Published – Thursday 21 November 2024

New EDMs

431Somaliland presidential election

Tabled: 20/11/24 Signatories: 1

Sir Gavin Williamson

That this House congratulates Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi for his victory in Somaliland’s presidential election; thanks Muse Abdi Bihi for his hard work during his time as president; notes Somaliland’s success in holding a free and fair election; and calls on the Government to recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an independent nation.

432South Devon College wins Green Gown Award for Sustainability Institution of the Year

Tabled: 20/11/24 Signatories: 1

Steve Darling

That this House congratulates South Devon College on being awarded the prestigious Green Gown Award for Sustainability Institution of the Year; recognises the College’s exceptional commitment to sustainability, which has spanned 15 years and led to the creation of an ambitious strategy, embedded across the institution, inspiring both staff and students; applauds the College’s integrated approach to sustainability, which positively impacts not only the College but the wider community and the global environment; notes the College's key sustainability milestones, including the opening of the pioneering South West Energy Centre, investment in renewable energy sources such as solar panels and air source heat pumps, and the development of the state-of-the-art Hi Tech & Digital Centre built to high BREEAM standards; acknowledges the College's continuous efforts to incorporate social, environmental, and economic sustainability into all its operations, including student and staff engagement in sustainability initiatives; and further celebrates the efforts of the Sustainability Group, which has driven cross-college sustainability projects such as community volunteering, horticultural food production, and energy-saving practices.

433Palestine Statehood (Recognition) (No. 2) Bill

Tabled: 20/11/24 Signatories: 1

Shockat Adam

That this House welcomes the introduction of the Palestine Statehood (Recognition) (No. 2) Bill; notes that the United Kingdom, as a signatory to the Balfour Declaration of 1917, has a historic responsibility to contribute to a lasting peace resolution in Palestine; further notes that 146 United Nations member states have formally recognised Palestine as a sovereign state; believes that recognising the State of Palestine is a vital step in achieving justice and strengthening the prospects for meaningful peace negotiations; also notes that such recognition in is line with the United Kingdom’s commitment to international law; recognises the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people caused by decades of conflict, occupation and displacement; further recognises the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people, including the adoption of all UN resolutions relating to these rights; calls on the Government to take action to formally recognise Palestine as an independent state in accordance with the 1967 borders; and further calls on the Government to recognise the urgency of Palestinian Statehood given the atrocities being committed in Gaza and the Israeli operations in the West Bank.

434King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024 for the Buchan Battalion Boys’ Brigade

Tabled: 20/11/24 Signatories: 1

Seamus Logan

That this House congratulates the Buchan Battalion Boys’ Brigade for their King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024; notes that this prestigious Royal Award is the equivalent of an MBE as the highest award given to voluntary groups across the UK; celebrates the outstanding contribution to the community made by the Buchan Battalion Boys Brigade in a voluntary capacity, giving their time, effort and enthusiasm and delivering to the highest of standards in the local area; and wishes them the very best in their future endeavours under the capable guidance of their President, Marc Thomson.

435Alcester Community Shed

Tabled: 20/11/24 Signatories: 1

Manuela Perteghella

That this House congratulates the Alcester Community Shed volunteers, Alcester Town Council, and the wider community of Alcester for their outstanding work in creating and maintaining a space that promotes creativity, learning, and social interaction; recognises the Shed’s role in fostering inclusivity and supporting the wellbeing of its members by providing opportunities for skill-sharing, collaboration, and friendship; celebrates the dedication of all involved in ensuring the Shed remains a welcoming and safe environment for all, particularly in its efforts to address isolation and support mental health; and calls on the Government to recognise and support the invaluable contributions of community spaces like Alcester Community Shed in enhancing social inclusion and improving quality of life in local communities across the UK.

436Bus fare cap

Tabled: 20/11/24 Signatories: 1

Mr Paul Kohler

That this House notes the £2 bus fare cap helps millions of bus users with the cost of living and encourages higher ridership; further notes the upcoming fare cap hike will significantly increase costs for bus users and make bus travel less accessible, especially in rural areas; regrets the steep decline in access to buses under the last Government with more than 1 billion fewer passenger journeys in 2023 than 2015; further regrets the 59% increase in fare prices between 2015 and 2023; notes that nearly a third of bus journeys are made by elderly, disabled and young people and that these groups will be particularly disadvantaged by the fare hike; notes that inadequate access to buses exacerbates regional and other inequalities; recognises the importance of access to convenient, frequent and affordable buses for employment and quality of life, particularly in rural areas; calls on the Government to urgently provide promised new powers to franchise buses to all local authorities and provide the resources to switch to zero-emission vehicles and expand bus services, including on demand provision; and further calls on the Government to reverse the increase in the fare cap so that buses remain affordable for communities across the country.

437Emergency care

Tabled: 20/11/24 Signatories: 4

Helen Morgan

Jess Brown-Fuller

Alison Bennett

Dr Danny Chambers

That this House notes with dismay that emergency departments across England are in a state of crisis after years of neglect and failure by the last Conservative government; commends the hard work of all emergency service workers that despite extremely tough working conditions save thousands of lives every day; notes with concern the appalling deterioration of emergency care and surging waiting times in all parts of the health service as well as reports of patients dying in A&E waiting rooms; further notes that many patients are not monitored by a clinician while waiting to be seen at A&E; regrets the recent decision to hike national insurance contributions for GPs and care providers, placing further strain on overwhelmed emergency departments; calls on the government to ensure that a fully qualified clinician is present in every A&E waiting room to monitor the condition of waiting patients; and further calls on the government to cut ambulance response times, increase the number of beds in A&E departments, end delayed discharge from hospital, and commit to cross-party talks on social care.

438Bus fare cap hike

Tabled: 20/11/24 Signatories: 1

Anna Sabine

That this House recognises the impact of the recent 50% rise in the bus fare cap to communities across the country; pays particular attention to its impact on rural communities in the South West; recognises the crucial role that buses play in people’s accessibility to work and leisure; recognises the crucial role that buses play in the economy and in boosting high streets; condemns the Government’s decision to raise bus fares in the midst of a cost of living crisis; and urges the Government to invest in expanding bus services in rural communities.

439Housing

Tabled: 20/11/24 Signatories: 7

Mrs Kemi Badenoch

Kevin Hollinrake

David Simmonds

Lewis Cocking

Paul Holmes

Mr Gagan Mohindra

Alan Mak

That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Housing (Right to Buy) (Limits on Discount) (England) Order 2024 (SI, 2024, No. 1073), dated 28 October 2024, a copy of which was laid before this House on 30 October, be annulled.

440Bellshill Athletic Boys and Girls Academy award of the Scottish Football Association Gold Quality Mark

Tabled: 20/11/24 Signatories: 1

Frank McNally

That this House congratulates the Bellshill Athletic Boys and Girls Football Academy on being awarded an Scottish Football Association (SFA) Gold Quality Mark; understands that the Gold Quality Mark was designed by the SFA to recognise best practice from member clubs and teams and that the Quality Mark Award Scheme aims to reward those which have a demonstrated a desire to be the very best they can be; believes that, to gain the award, a club must meet the highest standards for improving team management, development structures, administration, planning and welfare; recognises that this award has been made possible by the hard work and dedication of the committee, voluntary coaches, ground staff, players and helpers at Bellshill Athletic Academy; and wishes everyone at Bellshill Athletic Academy every success in their future endeavours.

441Potential closure of Caernarfon Post Office

Tabled: 20/11/24 Signatories: 4

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Llinos Medi

Ann Davies

That this House expresses deep concern over the potential closure of Caernarfon Post Office, as part of the organisation’s cost-cutting plan to shut directly owned Crown branches; regrets that the needs of customers and staff are being overlooked at a time when the Post Office should be working to restore trust and public confidence; acknowledges that a petition calling for the retention of over-the-counter services in Caernarfon has received considerable support from local residents and businesses; notes that such rural branches serve a wide area, and that travelling further afield can be difficult due to the lack of public transport infrastructure; recognises the over-the-counter services provided by the Caernarfon branch are essential in the context of high levels of digital exclusion and the closure of other face-to-face services including high street banking; further notes the crucial provision of Welsh-medium services by the branch in Caernarfon, which is a predominantly Welsh-speaking community; and urges the UK Government to compel the rethink of planned closures to ensure individuals in rural areas do not lose access to vital Post Office services.

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.

370Abuse of anabolic steroids

Tabled: 6/11/24 Signatories: 4

Will Stone

Sadik Al-Hassan

Rachael Maskell

Sam Rushworth

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: 22

Edward Morello

Vikki Slade

Helen Morgan

David Chadwick

Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Lisa Smart

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.

376Support for endometriosis care

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 17

Catherine Fookes

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Andrew George

Kirsteen Sullivan

Shockat Adam

Ruth Jones

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.

382Contribution of animals to the Armed Forces

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 13

Josh Babarinde

Steve Darling

Jim Shannon

Tonia Antoniazzi

Adam Dance

James MacCleary

Ian Roome

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: 39

Kirith Entwistle

Mary Kelly Foy

Sarah Hall

Charlotte Nichols

Sonia Kumar

Zöe Franklin

Daisy Cooper

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.

398National Sherwood Forest Day

Tabled: 12/11/24 Signatories: 7

Michelle Welsh

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Nadia Whittome

Jo White

Richard Burgon

Wera Hobhouse

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.

402Redundancies at TGI Fridays

Tabled: 13/11/24 Signatories: 12

Lee Barron

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jon Trickett

Mary Kelly Foy

Mrs Lorraine Beavers

Richard Burgon

Nadia Whittome

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.

408Protecting wild sea birds and sand eels

Tabled: 14/11/24 Signatories: 9

Wendy Chamberlain

Adam Dance

Claire Young

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Richard Burgon

James MacCleary

That this House recognises the importance of sand eels to the wider ecosystem, in particular wild seabird populations; acknowledges the puffin and kittiwake bird populations, whose diets largely rely on sand eels, have drastically decreased as a result of industrial sand eel fishing by Sweden and Denmark in the North Sea; notes that a ban on fishing is now in place but notes further with concern growing external pressure to lift the ban; and urges the Government to commit to the fishing ban to ensure our wild sea bird species can continue to thrive.

409Triple negative breast cancer

Tabled: 14/11/24 Signatories: 11

Clive Jones

Claire Young

Adam Dance

Anna Sabine

Dr Roz Savage

Wendy Chamberlain

James MacCleary

That this House recognises the significant impact of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which accounts for around 15% of breast cancer diagnosis but up to 40% of all breast cancer deaths in England; acknowledges that TNBC disproportionately affects people under the age of 40, for whom a diagnosis and treatment can have a profound effect on their lives, employment, financial security and family; further recognises the impact of undergoing treatment for TNBC and the importance of the breast cancer workforce in providing support during this time, particularly Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS); acknowledges the lack of specific data on TNBC in England, making it difficult to identify exactly how many people are living with or dying from TNBC; and calls on the Government to ensure that every person with TNBC has care tailored to their needs, including the assignment of a CNS at diagnosis and that TNBC data is improved in England.

410Children's Grief Awareness Week 2024

Tabled: 14/11/24 Signatories: 16

Christine Jardine

Claire Young

Steve Darling

Adam Dance

Anna Sabine

Dr Roz Savage

Steff AquaroneJames MacCleary

That this House recognises Children’s Grief Awareness Week, taking place between 18 and 24 November 2024; notes that this year’s theme is building hope, which includes a focus on building resilience in young people and offering strategies and tools to support them with their bereavement; further notes this year’s policy focus is improving grief education to support children through this difficult time; commends the coalition of charities organising Children’s Grief Awareness Week including Child Bereavement UK, Childhood Bereavement Network and Winston’s Wish; celebrates the work that these charities do to provide specialist support for children, including support groups, hotlines, online chats and email support; and calls on the Government to introduce a new protocol for authorities and public bodies to inform children of local, national and online support services available to children following a bereavement.

411In memory of Jim Farmer

Tabled: 14/11/24 Signatories: 4

Wendy Chamberlain

Brian Leishman

Jim Shannon

James MacCleary

That this House expresses its deepest condolences following the death of Jim Farmer, also known as Mr Golf, of St Andrews; acknowledges that he leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a player, coach, and ambassador of the sport; recognises that as the honorary professional at The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Jim was a prominent figure in Scottish golf for over five decades, and helped many golfers get their careers started; notes that Jim was made a life member of St Andrews Golf Club, served as the captain of the PGA from 2009 to 2011 and was a vital member of the PGA board, as well as representing Great Britain and Ireland in four PGA cups; understands this loss is felt widely and expresses sympathy to his friends and family following the sad news of his passing.

416Family visas

Tabled: 18/11/24 Signatories: 9

Lisa Smart

Claire Hanna

Jim Shannon

Olly Glover

Andrew George

Steve Darling

James MacClearyWendy ChamberlainAdam Dance

That this House notes with concern the previous Government’s decision to increase the minimum income threshold for family visas to £29,000; acknowledges that this threshold unfairly separates families, particularly impacting low-income households and those in regions with lower average wages; recognises that a number of announcements on changes to the income threshold in the last 12 months has caused anxiety and uncertainty for many families; emphasises that family life should not be contingent on an arbitrary income level; urges the Government to provide an update on the progress of the Migration Advisory Committee’s review into the financial requirements of family visas; and calls on the Government to reverse the increase to the minimum income threshold for family visas, so no more families are torn apart.

41950th anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings

Tabled: 18/11/24 Signatories: 3

Jim Allister

Jim Shannon

Andrew Rosindell

That this House notes with real sadness the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham Pub Bombings which took place on 21 November 1974 in which 21 people were killed and 220 injured, the most deadly terrorist attack on British soil and largest unsolved mass murder; further notes that it is widely recognised that, despite their never having accepted responsibility, this was a brutal act of IRA terrorism; praises the work of Julie Hambleton, sister of Maxine Hambleton who was killed in the bombings, in setting up Justice 4 the 21; and calls on the Government to honour the calls of Justice 4 the 21 for a public inquiry out of respect for the memories of the 21, all those who were injured, and their families.

420Care for PANS and PANDAS

Tabled: 18/11/24 Signatories: 7

Michelle Scrogham

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Shockat Adam

Wendy Chamberlain

Sir Julian Lewis

Adam Dance

That this House is concerned about the severe impact the post-infectious neuropsychiatric disorders Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) have on children, young people and families across the UK; notes that the impact is exacerbated by low levels of awareness and variation in care available further adding to the financial, emotional and educational toll; recognises that early intervention is known to lead to best outcomes but is rarely available to patients in the UK; applauds the publication of a manifesto by charity PANS PANDAS UK calling for the forthcoming NHS Ten Year Plan to take the needs of this community into account; commends the work of the PANS PANDAS Steering Group in seeking to implement change within health, education and social care; and calls on the Government to support this work through improved funding, research and training for professionals.

422Puppy smuggling bill

Tabled: 18/11/24 Signatories: 10

Dr Danny Chambers

Richard Burgon

Liz Jarvis

Helen Morgan

Jim Shannon

Mr Will Forster

Adam DanceJames MacClearyWendy Chamberlain

That this House welcomes the introduction of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, also known as the Puppy Smuggling Bill, which aims to address critical animal welfare and public health concerns associated with the illegal importation of dogs and cats; recognises that this Bill tackles puppy smuggling, the importation of heavily pregnant dogs, and the steep increase in animal mutilations, in particular ear cropping and tail docking; notes with concern the 2,000% increase in reported ear-cropping cases over the past decade, the 600% rise in pregnant dogs illegally smuggled into the UK over the past three years and that legal loopholes which allow animal mutilation and suffering continue to be exploited; further notes that up to half of online advertisements for puppies feature dogs that have been illegally imported; acknowledges with concern that illegally imported dogs pose a risk to human health by potentially transmitting non-endemic zoonotic diseases including rabies and Brucella canis; further acknowledges the support of the RSPCA, the British Veterinary Association and Dogs Trust for this Bill; and calls on the Government to enact the Puppy Smuggling Bill to create a framework that protects animal welfare and public health.

423ARK at Egwood, King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Tabled: 18/11/24 Signatories: 4

Adam Dance

Jim Shannon

James MacCleary

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House congratulates the team at ARK at Egwood for receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service; thanks the volunteers at ARK at Egwood for their work in providing a safe outdoor environment that supports people of all ages and varying needs and wishes them continued good fortune; commends the positive impact of ARK at Egwood’s unique approach, which combines nature, crafts, and community support, on individuals across the Yeovil constituency; and recognises that ARK at Egwood receiving this award is a testament to the powerful role that volunteer-led initiatives play in improving lives and strengthening communities.

42430th anniversary of Swarcliffe good neighbours scheme

Tabled: 18/11/24 Signatories: 11

Richard Burgon

John McDonnell

Rachael Maskell

Imran Hussain

Brian Leishman

Jim Shannon

Steve Witherden

That this House congratulates Swarcliffe Good Neighbours Scheme on its 30th anniversary; celebrates its ongoing work providing services promoting the health and well-being of older people and their carers in Swarcliffe, Stanks and Whinmoor in East Leeds to support them living happy and fulfilled lives in the community; notes its fantastic range of activities including monthly trips, the luncheon club, the Knitting Circle, line-dancing and drop-in sessions for advice; thanks Ken Hill for his continuing work as Swarcliffe Good Neighbours Project Manager since 2005 and recognises and thanks Ken Hill's predecessor Philip Makin for his work as Project Manager for the first 11 years of Swarcliffe Good Neighbours; thanks all volunteers and local residents who have made, and who continue to make, Swarcliffe Good Neighbours Scheme so special; and wishes Swarcliffe Good Neighbours Scheme every happiness and success in its next 30 years of work in the community.

425D-Day veteran George Chandler

Tabled: 18/11/24 Signatories: 9

Alison Bennett

Richard Burgon

Jim Shannon

Sir Julian Lewis

Steve Darling

Steff Aquarone

Andrew RosindellJames MacClearyWendy Chamberlain

That this House notes with deep sadness the passing in October 2024 of World War 2 Navy veteran and Mid Sussex constituent George Chandler at the age of 99; expresses gratitude for his extraordinary life of service and his dedication to world war education and remembrance; recognises that with the passing of each veteran we are a step closer to World War 2 ceasing to be within living memory; wishes to highlight George’s advice for people to have more compassion for each other; calls on the Government and all educational institutions to redouble efforts to ensure that the lessons of the world wars are never forgotten; and further calls that future generations remain vigilant against intolerance, prejudice and violence in all its forms, continuing the vital legacy left by George Chandler and so many of his fellow war heroes.

42625th anniversary of the Somme Memorial Flute Band

Tabled: 19/11/24 Signatories: 2

Alex Easton

Andrew Rosindell

That this House celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Somme Memorial Flute Band, formed in September 1998 in Bangor, County Down, with a mission to promote traditional Corps of Drums-style flute band music, provide a social outlet for its members and their families and honour those who fell at the Battle of the Somme during the Great War; notes that the band built a distinguished legacy as a melody flute band, performing not only across Northern Ireland but also in Scotland, France, Belgium, and the Republic of Ireland, including a St. Patrick’s Day event in Mullingar in 2008; further notes that the band marked the Centenary of the Ulster Tower in November 2021, receiving a civic reception in Armentières and commemorating the late David Wilsdon with a bench in Mesnil-Martinsart, France, in his memory; highlights the fact that during their 25th anniversary year, the band attended 26 public performances, from loyal order parades to Remembrance events with organisations like the Royal British Legion; recognises that the anniversary year was launched with a memorable event at Parliament Buildings, Stormont Estate, featuring presentations, speeches by founder members, and letters from supporters in Scotland, England, and France; and also highlights the fact that the band has grown from a membership of 20 to over 40 active members, continuing to flourish and strengthen its role in preserving heritage, fostering community engagement, and advancing flute band music.

427Halesowen in Bloom and the King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Tabled: 19/11/24 Signatories: 3

Alex Ballinger

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House congratulates Halesowen in Bloom for receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service; celebrates the work of the group and their service to making Halesowen an attractive place to live, work and visit; applauds the dedication of the organisation’s committee which arranges horticultural, environmental and community enhancement in and around Halesowen town centre; thanks the shops, businesses and public for their generous donations; commends the volunteers, community groups, businesses and schools who undertake improvements; pays special tribute to Eve O’Connor - Chair, Hilary Bills - Secretary and Vicky Shakespeare - Manager of the BID; and applauds their contribution to the local community.

428Glyn Cywarch, Historic Houses Restoration Award 2024

Tabled: 19/11/24 Signatories: 5

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Llinos Medi

Ann Davies

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates the owners of Glyn Cywarch, a Grade II listed house and gardens located within Eryri National Park, on winning the Historic Houses Restoration Award 2024; notes that the prestigious award recognises outstanding work in restoration and is sponsored by Sotheby’s Auction House; further notes that Glyn Cywarch, built by William Wynn in 1616, is the first ever Welsh house to win the award; highlights the building’s ambitious Renaissance character, which has been the Harlech family seat since the 1800s; commends the use of traditional materials and building methodology like lime plaster and slate from Blaenau Ffestiniog; and applauds the hard work of the team of local contractors who contributed to the project over the six-and-a-half years it took to restore the house.

429Ocean Oarsmen’s Atlantic Rowing Challenge

Tabled: 19/11/24 Signatories: 4

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Jim Shannon

James MacCleary

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House commends Ben and Harry, known as the Ocean Oarsmen, for their extraordinary commitment in undertaking the challenge of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean to raise £50,000 for the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice, a cause that provides essential support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families; recognises the physical and mental endurance required for such a formidable journey of 3,000 miles; and wishes them every success in their endeavour, celebrating their efforts to bring attention to and support for this vital charity.

430Bede's Helping Hands

Tabled: 19/11/24 Signatories: 3

Kate Osborne

Apsana Begum

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Bede’s Helping Hands, a food bank in Jarrow and Gateshead East constituency on receiving a King’s Award for Voluntary Service; recognises the brilliant efforts of all their volunteers; praises the incredibly important work they do; acknowledges the massive difference they make for so many; and notes that whilst food banks should not be necessary it is the effort of community-based volunteer-led organisations such as these that change lives.