Contents

Published: Monday 22 April 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Friday 19 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

642Himalayan Dine Barrhead and the Scottish Curry Awards 2024

Tabled: 19/04/24 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House congratulates Himalayan Dine Barrhead, based on Barrhead Main Street, East Renfrewshire, on being crowned Neighbourhood Restaurant of the Year at the prestigious 16th annual Scottish Curry Awards; notes that Himalayan Dine Barrhead was also highly commended in the category of Most Wanted Restaurant of the Year; understands the family run restaurant first opened in 2021 and specialises in authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine; further notes that Himalayan Dine Barrhead has a sister restaurant based in Shawlands, Glasgow South; recognises that the Scottish Curry Awards is a significant event which highlights and celebrates 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 all of the staff at Himalayan Dine Barrhead all the very best for the future.

643Swagath Indian Restaurant and the Scottish Curry Awards 2024

Tabled: 19/04/24 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House congratulates Swagath, an Indian restaurant located on Glasgow Road, East Renfrewshire, on being crowned Best of Greater Glasgow at the prestigious 16th annual Scottish Curry Awards; notes that Swagath was previously based on Dovecothall Street before moving to their current premises on Glasgow Road in May 2023; recognises that Swagath shares their current premises with Scotch and Rib-Aye Bar and Restaurant; understands that the restaurant offers a wide range of authentic Indian dishes; notes that the Scottish Curry Awards is a significant event which highlights and celebrates 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 all of the staff at Swagath Indian Restaurant all the very best for the future.

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.

544Office of National Statistics and mandatory attendance at workplaces

Tabled: 22/03/24 Signatories: 30

Chris Stephens

John McDonnell

Grahame Morris

Beth Winter

Rebecca Long Bailey

Ian Lavery

That this House expresses support and solidarity with the 1,200 Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) union members working for the Office of National Statistics (ONS) in Newport, Titchfield, London, Darlington, Manchester and Edinburgh who are currently balloting for industrial action over mandatory attendance at workplaces; notes that there was no previous requirement to spend a specific amount of time in offices but, in late 2023, workers were told that from January 2024 they would need to spend a minimum of 20% of their working time in the workplace, increasing to 40% from April; agrees with the PCS that the post-pandemic arrangements at the ONS have been an example of best practice in flexible and sustainable ways of working and that no evidence-based business case has been made for disrupting this model; further notes that this sudden change has caused anger among staff, already demoralised by the lack of trust and the need for rapid changes to their childcare and other arrangements; and calls on the Government to engage in meaningful talks with the union to arrive at a sensible way forward that accommodates the legitimate concerns of ONS employees.

549Final report of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman on women's state pension age

Tabled: 25/03/24 Signatories: 23

Patricia Gibson

Stephen Farry

Dr Philippa Whitford

Deidre Brock

Chris Law

Ben Lake

That this House welcomes the findings of the UK Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) which vindicates women born in the 1950s who were severely impacted when their state pension age was raised with little or no notice; notes that the Ombudsman's conclusions that the Government needs to act swiftly to ensure a compensation scheme is established to remedy the failings by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP); further notes with concern that the Ombudsman’s report highlights that the DWP has clearly indicated that it will refuse to comply; believes that this is completely unacceptable and agrees that DWP must do the right thing and be held accountable for its failure to do so; is mindful of the suffering of the woman affected by the changes to their state pension age, with retirement plans thrown into chaos, leaving many in dire financial straits, exacerbated during a cost of living crisis; appreciates that the generation of women affected have already been victims of pay discrimination; commends the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaigners who have conducted their campaign for pension justice with dignity despite provocation in the form of dismissal and intransigence from the Government over many years; urges the Government to accept the fact that the women affected need and deserve compensation which recognises their financial loss and distress; and rejects any attempts to erect barriers which will prevent prompt access to compensation so that all WASPI women can finally enjoy the retirement they have earned.

569Access to State Pension for people with a terminal illness

Tabled: 26/03/24 Signatories: 35

Dave Doogan

Jonathan Edwards

Alison Thewliss

Allan Dorans

Ian Mearns

Stuart C McDonald

That this House notes that people with terminal illnesses cannot currently access their State Pension until their retirement age; recognises that this is the case even for individuals who have made full National Insurance contributions; acknowledges that poverty rates are disproportionately high amongst the terminally ill; commends research by Loughborough University showing that granting State Pensions to this group would almost halve the rate of poverty within this cohort while costing only £144 million per year, just 0.1% of the annual State Pension bill; and calls on the Government to allow early access to State Pensions for people diagnosed with a terminal illness.

570Female genital mutilation legislation in The Gambia

Tabled: 26/03/24 Signatories: 16

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.

572Referral of matters of 21 February 2024 to the Committee of Privileges

Tabled: 26/03/24 Signatories: 69

Mr William Wragg

Stephen Flynn

Liz Saville Roberts

Sir Graham Brady

Owen Thompson

Gary Sambrook

That this House notes the Speaker’s decision on selection and calling of amendments on 21 February 2024 was not in accordance with the established precedent for Opposition days; and accordingly considers that, notwithstanding the Resolution of this House of 6 February 1978, the matter of whether undue pressure was placed on Mr Speaker in relation to the decision on selection and calling of amendments on 21 February, should be referred to the Committee of Privileges.

573Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 590)

Tabled: 26/03/24 Signatories: 8

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: 10

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.

575Immigration changes for carers and Ukrainians

Tabled: 26/03/24 Signatories: 14

Dan Carden

Jonathan Edwards

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Alison Thewliss

Kim Johnson

John McDonnell

That this House is concerned that the latest Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules, HC 556, which will prevent overseas care workers from bringing their dependants to the UK and makes substantial changes to the Ukraine schemes, will have a negative impact on migrant families; notes in particular that the changes will likely force carers into acquiescing to exploitative conditions at work or plunge them into destitution; recognises the importance of family members to carers often carrying out low-paid but crucial work in the UK’s social care sector; further notes with concern the lack of opportunity for the abrupt changes to the Ukraine schemes to have been scrutinised properly within the usual 21-day period before implementation; further recognises the stress and harm that the changes will cause by separating Ukrainian families, particularly where one or more family members are left behind in Ukraine; also notes the harm that will be caused by no longer permitting Ukrainian nationals to sponsor family members under the Homes for Ukraine scheme; and calls on the Home Office to properly tackle migrant worker exploitation and urgently reconsider its changes to the Ukraine schemes.

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

Tabled: 15/04/24 Signatories: 8

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.

600Trapped podcast on IPP sentences

Tabled: 15/04/24 Signatories: 25

John McDonnell

Liz Saville Roberts

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Kenny MacAskill

Richard Burgon

That this House praises the tireless work by campaigners fighting against the injustice of Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences, which were abolished in 2012 but not retrospectively, and commends the Trapped podcast for shining a powerful spotlight on the ongoing scandal of these indefinite and potentially never-ending sentences; agrees with the Lord Chancellor that IPP sentences are a stain on our justice system, and with the United Nations special rapporteur on torture that they have become cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment that could amount to psychological torture; welcomes Government proposals to reduce the licence period post-release for people serving IPP sentences but believes these reforms do not go nearly far enough; urges the Government and Opposition to commit to a bipartisan approach to resolving this miscarriage of justice conclusively by supporting the establishment of an expert panel to oversee a resentencing exercise for everyone serving an IPP sentence, as recommended by the Justice Select Committee; calls on the leaderships of all political parties to listen to the first season of Trapped so as to understand better the importance and urgency of such a resentencing exercise; and looks forward to the launch of the second season of this gripping, inspiring and heart-breaking podcast.

606STV journalists' strike action

Tabled: 15/04/24 Signatories: 6

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

Ms Anum Qaisar

Chris Stephens

Chris Law

Angela Crawley

That this House supports the decision by members of the Scottish Television (STV) workforce to initiate strike action on Thursday 28 March 2024 following an overwhelming mandate from a ballot in favour of industrial action due to the breakdown in pay negotiations at the broadcaster; acknowledges that this marks the start of a series of disruptions to STV's flagship news programming throughout the spring and summer seasons; recognises that the strike will result in the depletion of newsroom resources in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Inverness; further recognises that the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) is advocating for a six per cent pay rise for its members to counter the effects of inflation amidst a record cost-of-living crisis experienced last year; observes that STV has only offered this increase to the bottom three per cent of earners, citing financial constraints despite recording profits exceeding £20 million on record revenues in the previous fiscal year; further supports the sentiment expressed by Nick McGowan-Lowe, NUJ Scotland National Organiser, who highlighted that STV journalists are not merely reporting on the cost-of-living crisis but are actively experiencing its ramifications and emphasises that these journalists, who contribute to STV's acclaimed journalism, are simply seeking a wage increase commensurate with inflation; urges Simon Pitts, Chief Executive of STV, and the STV Board to engage constructively with union representatives and reconsider their position recognising the reasonable demands of the workforce; and calls for a fair, equitable resolution to the dispute that respects the contributions of STV journalists.

627War in Sudan

Tabled: 17/04/24 Signatories: 7

Alison Thewliss

Jonathan Edwards

Patrick Grady

Angela Crawley

Chris Law

Richard Thomson

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.

629The Malletsheugh and the Scottish Curry Awards 2024

Tabled: 17/04/24 Signatories: 4

Kirsten Oswald

Patrick Grady

Chris Law

Richard Thomson

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.

630Extended and virtual reality in education

Tabled: 17/04/24 Signatories: 5

Carol Monaghan

Patrick Grady

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

Richard Thomson

That this House welcomes the University of Glasgow’s white paper entitled XRed: Preparing for Immersive Education; notes the value that extended reality and virtual reality technology can and will bring to the future of education; realises that such technology can transform learner experiences, drive imagination and push boundaries; congratulates the Scoping Extended Education Realities (SEER) research group for its work on this field and its ambitions to ensure the virtualisation of education is safe, quick and equitable; further congratulates the SEER group for winning significant funding from the Meta Immersive Learning Fund to facilitate this independent research; acknowledges that the University of Glasgow’s Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre is a leading state-of-the-art facility for driving innovation across Scotland; and calls on the Government to consider the importance that such technology will play in the future of classrooms, museums and across the wider education sector.

631The cost of private rent in England and rent controls

Tabled: 17/04/24 Signatories: 9

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.

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

Tabled: 18/04/24 Signatories: 3

Angela Crawley

Chris Law

Richard Thomson

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: 3

Angela Crawley

Chris Law

Richard Thomson

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: 3

Angela Crawley

Chris Law

Richard Thomson

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: 3

Angela Crawley

Chris Law

Richard Thomson

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: 3

Alan Brown

Chris Law

Richard Thomson

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: 3

Alan Brown

Chris Law

Richard Thomson

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.

640RBS branch closures

Tabled: 18/04/24 Signatories: 8

Deidre Brock

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Angela Crawley

Chris Law

Ronnie Cowan

Stuart C McDonald

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: 3

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

Richard Thomson

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.