Commons business papers

Contents

Published: Friday 19 April 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 18 April 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

632National Lottery Community Fund and the Clydesdale Counselling and Human Development Project

Tabled: 18/04/24 Signatories: 1

Angela Crawley

That this House congratulates Clydesdale Counselling and Human Development Project on securing £18,900 through the National Lottery Community Fund; acknowledges that this will allow the project to deliver counselling therapy sessions and therapeutic peer-support groups for the people of Clydesdale; welcomes their positive work in supporting those struggling with their mental health; appreciates their role in making mental health support affordable and accessible for everyone; celebrates their progress; and wishes them every success in the future.

633National Lottery Community Fund and Lanarkshire Pride CIC

Tabled: 18/04/24 Signatories: 1

Angela Crawley

That this House congratulates Lanarkshire Pride CIC on securing £10,000 through the National Lottery Community Fund; acknowledges that this will allow South Lanarkshire to host another Pride event, following the success of its debut last year; understands that this year, the event will expand and hold a parade alongside a pride rally; appreciates the progressive efforts of Lanarkshire Pride CIC in bringing the Pride celebrations to Lanarkshire; commends them for their work in bringing people together to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities; and wishes them every success with this year’s Pride event.

634National Lottery Community Fund and Trust Jack Foundation

Tabled: 18/04/24 Signatories: 1

Angela Crawley

That this House congratulates Trust Jack Foundation on securing £20,000 through the National Lottery Community Fund; acknowledges that this will be used to support them in their running costs of their mental health support hub and in hosting two community events; appreciates the work they do in prioritising the mental health of their service users; celebrates their work in making mental health support accessible for everyone; honours the memory of Jack; and wishes them every success for the future.

635National Lottery Community Fund and Bothwell Futures

Tabled: 18/04/24 Signatories: 1

Angela Crawley

That this House congratulates Bothwell Futures on securing £10,000 through the National Lottery Community Fund; acknowledges that this will be used to fund a 12 month pilot for an Active Listening and Signposting service; recognises that this will support the mental health and wellbeing for the most vulnerable and isolated in the Bothwell community; commends them for recognising that they can play a role in reducing isolation in the community; appreciates their work in bringing the town of Bothwell closer together; celebrates their well established status within Bothwell and their ambitious work within the community; and wishes them every success for the future.

636Life and legacy of Sarah Hall, Business Director of Hillhouse

Tabled: 18/04/24 Signatories: 1

Alan Brown

That this House celebrates the life and achievements of Sarah Hall, the Business Director of Hillhouse, a local charity and social enterprise based in Kilmarnock, who has sadly passed away; acknowledges Sarah's dedication and commitment to Hillhouse, which spans over 50 years, during which she served as a House Mother and later as Business Director, playing a pivotal role in the organisation's growth and success; recognises Sarah's passion for supporting individuals and families experiencing financial hardship and her tireless efforts to provide practical support by supplying good quality second-hand children’s clothing, footwear, and equipment, free of charge, to those in need in Ayrshire; commends Sarah's success in securing funding and initiating new projects and fundraisers, which have made a significant positive impact on the local community; pays tribute to Sarah's character and qualities that endeared her to all who knew her and made her an invaluable member of the Hillhouse team; expresses heartfelt condolences to Sarah's family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched, and acknowledges the profound loss felt by the community following her passing; praises the commitment of Mairi, Eileen, Liz, and the rest of the Hillhouse team to continue Sarah's legacy of helping families in need; and further recognises Sarah's enduring impact on Hillhouse and the wider community and pledges to honour her memory by supporting and promoting the vital work of Hillhouse in alleviating hardship and making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families in Ayrshire.

637Father Martin Chambers

Tabled: 18/04/24 Signatories: 1

Alan Brown

That this House expresses its profound sadness at the sudden passing of Father Martin Chambers, a beloved priest of the Diocese of Galloway and Bishop-Elect of the Diocese of Dunkeld, who tragically passed away on 10 April 2024; notes with deep sorrow the loss felt by the people of Galloway Diocese and the wider community of Kilmarnock and Loudoun; recognises Father Chambers' unwavering dedication and tireless service to the community during his 14 years at St Matthew's and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, as well as his invaluable contributions to other parishes including St Sophia's, where he played a pivotal role in keeping them vibrant; commends Father Chambers for his profound impact on the community, both locally and internationally, particularly through his work in fostering a link between St Joseph's Academy and Ecuador, allowing for cultural exchange and enrichment for pupils from both nations; acknowledges his imminent ordination as Bishop of Dunkeld, a testament to his exemplary character and faithful service; extends heartfelt condolences to Father Chambers' family, friends, and colleagues, as well as the people of Galloway Diocese and the Diocese of Dunkeld, during this time of profound loss; pays tribute to Father Martin Chambers for his selfless dedication, unwavering faith and profound impact on the lives of those he touched; affirms that his legacy of compassion and service will endure in the hearts and minds of all who knew him; and hopes that he will rest in peace.

638Harry McWhinnie and the Dwarf Sports Association UK

Tabled: 18/04/24 Signatories: 1

Kenny MacAskill

That this House congratulates eight-year-old Harry McWhinnie from Prestonpans in East Lothian on raising almost £800 for Dwarf Sports Association UK by swimming 62 lengths in an hour; understands that Harry is a member of Musselburgh Amateur Swimming Club, and successfully doubled the number of lengths after completing his first sponsored swim in April 2023 where he swam 34 lengths of a 25 metre pool; commends Harry's fundraising efforts for the Dwarf Sports Association UK charity, for which he exceeded his £100 fundraising target and raised almost £800; notes that Harry will be attending the National Dwarf Games in May 2024, where he can participate in sports such as cycling, hockey, running, swimming; and wishes Harry the very best of luck with his future and any future fundraising efforts.

639The Broc Bar

Tabled: 18/04/24 Signatories: 1

Kenny MacAskill

That this House congratulates The Broc Bar, situated in The Bonnie Badger in Gullane, East Lothian, on being named the best bar in East Lothian at the National Pub and Bar Awards for the third consecutive year; understands that the business was recognised by judges for demonstrating excellence across a number of elements, including its food and drink offering, its commitment to local sourcing, standards of service excellence, a creative interior, its dedication to team training, support and engagement, and a proactive approach to sustainability; notes that the National Pub and Bar Awards aim to showcase the UK's finest pubs and bars on a national scale, celebrating the best venues in 94 counties across Scotland, Wales, England, and Northern Ireland; and wishes everyone at The Bonnie Badger and The Broc Bar the very best with their futures.

640RBS branch closures

Tabled: 18/04/24 Signatories: 1

Deidre Brock

That this House recognises the importance of maintaining bank branch services; regrets the latest closures announced by the Natwest banking group, which operates Royal Bank of Scotland, and the decision to close 18 of its 86 RBS branches across Scotland, with three branches in Edinburgh set to close including Leith, disadvantaging small businesses and customers in one of the most densely populated parts of the city; further recognises the importance of maintaining counter services to a significant proportion of the community who do not use digital banking; and calls on the Government to take much greater action to protect access to cash and face to face banking services across the UK high streets.

641New Practice turns five years old

Tabled: 18/04/24 Signatories: 1

Alison Thewliss

That this House recognises the fifth anniversary of New Practice, an award-winning women and LGBTQ+-led architectural practice based between Glasgow and London, on 9 May 2024; notes that in these five years, New Practice has played a vital role in improving the lived environment of both cities and many places beyond; acknowledges their participation in vital projects such as the redevelopment of the Kinning Park Complex, the redevelopment of Buchanan Galleries, and the preservation of the architectural heritage of Glasgow's High Street; congratulates New Practice management and staff on this significant anniversary; and wishes them all the best in all future endeavours.

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.

537St Andrew's Secondary School fundraising

Tabled: 21/03/24 Signatories: 10

David Linden

Dr Philippa Whitford

George Galloway

Allan Dorans

Anne McLaughlin

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates pupils at St Andrew’s Secondary School for their tireless efforts in raising over £8000 for charities and causes across Glasgow East; recognises their selfless dedication in assisting St Andrews Hospice in their Ben Nevis Challenge, 6K fun run and participating in a Sleep Out for Shelter Scotland; applauds them for living by their school motto of Service not Self in volunteering for charities across the East End of Glasgow including The Wayside Club and local food banks; commends St Andrew’s Secondary School for empowering their students to create positive social change in their local community; and wishes all pupils, teachers and staff at St Andrew’s all the success in their future endeavours in promoting social justice.

538One year anniversary of the kidnapping of Elizabeth Tsurkov

Tabled: 21/03/24 Signatories: 25

Tommy Sheppard

Jonathan Edwards

Layla Moran

Dr Philippa Whitford

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Allan Dorans

That this House notes that today marks the one year anniversary of the kidnapping of Elizabeth Tsurkov, a dual Russian-Israeli national, who is being held hostage in Iraq by the militant group Kata'ib Hezbollah; expresses dismay at her kidnapping and calls for her immediate release; extends solidarity to her family as they campaign for her safe release; further notes that the Iraqi Government has opened an investigation last year into the kidnapping and expresses hope that this will now move swiftly and without undue delay; notes that the Popular Mobilisation Force (PMF) consisting of Kata'ib Hezbollah and other militant groups is funded by the Iraqi government; expresses concern at the potential risk of UK Government funding to Iraq benefiting the PMF; urges the UK Government to ensure robust procedures are in place to ensure that funding is not rediverted to these groups; and further urges the UK Government to use all diplomatic pressure and tools at its disposal to secure the release of Ms Tsurkov.

543Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund and Nestlé

Tabled: 22/03/24 Signatories: 12

Dr Philippa Whitford

George Galloway

Allan Dorans

Anne McLaughlin

Caroline Lucas

Jim Shannon

That this House notes that a coalition of Nestlé shareholders, with a combined $1.68 trillion in assets under management, has filed a resolution asking Nestlé to set a target to shift its sales towards healthier products; notes that the majority of Nestlé’s sales, 70% in the UK, are from foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar; further notes that Nestlé is the biggest food company in the world and therefore has an enormous influence on millions of people’s diets through the products it makes, advertises, and sells; recognises that diet-related ill-health, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, is a major global public health challenge and a burden on public services, the wider economy, governments and, thus, on diversified shareholders; believes investors, including pensions and savings, have a responsibility to invest in a way that protects our planet and supports its people; observes that many pension funds, including the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund (PCPF), have large investments in Nestlé; and urges the PCPF to vote in favour of this resolution at, or ahead of, the company’s 2024 Annual General Meeting on 18 April 2024.

550The Big Plastic Count

Tabled: 25/03/24 Signatories: 14

Ben Lake

Dr Philippa Whitford

Chris Law

Alison Thewliss

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House congratulates the thousands of schools, households, community groups and businesses that came together to mark the Big Plastic Count between 11 and 17 March; acknowledges that this annual citizen science investigation provides a unique snapshot of the scale of the UK’s plastic crisis; notes that the study by Greenpeace UK and Everyday Plastic provides valuable data about our plastic footprint; highlights that almost a quarter of a million people took part in the Big Plastic Count in 2022, which revealed that a quarter of a million participants threw away 6.4 million pieces of packaging waste in one week, yet only 12% was likely recycled; and calls on the UK Government to ban plastic waste exports, set a moratorium on new incinerators, and implement a Deposit Return Scheme for plastic bottles.

552Centenary of Glasgow Philharmonic Male Voice Choir

Tabled: 25/03/24 Signatories: 8

Alison Thewliss

Dr Philippa Whitford

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Richard Thomson

That this House commemorates the upcoming centenary of the Glasgow Philharmonic Male Voice Choir (GPMVC) on 9 of June 2025; notes that the GPMVC was formed by the amalgamation of the Partick Male Voice Choir and a number of recruits from elsewhere in the city of Glasgow, who had participated in choirs formed by war workers in Glasgow during the First World War; recognises that the GPMVC has provided annual concerts every year since 5 March 1926, the run only being broken by the coronavirus pandemic; acknowledges the role of the GPMVC in providing personal support mechanisms to allow men to build a sense of community and gain excellence in the musical arts; celebrates the many achievements of the GPMVC, including winning the International Trophy at the Welsh National Eisteddfod in Llangollen in 1950, participating in the London Welsh Male Voice Choir’s Festivals of Male Voice in 1990, 1994, 2000, 2006 and 2012, and the Police Scotland Semper Vigilo Memorial Service at the Old Cathcart Parish Church on 28 November 2021; notes that the GPMVC also operates a scholarship scheme to help young singers with uniform and travel costs and participates in charity initiatives for humanitarian aid to Ukraine; and thanks all involved with the choir for their hard work and their vital contribution to Scottish cultural life.

55550th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Kilsyth

Tabled: 25/03/24 Signatories: 8

Stuart C McDonald

Dr Philippa Whitford

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Richard Thomson

That this House extends congratulations to the Rotary Club of Kilsyth on reaching its 50th anniversary; acknowledges and commends the important work carried out by the Rotary Club in the communities of Kilsyth and surrounding villages; expresses gratitude to the club's membership for their continued dedication to the values of the club, including service above self; recognises the broader role of local Rotary clubs in contributing to humanitarian projects across the world; and wishes the Rotary Club of Kilsyth the best of luck for the next 50 years and beyond.

56040th anniversary of Border Biscuits

Tabled: 25/03/24 Signatories: 8

Angela Crawley

Chris Law

Alison Thewliss

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Richard Thomson

That this House congratulates Border Biscuits on celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2024; recognises that, since its establishment in 1984, Border Biscuits has become an institution in Lanark and a well-loved brand across the UK; commends Border Biscuits for remaining connected and invested in the local community through their Border Community Support programme, into which the company donates 10 per cent of its profits; recognises the success of the Border Community Support programme, which reached the £1 million milestone in February 2021; appreciates that Border Biscuits continues to operate as a family-run business; and looks forward to the next 40 years of dark chocolate gingers, Viennese whirls and butterscotch crunches.

56390th anniversary of the Wiener Holocaust Library

Tabled: 25/03/24 Signatories: 11

Kirsten Oswald

Dr Philippa Whitford

Chris Law

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House commends the brilliant work and resources of the Wiener Holocaust Library, located on Russell Square, London; notes the Library is one of the world’s foremost and extensive archives on the Holocaust, Nazi era, and genocide; understands the Library was founded in 1934 by Dr Alfred Wiener, a prominent campaigner against Nazism in the 1920s and 30s, after he fled Nazi Germany for Amsterdam where he set up the Jewish Central Information Office (JCIO) at the request of the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Anglo-Jewish Association to collect information about the Nazis and the treatment of Jews; recognises that the Library moved to the UK following the pogrom of 1938 and that the JCIO was increasingly referred to as Dr Wiener’s Library during the war, leading to its eventual renaming; further notes the Library contains some of the earliest accounts produced by survivors of the Holocaust, that it holds the UK’s digital copy of the International Tracing Service Archive, which it puts at the service of survivors, descendants of victims, and academics and that the Library serves to be a living memorial to the evils of the past, engaging with people of all backgrounds and ages in understanding the Holocaust; highlights that the Library marked its 90th anniversary in February 2024; further commends the Library’s ongoing efforts opposing antisemitism and other forms of intolerance; and wishes everyone involved with the Wiener Holocaust Library all the very best as they continue their vital work.

570Female genital mutilation legislation in The Gambia

Tabled: 26/03/24 Signatories: 15

Patricia Gibson

Jonathan Edwards

Alison Thewliss

Allan Dorans

Jeremy Corbyn

Stephen Farry

That this House expresses its deep concern regarding the Gambian National Assembly’s consideration of a Bill which would repeal that country’s ban on female genital mutilation (FGM); offers its unqualified condemnation of the practice of FGM; considers FGM to be a violation of the human rights of girls and women, including the right to freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, the right to the highest attainable standard of health, the right to physical integrity, and the rights of the child; notes the World Health Organization evaluation of the practice as one which has no health benefits and can lead to excessive bleeding, urinary problems, shock, psychological problems and even death; recognises that the United Nations Population Fund estimates that over four million girls are at risk of FGM each year; believes that no justification for the practice can be found from the religion of either Islam or Christianity; understands that FGM has been outlawed in The Gambia since 2015 with the imposition of fines and prison sentences of up to three years for individuals who engage in the practice, and life imprisonment in instances where the practice led to death; further understands that the bill has been referred to a parliamentary committee for further consideration before moving to a final vote of all members of the Gambian National Assembly; and urges lawmakers in The Gambia to retain the ban on FGM and uphold the human rights of Gambian women.

573Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 590)

Tabled: 26/03/24 Signatories: 7

Alison Thewliss

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Allan Dorans

Dr Philippa Whitford

Richard Thomson

Chris Law

That the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules, HC 590, a copy of which was laid before this House on 14 March 2024, be disapproved.

574Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 556)

Tabled: 26/03/24 Signatories: 8

Alison Thewliss

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Allan Dorans

Dr Philippa Whitford

Stuart C McDonald

Richard Thomson

That the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules, HC 556, a copy of which was laid before this House on 19 February 2024, be disapproved.

580Provand's Lordship Reopening to the Public after Refurbishment Works

Tabled: 15/04/24 Signatories: 7

Alison Thewliss

Jim Shannon

Dr Philippa Whitford

Richard Thomson

Ms Anum Qaisar

Chris Stephens

That this House welcomes the reopening of Provand's Lordship, the oldest intact building in the city of Glasgow; notes that the building is one of only four surviving medieval buildings in the city, built in 1471 as part of the St Nicholas Hospital estate by Andrew de Durisdeer, Bishop of Glasgow; recognises the importance of the £1.6m renovation and conservation works that have been undertaken at the site to ensure its continuity for generations to come; acknowledges the hard work of Glasgow Life and Historic Scotland employees and management in the refurbishment of the building; and wishes all involved the best in all future endeavours.

591Centenary of 1st Mearns Brownies

Tabled: 15/04/24 Signatories: 8

Kirsten Oswald

Jim Shannon

Dr Philippa Whitford

Richard Thomson

Ms Anum Qaisar

Chris Stephens

That this House celebrates the centenary of the founding of 1st Mearns Brownies, based in Newton Mearns, and recognises that the important occasion will be marked with a coffee morning and a commemorative tree planting on Saturday 27 April 10.00am to 12.30pm at Mearnskirk Church Hall; understands that the coffee morning will also involve a special performance from the Brownies and that there will be stalls including home baking, raffles, tombola, a jumble sale and much more besides; notes that the money raised from the coffee morning will go towards new tents, craft supplies, and general unit funds, to support the work of young girls in Girlguiding; recognises that 1st Mearns Brownies has improved lives and communities over the past century, encouraging girls to achieve personal goals through a progressive programme which provides opportunities to work for a wide variety of badges while making new friends, growing in maturity and developing at one’s own pace; and wishes everyone involved with 1st Mearns Brownies continued success for the next 100 years and beyond.

593Tenant farming commissioner

Tabled: 15/04/24 Signatories: 7

Tim Farron

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Richard Foord

Chris Stephens

Chris Law

That this House praises the work of Baroness Kate Rock in producing the Rock Review of the Tenanted Farming Sector; acknowledges the value of the more than 70 detailed recommendations the review makes; urges the Government to especially consider the recommendation for a tenant farming commissioner; notes the need for this position to tenant-proof all new agricultural payments schemes, to judge their appropriateness for tenant farmers and to ensure that tenants are not disadvantaged; further notes the success of the Scottish Government’s existing tenant farming commissioner; and recognises tenant farmers’ need for this commissioner to be their advocate and champion within Government.

5963 Dads Walking

Tabled: 15/04/24 Signatories: 12

Owen Thompson

Stuart C McDonald

Jim Shannon

Dr Philippa Whitford

Richard Thomson

Ms Anum Qaisar

That this House commends the extraordinary efforts of Tim Owen, Mike Palmer and Andy Airey, collectively known as 3 Dads Walking, for their tireless dedication to raising awareness of suicide prevention among young people; welcomes them to Scotland and Midlothian as they continue their latest trek; acknowledges the profound impact of their new book Three Dads Walking: 300 Miles of Hope, which shares their deeply personal stories of loss and resilience; applauds their commitment to honouring the memory of their daughters - Sophie, Beth, and Emily - by advocating for suicide prevention measures; recognises their superb fundraising efforts for PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide; further recognises their call for age-related suicide awareness to be included in the national curriculum as evidenced by their petition which garnered more than 100,000 signatures; and highly commends their outstanding dedication, exemplary courage and invaluable contribution to the cause of suicide prevention.

59780th anniversary of the Great Escape

Tabled: 15/04/24 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Sir Mike Penning

Bob Blackman

That this House notes the 80th anniversary of the Great Escape, an act of defiance during the Second World War in which 76 prisoners of war tunnelled out of a German prisoner of war camp, Stalag Luft III, into a snowy forest; highlights that this camp was considered one of the hardest to escape from; underlines that, in fact, over 600 prisoners were involved in the construction of the tunnels; further notes that the three tunnels were named Tom, Dick and Harry and that only 76 of the planned 200 escaped; further highlights the 73 were recaptured and, of those, 50 were executed and that three men successfully fled to safety; and remembers the legacy this story leaves behind and that the lives of all those within Nazi prison camps will never be forgotten.

598175th anniversary of Glastry Church

Tabled: 15/04/24 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Sir Mike Penning

That this House celebrates the 175th anniversary of Glastry Methodist Church, with celebrations taking place in Bangor City Hall; notes the history of the church, whose roots date back to 1848 on land owned by William Shaw of Red Bay Farm, that brought together two congregations in Glastry and Portaferry; highlights that the foundation stones are still clearly in the church porch; underlines the ongoing service of the church to the local community; and wishes the church many more years of well wishes.

604Baha'i, Iran

Tabled: 15/04/24 Signatories: 7

Sir Stephen Timms

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Rachael Maskell

Chris Stephens

Chris Law

That this House notes reports in February 2024 of an attack on a Bahai educational gathering in a private home in the Iranian town of Ghaemshar; understands that those in attendance were students at the informal, but remarkable, Bahai Institute for Higher Education, which facilitates degree level study for Bahais denied access to Iranian universities; expresses concern at reports that agents of the Ministry of Intelligence beat one member of the group in front of his mother and of his classmates; and calls on the UK Government to raise the right to education of the Bahai community in bilateral and multi-lateral messaging to the Iranian authorities.

608Culloden Academy and the Scottish Cup 2024

Tabled: 15/04/24 Signatories: 14

Drew Hendry

Brendan O'Hara

Anne McLaughlin

Stuart C McDonald

Dave Doogan

John Nicolson

That this House congratulates Inverness school Culloden Academy on its success in the Scottish Cup, with both the first-year girls' and senior girls' teams winning national basketball championship titles; notes the performance of the first-year girls' team, winning with a score of 59-25, and the senior girls' team, achieving a 88-38 win; commends the dedication and skill demonstrated by players, coaches, and staff involved in the Culloden Academy basketball programme; recognises the positive impact of physical education fostered by events like the Scottish Cup; and wishes Culloden Academy continued success in future sporting endeavours.

622Craigavon Baptist Church - 50th Anniversary

Tabled: 16/04/24 Signatories: 2

Carla Lockhart

Sir Mike Penning

That this House joins with the congregation of Craigavon Baptist Church, in celebrating 50 years of Christian witness in Craigavon and the surrounding area; recognises the positive impact of the Church in the community; and wishes the congregation well as they embark upon the next 50 years of their evangelism and service in the Craigavon area.

62350th anniversary of the Junior Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland

Tabled: 17/04/24 Signatories: 2

Carla Lockhart

Sir Mike Penning

That this House proudly commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Junior Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland; commends its steadfast commitment to cherishing history, tradition and the preservation of culture over the last half century; recognises the profound impact of the Junior Lodge on the lives of countless young people, notes its invaluable role in shaping character and instilling values; expresses gratitude for their service to the Orange tradition; and extends best wishes for continued success and prosperity in the years ahead as they persist in promoting the fundamental Orange Ideals of Religious Freedom and Liberty for all.

624Portadown Defenders Flute Band 50-year association with LOL 339 and RBP 141

Tabled: 17/04/24 Signatories: 2

Carla Lockhart

Sir Mike Penning

That this House extends sincere congratulations to the Portadown Defenders Flute Band on its 50-year connection with LOL 339 and RBP 141; recognises the vital role of marching bands in cultural expression within Northern Ireland; applauds the unwavering dedication of the band's members throughout its existence and their commitment to making a positive impact on the local community; and extends its best wishes as the band embarks on its celebrations and prepares for the upcoming marching season.

62590th anniversary of Corcrain Royal Black Preceptory 141

Tabled: 17/04/24 Signatories: 2

Carla Lockhart

Sir Mike Penning

That this House extends heartfelt congratulations to the Corcrain Royal Black Preceptory 141 as it commemorates its 90th anniversary year; acknowledges its enduring 50-year collaboration with the Portadown Defenders Flute Band; recognises the constructive influence the institution has had within the local community over the years; and commends its steadfast dedication to preserving culture and heritage in Portadown and the surrounding area.

626130th anniversary of Corcrain Purple Rocket LOL 339

Tabled: 17/04/24 Signatories: 2

Carla Lockhart

Sir Mike Penning

That this House commemorates the 130th anniversary of the Corcrain Purple Rocket LOL 339 and its 50 year association with the Portadown Defenders Flute Band; commends LOL 339 for its steadfast commitment to preserving history, tradition, and cultural heritage in Portadown and the surrounding area; acknowledges the esteemed past and present members, spanning generations; expresses gratitude for LOL 339's exemplary dedication to upholding the Orange tradition and in doing so promoting the ideals of Religious Freedom and Liberty for all; and extends very best wishes for continued success and prosperity in the years ahead.

627War in Sudan

Tabled: 17/04/24 Signatories: 3

Alison Thewliss

Jonathan Edwards

Patrick Grady

That this House mourns the first anniversary of the outbreak of the civil war in Sudan, which began on 15 April 2023; regrets the tragic conflict, which has resulted in a humanitarian and refugee crisis across the country and its neighbours, with more than 8.5 million residents of Sudan displaced due to the fighting as of March 2024; notes that in November, the UN found that the conflict had created the largest child displacement crisis in the world, affecting around three million Sudanese children; acknowledges the disturbing and widespread use of war crimes by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, the two main factions of the conflict; recognises that these war crimes have included indiscriminate attacks on residential neighbourhoods, disruption of humanitarian aid, targeting of hospitals and medical services, sexual violence, and massacres against ethnic minorities, in particular the Masalit of West Darfur; condemns all those complicit in war crimes during the conflict; demands an end to the fighting and a resumption of Sudan's democratic transition; calls on the UK Government to meet its obligations to Sudanese nationals displaced by the civil war at home and abroad; and urges the UK Government to do everything in its power to help end the conflict.

628Derek Underwood MBE

Tabled: 17/04/24 Signatories: 4

Dame Tracey Crouch

Jonathan Edwards

Sir Mike Penning

Bob Blackman

That this House acknowledges the sad passing of Kent and England cricketer Derek Underwood MBE, who represented England from 1966 until 1982; notes that he claimed 297 wickets over 86 Test match appearances at an average of 25.83, making him the sixth leading wicket taker to represent England and the most of any England spin bowler; recognises that he played for Kent County Cricket Club between 1963 and 1987, making over 900 appearances and taking 2,523 wickets; acknowledges that he was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1969, served as President of Kent Count Cricket Club in 2006 and the President of Marylebone Cricket Club in 2008, was inducted into the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame in 2009; and remembers him as an advocate for growing cricket worldwide while protecting the sport’s rich heritage.

629The Malletsheugh and the Scottish Curry Awards 2024

Tabled: 17/04/24 Signatories: 2

Kirsten Oswald

Patrick Grady

That this House congratulates the Malletsheugh restaurant, based in Newton Mearns East Renfrewshire, on being crowned New Restaurant of the Year at the 16th annual Scottish Curry Awards; notes that the restaurant was first opened in August 2023 by the Birk family after an extensive and stylish redesign and renovation of the original structure which includes a new glass-walled private dining room; recognises that the Malletsheugh is run by Tina Birk and staffed by her sons Pavan, Aman, Bobby, and Rohan; highlights that the family business is a loving tribute to their grandfather who started their tradition of Indian cooking in Glasgow; understands the Scottish Curry Awards are a prestigious event recognising and celebrating the talents and hard work of individuals within the Scottish curry industry; further understands that the Scottish Curry Awards 2024 took place on 15 April at the Glasgow Double Tree by Hilton Hotel; and wishes everyone at the Malletsheugh all the very best for the future.

631The cost of private rent in England and rent controls

Tabled: 17/04/24 Signatories: 8

Caroline Lucas

Nadia Whittome

Rachael Maskell

Grahame Morris

Mohammad Yasin

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

That this House notes the huge cost of private rents in England and increase in private rents since private tenancies were deregulated and section 21 no-fault evictions were introduced under the Housing Act 1988; recognises the challenges with accurately estimating average private rents but further notes historical data points to an average £410 per month rent across all private sector tenancies in 1990, in 2023 prices, and ONS data indicating the average private rent in England in February 2024 was £1,276 per month, suggesting roughly a threefold increase; is deeply concerned by the homelessness crisis and the 50% rise of homelessness in one year due to no-fault evictions and that English councils spent £1.7bn on temporary accommodation last year; further notes that the cost of private rented accommodation in England is higher and renters' rights weaker than in European countries with rent controls and more secure tenancies; calls on the Government to establish an independent Living Rent Commission tasked with consulting on and designing a national system of rent controls with local flexibility and to provide powers to local councils to control rents in high rent areas; believes rent controls must be implemented gradually and fairly alongside a suite of policies to give renters security of tenure and to address the housing supply crisis, including a mass programme of zero-carbon social homes; and further calls on the Government to follow the example of Scotland and other European countries by legislating for rent controls in the private rented sector.