Contents
Published – Wednesday 11 September 2024
Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 10 September 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
155Good Relations Week 2024
Tabled: 10/09/24 Signatories: 1
Jim Shannon
That this House celebrates the launch of Good Relations Week, which has been organised by the community relations council, and takes place between 16 and 22 September 2024; notes the theme of OpportUNITY, which is a call of action to create a brighter, inclusive future for all which helps build a region where every voice matters; highlights the aim to showcase dynamism, creativity and dedication of local community groups, organisations and individuals that can transform the power of working alongside each other to address societal challenges, such as inequality, poverty and insecurity in education; underlines the crucial message that this campaign will get across to improve relations across society; and wishes the campaign the very best of success in celebrating inclusivity this year and for many more years to come.
156Gas and carbon monoxide safety
Tabled: 10/09/24 Signatories: 1
Jim Shannon
That this House welcomes Gas Safety Week, which runs from 9 to 15 September 2024; recognises the importance of this awareness campaign in bringing attention to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from gas use; notes that millions in the UK are likely routinely exposed to unsafe levels of carbon monoxide indoors and that victims can die or suffer life-changing complications within minutes of exposure; welcomes the role that the campaign plays in highlighting that regular maintenance of gas appliances, adequate ventilation and the use of carbon monoxide alarms can prevent deaths; and urges all organisations and citizens to take action to prevent further harm from carbon monoxide.
157UK Savings Week 2024
Tabled: 10/09/24 Signatories: 1
Jim Shannon
That this House notes that UK Savings Week 2024 is celebrated between 9 and 15 September to highlight the pressures of inflation, which are still affecting many households; highlights that the average consumer in Northern Ireland saves an average of £230 a month; further highlights that areas in the East of England top the savings table, where average savings pots are £18,458.60; further notes that Savings Week launched in 2022, working alongside many well known building societies, such as United Trust Bank and HSBC; thanks the Building Societies Association for their work in creating UK Savings Week; and hopes that this UK Savings Week will support people of all ages to develop resilience and confidence in their finances.
158John Shackleton's aid missions to Ukraine and elsewhere
Tabled: 10/09/24 Signatories: 1
Tom Gordon
That this House notes the contribution of Mr Charles John Shackleton to delivering aid to many warzones including Kosovo, Afghanistan and Ukraine, amongst other places, over many years; further notes the purchase and delivery of ambulances to warzones, in particular Ukraine, and how that has helped to care for those affected by the ongoing conflict; notes that Mr Shackleton is planning to undertake one final mission before he retires and that this will be his 50th mission which is expected to be completed in early October 2024; congratulates Mr Shackleton for having been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours previously; and recognises Mr Shackleton’s contribution, wishing him well on his last endeavour at the end of a long career of caring and providing for many thousands of people.
15950th anniversary of the Federation of Small Businesses
Tabled: 10/09/24 Signatories: 1
Matt Western
That this House congratulates the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), formerly known as the National Federation of Self Employed (NFSE) on its 50th birthday; remembers that in 1974, one small business owner, Captain Norman Small, wrote to the press to begin a small business movement; recalls that Small invited small business owners to attend a meeting in his hometown of Lytham St Annes and, at that meeting, he put forward the idea of an organisation designed to promote the voice of the self-employed; further remembers that similar meetings in other parts of the country followed and that within nine months the NFSE had a membership of 25,000 with 200 new members joining every day; acknowledges that 50 years later FSB is the UK’s largest membership organisation for small businesses and the self-employed; and reflects on the range of day-to-day business tools, local support networks, and member-only savings provided today by FSB, and looks forward to the next 50 years of FSB.
160The Legal Dragnet Joint Enterprise Report
Tabled: 10/09/24 Signatories: 14
Kim Johnson
Ms Diane Abbott
Zarah Sultana
Apsana Begum
Bell Ribeiro-Addy
Liz Saville Roberts
John McDonnellClive LewisJeremy CorbynRebecca Long BaileyGrahame MorrisKate OsborneIan ByrneMary Kelly Foy
That this House welcomes the publication of The Legal Dragnet, by Nisha Waller and the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, which highlights the risk posed by ambiguous legislation on joint enterprise and makes a case for creating a safer framework for prosecution; further welcomes the stated ambition of the Government, while in opposition, to reform the law on joint enterprise; notes the Lord Chancellor’s acknowledgment that joint enterprise is an issue of concern to Members of this House; notes with alarm Crown Prosecution Service data that Black people are disproportionately prosecuted under joint enterprise; further notes with alarm that this new report highlights how there has been no discernible impact on the number of joint enterprise prosecutions since the 2016 Supreme Court ruling that the law had been wrongly implemented for more than 30 years; agrees with the report that the scope of joint enterprise should be narrowed to create a safer framework for prosecution and greater consistency and fairness in outcomes; further agrees that alongside legal reform, wider work must be done to challenge racialised and overzealous police and prosecution practices with respect to joint enterprise; and calls on the Government to request a Law Commission review of joint enterprise, with a view to narrowing the scope of current legislation and providing a safer framework for prosecution and sentencing.
161Sycamore Gap
Tabled: 10/09/24 Signatories: 1
Joe Morris
That this House mourns the anniversary of the felling of the iconic tree at Sycamore Gap on Hadrian's Wall; notes the impact that both domestic and international tourism has on the economy of Northumberland; recognises that the loss of such a majestic and iconic tree has caused a sadness that goes beyond the North East of England and this country, and has been felt the world over; and wishes all connected with the tourist economy in Northumberland well.
162Challenging stigma
Tabled: 10/09/24 Signatories: 2
Grahame Morris
Kim Johnson
That this House recognises that people affected by drug and alcohol use should be treated fairly, justly and with dignity; further recognises that they are, however, frequently dehumanised, marginalised and discriminated against; acknowledges that stigma is a major barrier to treatment and wider healthcare, preventing people getting the support they need to get better and lead healthy lives; welcomes the work of the Anti-Stigma Network, whose mission is to improve understanding of the stigma and discrimination experienced by many people affected by drug and alcohol use; applauds the commitment of the NHS Addictions Provider Alliance, Phoenix Futures and all individuals and organisations collaborating in this initiative; believes this represents a major step forward in fighting stigma and saving lives; and calls on the Government to support the efforts of the Anti-Stigma Network and all those challenging stigma, thereby helping to remove barriers to treatment and reduce the record level of drug and alcohol deaths across the UK.
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.
97Ban trophy hunting imports
Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 53
Grahame Morris
Mary Glindon
Jon Trickett
Mary Kelly Foy
Christine Jardine
Graham Leadbitter
Wera HobhouseSiân BerryDr Beccy CooperSteve DarlingDaisy CooperGavin RobinsonRosie DuffieldRuth JonesIan Roome
That this House notes CITES data and investigations by the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting published in the national media showing British trophy hunters are killing and bringing home trophies of threatened species including African elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, hippopotamuses, zebras, wolves, monkeys, wild cats, lynxes, cougars, bears, and African civets; further notes that several parties made election pledges to ban hunting trophies in their manifestos, including the Government; acknowledges that a Private Members Bill drafted by the previous Government enjoyed strong cross-party support and passed unanimously in the House; recognises that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs conducted an extensive public consultation exercise involving 44,000 stakeholders, 86% of whom back a trophy import ban, that opinion polls show overwhelming voter support for an immediate and comprehensive ban; and strongly urges the Government to now bring forward a Bill in Government time which implements a world-leading ban without any further delay.
99High streets
Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 13
Sarah Gibson
Vikki Slade
Christine Jardine
Jim Shannon
Andrew George
Claire Young
Siân Berry
That this House welcomes the new report by the Federation of Small Businesses entitled The Future of the High Street; recognises that local communities and local businesses working together on the high street lies at the heart of economic prosperity; and acknowledges that, from local business support to specialised funds, reforming business rates and improving infrastructure, we must work together to transform high streets into places that meet future needs and support the next generation of entrepreneurs, which is essential for a thriving economy.
101Household Support Fund
Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 6
Ayoub Khan
Jim Shannon
John McDonnell
Ellie Chowns
Iqbal Mohamed
Siân Berry
That this House expresses deep concern that when the current Household Support Fund ends in September 2024, there are no current plans in place to address the substantial gap this will leave; notes that charities including the Trussell Trust are facing a hugely worrying cliff edge for many of the people they support with the end of the Fund; believes that the impact of ending the Fund will be felt particularly harshly in Birmingham, where the uncertain future of Birmingham City Council’s Contact Centre also hangs in the balance; and calls upon the Government to commit to a new long-term strategy for local crisis support, underpinned by a multi-year funding settlement that at least matches current annual investment in the Fund in England.
105Gambling regulations
Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 9
Dr Beccy Cooper
Jim Shannon
Peter Lamb
John McDonnell
Ellie Chowns
Kate Osborne
Siân Berry
That this House notes with concern that the most recent regulations on gambling are from the Gambling Act 2005; considers the need for further affordability checks, levies and advertising limits following the rise of online gambling since 2005; and calls on the Government to act swiftly to implement the recommendations of the Gambling Reform White Paper 2023.
107Bullying in parish and town councils
Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 7
Jon Trickett
Mary Kelly Foy
John McDonnell
Ayoub Khan
Shockat Adam
Iqbal Mohamed
Siân Berry
That this House believes that local parish and town councils play a vital role in our democracy and are central to community life in many parts of our country; expresses its concern that in some councils there are significant issues of bullying, with poor behaviour from councillors towards their fellow representatives and staff; notes that council staff are entitled to protections under employment law but in many cases this does not adequately protect staff from bullying by elected councillors; further believes that more must be done to ensure that parish and town councillors and council staff are able to go about their jobs without feeling unsafe; and calls on the Government to examine what can be done to clamp down on bullying in parish and town councils so that this important part of our democracy can flourish.
111Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 12
Rachael Maskell
Clive Lewis
John McDonnell
Jim Shannon
Ellie Chowns
Chris Law
Siân Berry
That this House supports the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative; notes that the treaty initiative is a global effort to foster international cooperation to accelerate a transition to renewable energy, end the expansion of coal, oil and gas, and support an equitable phase out of existing production; believes that the treaty initiative is in keeping with scientific research, which highlights the urgency of the climate crisis; highlights that, through the phasing out of fossil fuels and the acceleration of a fair energy transition, the treaty seeks to ensure that governments adhere to the Paris Agreement targets; is concerned that the world is currently on a trajectory that could result in seven times more emissions than what is compatible with keeping warming below 1.5ºC; further believes that this treaty promotes international cooperation by explicitly stopping the expansion of fossil fuels and managing a global just transition away from coal, oil and gas in a manner that is both fast and fair, so that no worker, community or country is left behind; further notes that the treaty has been backed by a growing global network of governments, civil society organisations, academics, scientists, youth activists, health professionals, faith institutions, Indigenous peoples and hundreds of thousands of other citizens globally; recognises the importance of this treaty; and calls on the Government to put its full support behind the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative.
112Social Security
Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 81
Rishi Sunak
Jeremy Hunt
Mel Stride
Claire Coutinho
Stuart Andrew
James Wild
Kirsty BlackmanGavin Robinson
That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 (S.I., 2024, No. 869), dated 22 August 2024, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22 August 2024, be annulled.
115Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024
Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 48
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Zarah Sultana
Rachael Maskell
Jon Trickett
Clive Lewis
Nadia Whittome
Siân BerryColum EastwoodSteve WitherdenMary GlindonLlinos MediLiz Saville RobertsAnn DaviesMrs Emma Lewell-BuckSammy Wilson
That this House expresses its concern that The Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 are being introduced without prior consultation or an impact assessment, nor with sufficient time to put in place a proper and effective take-up campaign for Pension Credit; notes this approach fails to take account for those people with modest incomes that are just above the entitlement threshold for Pension Credit; further notes the worrying annual excess winter death figures among pensioners; recognises the impact a sharp rise in the energy price cap of 10% from 1 October will have on pensioners which will not be helped by introducing a bureaucratic and unpopular means test which undermines the benefits of universalism when older people have higher energy costs due to comorbidities and poor housing insulation; further recognises that colder homes make older people more susceptible to poor health, including hyperthermia, respiratory and circulatory disease; and calls on the Government to postpone the ending of Winter Fuel Payments and establish a comprehensive strategy to tackle fuel poverty, health inequality and low incomes among older people.
116Sunshine No.1
Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 5
Gordon McKee
Mary Kelly Foy
Jim Shannon
Adam Jogee
Patricia Ferguson
That this House recognises the fantastic achievement of Sunshine No.1, an art and gift shop in Mount Florida founded by Suzi Nicol, which has been named as one of 100 most impressive small firms by Small Business Saturday UK; recognises that small businesses across the country have faced a difficult few years; and calls on the Government to continue supporting small businesses as part of Small Business Saturday to help grow the economy.
123Mutual Defence Agreement
Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 7
Jeremy Corbyn
John McDonnell
Ayoub Khan
Apsana Begum
Iqbal Mohamed
Ellie Chowns
Siân Berry
That this House notes the expiry this year of the 10-year extension of the Agreement between the UK and the USA for Cooperation in the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defence Purposes; further notes that the published proposed amendments presented to the House in July 2024 extend the Agreement permanently, removing the current regular review and opportunity for amendment and expiry; believes that the relationship and activities enshrined by the Agreement confirm an indefinite commitment by the US and UK to collaborate on nuclear weapons; further believes that this violates both countries’ obligations under Article I and Article VI of the 1968 Non-Proliferation Treaty, which states that each nuclear-weapon State Party to the Treaty shall not transfer nuclear weapons or explosive devices and shall pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to nuclear disarmament; is concerned that the Government does not see a potential conflict of interest between the Agreement and the Treaty; and urges that a substantial debate be held on such a significant Agreement.
126Accelerating construction work and lower carbon construction vehicles
Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 20
Mr Alistair Carmichael
Ian Roome
Christine Jardine
Jim Shannon
Andrew George
Wendy Chamberlain
Mike AmesburyIan SollomKim Johnson
That this House recognises the benefits of the production of concrete with zero waste, fewer lorry movements and minimal water waste by greener volumetric mobile concrete plants (VCMs); acknowledges that since their invention in 1975 and following regulations in 2918, VCMs have operated safely in the UK at 38.4 tonnes on 4 axles and 44 tonnes on 5 axles, with on-board concrete pumps that eliminate the need for separate pump lorries; welcomes the Government’s commitment when in Opposition to reverse the damaging decision of the previous Government to impose a universal weight cut to 32 tonnes on VCMs at the same time as permitting higher weights for electric HGVs; notes this reversal also has the support of former Conservative Transport Ministers and Hon Members from across all the major political parties; further notes that unless action is taken, the sole UK manufacturer of 44T VCMs in Sheffield will cease trading; also notes Denmark raised the weight limit for VCMs from 32 tonnes to 38 tonnes and in Italy and Scandinavia 44 tonne VCMs are road-legal; and urges the Government act swiftly to bring in a Statutory Instrument or other measure to make permanent instead of temporary the current 38.4T and 44T weight limits to safeguard 15,000 skilled jobs, contributing £380 million to the UK economy each year.
130Period product scheme for schools and colleges (No. 2)
Tabled: 3/09/24 Signatories: 11
Mr Lee Dillon
Jim Shannon
Steve Darling
Iqbal Mohamed
John McDonnell
Anna Sabine
Siân Berry
That this House welcomes the period product scheme for schools and colleges; notes that that current scheme was in April of this year extended until July 2025; further notes that a longer duration of support would provide schools and pupils and students who menstruate, or may later start menstruating, who may not identify as female but, instead, identify as transgender or non-binary, with the knowledge that this scheme won’t be removed during their school lives; recognises that the scheme only allows for tights to be purchased during winter and autumn terms and that young women who wear tights all year round aren’t able to benefit from this scheme in the summer term; calls upon the Department of Education to declare a longer term commitment to this scheme and to include the purchasing of tights all year round; and encourages hon. Members to make their schools aware of the scheme.
132Asda equal pay
Tabled: 3/09/24 Signatories: 12
Ayoub Khan
Jeremy Corbyn
Jim Shannon
Shockat Adam
Graham Leadbitter
Grahame Morris
Siân BerrySammy Wilson
That this House condemns pay discrimination in all its forms; expresses its full solidarity with the over 50,000 current and former Asda retail workers who have lodged an equal pay claim against the firm; further condemns pay discrimination at Asda which has seen women workers on the shop floor earn up to £2.84 less per hour than their male counterparts in warehouses; and calls upon Asda to commence settlement negotiations with unions regarding pay discrimination in its stores.
133Human rights in Palestine
Tabled: 3/09/24 Signatories: 8
Ayoub Khan
Shockat Adam
Iqbal Mohamed
Jeremy Corbyn
Claire Hanna
John McDonnell
Siân BerryMr Adnan Hussain
That this House notes that, according to Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood; further notes that the Right to Return is an inalienable human right under Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; also notes that, according to UN General Assembly Resolution 32/40B of 2 December 1977, Israel has an obligation to facilitate the return of Palestinians to their homes in line with Articles 1 and 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but has always blocked the Palestinian Right of Return; notes that, for Articles 1 and 13 and Resolution 32/40B of 2 December 1977 to be upheld, Palestinian refugees must be allowed to return to their homes and all the lands from which they have been expelled in the ethnic cleansing that has taken place before and since the state of Israel was established in 1948; and calls on the Government to fully uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by demanding Israel ceases its genocide in Palestine and upholds the inalienable human rights of the Palestinian People, including their right to return to all the lands from which they have been expelled before and since the establishment of Israel in 1948.
134Spot Leukaemia campaign
Tabled: 3/09/24 Signatories: 14
Sorcha Eastwood
Mary Kelly Foy
Christine Jardine
Shockat Adam
Adam Jogee
John Slinger
Mr Adnan Hussain
That this House supports the Spot Leukaemia campaign held during Blood Cancer Awareness Month; recognises that September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month; highlights that Spot Leukaemia is a campaign with a focus on earlier diagnosis of leukaemia; further highlights that Leukaemia UK and Leukaemia Care work together each year to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of leukaemia among the public and improve clinical practices so that people presenting with symptoms can access vital diagnostic tests within 48 hours of referral; notes that an inexpensive full blood count is all that is needed to detect leukaemia; expresses strong concern that only a third of patients presenting with leukaemia symptoms receive an urgent full blood count within 48 hours of presenting with symptoms as recommended by the NICE NG12 guidelines; further notes that of 1,000 UK general practitioners surveyed 30% cited reasons for not meeting the recommendations of the NICE NG12 guidelines, including the lack of capacity within phlebotomy services; understands the need for increased GP and phlebotomy capacity within the NHS, in order to diagnose leukaemia earlier and adhere to the NICE guidelines; and acknowledges that phlebotomy services should be part of community diagnostic centres, as recommended in the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Diagnostics report.
136Scottish athletes at the Paris Olympic Games
Tabled: 4/09/24 Signatories: 6
Christine Jardine
Graham Leadbitter
Ayoub Khan
Jim Shannon
Stephen Gethins
Patricia Ferguson
That this House notes the outstanding achievements of the 34 Scottish athletes at the Paris Olympic Games; celebrates the 13 medals won by Scottish athletes including gold medallists Scott Brash, Duncan Scott and Sholto Carnegie, silver medallists Jack Carlin, Neah Evans and Josh Kerr and bronze medallists Rowan McKellar, Beth Potter and Nicole Yeargin; highlights the importance of sustained funding for a wide range of sports to build upon these achievements and support future generations; and wishes all representatives of Team GB success in their future sporting careers.
141Polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk
Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 2
Mr Gregory Campbell
Gavin Robinson
That this House notes that October 2024 marks 110 years since Jonas Salk was born, an American Jewish virologist who was credited in 1955 for helping develop one of the first vaccines that helped drastically reduce instances of polio across much of the developed world; recognises he was widely praised for choosing not to patent the vaccine or seek profit from it in order to maximize its global distribution; further notes the current rollout of polio vaccine in Gaza where hundreds of thousands of children have been vaccinated against polio; and expresses the hope that any successful outcome of the vaccination programme might be a prelude to the beginning of the end not just of polio but the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the Middle East.
143Penguins at Sea Life London Aquarium
Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 7
Dr Danny Chambers
Mary Kelly Foy
Tessa Munt
Mr Alistair Carmichael
Caroline Voaden
Vikki Slade
Tom Gordon
That this House expresses grave concern regarding the welfare of 15 Gentoo penguins currently being kept in a windowless basement at the London Sea Life Aquarium; notes that these penguins, native to the Antarctic Circle, are confined to a pitifully small enclosure with only six to seven feet of water depth in which to dive, a stark contrast to the 600 feet they are capable of diving in the wild; understands that the constant public observation and noise may cause significant stress and adverse health effects to these intelligent and sensitive creatures; recognises that Gentoo penguins are currently listed as of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, making Sea Life’s claims of conservation through breeding programmes both misleading and exploitative; and demands that the multi-billion pound business which owns Sea Life, Merlin Entertainments, immediately cease the exhibition of penguins and use its considerable resources to guarantee a safe and healthy relocation for these penguins.
144Nonna Gina, Food Awards Scotland
Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 2
Blair McDougall
Patricia Ferguson
That this House congratulates Nonna Gina's in Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire, for their recent success at the Food Awards Scotland 2024; recognises their award for Best Italian Establishment; acknowledges how this is a wonderful achievement and a testament to the dedication and hard work put into their restaurant; further acknowledges how this award is a well-deserved recognition of the efforts of the staff and the wonderful dishes they serve to customers; and wishes the restaurant continued success and acclaim in the future.
145Peacocks of Pittencrieff Park
Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 3
Graeme Downie
Patricia Ferguson
Mary Kelly Foy
That this House congratulates the peacocks of Pittencrieff Park on being awarded the Freedom of the City of Dunfermline; notes they were introduced to the park by Henry Beveridge in 1905; understands there are now 21 peacocks in the park; believes the peacocks are now a vital part of the cultural heritage and Dunfermline and attract visitors to the city; thanks all of the volunteers who look after the peacocks, in particular Suzi Ross and Carolyn Cane, who accepted the notice of the Freedom of the City on behalf of the peacocks, from the Lord Provost of Fife, Jim Leishman MBE; wishes the peacocks and the volunteers all the best for the future; and hopes the peacocks will treat their new freedom with responsibility and will refrain from wandering around the excellent pubs and bars of Dunfermline too late at night.
146Outwith arts and music festival, Dunfermline
Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 3
Graeme Downie
Patricia Ferguson
Mary Kelly Foy
That this House congratulates the organisers of the Outwith arts and music festival in Dunfermline; notes that the festival saw over 30 performances across 16 venues over 7 days; believes that Dunfermline enjoys a flourishing and growing arts and music sector which is vital to the local economy and enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors every year; thanks all the funders and partners of this year's festival; and is confident that Outwith will continue to grow and thrive in future years.
147King’s Award for Voluntary Service, HealthBus Trust
Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 4
Tom Hayes
Mary Kelly Foy
Vikki Slade
Edward Morello
That this House congratulates HealthBus Trust on its receipt of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service; thanks everyone involved in charity for caring for people experiencing homelessness in Bournemouth; recognises its innovations to remove barriers and tackle health inequalities with a mobile GP-led service and key clinical roles; and acknowledges its role and that of other health and wellbeing buses in alleviating pressure nationwide on the NHS and frontline services.
148World Suicide Prevention Day 2024
Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 5
Sojan Joseph
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Dr Lauren Sullivan
Mary Kelly Foy
Gavin Robinson
That this House marks World Suicide Prevention Day, which takes place each year on 10 September; pays tribute to all the organisations across the world who are working together to raise awareness to prevent suicide and support those who are struggling to cope; is concerned that in Britain in 2023 there was an increase in the number of registered suicides; is also concerned that men are more likely to die by suicide, as are people living in deprived areas; highlights research from the Samaritans showing that only 45 percent of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts; emphasises that talking more openly about suicide gives people the chance to express how they feel and get the support they need; calls for increased funding for mental health services and timely access to talking therapies; and encourages those who may be struggling to cope to speak to someone and get the support they need, so fewer people die by suicide.
150Football ticket prices
Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 4
Ian Lavery
Mary Kelly Foy
Kate Osborne
Shockat Adam
That this House notes that despite the cost of living crisis and football clubs earning ever more income from broadcast and commercial income, 19 out of 20 Premier League clubs increased ticket prices this season; further notes that many clubs are abolishing or reducing concessionary tickets, both penalising loyal senior fans and pricing out young fans who are the future of the game; expresses concern that clubs are exploiting the loyalty of fans who cannot switch their brand allegiance as customers can in other sectors; notes that top-flight clubs increasingly seem intent on replacing long-time season ticket holders with increased numbers of hospitality clients and one-off visitors who are more willing to accept high prices; backs the call for the new independent football regulator to have involvement in ticketing pricing by reporting on pricing in a State Of The Game report; encourages football clubs to ensure supporters have genuine input in their club’s ticketing policy through structured engagement and shadow boards; urges clubs to establish a minimum number of season ticket and general admission tickets at all grounds while undertaking a review of concessionary rates across the game; opposes any attempt to play competitive domestic league or cup games abroad; and would resist any attempt to introduce so-called dynamic ticket pricing in a football context.
151Pharmacies in West Berkshire
Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 2
Mr Lee Dillon
Ian Roome
That this House is deeply concerned about the critical shortage of pharmacies in West Berkshire, where there is only one pharmacy for every 7,200 residents, compared to the national average of one per 4,600; recognises the essential role of pharmacies in providing healthcare services, easing pressure on GPs, and supporting vulnerable patients; notes with alarm the nationwide decline in pharmacy provision and funding, which has seen a real-terms decrease of 40% over the last decade; believes that urgent action is needed to increase support for local and independent pharmacies; and calls on the Government to review the current funding model, expand the Pharmacy First approach, and empower qualified pharmacists with greater prescribing rights to improve access to healthcare for all communities.
152Mark Sommerville Foundation
Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 3
Frank McNally
Patricia Ferguson
Mary Kelly Foy
That this House recognises the work of the Mark Sommerville Foundation in fundraising for patients of motor neurone disease and their families; notes that the Foundation was formed by the family and friends of Mark Sommerville following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease in 2023; acknowledges that the Sommerville family has a strong record of fundraising and raising awareness of the disease; and extends its best wishes to the Foundation as it continues its fundraising efforts across Coatbridge and Bellshill and throughout Scotland.
154Gibraltar National Day
Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 15
Andrew Rosindell
Dan Carden
Lewis Cocking
Adam Jogee
Patricia Ferguson
Mr Peter Bedford
Gavin RobinsonShockat Adam
That this House joins the people of Gibraltar as they celebrate their National Day on 10 September 2024, commemorating the 1967 referendum in which more than 99 per cent. of Gibraltarians voted to reject annexation by Spain and remain a territory of the British Crown; notes the rich, diverse and unique culture of the Gibraltarians, which encompasses numerous ethnicities including Maltese, Andalusian, Genoese, Portuguese and most predominantly British; recognises the shared heritage and historical links between the peoples of the United Kingdom and Gibraltar since 1704; and wishes the loyal people of the Rock a magnificent day of traditional red and white festivities, as all Gibraltarians display pride in their homeland, having the right of self-determination and the freedom to chose to remain British.