Published – Tuesday 8 October 2024

New EDMs

17565th anniversary of the Auchengeich colliery disaster

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Frank McNally

That this House acknowledges that Wednesday 18 September 2024 marked the 65th anniversary of the Auchengeich colliery disaster; respectfully remembers the 47 men who perished in a fire caused by faulty equipment in the mine; recognises that 41 women were widowed, 76 children lost their fathers and countless family members and friends were impacted by the tragedy; understands that this was Scotland’s worst mining disaster of the 20th Century and that the grief continues to this day in Moodiesburn, surrounding villages, across Lanarkshire and beyond; commends the Auchengeich Miners Memorial Committee for organising their annual service on Sunday 15 September 2024 to honour the memory of the deceased; pays tribute to the resilience, courage and spirit shown by the community of Moodiesburn; and recognises the tremendous sacrifices made by miners and their families.

176Durham Learning Alliance

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Mary Kelly Foy

This House congratulates the Durham Learning Alliance, a partnership between Durham University, Bishop Auckland College, Derwentside College, East Durham College and New College Durham, one which will drive economic growth in the North East and expand education opportunities; notes that in recent years the institutions have worked together by expanding apprenticeship and employment opportunities, improving progression routes for post-16 education and piloting T-Level placements; further notes that the institutions will work to create a more joined-up approach to education, skills and training; welcomes the fact that the institutions plan to pilot a mentoring scheme for female T-Level students in areas where women are traditionally under-represented, such as digital, engineering and technical services; and wishes the Alliance the best for the future.

177One million visitors to ScottishPower Renewables’ Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Blair McDougall

That this House congratulates ScottishPower Renewables’ Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre on the occasion of its 15th anniversary and welcomes the milestone of attracting one million visitors to the site; recognises the Centre’s significant contribution to encouraging environmental education, engaging with the community and raising public awareness of the importance of renewable energy in tackling climate change; understands the visitor centre, supported by Glasgow Science Centre and East Renfrewshire Council, hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including an education programme for students from primary school through to university and a countryside ranger service; further recognises that the turbines at Whitelee have generated almost 12,850 GWh since their completion, and the windfarm has shared £17.5 million in community benefit funding to date; and commends Whitelee’s and ScottishPower Renewables’ ongoing commitment to peatland restoration as part of providing a positive environmental legacy, recognising the vital role healthy peatlands play in carbon sequestration and biodiversity.

17810th anniversary of Homelands Trust Accommodation

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House congratulates Lundin Links based Homelands Trust Accommodation on their 10th anniversary; celebrates that they have been providing wonderful holidays which cater for disability accessibility requirements for ten years; recognises Homelands winning the Best Accessible Holiday Home in the 2021 European Holiday Home Awards; and wishes them all the best for the future.

17960 year contribution to the North Sea and a just transition for Scotland

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Stephen Flynn

That this House recognises 60 years of BP operations in the North Sea and its significant contribution to the economy of Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland, supporting thousands of jobs and a world-leading energy industry; acknowledges the broader economic impact of Scotland’s offshore industries which have contributed more than £450 billion to the UK economy, and remain essential for Scotland’s energy security and economic growth; notes the vital role played by Aberdeen and the North East in supporting the industry, including the network of supply chain businesses which provide innovative technologies and high quality jobs throughout the region; emphasises the importance of a fair and just transition as Scotland moves towards net zero, ensuring that communities in Aberdeen and the North East, which have long been the backbone of the offshore industry, are not left behind; calls on the UK Government to work closely with industry, the Scottish Government, and stakeholders to ensure that the transition supports the workers and businesses currently dependent on the sector; and further calls for investment in skills development and infrastructure to ensure that the North East of Scotland remains a global energy hub, leading the way in renewable energies, while protecting the communities that have been central to the industry for decades.

18050th anniversary of the election of Andrew Welsh

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Stephen Gethins

That this House notes that 10 October will be the 50th anniversary of the October 1974 General Election; further notes that this date will mark 50 years since the first election of Andrew Welsh to the House of Commons; also notes his many years of public service to the people of Angus in both the House of Commons and Scottish Parliament as well as in the role of Provost of Angus; acknowledges the support of his wife Sheena Welsh throughout this time both in terms of his parliamentary and local constituency work; and continues to be grateful for their contributions to Scottish public life.

181175th anniversary of St Mary Magdalene Church, Torquay

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Steve Darling

That this House honours the 175th anniversary of St Mary Magdalene Church in Torquay; recognises the church’s long-standing service to the community as a place of worship, support, and outreach; commends its commitment to fostering faith, providing vital community services, and preserving its rich heritage; and congratulates the clergy, congregation, and volunteers on reaching this remarkable milestone, wishing them continued success in their mission for many years to come.

18210th anniversary of Torbay Communities

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Steve Darling

That this House honours the 10th anniversary of Torbay Communities; recognises its vital role in empowering residents and supporting community-led projects across Torbay; commends its work in fostering partnerships, improving wellbeing, and promoting environmental sustainability; and congratulates all involved for their dedication and success over the past decade, wishing the organisation continued success in the future.

18360th anniversary of Cheadle Civic Society

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Tom Morrison [R]

That this House recognises the service to the people of Cheadle by Cheadle Civic Society, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year; thanks the organisation for all its work in protecting, securing and celebrating the cultural and historical significance of Cheadle Village; and congratulates Cheadle Civic Society on reaching this landmark celebration.

184Lancaster and Morecambe Cat Rescue

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Cat Smith

That this House congratulates Lancaster and Morecambe Cat Rescue on winning The Animal Award at BBC Radio Lancashire’s Make a Difference Awards 2024; and thanks the group, whose motto is every cat’s life counts and which is run entirely by volunteers and helps cats that need care by looking after them and finding them a new home.

185150 years of Lancaster Christ Church Primary School

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Cat Smith

That this House congratulates Lancaster Christ Church Primary School on celebrating 150 years educating the young people of Lancaster; notes that the school was founded in 1875 and the Christian principles on which it was founded are still important today as they enjoy close links with the parish of Christ Church; and wishes the children and staff of the school a joyous anniversary year as they support the education and personal development of future Lancastrians.

186Lancaster Islamic Community Hub fundraising achievements

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Cat Smith

That this House recognises the work of Lancaster Islamic Community Hub, a community-based organisation that is non-profit and registered as a charity organisation, committed to promoting the Islamic faith, unity, and community development; commends their fundraising work through a successful second annual charity football tournament, raising over £2000 to help the people of Gaza, with more than 100 players making up five teams, the tournament was not just a thrilling day of football but also a powerful demonstration of community spirit and collective action; and congratulates Sultan FC for winning the tournament and Player of the Tournament, Sufyaan Munshi, Golden Glove winner Yasin Patel and Golden Boot winner Qasim Munshi on their individual achievements.

187Scientific hearing on animal experiments

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

John McDonnell

That this House applauds the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022, enshrining in law the ability of animals to experience joy and feel suffering and pain; notes the science-based campaign For Life On Earth, with its Beagle Ambassador, rescued laboratory dog Betsy; is shocked to see the continuing harrowing exposés that show thousands of laboratory dogs being intensively bred in the UK, underlining the consequences of that Act; notes that scientists in the wider scientific community, outside of the animal-based research sector, acknowledge the failure of animal testing in the search for human treatments and cures, and that those experts include pharmaceutical industry scientists, an Editor in Chief of the British Medical Journal, the US-based National Cancer Institute, which states cures for cancer have been lost because studies in rodents were believed, and the Food and Drug Administration, which states that nine out of ten new medicines fail to pass human trials because animals cannot predict responses in humans; further notes the Trans-Species Modelling Theory, founded upon the theory of evolution, which explains why animals fail as predictive models of humans; and calls on the Government to mandate a rigorous public scientific hearing, judged by independent experts from the relevant science fields, to cease the funding of the now-proven failed practice of animal experimentation and increase funding for state of the art human-based research, such as human-on-a-chip and gene-based medicine, to prioritise treatments and cures for human patients, and to stop the suffering of innocent laboratory dogs and other animals.

188Health Sciences University

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Tom Hayes

That this House celebrates the establishment of the new Health Sciences University; recognises its ambition to equip health professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills and make sure the National Health Service that has been there since 1948 is there for the next century and beyond; notes the focus on interdisciplinary learning, caring for local communities through excellent clinical services and providing globally-recognised research; congratulates the teaching staff, leadership, and students for advancing the field of health sciences and world class care; and extends the very best wishes for the continued success of Health Sciences University in shaping the future of healthcare in Bournemouth and beyond.

189Albion Motors First World War memorial rededication

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Patricia Ferguson

That this House notes that the rededication of the Albion Motors War Memorial was held on Wednesday 25th September 2024 at Scotstoun Sports Campus; recognises that this Memorial honours the 47 former employees of the Scotstoun based company killed in the First World War, a number of third generation relatives of whom attended the rededication ceremony; understands that the bronze Memorial plaque was originally unveiled in 1920 by the company at its main office door, where it remained in place until 1977 when the building underwent redevelopment, at which time it was removed and put in storage; thanks the Biggar Albion Foundation for looking after the Memorial in recent years; welcomes the decision of Glasgow Life to allow the plaque to be displayed at the Scotstoun Sports Campus, a short distance from the site of the former Albion factory in South Street, Scotstoun; further thanks the Albion Club for their work in helping to secure the relocation and rededication of the Memorial, and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for their support with this; and further recognises that in its new location the Memorial provides a place to pay respect to the great sacrifice of those men who fell during the Great War.

190Broughty Ferry and the Scotland Loves Local Awards 2024

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Stephen Gethins

That this House notes that Broughty Ferry has been shortlisted as Town of the Year at the Scotland Loves Local Awards; recognises all the hard work of Broughty Ferry’s residents and businesses towards gaining this nomination including the Broughty Ferry Traders’ Association; and commends their commitment to promoting local business and events that bring the community together.

19115th anniversary of the Include Me 2 Club

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Blair McDougall

That this House congratulates the Include Me 2 Club on the occasion of their fifteenth anniversary; commends the Club on their work to ensure that everyone, regardless of age or abilities is treated fairly and given the chance to achieve their dreams; thanks the staff and volunteers of the club, past and present, for their hard work in supporting people with additional support needs, learning, physical disabilities, mental health conditions, or those suffering isolation or loneliness; and looks forward to the next 15 years of success for the Club.

192500 editions of the C&B News

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Dr Scott Arthur

That this House recognises the success of the C&B News in publishing its 500th edition since 1976 whilst serving the communities of Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton Mains, and Colinton in Edinburgh South West constituency; congratulates the volunteer-led community magazine team for their service; welcomes the role the free community magazine plays in connecting people and communities; and looks forward to the 1000th edition.

193Rural haemodialysis treatment

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Adam Dance

That this House notes with concern the lack of capacity for haemodialysis, particularly for paediatric patients, in rural communities; recognises that, as a result, patients are often forced to travel significant distances, sometimes up to two and a half hours three times per week to receive care; acknowledges the disproportionate impact this has on the education, mental health, socialisation and general development of paediatric patients; further recognises that, despite NHS England improving equity of access to haemodialysis treatment by providing free transport for patients in 2021, paediatric patients and their families remain disproportionately underprivileged; understands the likely impacts the cost of living crisis will continue to have on these patients and their families; and calls on the Government to support the work of organisations such as Kidney Research UK and the National Kidney Federation in helping to raise awareness, remove barriers to treatment and combat kidney disease.

194Preservation of Harland & Wolff

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Adam Dance

That this House expresses deep concern at the collapse of Harland & Wolff into administration, marking a pivotal moment in the decline of the legendary company known worldwide as the builder of RMS Titanic; condemns the Government’s failure to act decisively to safeguard the company and its workers, which has placed hundreds of jobs and key historical assets at risk, despite the company’s ongoing contribution to UK shipbuilding, including Ministry of Defence contracts; urges the Government to ensure that any restructuring preserves the historical significance of Harland & Wolff and its shipyard, ensuring future generations can continue to be inspired by its enduring legacy; expresses solidarity with the workers and the community in protecting both their livelihoods and this internationally significant part of history; recognises the profound global impact of Titanic as a cultural touchstone that continues to captivate public imagination with a prolific legacy in books, films, museums, and educational projects; calls on the Government to step in to protect this vital piece of shared heritage by exploring all possible measures, including providing financial support, rescue packages, or nationalisation; and further calls for the protection of Harland & Wolff’s legendary yellow cranes, Samson and Goliath, as lasting symbols of Belfast’s proud industrial past and bright, innovative future.

195Fundraising efforts of Jessica and Matt Parsons

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Wera Hobhouse

That this House recognises the fundraising efforts of Jessica and Matt Parsons, residents of Bath, who have raised over £3,000 in a single day during a 1,000-mile static bike ride organised by Matt and his colleagues at Avon Fire and Rescue in support of Cancer Research UK; notes that their ongoing fundraising work will include their upcoming challenge in October 2024, where Matt will cycle 874km from Bath to Lyon, followed by participating in the Lyon Marathon, to raise further funds for life-saving cancer research; further recognises the extraordinary resilience of Jessica, who, after being diagnosed with two separate forms of breast cancer and enduring extensive treatment, remains dedicated to raising awareness and funds to ensure a better future for others facing the disease; acknowledges the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October as a timely reminder for all, men and women, to regularly check themselves for early signs of cancer; and calls on the Government to continue supporting cancer research, awareness initiatives, and early diagnosis programmes to help improve survival rates and provide hope for all affected by cancer.

196125th anniversary of Fife College

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Richard Baker

That this House recognises the 125th anniversary of Fife College, the first college to be set up in Fife following the opening of the Lauder Technical College in 1899 by local politician and businessman George Lauder with funding from his nephew, the famous industrialist, Andrew Carnegie; notes that for 125 years they have provided opportunity for all, delivered outstanding education and training and contributed to the economic prosperity of the region and its communities; further notes the launch of a new 125th anniversary scholarship programme to empower and support students in their educational journey, while the college builds upon its relationships with institutions in the USA as it aims to explore mutually beneficial opportunities and continue the legacy of its founding benefactors; and commends the hard work and dedication of all staff, past and present.

19780th anniversary of One Parent Families Scotland

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Frank McNally

That this House recognises the 80th anniversary of One Parent Families Scotland; understands that One Parent Families Scotland is the country’s leading charity working with single parent families in Scotland; endorses the organisation’s aims of enabling single parent families to overcome barriers to their participation in the labour market and wider society and to advocate for a decent standard of living; understands that the organisation has operations in five different Scottish local authorities, including in North Lanarkshire, where staff offer one-to-one support, provide advice on benefits and public services and assist with crisis applications to single parents in Coatbridge and Bellshill and across the local authority area; and praises One Parent Families Scotland’s considerable efforts to tackle stigma, discrimination and poverty facing single parent families in Scotland since its formation in 1944.

198Northern Ireland growth deals

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House notes that, while the Government has proceeded with the two city deals covering both Belfast and Londonderry, the other two deals for Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West remain paused; highlights the socioeconomic makeup of the populations in the two areas and the potential game-changing impact the implementation of the two growth deals, aligned with other economic proposals, could have for the hundreds of thousands of people directly affected; and calls upon HM Treasury and the Prime Minister to take steps to activate the proposals immediately.

19975th anniversary of the Cheltenham Literature Festival

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Max Wilkinson

That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of Cheltenham Literature Festival; recognises its role as a leading cultural event; and commends its schools programme, which engages 23,000 pupils annually in reading for pleasure, proven to be a key indicator of a child’s future success.

200Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council success at the Association for Public Service Excellence awards

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Robin Swann

That this House congratulates Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on achieving Best Overall Council of the Year at this year’s Association for Public Service Excellence awards, where they saw off competition from other councils from across the UK; and further congratulates and acknowledges the work, commitment and dedication of staff, officers and elected members from across all parties who worked together in achieving this reward due to their collaborative approach.

201Cumbernauld’s Bloomin’ Wild

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Katrina Murray

That this House congratulates the community groups, conservation organisations, community councils and individual volunteers of Cumbernauld’s Bloomin’ Wild on their receipt of the Silver Gilt Medal and coming first in the Small City Category of the Beautiful Scotland Awards; notes that whilst Cumbernauld was designated as a New Town in 1955, approximately 50% of the town is made up of nature reserves, urban green routes and community growing spaces; and further notes that Cumbernauld’s Bloomin’ Wild coordinate work throughout the town, maintaining greenspaces, conserving spaces, planting and rejuvenating communal public spaces, promoting public involvement and outdoor space for mental health.

202Aberdeen swimmers at the Paris Paralympic Games

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Kirsty Blackman

That this House congratulates Toni Shaw and Faye Rogers on their outstanding performances at the Paralympic Games, including Faye’s gold medal in the S10 100m butterfly, which is inspiring young people across the country and showcasing the talent that Aberdeen has on a world stage.

203200th anniversary of The Glenlivet single malt whisky

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Graham Leadbitter

That this House celebrates the 200th anniversary of The Glenlivet single malt Scotch whisky; notes that The Glenlivet is one of Scotland’s most renowned single malts and is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland having operated continuously since 1824; welcomes the growth in global popularity of The Glenlivet, with sales in the US alone around £215 million annually; also welcomes the recent £20 million investment in the distillery by Chivas Brothers and its award-winning visitor centre; commends Chivas Brothers for their industry-leading work to make The Glenlivet and the distillation of all their whiskies carbon neutral by the end of 2026; and congratulates this iconic brand on this impressive milestone.

204BEET Language Centre and UK English language teaching

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Tom Hayes

That this House congratulates the family-run BEET Language Centre on the 45th anniversary of its establishment; thanks everyone who has supported students to achieve their English language goals in Bournemouth and Britain, including host families; recognises the cultural and economic contributions of English language teaching; and acknowledges the importance of language schools for supporting jobs, setting international students on a path to UK universities and building lifelong affinities to our country and the English language.

205National Meadows Day

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Wera Hobhouse

That this House recognises that 6 July 2024 is National Meadows Day; acknowledges the vital work of people across the UK who are at the heart of meadow making and managing species-rich grasslands, from farmers and land managers, to local authorities managing wildlife-rich road verges, and local communities looking after urban meadows and grassland greenspace; and recognises that meadows and species-rich grasslands support rural livelihoods, nature recovery, climate mitigation and adaptation, sustainable food production, and health and wellbeing.

206Grangemouth refinery

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Brian Leishman

That this House calls on the Government to take a transitional stake in the Grangemouth refinery to ensure its continued operation until a viable green energy alternative is in place; urges the Government to guarantee all jobs during the transition period; stresses that the Government must be ready to act as investor of first resort to secure the future of the site; believes such urgent action is necessary to safeguard workers, protect energy security and ensure a just transition to greener industries; understands that the proposed closure of the refinery in quarter-two 2025 would lead to high-skilled job losses, including 400 direct job losses and thousands of additional job losses through the wider supply chain; recognises the pivotal role of the Grangemouth site for Scotland’s economy and its energy infrastructure; and urges the Government to act without delay to ensure that the workers and community of Grangemouth are supported, and that the transition to new, sustainable industries occurs without loss of employment or industrial capacity.

207Conflict in the Middle East

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 4

Calum Miller

Monica Harding

James MacCleary

Helen Maguire

That this House expresses its deep concern at the escalation in the Middle East; recognises the role played by UK and US forces in response to Iran’s condemnable attacks; believes it is right that we have played our part in preventing escalation; expresses gratitude to our military personnel; calls on the UK Government now to urge Israel to act in the interest of the protection of civilians and the long-term security of the region; further believes that Israel, like any country, has a right to keep its people safe and secure, but that having neutralised Iran’s attack on 1 October 2024, the best way to do this is not to retaliate and risk a regional war; also believes that a regional war would be devastating to innocent civilians, be they Israeli, Iranian, Palestinian or Lebanese; urges firm action on Iran; notes that Iran continually arms its terrorist proxy groups, Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis; further urges the UK Government to proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation; further calls upon the Government, with a view to using its sanctions regime, to examine flows of illicit money into the UK from those linked to the Iranian regime; also calls on the UK Government to urge all parties to end the cycle of violence and put their energies to a diplomatic and political solution with immediate ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza, humanitarian disasters resolved, hostages released and, ultimately, a lasting peace secured.

208Peace in the Middle East

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 4

Calum Miller

Monica Harding

James MacCleary

Helen Maguire

That this House notes its deep alarm at the escalation of violence in the Middle East amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, 100 Israelis still being held hostage and a new humanitarian crisis in Lebanon; urges the Government to work to bring about immediate bilateral ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza, including demanding the unconditional release of the hostages and pressing for more access for humanitarian aid; stresses the importance of upholding international law and the role of international courts including respecting in full the ICJ advisory opinion on the occupation and legislating to cease trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank as well as including connected entities in the scope of sanctions against extremist settlers; urges the Government to enact a presumption of denial for arms exports to governments listed by the Foreign Office as human rights priorities and accordingly immediate suspend arms exports to Israel; calls on the Government to recognise the existential threat of Iran including by proscribing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and conducting an audit of UK-based assets owned by Iranian officials; and further urges the Government to press for a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, including by immediately recognising the state of Palestine, working with peace-builders in Israel and Palestine who call for two-states, working with the international community to identify future democratic leaders of Palestine and investing in peace, such as the International Fund for Middle East Peace, as well as using trade as a tool for peace.

209Immediate ceasefire in Lebanon

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Monica Harding

That this House expresses its alarm at the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah; supports steps taken at the UN, including by the UK, to secure a statement supporting an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah; urges all parties to de-escalate and uphold international law, including the protection of civilians; believes that it is important that all those displaced should be able to return home, but that an Israeli ground invasion risks further de-stabilising the entire region; urges the Government to increase humanitarian aid to Lebanon in light of the humanitarian crisis there; further believes it is not in the UK’s interest for Lebanon to become a failed state; also believes that only a political and diplomatic solution will deliver security to either side of the blue line and enable hundreds of thousands of displaced people to return home; and urges all parties to work towards that solution and a lasting peace.

210Transition to animal-free research and testing

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 13

Ruth Jones

John McDonnell

Rebecca Long Bailey

Ian Byrne

Euan Stainbank

Sammy Wilson

Irene CampbellMrs Lorraine BeaversCat EcclesAdam JogeeMichelle ScroghamRichard BurgonNeil Duncan-Jordan

That this House notes 2.68 million scientific procedures were carried out on animals in British laboratories in 2023; further notes the urgent need to accelerate medical progress, with over 92 per cent of drugs that show promise in animal tests failing to reach the clinic and benefit patients; recognises the transformative potential of animal-free methods such as organ-on-a-chip and computer modelling, which provide results that are directly relevant to humans; supports Animal Free Research UK’s call for Herbie’s Law, which would set a target of replacing animal experiments in medical research by 2035, describing how progress will be maintained and scientists supported with the transition; and urges the Government to show global leadership by introducing this progressive legislation.

21120th anniversary of Parkrun

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 1

Tom Gordon

That this House celebrates the 20th anniversary of Parkrun, which was founded in 2004 in Bushy Park, London, and now operates in 20 countries with millions of participants worldwide, encouraging physical activity, community spirit, and inclusivity, providing free, weekly, timed 5k events that are accessible to all regardless of age, ability, or background; commends the remarkable volunteers whose dedication makes Parkrun possible, acknowledges the health benefits it has brought to communities, and applauds the positive mental and physical wellbeing fostered by this initiative; and calls on the Government to support such grassroots physical activity initiatives that contribute to healthier, more connected communities 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.

122Overseas constituencies

Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 19

Christine Jardine

Vikki Slade

Claire Young

Ian Roome

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Calum Miller

That this House notes that the Elections Act 2022 increased the number of UK citizens living abroad that are eligible to vote in UK elections to approximately 3.5 million; further notes that UK citizens residing abroad are represented by the hon. Member from their last place of residence in the UK, which may be distant from their current place of residence; notes that the establishment of overseas constituencies would allow UK citizens living abroad to be represented by an MP who is experienced in dealing with the range of problems overseas residents face; notes that parliaments in 17 countries have overseas constituency MPs; and calls on the Government to work with the Boundary Commission to implement overseas constituencies for the House of Commons and with the Electoral Commission and groups representing UK citizens abroad to run a registration drive for eligible citizens to explain how they can register to vote.

140Anniversary of the Featherstone Massacre

Tabled: 5/09/24 Signatories: 6

Jon Trickett

Mary Kelly Foy

Iqbal Mohamed

Ian Lavery

John McDonnell

Ian Byrne

That this House remembers the massacre that took place in Featherstone in West Yorkshire on 7 September 1893 at the hands of the British army; commemorates the six people injured and two killed, named James Gibb, 22, and James Duggan, 25, after the army fired shots into a crowd of miners and their families; notes that the miners and their families were resisting a 25 per cent cut in wages by coal bosses who wanted to maximise their profits; recognises the struggles of workers in the UK today for stronger employment rights, fair pay and an equal share of the nation's wealth; pledges to learn the lessons from history about working class struggles for social justice; and commits to fighting for a workers' economy.

150Football ticket prices

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 22

Ian Lavery

Mary Kelly Foy

Kate Osborne

Shockat Adam

Kim Johnson

Mr Clive Betts

Iqbal MohamedCat SmithOliver RyanIan Byrne

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.

154Gibraltar National Day

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 21

Andrew Rosindell

Dan Carden

Lewis Cocking

Adam Jogee

Patricia Ferguson

Mr Peter Bedford

Bob Blackman

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.

155Good Relations Week 2024

Tabled: 10/09/24 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Bob Blackman

Iqbal Mohamed

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: 5

Jim Shannon

John McDonnell

Julia Buckley

Bob Blackman

Iqbal Mohamed

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.

160The Legal Dragnet Joint Enterprise Report

Tabled: 10/09/24 Signatories: 24

Kim Johnson

Ms Diane Abbott

Zarah Sultana

Apsana Begum

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Liz Saville Roberts

Iqbal Mohamed

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.

162Challenging stigma

Tabled: 10/09/24 Signatories: 12

Grahame Morris

Kim Johnson

Adam Jogee

Ian Lavery

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Iqbal Mohamed

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.

164Journalists and anti-terror legislation

Tabled: 11/09/24 Signatories: 7

John McDonnell

Rebecca Long Bailey

Kim Johnson

Jon Trickett

Ellie Chowns

Siân Berry

Iqbal Mohamed

That this House is gravely concerned by the arrest at Heathrow Airport of the freelance foreign affairs reporter and National Union of Journalists member Richard Medhurst under Section 12 of Terrorism Act 2000; notes reports that Medhurst was escorted off the plane by six police officers, handcuffed and transferred to a police cell where he had all his journalistic equipment and electronic devices seized and was initially denied the right to make a telephone call or have legal representation; further notes that Medhurst, who has yet to be charged with any offence, categorically denies the accusations of having supported or encouraged support for any proscribed organisation; believes that powers contained in anti-terror legislation must be deployed proportionately and not wielded against journalists in ways that inevitably stifle press freedom, including in relation to coverage of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza; shares the concerns of the NUJ and International Federation of Journalists that these actions by the UK authorities are intended to have a chilling effect on journalists both at home and worldwide; and urges the authorities to provide urgent clarity as to the nature of this ongoing investigation.

166Saudi Arabia’s bid to join the UN Human Rights Council

Tabled: 11/09/24 Signatories: 43

Vikki Slade

Charlie Maynard

Caroline Voaden

Tom Morrison

Tom Gordon

Anna Sabine

Susan Murray

That this House expresses profound concern over Saudi Arabia’s bid to secure a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council; notes with alarm the extensive record of human rights violations in Saudi Arabia, including but not limited to restrictions on freedom of expression, the use of capital punishment, and the suppression of political dissent; highlights the discrepancies between Saudi Arabia’s human rights practices and the standards expected of a member of the Human Rights Council; urges the UK Government to take a firm stance against Saudi Arabia’s bid and to ensure it does not succeed; and further urges the United Nations to ensure that the selection process for the Human Rights Council reflects a genuine commitment to upholding and promoting universal human rights standards.

168Four day working week

Tabled: 11/09/24 Signatories: 18

John McDonnell

Clive Lewis

Ian Lavery

Andy McDonald

Liz Saville Roberts

Kim Johnson

Ian Byrne

That this House recognises that UK workers put in some of the longest full-time working hours across Europe, yet the longer hours worked are not translating into increased productivity; notes that since the covid-19 pandemic a four-day working week with no reduction in pay for employees has been successfully trialled across the world, including in the UK; believes that, as these trials have shown, a four-day week with no loss of pay could lead to increased productivity, while also bringing benefits to workers, employers, and wider society; welcomes the PCS union's campaign for a pilot of a four-day week with no loss of pay in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA); further notes that the union has already identified a four-day week could save approximately £3.6 million by reducing turnover, equivalent to hiring 2,348 employees, reduce absenteeism by 65 per cent, the equivalent of gaining 328 employees at DEFRA, help parents better balance professional and childcare responsibilities and promote a more equal division of childcare duties, making DEFRA a more inclusive workplace for women and reducing pay and employment disparities, resulting in a significant reduction the in the UK’s carbon footprint; and calls on the Government to take the initiative, that has been shown elsewhere in the public sector, such as in South Cambridgeshire Council - where a pilot showed huge benefits, including cost savings, better staff retention, lower sickness rates and improvements in service delivery - forward, by introducing its own trial in DEFRA.

169Pension credit threshold

Tabled: 11/09/24 Signatories: 29

Mike Amesbury

Kim Johnson

Andrew Cooper

Mrs Sarah Russell

Chris Webb

Connor Naismith

Iqbal MohamedDr Simon OpherIan Byrne

That this House notes that the current threshold of pension support to open the gate way of winter fuel allowance is too low; further notes the need to change the cliff-edge nature of the pension credit threshold; and calls upon the Government to capture the gateway support for those citizens with small occupational pensions that take them just above the threshold.

170Uber and private hire drivers

Tabled: 12/09/24 Signatories: 2

Ayoub Khan

Iqbal Mohamed [R]

That this House expresses its unequivocal solidarity with Uber and other private hire drivers across the UK, recognising the vital role they play in the modern transportation network; notes with concern the ongoing challenges they face including precarious working conditions, potential algorithmic discrimination, insufficient pay, and lack of employment rights; acknowledges the findings of the Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices which highlights the urgent need for employment protections and fair treatment in the gig economy; calls on the Government to implement robust measures to protect these workers from exploitation, ensuring they receive fair pay, sick leave, and holiday entitlement; and urges Uber and other private hire companies to adhere to UK employment laws as ruled by the Supreme Court, end any algorithmic discrimination taking place, and treat their drivers with the dignity and respect they deserve.

171Supreme Court ruling on Tesco and fire and rehire practices

Tabled: 12/09/24 Signatories: 10

Tracy Gilbert [R]

Kim Johnson

John McDonnell

Mary Kelly Foy

Kate Osborne

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Brian Leishman

That this House welcomes the Supreme Court judgment yesterday in the case of Tesco Stores Ltd v Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers and others; notes that the outcome protects workers’ rights to retained pay and essential rules that fire and rehire cannot be used to undermine pay and conditions; congratulates USDAW for supporting their members through what has been a protracted legal process and is encouraged that the highest court in this land agrees that fire and rehire is not a lawful practise; and further welcomes the Government's New Deal for Workers which will ban this awful practise as well as increase workers pay, ban the use of exploitative zero-hour contracts and give workers employment protection from day one.