Commons business papers

Contents

Published – Thursday 7 November 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 6 November 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

370Abuse of anabolic steroids

Tabled: 6/11/24 Signatories: 1

Will Stone

That this House notes with concern the alarming rise in steroid abuse across the United Kingdom; recognises that an increasing number of individuals are resorting to the misuse of these substances in pursuit of physical enhancement, often without medical necessity and with little regard for the associated health risks; further notes that this trend has, in some instances, led to severe health complications such as infertility, cancer and tragically, fatalities; highlights the urgent need for Government to re-evaluate the current legislative framework governing the availability and use of anabolic steroids, classified as Class C drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and implement stricter guidelines on their accessibility and distribution; believes the Government should undertake a comprehensive review, involving consultation with medical professionals, addiction specialists, and affected communities, to consider the introduction of more robust control measures, including possible restrictions on online sales and more stringent regulation of fitness and bodybuilding establishments where steroid usage remains prevalent; acknowledges that education plays a crucial role; and calls for enhanced public awareness campaigns to be introduced that highlight the dangers of steroid misuse and promote safer, healthier alternatives to achieve fitness goals.

371Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief

Tabled: 6/11/24 Signatories: 1

Edward Morello

That this House recognises the essential role of family-run farms in sustaining rural communities, particularly in areas like West Dorset, and providing high-quality food for the nation; notes that the proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief from April 2026, with only the first £1 million of agricultural and business assets fully exempt from inheritance tax, pose a critical threat to these farms' continuity; further notes that 49% of farms already have a net worth of over £1.5 million, and that the average farm value far exceeds this cap, these adjustments could force families to sell vital assets to meet tax obligations; notes that the sustainability of these generational farms, many of which are central to food security and biodiversity, is at risk; and calls on the Government to urgently reassess these measures to safeguard the future of UK agriculture and the rural economy.

372GWR Sunday timetable

Tabled: 6/11/24 Signatories: 1

Max Wilkinson

That this House notes with concern the level of service provided by the GWR rail franchise on Sundays; recognises that Sunday is a popular day for leisure travel, but also for those travelling for work purposes, visiting family and for students; further notes with concern the apparent deterioration of the service in recent months, including the cancellation of large numbers of services, delays, and overcrowding; notes that passengers can no longer confidently rely on the GWR timetable for Sunday travel; and appeals to Ministers to intervene.

373OVO Energy monthly fees for paper format bills

Tabled: 6/11/24 Signatories: 1

Mr Alistair Carmichael

That this House notes with concern OVO Energy’s intention to introduce monthly fees for customers that receive their bills in paper format from December; believes that such a fee is counterproductive as families continue to struggle with high energy costs, particularly in the run-up to winter; further notes that such a change risks disadvantaging older and other vulnerable people, even allowing for planned mitigations; and calls on OVO Energy to reverse this harmful and unnecessary decision immediately.

374National insurance increase and the social care sector

Tabled: 6/11/24 Signatories: 1

Ellie Chowns

That this House notes with concern the ongoing challenges faced by the social care sector, including chronic underfunding and workforce shortages; further notes that the recent increase in national insurance contributions announced in the Autumn Budget is set to place additional financial pressure on this already stretched sector; recognises that while the Government has made an allowance to reimburse public sector organisations for the cost of this increase, most social care providers are not public sector organisations and are therefore not covered by this provision; calls on the Government to urgently clarify the financial implications of the national insurance policy on the social care sector; and further calls for provisions to protect not-for-profit care providers from the national insurance increase to help the sustainability and stability of essential social care services.

375Success of Brodie Countryfare

Tabled: 6/11/24 Signatories: 1

Graham Leadbitter

That this House congratulates Brodie Countryfare on winning the Independent Retailer of the Year award at the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards; recognises that this prestigious award is a testament to Brodie Countryfare’s dedication, hard work, and the exceptional quality of service and products it provides to the region; commends their commitment to showcasing the finest in Scottish food and drink, as well as their thoughtful curation of local crafts and gifts; acknowledges that Brodie Countryfare has become a valued destination for both locals and visitors, supporting regional producers and artisans; and applauds their contribution to promoting Scotland’s unique culture and heritage in the Highlands and beyond.

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.

324Ticket offices and station staff

Tabled: 28/10/24 Signatories: 25

Cat Eccles

Grahame Morris

John McDonnell

Rachael Maskell

Cat Smith

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House notes that 31 October 2024 marks one year since the Conservative Government scrapped plans to close nearly 1,000 ticket offices and cut around 2,300 station staff jobs; commends the campaign led by the RMT union, alongside many groups including those representing disabled and older people, which resulted in an unprecedented response to the public consultation; notes with concern that research, which was commissioned by the previous Government and undertaken in early 2023, was suppressed despite showing clear support for ticket offices and station staff; welcomes the current Government’s release of the research, which found that more than half of respondents said having a ticket office at the station they travel from is important and that 81% of respondents said staff presence was important for ensuring their safety; further notes that older respondents, who were also more likely to have no smartphone internet access, use only cash or have a health condition affecting their mobility, hearing or dexterity, had the highest preferences for buying tickets at ticket offices; understands that the rail industry’s Passenger Demand Forecasting Handbook identifies staffed ticket offices as having a positive impact on passenger demand over Ticket Vending Machines alone; is concerned at reports that new stations already in development, including those with significant projected passenger footfall, are being built without ticket offices; and therefore calls on the Government to ensure that new stations are built with ticket offices and are staffed.

330Support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency

Tabled: 29/10/24 Signatories: 35

Andy McDonald

Brian Leishman

Debbie Abrahams

Abtisam Mohamed

Richard Burgon

John McDonnell

That this House expresses its regret at the passing of laws in Israel's Knesset which in effect denies the protections and means essential for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the largest humanitarian agency in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, to operate; believes there is no viable alternative to UNRWA to deliver aid necessary to Palestinian refugees; further believes such action by Israel will compound the suffering of Palestinians; and calls on the UK Government to take all necessary steps with the United Nations to ensure UNRWA can continue its work in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

333360 years of the Royal Marines in the South West

Tabled: 29/10/24 Signatories: 22

Ian Roome

Angus MacDonald

Edward Morello

Caroline Voaden

Jess Brown-Fuller

Dr Danny Chambers

That this House congratulates the Corps of Royal Marines on their 360th anniversary; recognises their contribution to the rich maritime heritage of the entire South West region, including at RM Chivenor, RM Stonehouse, RM Norton Manor, and CTCRM Lympstone among others; acknowledges the essential role that the Royal Marines have played in the defence of the UK during countless military operations around the world; and thanks serving and former Royal Marines for their dedication to duty.

33430th anniversary of the Phoenix Cup

Tabled: 29/10/24 Signatories: 8

Wendy Chamberlain

Angus MacDonald

Charlotte Cane

Brian Leishman

Jim Shannon

Stephen Gethins

That this House celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Phoenix Cup, and that it is being hosted in the Home of Golf, St Andrews; recognises the fact that this is the world’s first fully inclusive international team event for disabled golfers; welcomes the over 30 male and female golfers from around Europe and the United States who are currently in St Andrews competing in the Phoenix Cup; acknowledges that an impressive 888 players of all ages with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities across 18 countries worldwide have participated in the event over the past three decades; and looks forward to the many years to come of the Cup.

337Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Tabled: 29/10/24 Signatories: 9

Patricia Ferguson

Andrew Rosindell

Brian Leishman

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Stephen Gethins

That this House commends the City of Glasgow for stepping in to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games following the withdrawal of the Australian state of Victoria and following the successful hosting of the 2014 Commonwealth Games; acknowledges that the Games play an important role in highlighting the benefits of the Commonwealth, bringing people from across the world together around an exciting and popular sporting event, welcoming athletes from across the Commonwealth to the City, including to Glasgow West constituency which will host the athletics events in the Scotstoun Stadium; recognises that the Commonwealth Games not only bring benefits to the sports community, but provides economic benefits both to the host city, and to the surrounding region and marks an exciting opportunity for Glasgow to showcase its vibrant culture, rich history, and welcoming spirit on the global stage; notes the efforts that are already being made by Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life, businesses and citizens as the city begins its preparations to host the Games; and further recognises that this endeavour will require all sectors of Government and society to lend their support, to ensure that Glasgow is able to deliver an event that continues the magnificent tradition of the Games.

338Israeli Knesset decision to ban UNRWA

Tabled: 29/10/24 Signatories: 42

Calum Miller

Luke Taylor

Steve Darling

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Anna Sabine

Munira Wilson

That this House expresses its deep concern at the Israeli Knesset’s vote to ban UNRWA; notes that this comes at a desperate moment in Gaza with a senior UN humanitarian official warning that the entire population of north Gaza is at risk of dying; further notes that, given the critical role played by UNRWA in distributing humanitarian aid within Gaza, this decision risks catastrophic consequences; urges the UK Government to accompany words of condemnation with consequences for breaches of international law; according urges the Government to implement sanctions against far-right Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich for their incitement of violence against Palestinians by illegal settlers; further urges the Government to press for immediate access for humanitarian aid into Gaza; and calls on the Government to provide all necessary assistance, including aid, to UNRWA to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and ensure that the recommendations of the independent Colonna report are implemented as quickly as possible.

339Scotland Beyond Net Zero

Tabled: 29/10/24 Signatories: 8

Martin Rhodes

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Dr Scott Arthur

Mary Kelly Foy

Jamie Stone

That this House celebrates the launch of Scotland Beyond Net Zero’s (SBNZ) inaugural phase of seed funding for projects tackling climate change; further celebrates the effort of Scotland’s higher education Institutions in collaborating to use their research and development strengths to accelerate net zero targets; recognises the unique role of universities as vehicles for innovation in tackling the climate crisis; acknowledges that the seed funding has been awarded to eight innovative projects across six themes: food, finance, built environment, natural systems, energy and transport; commends SBNZ for allocating up to £15,000 to research projects, which will explore interdisciplinary solutions to complex climate issues; and looks forward to seeing SBNZ, and all projects awarded funding, continue to create positive change around Scotland’s beyond net zero future.

344Access to banking hubs

Tabled: 30/10/24 Signatories: 24

Adam Dance

Ellie Chowns

Steff Aquarone

Chris Coghlan

Caroline Voaden

Edward Morello

That this House is concerned about the lack of banking services in rural towns such as Ilminster, which has yet to receive a banking hub; recognises the importance of maintaining access to in-person banking and cash services; notes that banking hubs are a key alternative for communities that have lost access to bank and building society branches; and acknowledges that rural constituencies in particular (due to their local geography, availability of public transport, and lack of support for utilising digital services) urgently need more banking hubs.

345Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medication shortages

Tabled: 30/10/24 Signatories: 19

Adam Dance

Ellie Chowns

Steff Aquarone

Steve Darling

Edward Morello

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House expresses deep concern over the shortage and intermittent availability of ADHD medications such as concerta XL; notes the symptoms those with ADHD exhibit, such as difficulty focusing and acting without thinking, as well as the impacts of these on the daily functioning of individuals; further notes the disproportionate impact these symptoms have on children who, as a result of the disorder, face barriers in their education and general development; recognises the barriers faced by individuals suffering from ADHD in accessing employment opportunities; further recognises the potential stress and anxiety these medication shortages can have on individuals suffering from ADHD; sympathises with the experiences of those individuals, who often feel they are being overlooked and dismissed; and calls on the Government to do more to mitigate the issue of ADHD medication shortages.

346Islamophobia Awareness Month 2024

Tabled: 30/10/24 Signatories: 19

Christine Jardine

Ellie Chowns

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Steve Darling

Liz Jarvis

Ayoub Khan

That this House supports Islamophobia Awareness Month, which is taking place this November; recognises the valuable contributions that British Muslims make to our country; acknowledges that anti-Muslim sentiment is still far too prevalent in our society, and has sadly been on the rise in light of the conflict in the Middle East; notes with concern that Tell MAMA recorded nearly 5,00 incidents of anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia in the past year, an unprecedented volume of cases; further notes with concern that religious-based hate crimes recorded by police in England and Wales has increased by 25% over the past year; emphasises the importance of standing up to religious hatred in all its forms; and calls on the Government to take urgent action to address Islamophobia, including by immediately appointing an independent adviser on Islamophobia and adopting a working definition of Islamophobia.

353TFL concessions

Tabled: 31/10/24 Signatories: 10

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Mary Kelly Foy

John McDonnell [R]

Kim Johnson

Margaret Mullane

Ian Lavery

That this House welcomes the Government’s Passenger Rail Services (Public Ownership) Bill, which is nearing completion of its passage through Parliament; notes that the Government’s impact assessment of the Bill states that there will be significant savings to the Government and that public ownership represents an opportunity to improve passenger rail services; further notes that the private-sector concession contracts for the Elizabeth Line and London Overground, which are similar to the national rail contacts due to be nationalised, are coming to an end soon and that the Government has confirmed that the decision over whether also to run these services under public ownership rests with the Mayor of London; also notes that MTR paid out a dividend of £7.6 million last year, equivalent to a 2.4% cut in Elizabeth Line fares, while Arriva Rail London paid a dividend of £9.6 million, equivalent to a 4.4% cut in Overground fares; notes the Rail Minister’s view that these concessions are more expensive than this Government’s plans for public ownership and would be even more costly to taxpayers than current national rail contracts; agrees with the general secretaries of the RMT and ASLEF unions, who have argued that Londoners deserve every penny of public funding and passenger revenue being spent on the capital’s railways and not on shareholders dividends; and urges the Mayor to make the decision to bring both the Elizabeth Line and London Overground into public ownership when contracts expire and run them directly within Transport for London.

354Support for community energy initiatives

Tabled: 4/11/24 Signatories: 7

Manuela Perteghella

Jim Shannon

Ian Roome

Gideon Amos

Andrew George

Angus MacDonald

That this House commends the efforts of community energy enterprises across the UK, particularly recognising the work of the Heart of England Community Energy (HECE), which operates one of the country’s largest community-owned solar farms, located just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, which has been generating clean electricity to power thousands of homes in the Heart of England since 2016, and demonstrating the vital role that community-led energy projects play in achieving a sustainable future; notes that HECE reinvests its profits into supporting local charities and projects; and calls on the Government to support policies that encourage community energy projects, thus empowering communities to take charge of their energy futures and share in the prosperity of a green energy transition.

356Jennie Lee

Tabled: 4/11/24 Signatories: 6

Richard Baker

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Mary Kelly Foy

Kirsteen Sullivan

Dr Scott Arthur

That this House understands that a new play by Knights Theatre about the life of Jennie Lee will premiere at the Lochgelly Centre on 1 November 2024, with performances also on 2 November, before moving to Dunfermline’s Carnegie Hall for further performances; further understands that an Open University exhibition about Jennie Lee is concurrently running at the Lochgelly Centre until 2 November; notes that Jennie Lee was born in Lochgelly in 1904 and that the play and exhibition marks what would have been her 120th birthday; further notes that Jennie Lee was elected as the MP for North Lanark in 1929 at the age of 24, before she could legally vote; recognises Jennie Lee’s contribution to arts, culture and education as the first ever Minister for the Arts; further recognises her drive and commitment to the founding of The Open University; acknowledges that The Open University in Scotland celebrates over 200,000 alumni since its inception in 1969; and congratulates playwright Matthew Knights, The Open University in Scotland, OnFife and Creative Scotland on their partnership to bring the story of Jennie Lee to life.

358FA Cup replays

Tabled: 4/11/24 Signatories: 6

Tim Farron

Jim Shannon

Ian Roome

Shockat Adam

Adam Dance

Angus MacDonald

That this House notes that the recent men’s FA Cup first round was the first to be played without the opportunity of a replay for matches that ended in a draw; regrets that, as a result, non-league teams including Weston-super-Mare, Hednesford Town, Guiseley, Southend United and others were thus denied a replay, which would have allowed those clubs to generate revenue and wonderful memories; declares that this cruel decision has done real harm to the romance of the FA Cup and that the only beneficiaries are a handful of Premier League teams who do not even enter the competition until the third round; condemns The FA for agreeing to this; and calls upon The FA to reinstate replays for the rest of this competition and for all future years.

35910th Annual Diwali Celebration in Edinburgh

Tabled: 4/11/24 Signatories: 4

Tracy Gilbert

Jim Shannon

Kirsteen Sullivan

Dr Scott Arthur

That this House commends the efforts of the Edinburgh Diwali Committee, volunteers, and community members who dedicated countless hours for a successful 10th Annual Diwali Celebration held in Edinburgh on 3rd November 2024; notes that this significant milestone marked a decade of promoting cultural awareness, inclusion, and unity through one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Indian community worldwide; understands that the celebration commenced with a lively and colourful parade from St George Square to Castle Street, led by 35 member Scottish Regiment band accompanied by other bands and seven dance groups showcasing traditional Indian and Peruvian music, and dance, highlighting the diversity and inclusion of multiple cultures, followed by a vibrant cultural program at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens, where artists groups performed Indian classical, bollywood & fusion, Scottish highland dances and Live fusion band, captivating the audience and fostering cultural exchange; and agrees that the celebration brought together thousands of people from different backgrounds and served as a reminder of the shared values of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

36130 years of the National Lottery

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Kirsteen Sullivan

Tonia Antoniazzi [R]

That this House celebrates the 30th birthday of the National Lottery, who have supported fantastic causes as a way to bring positive change right across the UK; notes that the first draw was held in 1994 and that the National Lottery have raised over £49 billion and awarded over 690,000 individual grans to projects and community organisations, which make a huge different in supporting so many people; highlights the efforts of fundraisers and beneficiaries who are essential in working alongside the National Lottery to help them do what to do so well; underlines their commitment to strengthening local communities, sports teams, environmental projects and also to supporting young people achieve their full potential; thanks all of the volunteers and staff for all their hard work; and wishes the National Lottery many more years of supporting growth across the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

362Cuts to the International Development Budget

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 15

Monica Harding

Anna Sabine

Layla Moran

Claire Young

Ian Sollom

Adam Dance

That this House expresses disappointment at the cut to international development spending in the Budget; notes that conflicts in the Middle East, the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and Ukraine mean the United Kingdom's support is needed more than ever; recognises that overseas aid spending is at its the lowest in 17 years, having been cut by £2 billion in the 2024/25 fiscal year; further notes that the Prime Minister previously promised to reset Britain’s place in the world and return to our status as an international development superpower; believes that this is crucial given the way the former Conservative Government trashed the UK’s reputation on the world stage, including via abandoning the 0.7%; and calls on the Government to restore Official Development Assistance to 0.7% of GNI as soon as possible in order to reinstate the country’s commitment to the world’s poorest by ensuring that the United Kingdom is a global leader on development.

363Gaza family visa scheme

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 5

Rachael Maskell

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Shockat Adam

Andrew George

Sorcha Eastwood

That this House notes the loss of over 40,000 people in Gaza resulting from the current conflict with the toll of injured, exposed to infectious disease and famine growing by the day, and far exceeding 100,000, while the destruction of the Gaza's health infrastructure means that people cannot access vital medical attention; and further notes that there are a small number of Palestinians living in the UK whose loved ones are at imminent risk in Gaza, so calls upon the Government to introduce a Gaza Family Visa Scheme, based upon the Ukraine Family Scheme, to enable Palestinians from Gaza to reunite with their family members and seek temporary sanctuary in the UK until it is safe to return.

364Haggis the pygmy hippo

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 11

Christine Jardine

Steve Darling

Wendy Chamberlain

Shockat Adam

Jamie Stone

Wera Hobhouse

That this House celebrates the birth of Haggis, Edinburgh Zoo’s newest pygmy hippo; recognises that pygmy hippos are classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species; commends the work that Edinburgh Zoo does to promote biodiversity and protect vulnerable species; hopes that Haggis’ arrival will increase awareness of the challenges that pygmy hippos face in their natural habitats; and wishes all the best for Haggis, her mother Gloria and the entire Edinburgh Zoo community.

365Imprisonment of Alaa Abd el-Fattah

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 15

John McDonnell

Richard Burgon

Shockat Adam

Zarah Sultana

Apsana Begum

Rebecca Long Bailey

That this House expresses its grave concern at the continuing imprisonment of British national writer Alaa Abd el-Fattah, whose most recent five-year sentence ended on 29 September, yet the Egyptian government refused to release him; notes that following the refusal by Egypt’s government to release Alaa, Laila Souief, Alaa’s mother, declared a hunger strike which has now entered its fourth week; considers that meaningful action is necessary to secure Alaa’s release; and urges the Foreign Secretary to press once again for Alaa's release with the clear understanding that there will be serious diplomatic consequences for the Egyptian government as the Foreign Secretary warned when in opposition.

3664 day working week

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 9

Carla Denyer

Siân Berry

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Rachael Maskell

Claire Hanna

Graham Leadbitter

That this House recognises that UK workers have some of the longest working hours in Europe, yet the UK’s productivity lags behind its G7 counterparts; further recognises that boosting productivity is a priority for the government’s “Five Missions for Britain”; notes that, according to a recent Mental Health First Aid England report, the five-day working week is hindering productivity and contributing to stress, burnout, and poor mental health, costing the UK economy £28 billion annually; further notes that trials of a four-day week, including in the UK, have found that shorter working hours with no loss of pay can significantly boost productivity, whilst also reducing workplace stress and burnout, and that a report by the Autonomy Institute and Alda shows that Iceland’s economy has outperformed most of Europe after adopting a shorter working week; is disappointed that the Employment Rights Bill does not include steps towards a four-day week with no loss of pay despite prior indications; welcomes the newly announced 1,000-person four-day week trial as an important step; calls on the Government to take further steps by introducing a far-reaching public sector pilot within local authorities across the UK, similar to the initiatives by the Scottish Government and South Cambridgeshire District Council; and further calls on the Government to provide local authorities with the necessary funding to implement this trial successfully.

367Release of Emily Damari

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 18

Freddie van Mierlo

Layla Moran

Calum Miller

Charlie Maynard

Adam Dance

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House notes the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza while Hamas continues to hold hostages including British citizen Emily Damari; urges the Government and Foreign Secretary to take all actions within their power to secure Emily’s release and the release of all remaining hostages; further urges the Government to engage in international efforts to secure a ceasefire so the hostages can be released and to get aid into Gaza; and also urges the Government to advocate for British citizens abroad; including introducing a right to consular assistance in the case of human rights violations.

368Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly elections

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 10

Imran Hussain

Tahir Ali

Richard Burgon

Mohammad Yasin

Zarah Sultana

Andy McDonald

That this House recognises the right to self-determination for Kashmiris; notes that since the partition of 1947, the region and population of Kashmir have been divided between three countries; further notes that Indian-occupied Kashmir is the most militarised zone in the world; opposes the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35a of the Indian Constitution that revoked Kashmir’s special status; decries the use of sweeping arrest powers, disappearances, torture, extra-judicial killings and other grave human rights violations against dissidents; also notes with particular concern the detention of journalists and political leaders such as JKLF Chairman Yasin Malik on an indefinite hunger strike protesting insufficient medical facilities in his Delhi jail, and the erosion of freedoms of speech, expression and the press; observes the election of a new J&K coalition government, and recognises the appointment of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on an anti-abrogation mandate; supports UN Security Council Resolution 47, ruling that the future of J&K should be decided by its own people through democratic means of a free and impartial plebiscite; regrets the lack of action over seven decades, further entrenching injustice; acknowledges the large British Kashmiri diaspora in Britain and their aspirations for a just settlement; calls on the Government to push for a resolution to the ongoing occupation, end the impunity granted to Indian armed forces in Kashmir and prioritise the aspirations of Kashmiris; and further calls on the Government to use its Presidency of the United Nations Security Council to implement the rulings of UN Security Council 47.