Contents
Published – Monday 22 July 2024
Early Day Motions tabled on Friday 19 July 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
37Team GB and ParalympicsGB at Paris 2024
Tabled: 19/07/24 Signatories: 1
Charlie Dewhirst
That this House congratulates every athlete selected to represent Team GB and ParalympicsGB at Paris 2024 and wishes them every success at the Games; notes the extraordinary recent performances of Great Britain & Northern Ireland’s Olympic and Paralympic teams; and further notes the vital contribution of UK Sport and The National Lottery in supporting these athletes on their journey to the pinnacle of sport.
38Contribution of universities to regional space clusters
Tabled: 19/07/24 Signatories: 1
Zöe Franklin
That this House celebrates Space Exploration Day on 20 July, commemorating the first crewed mission to the moon and moon landing, which took place on July 20, 1969; notes that the UK space industry generates £17.5 billion for the economy and provides 50,000 highly skilled jobs across the country including scientists and engineers working in academic and industry roles; and recognises the essential contribution of universities to space clusters including Space South Central, the largest regional cluster in the UK, which is led by the University of Portsmouth, the University of Southampton and the University of Surrey, which as a collaborative partnership between academia and industry is accelerating space business growth, fostering an environment of innovation, growing the reputation of the south-central region and is an exemplar of academia and industry working hand in hand to drive national prosperity.
39Ending Outsourcing in Government departments and agencies
Tabled: 19/07/24 Signatories: 1
John McDonnell
That this House condemns the impact of outsourcing on the pay, terms and conditions of workers in government agencies and departments; notes with regret that outsourcing has created a two-tier workforce owing to inequalities created between those centrally-employed and those working for private contractors; further notes that many outsourced facilities management roles including security, cleaning and catering are more likely to be undertaken by women and BAME workers; is concerned that the Government Property Agency has yet to engage constructively with the PCS union on developing proposals for an in-house alternative to the retendering of the facilities management contract in the department of Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) currently held by ISS, due to expire in April 2025; supports the industrial action by outsourced security guards working for G4S in Department of Work and Pensions (DWP); and calls on the Government to urgently implement its promise to bring about the biggest wave of insourcing of public services in a generation.
40Tall ship Tenacious
Tabled: 19/07/24 Signatories: 3
Munira Wilson
Daisy Cooper
Vikki Slade
That this House celebrates the legacy of the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) in providing life-changing opportunities for over 55,000 people who have sailed with JST tall ships, which were purpose-built with initial funding from the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II fund, with the aim of integrating able-bodied and disabled people through tall ship ocean sailing voyages, in which no-one is a passenger and everyone works the ship; notes that the SV Tenacious, the largest wooden tall ship built in the UK for 100 years, is the only remaining tall ship in service in the world which is equipped for disabled and non-disabled crew to sail together on equal terms; recognises the deep regret at the announcement that the JST has ceased operations and the ship’s owning company put into administration as a result of financial difficulties worsened by inactivity during the pandemic; acknowledges that without this ship, which is equipped with measures such as wheelchair access, a speaking compass, visual and tactile alarms and signage in Braille, many people with differing abilities will not be able to experience the freedom of ocean sailing, regardless of physical limitations, which has, over the decades, created immeasurable cascading benefits to the lives of voyage crew, through the challenging and transformative adventure of tall ship sailing; and commends the Save Tall Ship Tenacious campaign, wishing them success in their ongoing efforts to save this unique vessel, a shining example of inclusion and equality for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
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.
2Pharmacy provision in Glastonbury
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 4
Sarah Dyke
Christine Jardine
John McDonnell
Jim Shannon
That this House is concerned about the insufficient pharmacy provision in Glastonbury; believes that following the closure of two pharmacies last year the one remaining pharmacy cannot meet the demands of the town; is pleased that plans for another pharmacy to open in the town have been approved and welcomes its opening; yet is worried about the long term challenges facing pharmacies as the equivalent to 10 local pharmacies have closed down every week between January and April 2024; notes that real terms funding for community pharmacies has decreased by 40% over the last decade; further believes that a fairer and more sustainable long-term funding model for pharmacies is needed; supports the Pharmacy First approach to give patients more accessible routine services and ease the pressure on GPs; and believes qualified pharmacists should be given more prescribing rights and public health advisory services.
3Third runway at Heathrow
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 6
Sarah Olney
Jeremy Corbyn
Christine Jardine
Munira Wilson
Mr Paul Kohler
John McDonnell
That this House recognises Heathrow's renewed focus on the third runway project; condemns the expansion due to its widely-recognised impact on local communities; highlights the existing impact of flying at Heathrow on south west and west London; further highlights that support for the expansion of the third runway contradicts stated commitments to achieving net zero; and urges the Government to reject the project.
4Restoration of Hammersmith Bridge
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 4
Sarah Olney
Christine Jardine
John McDonnell
Jim Shannon
That this House highlights the failure of the previous Government to review the Hammersmith Bridge Strengthening Works Business Case for nearly two years; recognises that the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham does not have the necessary funds to repair the bridge unilaterally; further recognises the bridge's essential place in London's transport infrastructure; and urges the Government to call an immediate session of the Hammersmith Bridge Task Force to update stakeholders on the status of the works.
5Health services in Shropshire
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 4
Helen Morgan
Christine Jardine
John McDonnell
Jim Shannon
That this House recognises the crisis in NHS services, particularly for rural communities; is concerned that over 10,000 people over the age of 65 waited for 24 hours or more to be seen at accident and emergency departments in Shropshire last year; acknowledges that this is greater than a 3,000% increase over the last five years; is further concerned that the number of attendances to accident and emergency departments at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust who wait over four hours increased to 40% in June 2024; notes with regret that, over the last year, the number of four-week waits for a GP appointment rose by 62% in Shropshire; commends the progress made since Donna Ockenden’s final report in 2020 to improve maternity services at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust; further notes that 18 of the recommended actions for the Trust remain undelivered; and urges the Government to improve the safety and quality of all health and care services with a particular focus on rural areas.
6Thames Water price rises
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 11
Layla Moran
Olly Glover
Calum Miller
Charlie Maynard
Freddie van Mierlo
Jeremy Corbyn
John McDonnellJim Shannon
That this House expresses anger at Thames Water’s customers’ water bills increasing by an average 23% over the next five years; welcomes Ofwat’s decision to not allow Thames Water’s proposed price hike of £191 to go ahead wholescale; calls on Ofwat to go further and use its existing powers to crackdown on large water bill rises; condemns Thames Water for discharging sewage into waterways for 196,414 hours last year, a 160% increase on 2022; notes that Thames Water spent over £30 million across their network, in the last financial year, on tankers used to clean up sewage spills in roads, gardens, and homes; asks the Government to tackle sewage dumping by introducing a Sewage Tax on water company profits and setting legally binding targets to prevent sewage dumping into bathing waters and highly sensitive nature sites; further notes that Thames Water announced an increase in annual profits to £157.3 million in their annual report; urges Thames Water to prioritise public good over profit and environmental policy objectives in their day-to-day running; and implores the Government to implement a ban on water company executive bonuses until sewage discharges end.
7Consumer water bills
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 28
Sarah Olney
Steff Aquarone
Luke Taylor
Liz Jarvis
Alex Brewer
Pippa Heylings
John McDonnellJosh BabarindeJim Shannon
That this House regrets the large increases that have been proposed to consumer water bills; notes that water companies continue to dump sewage into local waterways; believes, as a point of principle, that it is unfair for water companies to make consumers bear the brunt of the costs for improvements to infrastructure when companies have paid out millions to shareholders in profits and bonuses to directors and executives; and calls on water companies to ensure water bills make clear to customers where their money is being spent.
8Ending the two-child benefit cap
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 36
Kim Johnson
John McDonnell
Zarah Sultana
Mary Kelly Foy
Siân Berry
Colum Eastwood
Jim Shannon
That this House recognises the new data published by the Department for Work and Pensions on the two-child limit to benefit payments which shows that there are now 1.6 million children living in families impacted by this policy, or one in every nine children; further recognises that of those families impacted 59% are working households, and that 3100 women were granted an exemption to the limit as a result of non-consensual conception under the rape clause; notes that if scrapped this policy would lift 300,000 children out of poverty immediately; and calls on the Government to scrap the two-child limit.
9Cumbria coal mine court appeal
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 4
Tim Farron
Christine Jardine
John McDonnell
Jim Shannon
That this House welcomes the Government’s decision to withdraw support for plans for a new coal mine at Whitehaven in Cumbria; recognises that commissioning the coal mine contradicts the UK’s commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions; calls for urgent investment to be made in Cumbria for alternative sources of high skilled employment in green industries; and urges the new Secretary of State to reject planning permission if the court rules in favour of the appeal.
10Hartlepool Carers' 30th anniversary
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 6
Mr Jonathan Brash
Andy McDonald
Luke Myer
Chris McDonald
John McDonnell
Jim Shannon
That this House congratulates Hartlepool Carers on their 30th anniversary for three decades of work with some of the most vulnerable people and families in the town; notes that kinship carers such as those they support are often unpaid with many other responsibilities in their lives which can be difficult to balance; further notes that although efforts have been made to improve support for kinship carers, there is much more work to be done to ensure fair financial support, adequate leave arrangements with employers and supported respite care; and believes that the Government should prioritise measures to support carers in this Parliament.
11Peace in Israel and Gaza
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 49
Layla Moran [R]
Caroline Voaden
Mr Lee Dillon
Bobby Dean
Freddie van Mierlo
Dr Danny Chambers
John McDonnellJosh Babarinde
That this House expresses its devastation at the complete humanitarian disaster in Gaza with tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians killed, millions displaced and thousands of homes destroyed; urges Hamas to unconditionally and immediately release the hostages taken following the deplorable attacks on 7 October 2023; notes the unacceptable illegal settler violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories left unchecked by the Israeli Government; welcomes any sanctions by the Government against extremist Israeli settlers who have committed human rights abuses against Palestinian communities in the West Bank; further urges the Government to sanction all violent settlers and their connected entities; calls on the Government to uphold international law and the judgments of international courts under all circumstances; further notes that the only path to regional security is a two-state solution based on 1967 borders with Hamas not in power; condemns Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s repeated assertions that there is no future for a Palestinian state; urges the Government to immediately recognise the state of Palestine; and further urges the Government to call for an immediate bilateral ceasefire in Gaza, which will allow an end to the humanitarian devastation, get the hostages out and provide an opportunity for a political process leading to a two-state solution, providing security and dignity for all peoples in Palestine and Israel.
12200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 29
Helena Dollimore
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Ben Lake
Liz Saville Roberts
Llinos Medi
Christine Jardine
John McDonnellMr Luke ChartersJim Shannon
That this House congratulates the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) on its 200th anniversary of saving lives at sea; thanks all crew members who have risked their lives to save over 140,000 lives at sea; and pays tribute to all volunteers past and present who support this vital work.
13Britain’s first black police officer, John Kent
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 8
Ms Julie Minns
Ben Lake
Liz Saville Roberts
Llinos Medi
Ann Davies
Adam Jogee
Jim Shannon
That this House pays tribute to Britain’s first black police officer, John Kent who died on 20 July 1886; notes that John Kent was the son of a freed slave, Thomas Kent; further notes that John Kent began his policing career in Maryport, Cumbria in 1835 before transferring to the Carlisle City Police in 1837; commends John Kent for his service, in particular his policing of the Carlisle election riots during which he and other officers were injured; and asks that the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art consider commissioning a portrait of Britain’s first black police officer to mark the 220th anniversary of John Kent’s birth which falls in 2025.
20Durham Miners' Gala 2024
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 7
Mary Kelly Foy
Kim Johnson
Jeremy Corbyn
Jon Trickett
Andy McDonald
John McDonnell
Jim Shannon
That this House celebrates the Durham Miners’ Gala, also known as the Big Meeting; believes that the Durham Miners’ Gala is the greatest celebration of working-class solidarity in the world; recognises the contribution mineworkers have made to the working-class movement throughout history; further recognises the contribution of mineworkers in defeating fascism in World War II; recognises the contribution of the National Union of Mineworkers to the labour movement, the Labour Party and trade-unionism; recognises the cultural, historical and political ties between County Durham and the mining industry; notes that the 138th Big Meeting marked the 40th anniversary of the 1984-85 miners’ strike; recognises the vital role of women in the miners’ strike; further believes that the gala is a beacon of hope for workers’ around the country; and encourages everyone to become a Marra.
21State pension age and 1950s-born women
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 74
Wendy Chamberlain
Daisy Cooper
Richard Foord
Sorcha Eastwood
Mr Alistair Carmichael
Sarah Green
John McDonnellRachel GilmourJess Brown-FullerMr Gideon AmosMr Adnan HussainJim Shannon
That this House notes with concern the losses borne by 1950s women as a result of maladministration by the Department for Work and Pensions; welcomes the findings of the independent inquiry of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman; further notes that on average over 100 1950s born women die daily, many of whom have suffered losses and die without compensation; and urges the Government to honour the recommendations of the Ombudsman, and come forward with a proper plan to compensate these women.
22Child poverty and the two-child benefit cap
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 64
Wendy Chamberlain
Daisy Cooper
Richard Foord
Mr Alistair Carmichael
Wera Hobhouse
Jamie Stone
John McDonnellJosh BabarindeSteve DarlingJohn MilnePippa HeylingsMr Gideon AmosChris CoghlanCharlotte CaneMr Adnan HussainSarah GreenJim Shannon
That this House believes no child should grow up without adequate food, a warm home or security for their future; notes the Department for Work and Pensions' April 2024 statistics which state that 1.6 million children are affected by the two-child benefit cap; further notes that parents subject to the cap have less income available for childcare costs and therefore experience barriers to employment; recognises that removing this cap is the most cost-effective way of immediately lifting children out of poverty and deep poverty; and urges the Chancellor of the Exchequer to remove the two-child limit on social security payments in her first Budget.
23A39 Atlantic Highway at Camelford
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 2
Ben Maguire
Jim Shannon
That this House notes that the A39 Atlantic Highway runs through Camelford town centre leading to congestion, delays and issues with air quality; further notes that an unsafe building has led to the temporary closure of the A39 on Fore Street in the town, once again highlighting the need for a long-term alternative to using the narrow carriageway through Camelford town centre for through traffic; and calls on the Department for Transport to continue to work with Cornwall Council, residents and local businesses to develop an A39 Atlantic Highway Camelford Improvement Scheme that balances value for money to the taxpayer with benefits to local people and businesses.
24Gareth Southgate resignation as England Manager
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 30
Adam Jogee
Rachel Taylor
Rosie Wrighting
Natasha Irons
Chris Bloore
David Williams
John McDonnellMs Julie MinnsMr Adnan Hussain
That this House notes with sadness the resignation of Gareth Southgate OBE from his role as manager of the England men’s national team on Tuesday 16 July 2024; appreciates Mr Southgate’s commitment, leadership and his steadfast support for grassroots sport; celebrates the brilliant performance of the England squad in the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship; acknowledges that as manager Mr Southgate led the England national team in 102 games over almost eight years; recognises the immense contribution made by Mr Southgate to a sense of national pride right across England; and wishes Gareth Southgate OBE and his family all the best for the future.
26Avoidable deaths
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 13
Grahame Morris
Liz Saville Roberts
Rachael Maskell
Mary Glindon
Mary Kelly Foy
Kim Johnson
John McDonnell
That this House is alarmed by Office for National Statistics data on avoidable mortality released on 18 June 2024 showing that the Avoidable Age-Standardised Mortality Rate (ASMR) for alcohol-related and drug-related deaths has continued to increase in England and Wales; notes that the ASMR for such deaths in England was 25.9 per 100,000 people in 2022 compared with 21.3 in 2019; further notes that the ASMR for such deaths in Wales was 30.2 per 100,000 people in 2022 compared with 24.2 in 2019; recognises that the influx of super strength synthetic opioids such as nitazenes risks a rapid rise in drug deaths; and calls on the Government to focus on public health action, including increasing drug and alcohol treatment provision and expanding availability of the lifesaving antidote to opioid overdose Naloxone, as a matter of urgency.
27School minibus safety
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 5
Sarah Edwards
Tahir Ali
Mary Kelly Foy
Adam Jogee
Jim Shannon
That this House notes that 18 November 2023 was the 30th anniversary of the Hagley M40 minibus disaster, where twelve children and their teacher died; also notes that there is still no legislation to ensure best practice in the use of school minibuses, and a repeat of the tragedy is a distinct possibility; further notes the inequality enshrined in current legislation and regulation whereby private schools are required to operate to a higher standard of safety than state schools by being required to have a full public service vehicle operator’s licence, whereas state schools can operate transport services for hire or reward with a permit under Section 19 of the Transport Act 1985, a much lower standard of safety management; also notes that the existing legislative framework is confusing for school managers and enforcement officers alike; and calls on the Government to ensure that all schools with minibuses are required to have a full public service vehicle operator’s licence, hence operating to best practice and aiming to ensure that all pupils and staff come home safe.
28Dental provision in the South West of England
Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 13
Anna Sabine
Caroline Voaden
Vikki Slade
Wera Hobhouse
Sarah Dyke
Ben Maguire
John McDonnellTessa MuntJim Shannon
That this House notes with concern the lack of NHS dentist provision in South West England; is shocked to learn that parents are often being told to take their children to private dentists in order to get a basic check-up; is concerned that over 100,000 children aged between 6 and 10 years have been admitted to hospital with rotting teeth since 2018; believes that the current situation is leading to children missing out on vital check-ups; supports providing supervised toothbrush training for children in nurseries and schools; further believes that VAT on children’s toothbrushes and toothpaste should be scrapped; and calls on the new Government to work with relevant primary care bodies to end the dental deserts in the South West region by bringing dentists back to the NHS from the private sector by fixing the broken NHS dental contract and using flexible commissioning to meet patient needs so that local residents can access NHS dental services when they need it.
29Coroner services
Tabled: 18/07/24 Signatories: 2
Ayoub Khan
John McDonnell
That this House calls on the Government to properly fund coroner services, including non-invasive scanning equipment where post-mortems are required, with a view to reducing delays; notes that there are increasing delays in places including Birmingham in bodies being released after death; and expresses regret that this leads to extra distress for the families, especially among those whose faith dictates that burials must take place as soon as possible after the death of their loved ones.
30Flooding in Bangladesh
Tabled: 18/07/24 Signatories: 5
Apsana Begum
Kim Johnson
John McDonnell
Mr Adnan Hussain
Ayoub Khan
That this House is alarmed that flooding in Bangladesh has taken lives, swept away homes and shut schools, displaced tens of thousands of people, and that the forecast for more heavy rain is expected to worsen the situation; notes that climate change is one of the greatest threat humans face and will require unprecedented international coordination and cooperation; recognises that Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to extreme climate events, such as flooding, despite being one of the least polluting countries and that the Global South is far more likely to suffer the catastrophic effects of climate change; and calls on the Government to ensure that aid and support is provided regarding the current flooding and climate management in Bangladesh, along with a just green transition in the UK.
31Jagtar Singh Johal
Tabled: 18/07/24 Signatories: 3
Ayoub Khan
John McDonnell
Mr Adnan Hussain
That this House calls upon the Government to seek the immediate release of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British man who has been wrongfully detained in India since 2017 and faces a possible death sentence; notes that, in May 2022, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that, under international law, Jagtar’s detention is arbitrary and has no legal basis; further notes that under the previous Government, the Labour opposition took a strong stand on Jagtar’s behalf; and believes the new Government now has a duty to take proper action on Jagtar’s case and secure his release and return to his family in Dumbarton without hesitation or delay.
33Gaza
Tabled: 18/07/24 Signatories: 11
Andy McDonald
Debbie Abrahams
Naz Shah
Brendan O'Hara
Mr Alistair Carmichael
Kim Johnson
John McDonnellSorcha EastwoodShockat AdamMr Adnan HussainAyoub Khan
That this House notes the appalling situation in Gaza, where Palestinian civilians are facing death by starvation; supports an immediate bilateral ceasefire, including the release of hostages held by armed groups in Gaza, and the release of Palestinian detainees held without charge in Israel; calls on the Government to demand full humanitarian access into Gaza, including that Israel open all crossings into the Gaza strip; notes the vital importance of the life-saving work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and calls on the Government to resume full funding of what is the largest humanitarian agency operating in Gaza; further calls on the Government to ensure that all parties uphold international humanitarian law and are accountable for any violations; further notes the widespread violations of international law; calls on the Government publish the legal advice on such violations and the legal situation regarding UK arms trade with Israel; and further calls on the Government to fully uphold the independence of the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court and respect the outcome of their investigations.
34United Nations Relief and Works Agency
Tabled: 18/07/24 Signatories: 11
Andy McDonald
Debbie Abrahams
Naz Shah
Brendan O'Hara
Mr Alistair Carmichael
Kim Johnson
John McDonnellRichard BurgonShockat AdamMr Adnan HussainAyoub Khan
That this House calls on the Government to restore immediately full UK funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), but also to increase funding to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza; notes Israeli attempts to evict UNRWA from Jerusalem; and further calls on the Government to mount a vigorous opposition to all such moves.