Contents

Published – Thursday 17 October 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 16 October 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

259Death of Lord Leitch of Oakley

Tabled: 16/10/24 Signatories: 1

Graeme Downie

That this House notes with sadness the death of the Lord Leitch of Oakley; remembers that he grew up in a council house in Oakley in West Fife; recalls his success in setting up successful technology businesses employing thousands; believes he leaves a lasting legacy of public service and business success including his chairing of the Leitch Skills Review in 2006 which recommended policies to maximise economic growth, productivity and social justice; also believes that he never forgot his roots and connections in the mining villages of West Fife; and passes on its condolences to his family and friends on their sad loss.

26015th anniversary of the repair café movement

Tabled: 16/10/24 Signatories: 1

Sarah Dyke

That this House celebrates the 15th anniversary of the repair café movement on 19 October; values the work done by the 3000 repair cafés globally, including the Castle Cary repair café that has repaired over 170 domestic items since its launch in July 2023, saving half a tonne of potential waste from landfill; recognises the roles repair cafés have in cutting CO2 emissions and creating a circular economy; is concerned that the UK is the second highest producer of electronic waste per capita in the world; and believes that the UK Government should do more to encourage repair and reuse schemes.

261Online scams and funeral services

Tabled: 16/10/24 Signatories: 1

Sorcha Eastwood

That this House notes with concern the increasing number of online scams exploiting vulnerable families during bereavement, including fraudulent links and fake funeral notices; further notes the recent police warnings regarding scammers profiting from tragic events, as evidenced by the exploitation of Southport stabbing victim's funeral and scams targeting funeral homes in Northern Ireland; recognises the emotional and financial damage caused by such deceptive practices; and calls on the Government to work with law enforcement, online platforms, and the funeral sector to introduce stricter measures to detect, prevent, and shut down these malicious online scams and to ensure greater public awareness on how to identify fraudulent activity.

262Arbroath-born partisan Carlo Carini

Tabled: 16/10/24 Signatories: 1

Stephen Gethins

That this House remembers the life of Carlo Carini, Arbroath-born Italian partisan, on the anniversary of his murder by German Occupation forces in Piacenza, Italy, in October 1944; notes Carlo's significant contribution to Italy's liberation, his heroism against fascism which was recognised by the Commander of Allied Forces in Italy, Brigadier-General Alexander, and by the Italian Government who posthumously awarded Carlo the Silver Medal of Italy; highlights that Carlo and his family were very much part of the community in Arbroath; further highlights that Carlo was a skilled footballer in Arbroath and that he also played professionally in Italy and established a youth football competition between teams in Arbroath and Piacenza; commends the work of local group Friends of Carlo Carini, including those in Italy and others, in recognising and remembering the importance of Carlo's life and the cause for which he fought; and gives thanks for the group's efforts to inspire a new generation thanks to Carlo's example.

263Pobol y Cwm 50th anniversary

Tabled: 16/10/24 Signatories: 4

Ann Davies

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Llinos Medi

That this House recognises the Welsh language soap opera Pobol y Cwm for reaching its 50th anniversary; highlights that the first episode was transmitted on 16 October 1974 and aired on the BBC before transferring to S4C after the channel's launch in 1982; notes that the show is the BBC’s longest-running television soap opera, and remains one of S4C’s most watched programmes; further notes that the programme was created by the producer John Hefin and the playwright Gwenlyn Parry, and depicts the lives of the inhabitants of the fictional Carmarthenshire village of Cwmderi; and commends the cast and crew for showcasing the very best of Welsh drama, promoting the Welsh language, and holding a mirror up to Welsh society for 50 years.

264Low level letter boxes and back injuries

Tabled: 16/10/24 Signatories: 1

Mike Amesbury

That this House notes that low level letter boxes cause back injuries to postmen and women each year, force postal staff to stoop to ground level whilst carrying mail items and thus can cause back strain; further notes that low level letter boxes also present an increased risk of dog bites; also notes that the Communications Workers Union are calling for a standardised letter box height and safe design well above ground level and that they have been campaigning to outlaw low level letterboxes for many years, first raising the issue back in 1958; also notes that the EU standard requirement is for letterboxes to be at a height accessible to postal workers, significantly reducing possible injuries such as dog bites, fingers being trapped, or back strain caused when bending excessively or repeatedly to reach ground level boxes; also notes that this has not been enshrined into UK building standards and that low level letter boxes have been outlawed in many European countries, such as the Republic of Ireland in 2001; also notes that 154,000 days were lost in sick leave from Royal Mail in 2022 due to back pain, costing the Royal Mail £16 million, and that injury could be minimised by legislation to cover the manufacture of all new and replacement doors to have standardised letter box height and safe design well above ground level; and calls on government to promote the EU standard.

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.

207Conflict in the Middle East

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 37

Calum Miller

Monica Harding

James MacCleary

Helen Maguire

Jess Brown-Fuller

Andrew George

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: 44

Calum Miller

Monica Harding

James MacCleary

Helen Maguire

Brian Leishman

Jess Brown-Fuller

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.

210Transition to animal-free research and testing

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 19

Ruth Jones

John McDonnell

Rebecca Long Bailey

Ian Byrne

Euan Stainbank

Sammy Wilson

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: 27

Tom Gordon

Jim Shannon

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Helen Morgan

John Milne

Mr Will Forster

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.

213Value of grasslands

Tabled: 8/10/24 Signatories: 24

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Ayoub Khan

Tom Gordon

Liz Jarvis

Andrew George

That this House acknowledges the value of nature-rich grasslands and the people who manage them, from meadows and pastures, to road verges and community grassland green spaces; and recognises that a strategic approach by Government is needed to make the most of this multifunctional national asset in order to support nature recovery alongside food production, climate action and public health, as part of a green economy.

217Northern Ireland's first Tourism and Hospitality Week

Tabled: 8/10/24 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Adam Jogee

Gavin Robinson

That this House celebrates Northern Ireland's first ever Tourism and Hospitality Week, a joint initiative by all tourism and hospitality bodies to showcase the sector across Northern Ireland and the tremendous impact is has on the economy, celebrated from 26 September to 3 October; remembers the impact that the pandemic had on the hospitality sector, where the number of businesses in the UK fell by 6.5% between 2020 and 2021; notes the efforts made by industry to revive it and bring it back to what is was; highlights Northern Ireland's fantastic SMEs and the contribution they make to local communities; and wishes the hospitality sector many more years of continued success across Northern Ireland.

219School nurses

Tabled: 8/10/24 Signatories: 26

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Sojan Joseph

Jim Shannon

Dr Beccy Cooper

Mary Kelly Foy

Ayoub Khan

That this House recognises the tremendous work being done by public health school nurses; acknowledges they are the only health care professional who offer access to all school-aged children and young people in an evidenced-based programme of health promotion, prevention, protection and early intervention; notes that the number of school nurses has dropped by 31% since 2009; recognises that the average school nurse now cares for an average of 2850 pupils; believes the school nursing service is in crisis with 82% of staff saying there are not enough practitioners to deliver their important duties; and supports the call of the School and Public Health Nurses Association for a school nurse in every school.

230Launch of The Day the Alien Came

Tabled: 10/10/24 Signatories: 2

Wera Hobhouse

Sarah Dyke

That this House celebrates the launch of The Day the Alien Came, a collaborative book created by 192 primary school pupils from seven local schools in Bath and North East Somerset as part of the St. John’s Foundation’s 850th anniversary celebrations; recognises the efforts of these young students, alongside the support of an author, in bringing their creativity and imagination to life through literature; notes the importance of promoting literacy and encouraging a love of reading and writing in young people; commends the project's success in showcasing the power of reading and storytelling; and calls on the Government to continue supporting initiatives that inspire young minds, enhance educational opportunities and foster a lifelong love of literature in children.

233Hospice funding

Tabled: 10/10/24 Signatories: 32

Mr Lee Dillon

Helen Morgan

Sarah Gibson

Iqbal Mohamed

Bob Blackman

Luke Taylor

That this House recognises the importance of hospices in the UK, which care for over 300,000 people each year; is deeply concerned about the current funding crisis facing hospices, due to rising costs over several years; acknowledges that the commissioning of hospice services by integrated care boards is currently not fit for purpose, putting at risk the value they provide to individuals and the wider health system; notes that Government funding, which accounts for one-third of hospice income, has not kept pace with inflation; understands that continued financial pressure could lead to cuts in services and staff redundancies; and urges the Government to review the current funding model for hospices.

236World Mental Health Day 2024

Tabled: 10/10/24 Signatories: 35

Dr Danny Chambers

Helen Morgan

Sarah Gibson

Iqbal Mohamed

Bob Blackman

Dr Beccy Cooper

That this House marks World Mental Health Day, which takes place each year on 10 October, and which raises awareness of mental health issues and promotes positive mental wellbeing globally; notes that the theme for 2024 is workplace mental health; expresses concern that, in 2024, Britain is facing increasing waiting lists for mental health diagnoses for both children and adults; emphasises the importance of talk-therapies, talking openly about mental health to allow individuals to express how they feel and access the support they need; and encourages anyone struggling with mental health issues to reach out for support.

240Veterans and the Winter Fuel Payment

Tabled: 14/10/24 Signatories: 20

Helen Maguire

Mike Martin

Richard Foord

Jim Shannon

Steff Aquarone

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House expresses its concern that changes to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility rules will adversely impact veterans; notes that these changes have been introduced with little notice as the winter months approach, and have been made without a full impact assessment; further notes with concern that this approach fails to take into account those with high energy needs because of illness or disability, those who live in energy inefficient homes, and those on modest incomes just above the entitlement threshold for Pension Credit; and calls on the Government to protect veterans from losing this crucial support by reversing the cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment.

241180th anniversary of the Coleraine Chronicle

Tabled: 14/10/24 Signatories: 3

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

That this House notes that October 2024 marks 180 years since the first edition of the Coleraine Chronicle newspaper was produced; further notes that in the decades that have followed, it has provided to the local community of the Causeway Coastal region, coverage of major developments from Home Rule through to World Wars, more recent troubles and prestigious sporting and cultural events; recognises that the Coleraine Chronicle has been a source of information and commentary to local people, not just North Coast residents but the many thousands of visitors, tourists and people who may have left Northern Ireland's shores over the years but still return to visit family and friends and find the Chronicle a news source they want to read and enjoy; and offers heartiest congratulations to all those responsible for the continuing success of the newspaper.

243Death of Rt hon. Alex Salmond, former First Minister of Scotland

Tabled: 14/10/24 Signatories: 11

Stephen Flynn

Jim Shannon

Mohammad Yasin

Andrew George

Ayoub Khan

Brendan O'Hara

That this House expresses its profound sorrow at the death of former First Minister of Scotland, Rt hon. Alex Salmond; sends its sympathy and condolences to his family, friends and legions of followers; recognises his immense contribution to Scottish public life and Scotland's modern political story; and deeply appreciates his service over many decades as an MP, an MSP and as First Minister to the people of Scotland and the cause of Scottish independence.

246Celebrating the life of Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert MBE BEM

Tabled: 14/10/24 Signatories: 9

Jim Shannon

Tristan Osborne

Mr Gregory Campbell

Adam Jogee

Christine Jardine

Andrew George

That this House notes with deep sadness the passing of Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert MBE BEM at the age of 100; acknowledges her extraordinary life of resilience, courage, and dedication to Holocaust education and remembrance; recognises that with the passing of each Holocaust survivor, it feels as though another thread of connection to those silenced voices is lost, and that while books, recordings, and historical research continue to preserve these stories, the irreplaceable value of personal interaction and living memory diminishes; further notes that the death of a survivor is a solemn reminder that we are approaching the end of an era in which direct witnesses to the atrocities of the Holocaust still walk among us; expresses concern that as the Holocaust transitions from a living memory to a purely historical event, it risks becoming further removed from our collective consciousness, which is deeply unsettling; and calls on the Government and all educational institutions to redouble efforts to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten, and that future generations remain vigilant against intolerance, hate, and genocide in all its forms, continuing the vital legacy left by survivors like Lily Ebert.

247100 Years of Ganaway Camp Site

Tabled: 14/10/24 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Mr Gregory Campbell

Gavin Robinson

That this House celebrates 100 years of the Boys Brigade Grounds, Ganaway Camp Site, situated at Ganaway Training and Activity Centre in Millisle County Down; notes its opening in 1924, to provide so many opportunities for young people wanting to grow and learn; highlights that the site offers tailored team building activities to suit organisations needs, along with engaging learning activities such as time management, delegation and communication; further notes the centenary event, held on 29 September to showcase the hard work and transformation of the site over the last 100 years; and wishes the Boys Brigade and Ganaway centre many more years of continued success and that its legacy from 1924 will always be remembered.

249World Food Day

Tabled: 14/10/24 Signatories: 15

Anna Sabine

Jim Shannon

Steff Aquarone

Steve Darling

Liz Jarvis

Jamie Stone

That this House marks World Food Day, a UN designated-day celebrated on 16 October every year; notes the approximately 733 million people facing hunger in the world; further notes that everyone should have the right to adequate food; acknowledges the role of farmers and rural communities in producing food to feed populations around the world; and recognises the pivotal role of farmers in securing the future of resilient food systems, climate mitigation, nature restoration and supporting a peaceful, resilient and inclusive livelihood for all.

250Home insulation measures and consumer protections

Tabled: 14/10/24 Signatories: 19

Imran Hussain

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Ian Lavery

Shockat Adam

Steve Witherden

That this House notes the importance of home insulation measures and their benefits in improving home efficiency; recognises the advantage they have in lowering energy bills and reducing the pressure on residents as fuel poverty continues to rise across the UK; supports the Government’s efforts to introduce a Warm Homes Plan as part of the goal of net zero by 2030; further notes that while much work was carried out successfully under previous initiatives, not all of it was, and that resulted in devastating consequences for residents; acknowledges that residents are living in damp and mouldy homes, and facing respiratory health issues as a result of this;

notes the previous lack of Government action on this issue; notes with concern that legal firms that took advantage of residents with nowhere else to go for redress and then went into administration due to mounting conditional fee agreement case debts; calls for an immediate investigation into these circumstances which have left residents living with crumbling homes and legal bills stretching into the tens of thousands; calls on the Government to commit to exploring measures for remedial works in homes that have been destroyed by defective insulation; further calls on the Government to establish a single trusted and transparent guarantee scheme for home retrofit works; and calls on the Government to investigate the role and conduct of legal firms involved and put in place legal enforcement measures to hold companies accountable for defective works.

251Private security and community policing

Tabled: 14/10/24 Signatories: 9

Sarah Olney

Jim Shannon

Jess Brown-Fuller

Calum Miller

Christine Jardine

Alex Brewer

That this House recognises the decimation of community police forces across the UK; highlights that since 2020 the private security industry has grown by 73,000 people; further highlights security guards are not a substitute for an effective police force; urges the Government to assess the damage shoplifting and spending on private security is doing to our high streets; and requests that the Home Office works with police forces to restore community policing across the UK.

253140th anniversary of Ballywillan Flute Band

Tabled: 15/10/24 Signatories: 3

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

That this House recognises that Ballywillan Flute Band, formed in 1884 in Portrush, Northern Ireland, is celebrating 140 years since its formation, and has ensured that thousands of young people down through that time have learned to play a variety of musical instruments demonstrating a high degree of excellence, having entertained tens of thousands of people over the years at parades, sporting events and other functions; commends all those associated with the Band; and expresses the hope that the good work will continue for many decades to come.

254Betty Rhodick, community activist and founder of Lochgilphead Armed Forces Day

Tabled: 15/10/24 Signatories: 2

Brendan O'Hara

Jim Shannon

That this House notes with great sadness the death of Betty Rhodick of Lochgilphead, a community volunteer and fundraiser, whose activities across more than four decades, impacted just about everyone in the Mid-Argyll area; is reminded that although originally from Huntly in Aberdeenshire, following her marriage to Geordie, a member of the Queen’s Guard in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Betty settled in the village Kilmichael and immediately became an active member of Dunadd Community Council and the Women’s Rural Institute; acknowledges that Betty’s service to her community saw her volunteer for the local Health and Social Care service Integrated Joint Board, as well as the board of the Argyll Community Housing Association, where she championed many causes including giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament on behalf of travelling people in Argyll; recalls that through her work with the Mid Argyll hospital, the Richmond Fellowship and Enable Scotland, she supported and cared for people with learning disabilities living in her community; acknowledges however that Betty Rhodick will be best remembered for instigating and organising, along with husband Geordie and their family, the annual Lochgilphead Armed Forces Day, an event which has grown over the years to become one of the major events in Argyll and Bute; is delighted to know that shortly before she died, Betty’s contribution to her community was recognised when she was presented with the Argyll and Bute Council Provost’s Award by Provost Dougie Philand; and sends it deepest condolences to Geordie and the family.

255West Berkshire Volunteer Centre

Tabled: 15/10/24 Signatories: 2

Mr Lee Dillon

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the efforts of the West Berkshire Volunteer Centre, which has provided advice and information on volunteering to 403 individuals; acknowledges their ongoing community car scheme, which completed nearly 1,500 journeys last year, helping elderly residents attend appointments across the county; further recognises their Shopmobility service, which provided 1,875 pieces of equipment, including manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters, for residents to hire; thanks the organisation for their promotion of the importance of Suicide Prevention First Aid within local communities; and commends their close work with Welfare Officers at the West Berkshire Council Response Hub in supporting Ukrainian families in the community.

256Ceasefire in Lebanon

Tabled: 15/10/24 Signatories: 2

Richard Foord

Ayoub Khan

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; further 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; recognises 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 calls on all parties to work towards that solution and a lasting peace.

257Infant head measurements

Tabled: 15/10/24 Signatories: 6

Alex Brewer

Jim Shannon

Calum Miller [R]

Liz Jarvis

Shockat Adam

Helen Maguire

That this House believes in the urgent need for regularly measuring each infant's head circumference to effectively identify early signs of hydrocephalus, also known as water on the brain; notes that hydrocephalus is the most common reason for brain surgery in children, with an estimated 1 in 770 babies diagnosed annually; emphasises that early diagnosis is critical for treatments to be successful, and a rapidly increasing head circumference, specifically an increase of 2 or more centile lines on a growth chart, serves as a key indicator of the condition; highlights that the UK conducts fewer head circumference checks than many other developed countries; and recognises that infants are already checked by health workers on a regular basis and that these routine checks could be used to increase the frequency of head measurements in order to save lives.

258Socio-economic Duty

Tabled: 15/10/24 Signatories: 9

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Richard Burgon

Nadia Whittome

Kate Osborne

That this House recognises the importance of equality in our society and the urgent need to commence the Socio-economic Duty (SED) as outlined in Section 1 of the Equality Act 2010; calls on the Government to establish a commission for the successful delivery, implementation and roll out of the SED; acknowledges that this commission should include trade unions, campaign organisations and community groups; believes a crucial role for the commission would be to secure the promotion and participation of ‘Equalities’ trade union representatives within the trade union and bargaining structures across our economy; encourages public participation and meaningful engagement with those closest to the issues as a key principle for SED implementation; establishes the appropriate funding of the Equality and Human Rights Commission to provide a regulatory framework for the SED and develop strong, clear and supportive training of policymakers throughout society to understand and utilise the SED.