Contents

Published – Wednesday 2 April 2025

Test HTML File tabled on Tuesday 1 April 2025

Test HTML File (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

1038Legacy of Storm Éowyn in Victoria Park

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 1

Patricia Ferguson

That this House notes that a number of mature trees in Glasgow’s Victoria Park were felled by Storm Éowyn in January 2025; recognises that successful fundraising efforts on behalf of the Friends of Victoria Park generated sufficient monies to allow 30 new trees to be planted by volunteers and supporters; understands that the fallen tree trunks will now be carved to provide decorative and useful items for park users; and thanks everyone who contributed money or time towards the project which will ensure that the park continues to be a welcoming and enjoyable place to visit.

1039Drummore Primary School litter pick and Eco schools award

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 1

Patricia Ferguson

That this House recognises the excellent work undertaken by the pupils of Drummore Primary School who took part in a litter pick in their local area of Drumchapel; notes that the young people collected many bags of rubbish as part of the Spring Clean Scotland campaign; congratulates the school on achieving an Eco schools award; and commends them for their efforts to keep their local area in good order.

1040Tackling child poverty

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 9

Kirsty Blackman

Chris Law

Stephen Flynn

Seamus Logan

Brendan O'Hara

Graham Leadbitter

That this House believes that every child has the right to a childhood free of poverty; recognises the essential work of child poverty charities who step up to support children where the UK Government is failing them; acknowledges that such charities do so in a context of deepening and spreading poverty and existential operational challenges; thanks Includem, AberNecessities, Save The Children, Child Poverty Action Group, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Aberlour for sharing their insights at the SNP Westminster Child Poverty Roundtable this week; calls on the Government to scrap the two-child benefit cap, end the assault on social security, reconsider the increase in National Insurance contributions for the charity sector, reconsider changes to Personal Independence Payment criteria, and replicate the Scottish Government’s commitment to eradicating child poverty by matching Scottish Child Payment UK-wide; and further calls on the UK Government to avoid stigmatising and demonising rhetoric when referring to people who require social security support.

1041Llanberis Mountain Rescue and the St David’s Volunteering Awards 2025

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 4

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Llinos Medi

Ann Davies

That this House congratulates Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) on their recent success at this year’s St David’s awards in Cardiff, winning the Volunteering Award; notes that Llanberis MRT was formally recognised by the then Mountain Rescue Council in 1973; acknowledges that Llanberis MRT is by now recognised as the busiest team in the UK, often dealing with several calls for help in one day; recognises the selfless commitment of the volunteers who give their time to rescue hundreds of people on Yr Wyddfa every year; further notes that Llanberis MRT is a small charity, relying solely on the generosity of public donations to cover insurance, equipment, training and utilities costs; is concerned at the significant increase in the number of incidents requiring the services of search and rescue teams; thanks all volunteer search and rescue teams operating across Wales and the rest of the UK who selflessly perform acts of heroism day in and day out in all kinds of weather; and welcomes the establishment of a new All Party Parliamentary Group to speak up on behalf of search and rescue teams to lobby for the support they need and deserve.

1042Energy Technical Academy Group’s Female Introduction to Trades Open Day

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 1

Susan Murray

That this House celebrates the inaugural Female Introduction to Trades Open Day organised by the Energy Technical Academy Group (ETAG) in Kirkintilloch on 29 March 2025; affirms the importance of encouraging women into the trade sector; recognises the work of ETAG as one of Scotland’s leaders in upskilling key skills in much-needed, critical energy service industries; highlights the significance of these trades, such as that of gas engineers, electricians and plumbers, as a vital part of our communities; endorses the commitment to ensuring tradespeople are adequately skilled in installing and working with new technologies within an ever-developing sector; attests to the importance of green, eco-friendly technological solutions for the energy sector; notes their contribution to the future of UK economy by directly helping to alleviate the national shortage of skills; acknowledges the importance of the community having access to trained, trustworthy tradespeople; thanks Jacqui Wilkie for organising the event; and expresses its appreciation for the director Tommy Smith and his team for their innovative outlook and commitment to widening participation in the energy sector.

1043Strode College awarded the CyberFirst Silver Award

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 1

Sarah Dyke

That this House congratulates Strode College on being awarded the CyberFirst Silver Award by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC); acknowledges the College’s exceptional efforts in advancing cybersecurity education and inspiring students to pursue careers in the sector; praises the successful hosting of CyberCon by Strode College’s T Level students, which brought together industry leaders, practitioners and professionals for interactive workshop sessions and career exploration; welcomes the practical experience and guidance offered to students through such an initiative; notes the opportunity afforded by the CyberFirst bursary of £4,000 available annually for students progressing into cyber-related higher education; commends Strode College’s ongoing work to strengthen the UK’s cyber workforce by equipping young people with vital skills and access to future employment in cybersecurity; and urges the Government to increase investment in further education colleges delivering digital and cybersecurity training to meet the national skills demanded in an ever increasing technologically advanced world.

1044Festival Medical Services and Ukraine

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 1

Sarah Dyke

That this House commends the remarkable efforts of Nich Woolf, Chair of the Somerton-based Festival Medical Services (FMS), and his three fellow volunteers for driving 1,600 miles through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Poland to deliver a fully equipped FMS ambulance to Ukraine, which was handed over to a local surgeon upon arrival in Kyiv; recognises the outstanding work of the FMS, which, with generous support from UK donors, also secured two 4x4 vehicles to be converted for frontline medical use in Ukraine; notes that since the start of Russia’s illegal invasion just over three years ago, FMS has worked with other charities to deliver vital trauma boxes, individual first aid kits and defibrillators to areas of Ukraine in most need; stresses that with over 12,605 civilians having been killed and a further 29,178 injured since the start of the conflict, the need for continued medical support for Ukraine is vital and its delivery is urgent; pays tribute to Nich and his team for embodying the UK’s steadfast commitment to the Ukrainian defence of their own sovereignty and democracy; and calls on the Government along with our European partners to increase and accelerate their military, medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, particularly as the US under President Trump draws back, continuing to stand shoulder-to-should with Ukraine against Putin’s barbaric war machine.

1045Disability hate crime

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 1

Christine Jardine

That this House condemns the increase in recorded disability hate crime across the UK; notes with concern that, despite an overall drop on the previous year, there were more than 10,000 incidents recorded in England and Wales in the year to March 2024, with conviction rates for violent offences at just 1%; further notes with concern the increase in disability hate crime in Scotland; supports the work of charities including United Response in raising awareness of the impact of this crime; commends their recent survey on the impact of disability hate crime on public transport; expresses its shock at the scale of this issue, with 24% of those surveyed experiencing disability hate crime in the previous quarter, but just a third felt comfortable enough to report the incident to the authorities; and calls on the Government to introduce a statutory aggravated offence for disability hate crime.

1046News journalism and artificial intelligence tools

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 5

Rebecca Long Bailey

Claire Hanna

John McDonnell

Kim Johnson

Ian Lavery

That this House recognises the vital importance for a democratic society of professional news reporting, photography and broadcasting; understands the desire of the Government to foster a business climate favourable to investment and development of artificial intelligence in the United Kingdom; is concerned, however, to ensure that technological developments are not allowed to undermine the economic sustainability of employment in professional news journalism; believes that it is vital that news reporters, photographers, broadcasters and other creatives are properly remunerated and credited where their work is used as the basis for derivative content using artificial intelligence; urges requirements on developers of artificial intelligence models to use content only where consent has been provided for set purposes, ensuring transparency over the sources of their training data; and therefore calls for the introduction of effective regulatory protections to protect the future of our media and creative industries.

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.

964Support for Saturday clubs

Tabled: 18/03/25 Signatories: 10

Martin Wrigley

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Steve Darling

That this House recognises the important work that Saturday clubs perform for vulnerable young people and their families; further recognises the need for Saturday clubs such as the Orchard Saturday Club to receive proper funding settlements; and also recognises the important work that Saturday clubs perform in training people on safeguarding, first aid and specialist skills.

971Bank closures

Tabled: 19/03/25 Signatories: 29

Alex Brewer

Wera Hobhouse

Steve Darling

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

That this House notes with concern that Santander is set to close its Fleet High Street branch at the end of June 2025;believes that this closure, along with others across the country, will greatly impact many in our community who rely on high street bank branches for essential services, particularly the elderly, disabled, and those without transport; further notes that many residents from surrounding rural villages already face significant challenges in accessing banking services, and that this closure will exacerbate those difficulties; acknowledges the disproportionate impact of branch closures on rural communities, where public transport options are limited and alternative banking facilities are scarce; and calls on the Secretary of State to urgently engage with banks and local MPs to prevent further branch closures before the establishment of adequate banking hubs in these areas.

975DARC in Wales

Tabled: 19/03/25 Signatories: 14

Liz Saville Roberts

Jeremy Corbyn

Siân Berry

Ellie Chowns

Steve Witherden

Richard Burgon

That this House notes with deep concern the proposed US-UK-Australian military radar project, DARC (Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability), which would install 27 21m-high, 15m-wide parabolic radar dishes within sight of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park; believes this would severely harm the visual landscape, local tourism, and the internationally recognised natural ecology of the area; further notes the concerns regarding potential health risks posed by radiofrequency signals, as indicated by scientific studies, on residential populations located less than a kilometre from the site; highlights that DARC, as part of the AUKUS Treaty, is in violation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty’s prohibition on the national appropriation of space and undermines international law; warns that the deployment of anti-satellite weaponry, for which DARC is a crucial targeting device, threatens to destabilise the civilian satellite network by generating hazardous space debris of a volatile and unpredictable nature which increases the probability of damage to essential infrastructure; urges the Government to recognise that DARC lacks strategic military necessity compared to other priorities; and calls on the government to permanently withdraw its planning application for the Pembrokeshire site and any alternative UK location.

982Support for young disabled people after education

Tabled: 20/03/25 Signatories: 32

Max Wilkinson

Ellie Chowns

Helen Maguire

Tom Gordon

Liz Jarvis

Claire Young

That this House acknowledges the findings in the National Star and the Together Trust’s report entitled What Comes After Education; recognises the report’s key findings, including that young people do not feel listened to, feel worried about leaving education, need access to meaningful activities, want to choose where they live and who they live with, want to be able to work, want meaningful relationships, need reasonable adjustments to attend university, and that transition plans must be proactive and involve the young person and their family; urges the Government to consider the report’s findings when deciding on changes to welfare policy; and calls on the Government to enact the report’s recommendations when enacting welfare changes.

985Access to football pitches for women and girls

Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 33

Helen Maguire

Ian Roome

Anna Sabine

Wera Hobhouse

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Rachael Maskell

That this House expresses concern over ongoing inequalities in access to quality training facilities for women’s and girls’ football; notes that women's and girls’ teams are often allocated pitches in worse locations and poorer conditions than their male counterparts; further notes reports from local clubs that training slots for women's teams are frequently being taken by men’s teams, limiting opportunities for women and girls to participate in the sport; believes that equal access to quality facilities is essential for gender equality in football; and calls on the Government, local authorities, and sporting bodies to take urgent action to ensure fair distribution of pitches and training resources for players at all levels.

986Fee waivers for ILR applications

Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 24

Kim Johnson

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Nadia Whittome

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

That this House supports the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London’s call for a fee waiver to be introduced for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications for those on family and private life visas; notes that ILR provides security and stability, yet the £2,885 fee is unaffordable for many despite costing the Home Office just £646 to process; regrets that this denies many people, including UK born children and parents of British children, permanent status and forces them into financial hardship and repeated visa renewals; believes this system is counterproductive, creating unnecessary administrative burdens for both individuals and the Home Office; and calls on the Government to introduce a fee waiver to ensure financial barriers do not prevent people securing permanent immigration status after completing their qualifying periods.

992Boghall Butchers

Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 6

Kirsteen Sullivan

Jim Shannon

Tracy Gilbert

Euan Stainbank

Martin Rhodes

Patricia Ferguson

That this House celebrates the achievement of Bathgate's Boghall Butchers whose kebab pie was crowned champion at the British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray; acknowledges the creativity and dedication of Christine and Paul Boyle in developing the award-winning pie, featuring a doner kebab filling; recognises the significance of this victory among 900 entries from across the UK, involving many diverse and unique competitors; commends the Boyle family's butcher shop, which has been serving the community for 50 years; further recognises the butchers as a point of pride for the Bathgate community; and wishes Boghall Butchers well in future.

993Bridgend Pet Supplies

Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 3

Kirsteen Sullivan

Jim Shannon

Maureen Burke

That this House celebrates the success of Bridgend Pet Supplies, a social enterprise initiated by Bridgend Primary School in collaboration with the Social Enterprise Academy; notes the project's origins in addressing the local community's need for accessible pet supplies; praises the innovative approach taken by the learners, who conducted market research and utilised their skills in sewing and crocheting to create products; thanks the support received from parents and the generous donations of sewing machines and food mixers following the first Partnership Event; congratulates the learners on their entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrated by selling their products at school events, other schools' fayres, and the Social Enterprise Awards; further notes the enterprise's profitability and the learners' commitment to using their profits for a social cause; wishes them well with their plan to create a garden area for growing vegetables and establishing a community cafe to foster social interaction among local residents; and further celebrates all initiatives that empower young people, train crucial entrepreneurial skills and strengthen community ties.

1000Ensuring stability for Ukrainian refugees in the UK

Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 37

Pippa Heylings

Helen Maguire

Ian Roome

Wera Hobhouse

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Rachael Maskell

That this House believes that Ukrainian refugees fleeing war must be treated with compassion in the UK; recognises that the war in Ukraine still wages on, more than three years after Putin first invaded; notes with concern recent reports that some Ukrainian refugees have faced losing their homes and jobs due to uncertainty around their visa extensions; acknowledges that Ukrainian refugees deserve certainty, enabling them to rebuild their lives in the UK if they wish and fully contribute to our economy; further acknowledges that certainty regarding visa extensions would grant young Ukrainians the opportunity to complete their education in the UK to protect and enhance their future; and calls on the Government to give Ukrainian refugees the certainty they deserve by automatically extending their visas and setting out a pathway for obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain.

1001Changes to Great Western Railway ticket offices and stations

Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 16

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Ayoub Khan

Kim Johnson

Shockat Adam

That this House is alarmed that First Group rail operator Great Western Railway (GWR) has proposed a number of changes to its stations and ticket offices which include reducing ticket office windows and opening hours; is shocked that it should propose these changes despite the unprecedented and overwhelming public opposition to plans in 2023 to close around 1,000 ticket offices, including at GWR, which demonstrated the importance of ticket offices and station staff for many rail passengers; recognises that the recent Transport Committee report found that the ticket office closure plans risked significantly damaging people’s access to rail and the presence of staff is often a crucial determinant as to whether disabled people are able to travel by rail; is concerned that GWR’s proposals will undermine the role of ticket offices, to the detriment of passenger safety, security and accessibility; understands that the RMT union, which represents GWR station staff, is opposed to these proposals and has expressed concerns about a lack of proper negotiation by the company; notes that GWR paid out dividends of £24.3m in 2024; further notes that GWR is operating under a National Rail contract managed and funded by the Government; and calls on the Government to instruct GWR to scrap its proposed changes to ticket offices and stations and commit to retaining all ticket office and station staffing levels, operating hours and window provision.

1003Support for the World Health Organization

Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 27

Monica Harding

Helen Maguire

Claire Young

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Zöe Franklin

That this House affirms its support for the World Health Organization (WHO); believes that President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO via an executive order is irresponsible and dangerous; recognises that in an interconnected world, global health security and national health security are closely connected; further recognises that multilateral cooperation is vital for addressing health threats arising from climate change, anti-microbial resistance, low vaccination rates, and the proliferation of conflict and state fragility; further believes that the WHO’s work on these issues and on pandemic preparedness is essential for delivering the improved global health outcomes that will help to keep the UK safe; welcomes the Government’s continued support of the WHO; and calls on the Government to encourage its American counterparts to restart support and funding for the WHO.

1005Royal Academy of Arts proposed job reductions

Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 12

John McDonnell

Rachael Maskell

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

Ellie Chowns

That this House expresses its serious concerns at the proposals of the Royal Academy of Arts to put at risk the jobs of nearly 100 staff which will undermine many of the core functions of the Academy; and calls upon the management of the Academy to enter into serious and meaningful negotiations with the union representing the staff to secure an agreed way forward that protects the interests of both the Academy and its staff.

1009Avanti West Coast ticket offices and station staffing

Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 18

Rebecca Long Bailey

Ayoub Khan

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Kim Johnson

Cat Smith

That this House understands that First Group majority-owned rail operator Avanti West Coast has been undertaking a stations rostering review; is alarmed at reports that this review may be used to undermine ticket offices and station staffing, with Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street and London Euston stations particularly affected; recognises that the RMT union has longstanding concerns about Avanti’s failure to fill station staff vacancies and its widespread reliance on fixed-term contracts, leading to delays at ticket offices and closures of ticket offices during their regulated hours; is concerned that these issues persist despite the overwhelming opposition to the 2023 ticket office closures proposals which demonstrated the importance of ticket offices and staff for many passengers; acknowledges that a recent Transport Committee report found that the ticket office closure plans risked significantly damaging people’s access to rail and the presence of staff is often a crucial determinant as to whether disabled people are able to travel by rail; expresses concern that Avanti’s proposals risk detrimental impacts on passenger safety, service and accessibility; notes that Avanti paid out dividends of £8.1 million in 2024; further notes that Avanti is on a National Rail contract managed and funded by the Government; and therefore calls on the Government to instruct Avanti to permanently fill all existing vacancies, transfer staff on fixed term contracts onto permanent contracts and ensure its ticket offices and stations are properly staffed.

1014Human rights in Balochistan (No. 2)

Tabled: 26/03/25 Signatories: 5

John McDonnell

Ellie Chowns

Siân Berry

Jim Shannon

Carla Denyer

That this House strongly condemns the severe human rights violations with ongoing reports of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and violent crackdowns on peaceful protests in Balochistan; is alarmed by the recent arrest of Dr Mahrang Baloch, a prominent human rights activist, along with members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and their family members; notes that Dr Mahrang Baloch and activist Bebo Baloch were arrested during a peaceful demonstration in Quetta, sparked by the enforced disappearance of BYC member Beberg Baloch and his brother, Dr Hammal Baloch, a scientist; further notes reports indicate that both were later handed over to the police and placed under remand without due process; is shocked that during the sit-in protest, security forces reportedly opened indiscriminate fire on demonstrators, resulting in at least five fatalities, including 13-year-old Nehmat Baloch, while leaving many others injured; understands that the authorities have intensified their suppression of demonstrations, using excessive force and live ammunition to disperse crowds and prevent further gatherings; calls on the Government to demand the immediate and unconditional release of Dr Mahrang Baloch, Bebo Baloch, Bebarg Zehri, Dr Hammal Zehri, Sammi Baloch, Lala Wahab, Nabeel Nodh, and other detained activists; and urges the Pakistani authorities to uphold fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

1015Beer festivals 2025

Tabled: 26/03/25 Signatories: 9

Martin Wrigley

Wera Hobhouse

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Adam Dance

Ian Roome

Mr Angus MacDonald

That this House gives special thanks to MaltingsFest in April 2025, supported by the Society of Independent Brewers, Warminster Maltings, and Newton Abbot Town Council; further gives thanks to other beer festivals across the country; supports businesses struggling with the hike in the cost-of-living which is impacting businesses and jobs across the South West and the whole UK, including the increases in utilities costs, raw material prices, and National Insurance contributions; and thanks CAMRA and the BBPA for their work supporting pubs and breweries across the country.

1016Radiotherapy (No. 2)

Tabled: 26/03/25 Signatories: 26

Tim Farron

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

Ellie Chowns

Andrew George

Steff Aquarone

This House acknowledges the urgent need for a bold and comprehensive National Cancer Plan to reduce cancer waiting times from point of referral; recognises that radiotherapy is a lifesaving, highly advanced, and cost-effective treatment needed in half of all cancer cures and by one in four people in the UK at some point in their lives; pays tribute to the frontline professionals delivering this care across the country; notes with concern that cancer waiting times have been routinely missed in recent years, with too many patients unable to access modern radiotherapy; and calls for the National Cancer Plan to prioritise improving access to curative radiotherapy, invest in AI technology that empowers clinicians, and ensure patients receive timely, effective treatment to ease pressures on NHS cancer services, waitlists, workforce, and technology.

1017Government review into Volumetric Concrete Mobile plants

Tabled: 26/03/25 Signatories: 7

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Graham Leadbitter

John McDonnell

Kim Johnson

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates the Volumetric Concrete Mobile (VCM) sector employing 15,000 skilled workers in 155 constituencies, contributing £380m to the economy and £100m to the Exchequer; notes that from 1975 VCMs have run at weights above 32 tonnes to produce concrete with zero waste, servicing multiple customers, pouring different strengths of concrete on one circuit, saving an estimated 14 million concrete lorry miles pa on UK roads, eliminating 598,000 lorry journeys and 120,000 tonnes of CO2 creating a 20% increase in CO2, nitrogen oxide and particulates, generating carbon costs of £7 million pa and requiring 200 more HGV drivers; further notes that VCMs avoid wasting c.4.8 billion litres of water pa required by old-fashioned drum mixers to flush out concrete waste, and expresses concern that National Highways failed to carry out an environmental impact assessment on cutting VCM weights to 32 tonnes, and made no account in its calculations of the fact that most VCMs weight under 32 tonnes after the first delivery of the day while almost all drum mixers weigh 32 tonnes for their entire journey to every site and failed to question the c40 roll-overs of drum mixers as against one for VCMs; highlights that 5-axle 44 tonne VCMs manufactured and exported from the UK are road legal in many countries including Canada, Denmark and Brazil; and urges Ministers to review this decision and make the current 38.4 and 44 tonne weight limits permanent before the next election, honouring a pledge given before the 2024 election.

1019Chryston High School wind band

Tabled: 27/03/25 Signatories: 3

Katrina Murray

Euan Stainbank

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Chryston High School wind band for winning a gold award at the Scottish Concert Band Festival final, which was held in Perth Concert Halls on 15 March; and recognises that their achievement is even more significant as this was the first time the band had competed in the Festival.

1020Scams and fraud

Tabled: 28/03/25 Signatories: 20

Alex Brewer

Sarah Gibson

Clive Jones

Wendy Chamberlain

Helen Maguire

Mr Angus MacDonald

That this House expresses deep concern over the rise of scams across the UK which target older and vulnerable people; notes the speed at which new technologies continue to provide increasingly sophisticated tools to criminals to commit fraud, at the cost to thousands of individuals who often face little chance of compensation; recognises that scams can be in a variety of forms, including but not limited to, phone scams, cold calls, postal scams, doorstep scams, email scams, pension scams, and investment scams; and calls for increased safeguarding processes in retail spaces to ensure that staff have the necessary information and advice to help them spot and avoid scams targeting the money of older or vulnerable individuals.

1022Households below average income

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 8

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Rachael Maskell

Steve Witherden

Nadia Whittome

Brian Leishman

Jim Shannon

That this House is angered by the latest households below average income figures which reveal that 4.5 million children are living in relative poverty after housing costs, which amounts to nine children in every classroom and a record high; understands there has been an increase in child poverty of 200,000 extra children since last year, estimated to be over 300 extra children in the average constituency that are now dealing with the adverse effects of poverty blotting and limiting their life chances; recognises that 48% of children in poverty live in a household where the youngest child is aged between 0-4, 72% of children in poverty live in a household where someone is in work, 43% of all children in lone-parent households live in poverty, 49% of children in poverty live in a household with 3 or more children, affected by the sibling tax (two-child benefit limit) and 44% of children in poverty live in a household where someone is disabled; believes this situation is a source of national shame; further understands that analysis from Save the Children shows that child poverty numbers will approach 5 million by the end of the Parliament unless urgent action is taken; expresses concern at the negative impact the latest welfare reforms may have on families with disabled members; and calls on the Government to strengthen its commitment to tackling the root causes of poverty and provide a social security system that supports all those in need throughout their lifetime.

1023Regent House centenary concert at Ulster Hall

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Jim Allister

Sarah Dyke

That this House celebrates the centenary of Regent House Grammar School in Newtownards, commemorated with a concert at the Ulster Hall on 27 March 2025; notes that the event featured over 350 performers including students and special guests; highlights that past and present students as well as future students in the feeder schools came together for a night of music, showcasing the true talent coming from students at Regent House; thanks all staff for the organisation of this event and the work that has gone into its success; and observes that this was a tremendous event for the school and one that will go down in history.

1024Mothering Sunday for people who lost their sons during The Troubles

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 4

Jim Shannon

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Allister

Sarah Dyke

That this House notes Mothering Sunday; considers those mothers specifically who lost a child during the Troubles in Northern Ireland; highlights the mothers who bravely stood in the gap and defended their fathers, husbands, sons and brothers in the fields and homes of Ulster and that many women also served in the UDR as greenfinches and some gave their lives; notes the role of motherhood in Northern Ireland as pivotal now and in the future to teach children to understand the identity of Ulster; underlines the loyalty of mothers in Ulster and that generations to come will remember the strength of their ancestors; and sends sympathies to those mothers grieving the loss of a child lost throughout the Troubles and that their legacies will not be forgotten.

1025125th anniversary of the Irish Guards

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 6

Gavin Robinson

Carla Lockhart

Sammy Wilson

Jim Shannon

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Allister

That this House commemorates the 125th anniversary of the Irish Guards, a distinguished regiment of the Household Division, formed on 1 April 1900 at the order of Her Late Majesty Queen Victoria to recognise the bravery shown by the regiment during the Second Boer War; acknowledges their continued bravery throughout the history of the UK in conflicts such as the First World War, the Second World War, the Falklands War, the Gulf War, and more recently in Iraq and Afghanistan and specifically their battle honours at Mons, the Somme, and Normandy; recognises their many contributions to peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts across the globe, including their recent training of Ukrainian troops as part of Operation Interflex; celebrates the regiment's ongoing legacy, as they continue to serve our Nation with distinction, fulfilling vital roles in the defence of the United Kingdom as well as their ceremonial duties in London and Windsor; appreciates the unique identity of the regiment, embodied by their proud mascot, the Irish Wolfhound; and expresses gratitude to all Irish Guards, past and present, honouring their unwavering commitment and service to the UK.

1026Trevor Magowan

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 3

Alex Easton

Jim Shannon

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House recognises the outstanding service of Trevor Magowan to Boys Brigade Northern Ireland; notes that he has been a member of Ballygrainey Presbyterian Boys Brigade Bangor NI for 64 years, 54 of them as an officer; further notes that he joined as a boy and progressed through the ranks to Captain; also notes that he has shown outstanding dedication and leadership to 1st Ballygrainey and has been a role model to hundreds of young men in our church and the community; recognises that despite health challenges in the past ten years he is still totally committed and has continued to inspire and set an example to young men; and notes that through the Boys Brigade Headquarters he was involved in training officer leaders from companies throughout Northern Ireland, encouraging them and sharing his own experiences.

1027Arbikie Distillery

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 2

Stephen Gethins

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Arbikie Distillery for winning the World Single Estate Distillery of the Year and Scotland's Single Estate Distillery of the Year at the World Whiskies Awards; further congratulates them for winning the Best Scotch Rye Whisky Award; notes that the Arbikie Distillery has sustainability at the heart of their operations and has developed the world's first climate positive spirits; and celebrates all the hard work of the team at the Arbikie Distillery and wishes them all the best for the future.

1028Whitchurch banking hub

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 7

Helen Morgan

Jim Shannon

Adam Dance

Helen Maguire

Steff Aquarone

Tim Farron

That this House welcomes the opening of a banking hub in the Shropshire market town of Whitchurch, providing vital in-person banking and cash services to its residents; notes that the constituency of North Shropshire has lost five high street bank branches since 2021; acknowledges the contribution of Cash Access UK in supporting communities that have lost access to building society and bank branches; further notes that rural residents are left isolated by poor transport links and a decline of available high street services in market towns; believes that market towns such as Ellesmere and Wem, which lack any in-person banking services, should be eligible for banking hubs; recognises the danger of digital exclusion to many constituents due to banking increasingly being conducted online; and calls on the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to engage with local Rt hon. and hon. Members and banks to ensure there are adequate in-person banking facilities in every market town.

1029Zoe Barclay

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 2

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Elgin apprentice horse groom Zoe Barclay on being named Equine Learner of the Year at the Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills hosted by Lantra Scotland; notes that Zoe is currently studying an SVQ in Equine through SRUC and works as an apprentice groom for Caskieben Dressage and Coaching Ltd at Kinellar near Aberdeen; acknowledges the high praise she has received for her skills and dedication, with her employers noting her exceptional rapport with all horses, not just in riding; and commends Zoe for her commitment to her profession and her exemplary representation of the quality of apprenticeships in Scotland.

1030Ailie MacLeod

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 2

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Ailie MacLeod, a 16-year-old student from Kingussie High School, on winning the NPA Skills for Work Learner of the Year award at the recent Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills; notes her exceptional leadership and organisational skills demonstrated during the Skills for Work Rural Skills course, including her excellence in a business project where students processed, marketed, and sold venison at school; acknowledges her further development through weekend work at the Highland Horse Fun equestrian centre in Kingussie; and commends the support of her lecturer, David Olds, and the encouragement from mentors, Becca Cameron and Ruaridh Ormiston, in fostering her passion for horses and the outdoors.

1031Lorna Williamson

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 2

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Lorna Williamson, a business adviser from Moray, on receiving a Business Gateway Recognition Award for her exceptional support to local business owners; notes that Ms Williamson was selected from a competitive pool of nominees submitted by business owners who have directly benefited from her guidance and expertise; acknowledges the praise she has received for her valuable business skills and knowledge, with business owners noting that she is always available to help and be a sounding board; and commends Ms Williamson for her dedication and the tangible difference she makes in supporting entrepreneurs through challenges and opportunities.

1032Lauren Bell

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 2

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Forres cyclist Lauren Bell on her outstanding achievements in track cycling; notes that in February 2025 Lauren secured a silver medal in the women's team sprint at the UEC Track Elite European Championships in Belgium; further notes her remarkable performance at the Lloyds National Track Championships in Manchester, where she clinched three gold medals over three consecutive days in the team sprint, keirin, and sprint events; acknowledges Lauren’s dedication and hard work which have led to her impressive accomplishments; and wishes her continued success in her future cycling career.

1033Inverness Airport

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 2

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Inverness Airport on being named Best Airport in Europe in the under 2 million passengers category for the fifth consecutive year at the 2024 Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards; notes that the airport also received the accolade for Airport with the Most Dedicated Staff in Europe for the third year in a row, reflecting the unwavering commitment of its team to delivering exceptional customer service; acknowledges the significance of the ACI ASQ programme as a global benchmark for airport customer experience, with nearly 400 airports worldwide participating; and commends the management and staff of Inverness Airport for their consistent excellence and dedication to enhancing passenger satisfaction.

1034Forres Rotary Citizen of the Year

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 2

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Bob James on being named Forres Rotary Citizen of the Year; notes his over 40 years of dedicated service to the community through involvement with the Round Table, James Milne Institute, Forres Heritage Trust, Forres Community Activities Association, and Rotary; acknowledges his humble attitude toward volunteering and his encouragement for others to participate; recognises his willingness to assist various groups in Forres, including setting up digital presentations and supporting event logistics; and commends his significant contributions to the community, which have enriched the lives of many and strengthened community bonds.

1035Dead Slow campaign

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 5

Ann Davies

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Llinos Medi

Jim Shannon

That this House commends the Dead Slow campaign to secure better equine road safety; notes that horse riders and carriage drivers are under increasing threat of injury and death whilst travelling along the highway; commends the British Horse Society (BHS) for their work with Road Safety Wales and the Welsh Government on various access and equestrian road safety issues; highlights that the BHS are currently working on better education for equestrians with a Ride Safe training scheme while the British Driving Society are promoting a safe carriage drivers scheme; further notes that the Highway Code was modified in 2022 to include guidance for motorists to pass horses at no more than 10mph and to make sure to leave at least two meters distance; also notes that 3,118 incidents were reported to the BHS in 2024, 81% of which occurred due to a vehicle passing by too fast or too closely; and calls on the Government to reinforce the behavioural messages and to make the public aware of the urgent importance of driving carefully around horses.

1036Humanitarian response to the Myanmar earthquake

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 12

Monica Harding

Luke Akehurst

Jeremy Corbyn

Jess Brown-Fuller

Jim Shannon

Brian Mathew

That this House offers its deepest condolences to the people of Myanmar and Thailand after the devastating earthquake and tragic loss of life; recognises the work done by responders to rescue survivors from rubble, deliver food and provide urgent medical assistance; welcomes the Government’s announcement of a £10 million package to provide life-saving aid; hopes that this can be increased as the scope of the destruction becomes clearer; acknowledges that this earthquake comes after more than four years of Myanmar's brutal civil war, which has left 20 million people in need of humanitarian assistance; condemns the repressive violence of Myanmar’s military junta, in particular the continuing use of airstrikes on civilians in the aftermath of the earthquake; supports the ongoing work of the UN’s Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar to deliver justice for victims and accountability for alleged serious international crimes; encourages the UK to continue to provide critical bilateral assistance to Myanmar, and to work with international partners and through multilateral institutions to ensure humanitarian access for aid delivery; and affirms support for a peaceful, democratic resolution to the conflict for the people of Myanmar.

1037Wealth tax and social security reform

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 3

Sorcha Eastwood

Jim Shannon

Shockat Adam

That this House opposes the approach of the UK Government to reforming disability benefits; believes that withdrawing or cutting social security support for those most in need will exacerbate poverty and increase pressure on other public services; recognises that there are more progressive and sustainable ways to generate additional revenue, including tax increases for the super-wealthy; calls on the Government to reconsider the punitive elements of its proposals and ensure fairness and dignity for those requiring welfare support; and further urges the Government to work with devolved administrations on the establishment of a UK-wide commission to develop holistic, cross-departmental proposals for addressing economic inactivity among those with long-term illnesses and disabilities.