wall, is believed to be Patrick's birthplace as denoted by the county and subsequent local authorities’ use of the St Patrick's Saltire emblem, and that this represents just one of the many bonds that unite the people of these islands in friendship; and wishes all those in the isle of Ireland and the diaspora across the world health, happiness and peace as they celebrate St Patrick's Day.

514Award of the Sovereign Military Hospitallar Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta

Tabled: 14/03/24 Signatories: 1

Steven Bonnar

That this House commends five volunteers of the Friends Together Club of St Patrick's RC Church in Coatbridge, who were recognised for their outstanding charity work by the Sovereign Military Hospitallar Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta on 5 February 2024 at their headquarters in Rome; congratulates Liam Hackett on receiving the Cross of Merit, Ena Marie Hamill on receiving a Silver Medal of Merit, as well as Elaine McDermott, Patrick Allen, Yvonne Crowley and Elizabeth Locke on their Bronze Medals of Merit; thanks them for their devotion and dedication to community service and also their work in organising celebrations and outings for people with additional support needs who would not otherwise have the opportunity to do so; and encourages them to not only continue their fantastic work, but to act as role models for others to do so as well.

515St Ninian’s Parish Church fundraising

Tabled: 14/03/24 Signatories: 1

Christine Jardine

That this House commends the congregation at St Ninian’s Parish Church, Corstorphine, for their fundraising for St Columba’s Hospice, Edinburgh; further commends the work of the Church in raising £3,703 this year, including at their most recent coffee morning on 9 March; notes that the Church has been running coffee mornings in support of the Hospice since 2000; congratulates them on raising over £50,000 for the Hospice since then; and wishes the congregation success with future fundraising efforts.

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.

447Withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty (No. 2)

Tabled: 29/02/24 Signatories: 11

Wera Hobhouse

Sarah Dyke

Jonathan Edwards

Rachael Maskell

Dr Philippa Whitford

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House welcomes the UK’s withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty; regrets that the UK has lagged behind nine EU member states including France, Germany, Spain and Italy in withdrawing; recognises the need for a new global framework to incentivise global investment in the renewable energy sector to meet global targets to reduce emissions and reach net zero; and calls on the Government to back a new framework replacement Renewables Treaty to drive innovation, cooperation and the greater adoption of renewable energy.

451Funding for children's hospices

Tabled: 1/03/24 Signatories: 9

Sir George Howarth

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Kim Johnson

Cat Smith

Jonathan Edwards

That this House is concerned that children’s hospices are yet to receive written confirmation of how and when they will receive their NHS England Children’s Hospice Grant in the 2024-25 financial year, nor how much they are likely to receive; is concerned about the impact that this is having on children’s hospices’ ability to budget and plan their lifeline care and support to seriously ill children and families in 2024-25; is also concerned by the variation in integrated care board spending on children’s hospices across England, which varied by as much as £483 per child or young person in 2022-23, according to responses to freedom of information requests made by the charity Together for Short Lives; calls on the Government to urgently confirm how and when the £25 million NHS England Children’s Hospice Grant will be distributed in 2024-25; and further calls on the Government to direct NHS England to hold integrated care boards to greater account for the way in which they commission children and young people’s palliative and end of life care.

460Fracture liaison services and osteoporosis

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 27

Margaret Greenwood

Claudia Webbe

Rachael Maskell

Dame Angela Eagle

Mick Whitley

Sir George Howarth

That this House notes 50% of women and 20% of men over 50 will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis; further notes 81,000 people of working age suffer fractures every year and that a third of sufferers will have to leave their jobs as a result; highlights the invaluable work of fracture liaison services (FLS) in identifying osteoporosis; expresses concern that, according to the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS), only 51% of NHS trusts in England have FLS and that many people who break bones will therefore attend A&E and be seen without their underlying osteoporosis being diagnosed and treated, leaving a massive risk that they will suffer further, more serious fractures; expresses further concern that the postcode lottery in the coverage of FLS means that annually around 90,000 people of all ages are missing out on vital osteoporosis treatment and are therefore at risk of further fractures; notes the cost of this to both the individual and the state; notes the Better Bones campaign which is led by the ROS and the Sunday Express, and supported by a range of charities, royal medical colleges and unions; supports the asks of the campaign that everyone over the age of 50 should be covered by a quality FLS, £30 million per year of additional investment in FLS to fill the gaps in population coverage and quality, and the appointment of a national clinical director for fractures in each UK nation; and calls on the Government to fund universal fracture liaison services.

475200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (No. 2)

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 10

Jim Shannon

Ian Mearns

Sir Mike Penning

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Tracey Crouch

That this House notes the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution; highlights the phenomenal work that has been carried out and lives that have been saved over 200 years in communities throughout this UK; further highlights the promotional work that is being carried out during this 200th anniversary celebration which demonstrates that the life saving capacity can only be facilitated with donations; highlights that the Mayor of Ards and North Down has chosen RNLI as one of her charities for this year and encourages churches and local communities to carry out fundraising to secure the future of this vital emergency service; and thanks every member, past and present, for their service and dedication to their community.

478Public Accounts Committee report entitled Reducing the harm from illegal drugs

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 8

Grahame Morris

Ian Mearns

Dan Carden

Kate Hollern

Liz Saville Roberts

Rachael Maskell

That this House welcomes the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report, Reducing the harm from illegal drugs, published in February 2024; notes that this acknowledges recent progress in workforce recruitment and countering county lines; heeds and highlights the PAC’s warning that, should the Joint Combating Drugs Unit, the Department of Health and Social Care and other Government departments fail to develop a compelling case for the sustained investment needed to reduce the growing harms from illegal drugs, then such progress will be wasted; endorses its recognition that, if the aims of Dame Carol Black’s independent review and the Government’s subsequent drugs strategy are to be realised and drug deaths can be reduced significantly, then further action is required urgently; further notes that, given the context of a significant erosion of councils’ capacity and capability to deliver, the report urges the Government to provide local authorities with more confidence over long-term funding to enable long-term planning; and calls upon the Government adopt the six recommendations of the PAC report and reaffirm its commitment to long-term funding of treatment services.

489World Kidney Day 2024

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 12

Daisy Cooper

Jim Shannon

Dr Philippa Whitford

Mohammad Yasin

Rachael Maskell

Martin Docherty-Hughes

That his House notes that World Kidney Day takes place on Thursday 14 March 2024; recognises that an estimated 7.2 million people in the UK are living with early- and late-stage chronic kidney disease; acknowledges that some patients are being told about their risk or their diagnosis too late, when their lives are under threat and treatment options are extreme and life-altering, rather than at the early stages when there are options to delay or stop the disease getting worse; commends charities, such as Kidney Care UK, for their work in advocating for an earlier diagnosis, testing for those at higher risk, improved primary and secondary care and greater support for kidney patients; and calls on the Government to ensure everyone who is at risk of chronic kidney disease is provided with information on how to reduce that risk, tested annually, monitored, and if diagnosed early, provided with support to prevent or slow down their condition getting worse.

491World Water Day 2024

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 15

Mr Virendra Sharma

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Dr Philippa Whitford

Mohammad Yasin

Rachael Maskell

That this House recognises that 22 March is World Water Day; acknowledges that 2.2 billion people in the world do not have safe water and 3.5 billion people in the world do not have a decent toilet of their own; notes that two-thirds of healthcare facilities in the 46 least developed countries do not have access to basic handwashing facilities; further recognises that women and girls are disproportionately affected by inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); further notes that that WASH is an essential component in work on addressing global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance; further acknowledges that the climate crisis is a water crisis and that investment in WASH provides a cost-effective adaptation measure to support communities on the front lines of climate change; notes that the UK’s budget for WASH has been cut by approximately 77% since 2018, damaging the UK’s ability to reach communities with life-saving clean water; is concerned that with just six years to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline, progress on SDG6 is alarmingly off-track, and so and calls on the Government to increase investment in WASH and champion WASH on a global stage.

495Alleged comments by Frank Hester

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 58

Dawn Butler

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Layla Moran

Anne McLaughlin

Carol Monaghan

Mrs Helen Grant

That this House expresses its shock regarding the alleged comments made by Frank Hester reported by The Guardian about the hon. Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington and all Black women; believes these alleged comments to be both racist and violent in nature; notes that Mr Hester is a regular and substantial donor to the Conservative Party; and calls on all leaders including the Prime Minister to condemn these remarks.

496Centenary of Eric Liddell's Olympic Gold medal

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 7

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Rachael Maskell

Paul Girvan

Chris Law

Sir Mike Penning

That this House notes that 2024 marks 100 years since Eric Liddell qualified for the Olympic 100 metres heats, despite being widely regarded as best placed to win, he declined to take part due to their being held on a Sunday, choosing instead to compete in the 400 metres final, before that 400 metre race began he received a note which read In the old book it says: He that honours me I will honour, he won gold to become Olympic Champion even though it was not his preferred distance, after winning Liddell went to China where he served his Lord in missionary endeavours and his exploits featured in the film Chariots of Fire thus ensuring the name Eric Liddell will be remembered for generations to come for both his sporting exploits as well as his Christian faith.

497World Glaucoma Day 2024

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 11

Jim Shannon

Dr Philippa Whitford

Rachael Maskell

Stuart C McDonald

Jonathan Edwards

Christine Jardine

That this House notes World Glaucoma Day, celebrated on 12 March with this years theme of Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World, focusing on bringing communities worldwide to fight together against glaucoma blindness; highlights that over 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma and around 18,000 of these cases are in Northern Ireland; further notes that over half of these do not know they have it; underlines the aim to raise awareness and foster a better understanding of the condition so that it will spark conversations and discussions; thanks those charities such as Glaucoma UK for reminding people to attend regular eye tests and prioritise their eye health; and urges Government to raise more awareness on the importance of supporting those living with glaucoma.

501Tanks, vehicles and aircraft for Ukraine

Tabled: 12/03/24 Signatories: 9

Clive Lewis

Jim Shannon

Patricia Gibson

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Law

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

That this House applauds the Ukrainian resistance to the all-out Russian invasion; condemns delays and obstruction of aid, which contributed to the fall of the city of Adviivka; notes the danger to Ukraine posed by populists and the far right in Europe and the USA; recognises that the UK must play a part in organising an urgent increase in aid to enable Ukrainians to free their entire country; further condemns the fact that 1044 vehicles and 48 fixed-wing aircraft have been disposed of via sale or auction by the Ministry of Defence since the invasion; calls for all such equipment to be gifted to Ukraine; suggests that the 65 Challenger 2 Tanks not due for upgrade be donated to Ukraine and that all the FV107 Scimitar vehicles be gifted to Ukraine; further notes that the 625 Warrior vehicles will be retired by the end of 2030 and suggests that the fleet be gifted to Ukraine in each tranche set for disposal, that the 26 Typhoon Tranche 1 aircraft due to leave service be gifted to Ukraine with training of Ukrainian pilots and that those Chinook airframes due to be retired be gifted to Ukraine; and further calls for the gifting of Python Minefield Breaching Systems, of remotely operated systems, and of Trojan Armoured Engineer Vehicle to Ukraine, recognising in this difficult time this package of aid will greatly assist the morale and resistance of Ukraine and encourage international partners to unlock greater aid.

502Stewart Brewing

Tabled: 13/03/24 Signatories: 2

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Stewart Brewing brewery in Loanhead, Midlothian, for their recent success at the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Awards; recognises their award for Food and Drink Producer of the Year 2024; acknowledges how this is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to the dedication and hard work put into their brewery; further acknowledges how this award is a well-deserved recognition of the Stewart Brewing’s team’s efforts and the innovative products that they create for their customers; and wishes Stewart Brewing continued success and acclaim in the future.

503Melville Golf Centre and the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Awards

Tabled: 13/03/24 Signatories: 2

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Melville Golf Centre in Lasswade, Midlothian, for their recent success at the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Awards; recognises their award for Best Innovation in Business 2024; acknowledges how this is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to the dedication and hard work put into the business; further acknowledges how this award is a well-deserved recognition of the Melville Golf Centre’s team’s efforts and the forward thinking that they use to enhance their customers experiences; and wishes Melville Golf Centre continued success and acclaim in the future.

506CSY Architects

Tabled: 13/03/24 Signatories: 2

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates CSY Architects in Dalkeith, Midlothian, for their recent success at the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Awards; recognises their award for Best Commitment to Youth Development 2024; acknowledges how this is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to the dedication and hard work put into providing opportunities for young people by the business; further acknowledges how this award is a well-deserved recognition of the CSY Architects team’s efforts; and wishes CSY Architects continued success and acclaim in the future.

507 Economic impact of cancer research in the West of Scotland

Tabled: 13/03/24 Signatories: 4

Amy Callaghan

Christine Jardine

Stuart C McDonald

Jim Shannon

That this House welcomes a report by London Economics which shows the total economic impact on the UK economy associated with the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scotland Institute and the University of Glasgow’s School of Cancer Sciences’ activities in 2021-22 was estimated at approximately £503 million; notes that for every £1 million of research income received, Glasgow’s research activities generate a total of £10.2 million in economic impact across the UK; recognises that the University of Glasgow’s Garscube Campus in East Dunbartonshire is home to the CRUK Scotland Institute (formerly Beatson Institute) and the University’s School of Cancer Sciences which support jobs and promote economic growth throughout the Scottish and UK economies, contributing to the growth of the region’s burgeoning life sciences sector; notes the report outlines how the size and composition of the 2.8 million patient base in the West of Scotland has influenced Glasgow’s approach to cancer research and commends the close collaboration between the core cancer research institutions, local hospitals, clinicians, academics, funders and patients in the region; congratulates the University of Glasgow and all its partners on their success so far; and wishes them well as they continue to co-create innovative new approaches to cancer research for the benefit of patients.

508Penicuik Storehouse and Best Community Impact in Midlothian 2024 Award

Tabled: 13/03/24 Signatories: 3

Owen Thompson

Stuart C McDonald

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Penicuik Storehouse in Penicuik, Midlothian, for their recent success at the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Awards; recognises their award for Best Community Impact 2024; acknowledges how this is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to the dedication and hard work put into helping the community; further acknowledges how this award is a well-deserved recognition of the Penicuik Storehouse’s team’s efforts in helping to train and encourage local volunteers to help support others; and wishes Penicuik Storehouse continued success and acclaim in the future.