Published – Thursday 14 November 2024

New EDMs

401Big Noise Wester Hailes and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Tabled: 13/11/24 Signatories: 1

Dr Scott Arthur

That this House warmly congratulates the 35 young musicians from Big Noise Wester Hailes, all aged between 6 and 8, who performed side-by-side with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on Friday the 1st of November 2024; welcomes that the concert gave the young participants an opportunity to play alongside accomplished professional musicians as part of Scotland’s National Orchestra, while demonstrating their musical skills to friends, family and lovers of fine music in the Usher Hall; notes that the joint orchestra, led by world renowned conductor Thomas Søndergård, performed two pieces of music, ‘Mission Mars’ and ‘Saturn’, which were both written by Sistema Scotland’s former Curriculum Leader Joëlle Broad; further notes that Big Noise Wester Hailes is the newest programme in the Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise family; recognises that Big Noise Wester Hailes was launched in 2022, and now works with around 400 children and their families from Clovenstone, Canal View, and Sighthill Primary and Nursery schools every week, supporting young people to reach their full potential; and thanks Sistema Scotland and all who fund Big Noise Wester Hailes, including the Scottish Government.

402Redundancies at TGI Fridays

Tabled: 13/11/24 Signatories: 1

Lee Barron

That this House condemns TGI Fridays’ decision to terminate over 1,000 staff with less than an hour’s notice, without consultation, leaving many workers locked out of their workplaces and unable to access their possessions; urges the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to meet with the dismissed workers; calls on Teneo to unlock the sites so that workers may retrieve their belongings; requests TGI Fridays ensures fair compensation, appropriate notice, and redundancy pay for all affected staff; further calls on the Business and Trade Select Committee to require TGI Fridays’ CEO, Julie McEwan, to appear before them; and further urges the Government to take urgent action to make mass firings without notice or consultation illegal.

403North East Fife Scottish Fish and Chip Award winners (No. 2)

Tabled: 13/11/24 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House congratulates The Wee Chippy in Anstruther on winning Best Fish Supper in the 2024 Scottish Fish and Chip Awards; celebrates Kelvin, one of their fryers, on winning Highly Recommended in the Best Fish Fryer category; commemorates Anstruther Fish Bar on winning the People’s Choice Award; commends Cromars in St Andrews for winning Highly Recommended for Best Fish Supper (East) and Best Chip Shop (East), and Fish and Frites - Anstruther for Highly Recommended Best Team; appreciates all three for serving high quality, delicious food to the community in North East Fife; and wishes them all the best for the future.

404Scientific hearing on animal experiments (No. 3)

Tabled: 13/11/24 Signatories: 1

Chris Law

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 the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022; further 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; also notes Doctors Greek and Shanks' 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 stop the suffering of innocent laboratory dogs and other animals.

405Barrow Raiders Rugby League Club

Tabled: 13/11/24 Signatories: 1

Michelle Scrogham

That this House celebrates and commends the hard work of the Barrow Raiders Rugby League Club; notes that Raiders has a long and successful history dating back to its formation in 1875; remembers Willie Horne, pride of the club and one of the best players in the history of rugby; recognises the amount they give back to the community through the Advantage Barrow Raiders Community Foundation; applauds the dedication of the club’s supporters to the Raiders and to the game of rugby; pays tribute to the players, coaches and the committee of the club; and wishes them luck with the 2025 season.

406Implications for rural communities of the Autumn Budget 2024

Tabled: 13/11/24 Signatories: 1

Tim Farron

That this House recognises the vital contribution that British farmers make to our economy, environment and food security; understands that the farming industry has suffered from the botched trade deals that the former Conservative government negotiated and the poorly managed transition to Environmental Land Management schemes, increases in input costs, workforce shortages, extreme weather events and cuts to their incomes; is therefore deeply concerned by the Government's Budget announcement to cap agricultural property relief to an effective tax rate of 20% on all agricultural assets which are valued at over £1 million; believes that this decision unfairly affects family farms and rural businesses and may force tenant farmers and family farms to stop farming; notes that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ day-to-day spending is set to be cut by 1.9% over the next two years; further notes the Chancellor’s decision to accelerate the phase-out of the direct payments under the Basic Payment Scheme; also believes that these decisions put national food security, the natural environment and the heritage of agricultural communities and the rural economy at greater risk; and urges the Government to reverse its cut to agricultural property relief, raise the farming budget by £1 billion a year and issue an urgent review into the accelerated phase-out of the direct payments under the Basic Payment Scheme, to make sure our farmers can continue to feed the nation and protect our natural environment.

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.

349Detention and trial of Frenchie Mae Cumpio

Tabled: 31/10/24 Signatories: 13

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Llinos Medi

Ann Davies

Grahame Morris

John McDonnell

Shockat Adam

That this House demands the immediate release of Filipino community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who has been in detention since her arrest along with four human rights defenders since 7 February 2020 in Tacloban City and now faces the witness stand on 11 November; believes that the evidential basis for her arrest was fabricated, and that she is innocent of the charges; considers that the treatment of Cumpio is an attempt to silence messengers of truth and a clear violation of press freedom; fears that this represents a direct assault against Eastern Vista, which Cumpio heads as executive director, for its role in highlighting the issues of the marginalised and oppressed sectors in Eastern Visayas region, particularly the continuing plight of Yolanda victims, and the militarisation of farmers’ communities, among others; regards this case as yet another indication of the shrinking democratic space in the Philippines, as the administration hopes to deprive the poorest of the poor of another platform by which their voices are heard; and therefore supports the National Union of Journalists and International Federation of Journalists in calling on the Government to use every diplomatic effort to secure Cumpio’s release.

353TFL concessions

Tabled: 31/10/24 Signatories: 14

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Mary Kelly Foy

John McDonnell [R]

Kim Johnson

Margaret Mullane

Ian Lavery

Shockat Adam

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.

357Northern Ireland Assembly vote on Protocol issues

Tabled: 4/11/24 Signatories: 3

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

That this House notes the Northern Ireland Assembly is scheduled to vote on Articles 5 to 10 of the Protocol on matters relating to the EU withdrawal agreement; recognises that there remain purchasing, trading and other issues which disadvantage consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland in trading within the UK; also notes with serious concern that the forthcoming Assembly vote will not be based, as virtually all other contentious votes are, on a cross community basis; and calls on the UK Government to stand over the Safeguarding the Union document and urgently begin solving the ongoing problems rather than allowing them to fester, with political relationships within Northern Ireland continuing to worsen.

358FA Cup replays

Tabled: 4/11/24 Signatories: 9

Tim Farron

Jim Shannon

Ian Roome

Shockat Adam

Adam Dance

Angus MacDonald

Helen MaguireGavin Robinson

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.

36130 years of the National Lottery

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 7

Jim Shannon

Kirsteen Sullivan

Tonia Antoniazzi [R]

Daniel Francis

Christine Jardine

Tristan Osborne

Gavin Robinson

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: 26

Monica Harding

Anna Sabine

Layla Moran

Claire Young

Ian Sollom

Adam Dance

Helen Maguire

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: 27

Rachael Maskell

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Shockat Adam

Andrew George

Sorcha Eastwood

Ayoub Khan

Andy McDonaldImran Hussain

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.

367Release of Emily Damari

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 36

Freddie van Mierlo

Layla Moran

Calum Miller

Charlie Maynard

Adam Dance

Wendy Chamberlain

Luke AkehurstSammy Wilson

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.

369Agricultural Property Relief (No. 2)

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 4

Carla Lockhart

Jim Shannon

Mr Gregory Campbell

Gavin Robinson

That this House objects to the Government's recent changes to inheritance tax as announced in the Budget, which limit agricultural property relief to the first £1 million of a farm's value and apply a 20% tax rate on assets exceeding this threshold; notes with concern that family-run farms, often passed down through generations, could be forced to sell portions of their land or assets to meet this tax obligation, threatening the continuity of family agricultural businesses; further notes that these reforms could significantly impact fair competition within the agri-food sector, affect food production capacity, potentially increasing food prices and destabilising rural economies; recognises with concern that this policy may have a detrimental impact on wider rural entrepreneurship and the sustainability of mulit-generation family enterprises; also recognises the unequal impact this will have across the UK among nations and regions which have significant rural communites, such as Northern Ireland, impacting the agricultural sector in these areas disproportionately; believes that the Government's inheritance tax policy will negatively affect family farms, with the cost to rural communities outweighing potential revenue gains; and calls on the Government to reconsider these reforms to support the preservation of family-owned farms, safeguard the UK’s agricultural sector, and ensure the stability of rural communities across the country.

370Abuse of anabolic steroids

Tabled: 6/11/24 Signatories: 2

Will Stone

Sadik Al-Hassan

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.

372GWR Sunday timetable

Tabled: 6/11/24 Signatories: 19

Max Wilkinson

Steve Darling

Caroline Voaden

David Chadwick

Rachel Gilmour

Ben Maguire

Helen Maguire

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: 18

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Ayoub Khan

Vikki Slade

Wendy Chamberlain

Steve Darling

David Chadwick

Helen MaguireOlly Glover

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.

376Support for endometriosis care

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 6

Catherine Fookes

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Andrew George

Kirsteen Sullivan

Shockat Adam

That this House is concerned about the severe impact that endometriosis has on the physical and mental health of one in ten women in the UK; notes that this painful condition affects 1.5 million women causing chronic pain, and fatigue and, in some cases, an inability to conceive and that people who have the disease still wait over eight years on average to be diagnosed; commends research by Dr Jasmine Hearn and colleagues at Manchester Metropolitan University published in the Journal of Health Communication 2024, which found that many women’s experiences of seeking medical help was characterized by doctors and nurses not believing them, thinking they were exaggerating, and dismissing their concerns as women’s issues, making them feel ashamed, embarrassed, powerless and less likely to seek out help in the future; and calls on the governments in the four nations of the UK to work to improve understanding of endometriosis in the fields of health, education and employment, which are currently lacking in research and healthcare, in addition to medical interventions.

377National Engineering Day 2024

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 6

Dave Doogan

Jim Shannon

Graham Leadbitter

Andrew George

Chris Law

Luke Taylor

That this House marks National Engineering Day 2024, a national awareness day organised by the Royal Academy of Engineering; recognises the importance of engineering to the UK’s prosperity; notes with concern the lack of diversity within the engineering profession and the need for skilled workers across engineering disciplines in all nations of the UK; further notes that Engineering UK’s Women in Engineering and Technology report (published May 2024) found that the percentage of women in the engineering workforce was just 15.7% in 2023; is concerned that this represents a decline from the 2022 figure of 16.5%; and calls on the Government to take steps to equip the UK with the skilled workforce it needs to meet the challenges of sustainability and technological advancement by creating an education and skills system which produces a diverse engineering and technology profession equipped with the skills needed for the future.

378Alan Sayers and the Falkirk Business Improvement District

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 4

Euan Stainbank

Mary Kelly Foy

Kirsteen Sullivan

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the immense work of Business Improvement Districts (BID) across the country and thanks the Falkirk Business Improvement District for their work on behalf of Falkirk town centre businesses; congratulates Alan Sayers for winning an award for being a High Street Hero; and agrees with Falkirk BID manager Elaine Grant that his humility, professionalism, and relentless dedication to his work and community make him a deserving recipient of the Scotland Loves Local High Street Hero Award.

379Taxing low paid workers

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 3

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

That this House notes the Government's welcome recent announcement that the National Living Wage is due to increase to £12.21 per hour from April 2025 affecting three million lower paid workers; further notes that there is no increase in income tax thresholds, meaning that virtually all three million people will become tax payers; and understands that aligned to the increase in employers National Insurance contributions and the fact that many of those affected work in the hospitality sector which will entail retail prices increasing to pay for these additional costs, the end result will be that the general public will pay for the increase in wages while HM Treasury will gain several billion pounds in additional revenue every year.

381Humanitarian situation in Sudan

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 12

Monica Harding

Steve Darling

David Chadwick

Andrew Rosindell

Adam Dance

Ben Lake

Helen MaguireJim Shannon

That this House notes that some 25 million people are facing acute hunger and urgently need humanitarian assistance in Sudan, that 14 regions are on the brink of famine and famine conditions have already been confirmed in ZamZam Camp in North Darfur and that more than 10 million have been displaced from their homes; further notes that civilians in the country are facing incredible hardship, fear and suffering and notes an increase in gender based violence; recognises that the UK’s overseas aid spending is at its the lowest in 17 years, having been cut by £2 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year; also notes that the UK has assumed presidency of the United Nations Security Council and is the penholder on Sudan; calls on the Government to increase humanitarian assistance to Sudan and make it a central issue during meetings of the Security Council; further calls on the Government to play a stronger role in seeking a ceasefire and peace process where civilians are a part of the democratic government; also calls on the Government to sponsor a new Security Council resolution to create safe zones for civilians, designating no-fly areas for aircraft and Iranian drones and upholding responsibilities under Resolution 2417; and calls on the Government to increase the capacity of its mission in Sudan as a practical means of support.

382Contribution of animals to the Armed Forces

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 9

Josh Babarinde

Steve Darling

Jim Shannon

Tonia Antoniazzi

Adam Dance

James MacCleary

Helen Maguire

That this House recognises that, alongside the extraordinary human contribution to the war effort in WWI and WWII, there was also an extraordinary animal effort, including the services of 8 million horses and countless mules that died in WWI, the services of 300,000 pigeons that served Britain in WWI and WWII, carrying essential messages when other forms of communication were not possible, including 17,000 pigeons dropped into occupied countries in WWI, where fewer than 1 in 8 returned, the services of 20,000 dogs that were trained for the British frontline in WWI to deliver essential medical supplies, employed by the Red Cross, the services of 7,000 dogs whose owners offered their pets for service, including Airedale terriers trained to find injured soldiers in WWI, and including Rob the Collie who undertook 20 parachute jumps into North Africa and was awarded the Dickens Medal for Gallantry, alongside 65 other animals who have received the Dickens medal since WWII; notes that animals continue to make a significant contribution to our Armed Forces; and believes that animals should be recognised even further as a key part of our Armed Forces, and that they should be commemorated by further uptake of the Purple Poppy.

383Work of St John Ambulance

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 14

Kirith Entwistle

Mary Kelly Foy

Sarah Hall

Charlotte Nichols

Sonia Kumar

Zöe Franklin

Jim ShannonWill StoneWera Hobhouse

That this House recognises the lifesaving work of St John Ambulance volunteers across the country, training 250,000 members of the public in first aid every year, providing event first aid cover at 11,000 events and delivering 4,000 hours of emergency support to the NHS per month as the nation’s ambulance auxiliary; acknowledges that 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests take place every year in the UK with less than 1 in 10 people surviving and immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation and that defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival; is concerned by the findings of St John Ambulance’s recent survey that revealed 49% of the public would feel panicked if they came across a health emergency, with one in three members of the public afraid to give CPR to women due to fear of inappropriate touching; thanks the work of St John Ambulance volunteers, first aid charities and NHS Ambulance services in providing physical and mental health first aid training in communities to improve first aid confidence; and encourages the Government to support first aid education and volunteers as part of the NHS-10-Year Plan to tackle health inequalities, improve health outcomes and save lives.

385Visually impaired cricket team Australia tour

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 7

Max Wilkinson

Steve Darling

Edward Morello

Angus MacDonald

Adam Dance

Charlotte Cane

Jim Shannon

That this House extends its best wishes to the England Visually Impaired Cricket Team as they embark on their tour of Australia starting on 12 November 2024; notes that this team exemplifies dedication, resilience, and the power of inclusion in sport, setting an inspiring example for athletes of all abilities; applauds their commitment not only to the game but also to raising awareness and encouraging people with visual impairments to engage in inclusive sports is truly admirable; and wishes them success on the field and safe travels throughout their tour.

387Value of rural post offices

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 6

Lizzi Collinge

Mary Kelly Foy

Ben Lake

Andrew George

Jon Trickett

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates and commends the continued hard work of postmasters and mistresses in rural communities across the beautiful Morecambe Bay, Lune Valley and Westmorland; recognises and thanks them for their commitment to their communities; highlights the importance of their public service in connecting communities; emphasises their necessity in ensuring older people in particular are able to communicate with family and friends, see their neighbours, and access vital services including banking; finds it regrettable that their hard work to provide this service has been put under pressure by low remuneration, higher bills and economic instability under the previous Government; welcomes postmasters and mistresses finally receiving justice following the Horizon scandal and thanks the government for funding the compensation they deserve; and thanks hardworking village postmasters and mistresses, who have proudly continued to serve their communities to the gratitude of this House.

388Spirit duty on Scotch whisky

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 5

Jamie Stone

Angus MacDonald

Wendy Chamberlain

Steve Darling

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the value of the Scotch whisky industry; acknowledges its £7.1 billion a year contribution to the UK economy; highlights the importance of Scotch whisky as a major UK export; further recognises that the far north of Scotland is home to many successful distilleries, such as Glenmorangie and Old Pulteney; understands the importance of protecting this revenue; rebukes the Chancellor’s hike in spirit duty and the damage it will cause to these businesses; and calls on the Government to reconsider.

389Social care workers and National Insurance

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 33

Steve Darling

Claire Young

Clive Jones

Tom Gordon

Edward Morello

Richard Foord

Jim ShannonLisa SmartSusan Murray

That this House notes that social care workers should be exempt from the National Insurance tax rise announced in the Autumn Budget 2024; welcomes the extra funding provided for the NHS and other public sector organisations to cover the cost of the tax rise, but notes that the vast majority of care providers will not benefit from this help; further notes that 98% of care providers are small employers; and calls on the Government to reconsider National Insurance proposals so that care providers including care homes and those providing care in people's homes should be exempt from the National Insurance tax increase.

390Use of swift bricks

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 11

Adam Dance

Tonia Antoniazzi

Wendy Chamberlain

Anna Sabine

Tim Farron

Claire Young

Jim Shannon

That this House notes with concern the dramatic decline in swift populations across the country; recognises that swift bricks are a sensible, low-cost solution to support the reintroduction of swift nesting sites in areas where they have been lost; further notes that swift bricks can be easily implemented into different types of developments; also notes that swift bricks provide nests for other types of endangered species, strengthening local biodiversity; and calls on the Government to encourage the use of swift bricks in its planned 1.5 million new developments.

391World Diabetes Day 2024

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 10

Jim Shannon

Tonia Antoniazzi

Mary Kelly Foy

Tristan Osborne

Daniel Francis

Andrew George

Luke AkehurstMr Gregory CampbellGavin RobinsonShockat Adam

That this House celebrates World Diabetes Day 2024, marked on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922; notes the theme for 2024 is Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps to raise awareness and improve the lives of people suffering with Diabetes; highlights that there are around 537 million people worldwide that have Diabetes, 4.4 million of which are in the UK; underlines that National Diabetes Day was first officially recognised by the UN in 2006 and that the campaign reaches over one billion people in more than 160 countries; and thanks the International Diabetes Federation for all they do in educating people across the world on the impact Diabetes can have and for their help in supporting those with Diabetes cope day to day with the effects of the condition.

392Remembering Channing Day

Tabled: 12/11/24 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Sir Julian Lewis

That this House remembers the 12 year anniversary of the passing of Corporal Channing Day, who was killed alongside her colleague Corporal O'Connor en route to undertake low level training with the Afghan Local Police, in the village of Char Kutsa; notes that Corporal Day was born in Swindon and brought up in Comber, Newtownards that lies within the constituency of Strangford and that she played football for Northern Ireland and was also an NI Gymnastics pairs champion; highlights the incredible bravery displayed by our armed forces and that the risk they take on a daily basis should never be undervalued; and sends deepest sympathies to Corporal Day's parents, Leslie and Rosemary, her sisters Lauren and Laken and her brother Aaron and that she and her dedication to the Army Regiment she was posted to shall not be forgotten.

393Anniversary of Rev Robert Bradford MP's murder

Tabled: 12/11/24 Signatories: 3

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

This House notes that 14 November 2024 marks the 43rd anniversary of the murder of the Hon Member for South Belfast, the Rev. Robert Bradford MP, born in Limavady, Co. Londonderry in 1941 but brutally gunned down by the terrorists of the Provisional IRA as he was on his way to hold a constituency surgery on 14 November 1981 in a community centre where the caretaker Mr. Kenneth Campbell was also murdered; and during this season of remembrance expresses the hope that democrats everywhere, irrespective of political affiliation, can salute his bravery and all others who paid the supreme sacrifice in pursuit of peace and freedom.

394UK-US Special Relationship

Tabled: 12/11/24 Signatories: 6

Carla Lockhart

Andrew Rosindell

Jim Shannon

Mr Gregory Campbell

Gavin Robinson

Sir Julian Lewis

That this House recognises the United Kingdom’s Special Relationship with the United States as a foundation of Western democracy and global security since the Second World War; recalls the deep, historic ties and shared values between the two nations, including those contributed by the Ulster-Scots community; notes how this alliance was cemented during World War II as both nations fought together against tyranny; acknowledges the significant role of Field Marshal Sir John Greer Dill, an Ulster-Scot from Lurgan, who represented the UK in Washington, DC, from 1941 until his death in 1944; further notes that he was posthumously honoured by the United States with a Distinguished Service Medal and a graveside statue at Arlington National Cemetery, unveiled by President Harry S. Truman; recognises Dill’s efforts with General George Marshall to advance the shared strategic priorities of both countries, even during times of political disagreement; believes the UK’s relationship with the United States remains essential to security and prosperity; and calls on the Prime Minister and Government to strengthen relations with the incoming US administration, particularly in the lead-up to the 80th anniversary of VE Day in 2025 and the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence in 2026, which offer valuable opportunities to reinforce this vital alliance.

395Harry Ferguson Museum of Innovation

Tabled: 12/11/24 Signatories: 2

Jim Allister

Jim Shannon

That this House supports the establishment of a dedicated Harry Ferguson Museum of Innovation in Northern Ireland, which would tell the life story of Harry Ferguson, who is best remembered as the father of the modern tractor with his Ferguson System of farm modernisation.

397Humanitarian situation in Sudan (No. 2)

Tabled: 12/11/24 Signatories: 15

Zarah Sultana

John McDonnell

Apsana Begum

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Richard Burgon

Jon Trickett

Jim ShannonMary Kelly FoyShockat Adam

That this House expresses deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has displaced over 10 million people, caused widespread famine, and fuelled religious persecution and human rights abuses, including sexual violence; recognises this severe humanitarian crisis; urges the Government to act urgently by supporting an immediate, internationally mediated ceasefire and advocating for safe, unhindered humanitarian access to all regions affected by the conflict; and calls on the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to hold all parties accountable for civilian protection and adherence to international human rights standards, because immediate action is crucial to addressing the urgent needs of Sudan’s displaced and vulnerable populations, upholding religious freedom, and fostering lasting peace in the region.

398National Sherwood Forest Day

Tabled: 12/11/24 Signatories: 3

Michelle Welsh

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House welcomes the celebration of a first National Sherwood Forest Day on 20 February on the anniversary of the birth of Major Hayman Rooke in 1723 for whom the Major Oak at Edwinstowe is named; notes that Sherwood Forest is a national environmental, cultural and heritage asset and its fame across the world for its close association with the legendary outlaw hero Robin Hood; thanks all those in the public, private and voluntary sectors who are active in preserving Sherwood Forest for future generations; and wishes all their efforts well in promoting the natural and cultural significance of Sherwood Forest.

399Glastonbury Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Angela Yeoman Award

Tabled: 12/11/24 Signatories: 2

Sarah Dyke

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates the Glastonbury Neighbourhood Policing Team, Licensing Team and Anti-Social Behaviour Team on winning the Angela Yeoman award at the Force Awards on 23rd October; notes the Angela Yeoman award is awarded upon the demonstration of outstanding initiative and continuous support to increasing community safety; congratulates the concerted effort made by the policing team in Glastonbury, led by Sargent Simon Lancey and PCSO Supervisor Bea Gane, in reducing reported crime by 26 per cent and anti-social behaviour by 17% from September 2022 to September 2023; applauds their hard work in developing combative strategies to tackle crime, with a specific focus on delivery intervention, safeguarding and community engagement; recognises the marked improvement in crime statistics when sufficient planning and personnel are provided; further notes that according to the National Farmer Union, rural crime in Somerset rose by 67.6% to an estimated £1.3 million in 2023, with only 258 police officers and staff (0.1% of the overall workforce) being dedicated to rural crime teams across the UK; and calls on the Government to take steps towards having a specialist coordinator in their rural crime team, in line with the recommendations from the National Rural Crime Network.

40035 Years of the Edinburgh Interfaith Association

Tabled: 12/11/24 Signatories: 3

Dr Scott Arthur

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House congratulates the Edinburgh Interfaith Association (EIFA) on 35 years of service to Edinburgh; notes that throughout that time EIFA has diligently and effectively sought opportunities to cultivate and promote interfaith progress in the City of Edinburgh; respects that EIFA has been continuously recognised by other interfaith organisations throughout the world as an outstanding role model in terms of developing and delivering positively impactful interfaith programmes for the wider community; celebrates that in 2023 over 4000 Edinburgh primary school children benefitted from EIFA's Faith Road Show where different faiths share their practices and beliefs and together promote interfaith understanding and peace, highlighting the commonalities between faiths as well as encouraging respect for differences; thanks EIFA for the leadership they demonstrated in the summer of 2024 with the Lord Provost of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge and City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day when showing solidarity with the people of Southport and condemning the actions of those who sought to spread disinformation and to stir up hatred and violence; and further thanks the board members, who are predominantly drawn from Edinburgh’s diverse faith communities, on their ability to further the interfaith mission of the organisation.