Commons business papers

Contents

Published – Tuesday 23 July 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 22 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

4110th anniversary of the Yazidi genocide

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 1

Brendan O'Hara

That this House recalls that on 3 August 2014, Da'esh attacked Sinjar, unleashing atrocities against the Yazidis, an ethno-religious minority group in Iraq, amounting to the legal definition of genocide; notes that the House of Commons voted 278 to 0 in favour of declaring the crimes of Da'esh as genocide on 20 April 2016; further notes that the UK Government formally recognised the atrocities as genocide in August 2023; is concerned that the UN mechanism to collect the evidence of the atrocities, the Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/ISIL (UNITAD), is closing with no assurances of what will happen to the evidence collected so far; is also concerned that camps for internally displaced people are being closed and that Yazidis are being pressured to return to Sinjar without any adequate assistance, infrastructure and security assurances; is further concerned that only 32 British Da'esh members who returned to the UK have been convicted, and for terror-related offences only; and calls on the UK Government to review its responses to Da'esh and identify initiatives to assist the Yazidi community.

42Treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 1

Brendan O'Hara

That this House recalls that in August 2021 the Taliban took over Afghanistan and reversed over 20 years of progress on human rights in the country; is concerned particularly about the situation of women and girls who are subjected to a litany of atrocities which amount to gender apartheid, namely, inhumane acts committed in the context of an institutionalised regime of systematic oppression and domination by one gender group over any other gender group or groups and committed with the intention of maintaining that regime; is also concerned that, despite the ever-deteriorating situation of women and girls in Afghanistan, the international community is not doing enough to support the women and girls and take steps to normalise the relationship with the Taliban; and calls on the UK Government to recognise the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan as gender apartheid and to work with the international community to identify an action plan to help women and girls in that country.

43Funding priorities in Northern Ireland

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Allister

That this House recognises that health and education in Northern Ireland are more deserving of additional funding than the Casement Park project; and calls on the Government to order its funding priorities accordingly.

44Fire Brigades Union

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 1

Stephen Gethins

That this House recognises the hard work of the Fire Brigades Union and Jim Malone, a constituent of the hon. Member for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, who, with the support of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Trades Union Congress and Scottish Government, have been able to facilitate the training of over 100 Palestinian firefighters in Scotland; notes that the Fire Brigades Union has successfully delivered essential equipment to Palestine, such as fire appliances and firefighting kits; further notes that the Fire Brigades Union is currently delivering another fire appliance to the Nablus Municipality Fire Department and that appliance, packed with kit and equipment, is sailing to the Israeli port of Ashdod; calls for the safe passage of the lifesaving equipment and hopes that the local organisations will safely collect this humanitarian donation; and commends the important and life-saving work that these organisations are providing.

45Protests in Bangladesh

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 1

Ayoub Khan

That this House condemns in the strongest of terms the intolerance shown by the Bangladeshi government to the right of protest and dissent, including the unlawful use of force against protesters which has so far killed hundreds; further condemns the withdrawal of internet across the country in response to the protests; and calls upon the Bangladeshi government to restore internet, cease the violent crackdown on protests, and uphold their obligations under both domestic and international human rights law.

46Welsh athletes at the Paris Olympic Games 2024

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 1

Tonia Antoniazzi

That this House congratulates every Welsh athlete selected to represent Team GB at Paris 2024 and wishes them the best of luck; notes that this is the largest contingent of Welsh athletes to take part in an overseas Olympic games; and acknowledges the importance of grassroot sport in developing future Welsh Olympians.

47100th anniversary of the Devon Library Service

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 1

Steve Race

That this House celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Devon County Library Service, managed by the Libraries Unlimited charity; pays tribute to all the staff, the board, and the volunteers for their dedication to providing free access to knowledge and spaces for community activity across Exeter, Torbay, and Devon; notes that in the past year, the Devon County Library Service has loaned over 1.5 million books, hosted and staged nearly 24,000 events, and welcomed people into the service over 2.3 million times; further notes that the Service continues to adapt for new audiences, with new technologies, providing free WiFi for 165,000 sessions, enabling 253,000 ebook downloads, and 292,000 eAudiobook downloads; and wishes the Service all the very best for the next 100 years of enriching lives and building communities across Devon.

4850 years since Turkey invaded Cyprus

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes that it has been 50 years since Turkey invaded Cyprus; highlights that in 1974, Turkish forces launched what they called a peace operation after a brief Greek inspired coup; further notes that whilst it has been years since there has been any violence between the two sides, the ethnically split island is a persistent source of tension between Greece and Turkey; underlines that both are partners in NATO but are at odds over numerous issues and that reunification talks collapsed in 2017 and have been at a stalemate since; and urges the UK Government to take diplomatic steps to achieve peace and stability and work towards a settled, happy future for all citizens in the region.

49Farm Safety Week 2024

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates Farm Safety Week, which takes place between 22 and 26 July 2024; notes that, this year, Farm Safety Week is marking 10 years of the Farm Safety Foundation, a charity set up by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual, to raise awareness of and challenge attitudes to farm safety and poor mental health in the industry; highlights further support from the Ulster Farmers Union, who work closely alongside other like-minded organisations to help amplify important messages; and thanks the NFU and Ulster Farmers Union for the support they provide to farmers all across the UK and the time the have spent to make a difference for farmers of today and in next generations.

50Farmers Guardian 24 Hours

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the participation of the Ulster Farmers Union in the Farmers Guardian 24 Hours in Farming initiative on 8 to 9 August, which is an event that uses social media to convey the efforts of the farming industry and their contributions to the local economy; highlights that the annual online event is sponsored by Morrisons, one of the UK's largest supermarket chains; underlines this event as an opportunity to bring farmers of all ages and from all areas of the UK together and celebrate the unique family farm structure; and thanks the Farmers Guardian for all their work in organising this event and to all Ulster Farmers Union members who are giving up their time to support this day and celebrate farming.

51Radiotherapy

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 1

Grahame Morris

That this House recognises the value of radiotherapy as a key and lifesaving cancer treatment, necessary for around half of all cancer cures and as a highly effective, non-invasive treatment for patients; celebrates the invaluable contribution of the approximately 6,400-strong radiotherapy workforce who treat over 100,000 cancer patients in the UK each year; welcomes the technological advancements in radiotherapy that can deliver more effective treatments, reduce side effects, and increase treatment capacity to reduce waiting lists; and further welcomes the work of radiotherapy cancer charities, such as Radiotherapy UK, in supporting cancer patients and advocating for a world-leading national radiotherapy and cancer service.

52Dismissal of trade union representatives at HMRC Benton Park View

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 7

Mary Glindon

John McDonnell

Mary Kelly Foy

Kate Osborne

Ian Lavery

Grahame Morris

That this House notes with concern that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in Benton Park View, Newcastle, has dismissed a number of Trade Union representatives from the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union, claiming gross misconduct; further notes that HMRC has rejected appeals against their dismissal, despite evidence being brought to the attention of the investigator that two managers on the site had clearly doctored evidence prior to submission to the investigations, leading to two of the dismissals; and calls on the Department to both urgently reinstate the dismissed Trade Union representatives, and engage with the PCS union to ensure any such future conduct and discipline cases are fairly and properly handled.

53Student protests in Bangladesh

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 5

Apsana Begum

Ellie Chowns

Sammy Wilson

Carla Denyer

Zarah Sultana

That this House is alarmed about the human rights situation Bangladesh; is particularly appalled that a large number of students have been killed or brutally injured whilst protesting against the Government’s quota system; notes Bangladesh Supreme Court’s latest ruling on the quota system but remains concerned for the safety of the students and civilians in Bangladesh participating in protests; believes that the violence towards them, unlawful killings, the shutting down of the internet and mobile services, and other forms of repression are unacceptable and are in conflict with Bangladesh’s human rights obligations; is concerned about the potential long-term consequences for civilians; and reaffirms that the right to protest, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are inalienable and fundamental to any functioning democracy.

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.

9Cumbria coal mine court appeal

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 19

Tim Farron

Christine Jardine

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Ellie Chowns

Carla Denyer

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.

11Peace in Israel and Gaza

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 58

Layla Moran [R]

Caroline Voaden

Mr Lee Dillon

Bobby Dean

Freddie van Mierlo

Dr Danny Chambers

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: 32

Helena Dollimore

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Llinos Medi

Christine Jardine

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.

14International Criminal Court, Gaza and the Rule of Law

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 35

Richard Burgon

Imran Hussain

Zarah Sultana

Ms Apsana Begum

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

John McDonnell

That this House rejects attempts by the previous Government to undermine the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) right to seek an arrest warrant against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes, following the decision by the ICC Chief Prosecutor to issue applications for arrest warrants for a number of Israeli and Hamas leaders in May 2024; opposes the decision by the previous Government to challenge the ICC's jurisdiction over Israeli actions in Gaza; notes that the ICC has a well-established jurisdiction over Israeli actions in Palestine; believes that the UK, as an ICC member committed to a rules-based international order, should protect the Court’s independence and reject any efforts to impede or interfere with its work, or to intimidate or retaliate against its officials; further believes that attempts to hinder the ICC’s work not only risk undermining accountability for war crimes in Gaza but also weaken the wider rule of law and international justice as a whole; calls on the UK Government to do all it can to support the International Criminal Court in its efforts to ensure accountability and justice for the victims of war crimes; and further calls on the UK Government to immediately drop the challenge made by the previous Government regarding arrest warrants and the ICC’s jurisdiction over Israeli actions in Gaza.

20Durham Miners' Gala 2024

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 9

Mary Kelly Foy

Kim Johnson

Jeremy Corbyn

Jon Trickett

Andy McDonald

John McDonnell

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: 80

Wendy Chamberlain

Daisy Cooper

Richard Foord

Sorcha Eastwood

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Sarah Green

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: 69

Wendy Chamberlain

Daisy Cooper

Richard Foord

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Wera Hobhouse

Jamie Stone

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.

24Gareth Southgate resignation as England Manager

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 32

Adam Jogee

Rachel Taylor

Rosie Wrighting

Natasha Irons

Chris Bloore

David Williams

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.

30Flooding in Bangladesh

Tabled: 18/07/24 Signatories: 7

Apsana Begum

Kim Johnson

John McDonnell

Mr Adnan Hussain

Ayoub Khan

Carla Denyer

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: 6

Ayoub Khan

John McDonnell

Mr Adnan Hussain

Graham Leadbitter

Carla Denyer

Ben Lake

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: 15

Andy McDonald

Debbie Abrahams

Naz Shah

Brendan O'Hara

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Kim Johnson

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: 14

Andy McDonald

Debbie Abrahams

Naz Shah

Brendan O'Hara

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Kim Johnson

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.

35165th Great Yorkshire Show

Tabled: 18/07/24 Signatories: 2

Tom Gordon

Tim Farron

That this House celebrates the 165th Great Yorkshire Show, a landmark event showcasing the best of British agriculture, food, and rural life; congratulates Rachel Coates on making history as the first female Show Director, succeeding Charles Mills who has commendably served in this role since 2016; acknowledges the significant contributions of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society in organising this prestigious event; appreciates the show's impact in promoting agricultural excellence, innovation, and community spirit; and extends best wishes for a successful event that continues to highlight the importance of agriculture to the Yorkshire region and beyond.

37Team GB and ParalympicsGB at Paris 2024

Tabled: 19/07/24 Signatories: 5

Charlie Dewhirst

Tonia Antoniazzi

Jim Shannon

Gregory Stafford

Rebecca Paul

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: 3

Zöe Franklin

Dr Al Pinkerton

Jim Shannon

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: 6

John McDonnell

Kim Johnson

Carla Denyer

Mary Kelly Foy

Andy McDonald

Jon Trickett

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: 6

Munira Wilson

Daisy Cooper

Vikki Slade

Caroline Voaden

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

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.