Contents

Published – Friday 22 November 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 21 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

442Louis the Pittencrieff Park peacock

Tabled: 21/11/24 Signatories: 1

Graeme Downie

That this House acknowledges the untimely death of King Louis, one of the famous peacocks of Dunfermline’s Pittencrieff Park; applauds the hard work of the volunteers who care for the city’s peacocks and thanks each and every one of them for their generosity of spirit and their kindness in ensuring the peacocks are well tended; regrets that Louis’ untimely death stemmed from injuries sustained in a cruel attack on the peacock enclosure from which the dedicated volunteers nursed Louis to an improving health status; and notes the quote by Scottish naturalist John Muir that, any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.

443Llys Nini Animal Centre

Tabled: 21/11/24 Signatories: 1

Tonia Antoniazzi

That this House congratulates Llys Nini Animal Centre on being open for 25 years; pays tribute to the hard work and commitment of its staff and volunteers; notes that this anniversary coincides with the RSCPA’s 200th anniversary; and wishes the centre good luck for the opening of its RSPCA in Swansea exhibition in December.

444Violence against women and girls

Tabled: 21/11/24 Signatories: 1

Tonia Antoniazzi

That this House marks 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and White Ribbon Day 2024; recognises that violence against women and girls is the most pervasive breach of human rights in the world; further recognises that women and girls around the world face violence, abuse and persecution due to their sex; expresses deep concern that in recent years in the UK, one woman has been killed by a man every three days on average; further expresses alarm that violence against women has surged by almost 40% in England and Wales; notes violence against women and girls as a global and national emergency; honours and remembers all women affected by men’s violence; praises organisations supporting women affected by male violence and working to combat it; welcomes the Government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls in a decade; and urges everyone in this House to work together to end violence against women and girls as an urgent priority.

445Carers Rights Day

Tabled: 21/11/24 Signatories: 4

Helen Morgan

Alison Bennett

Ed Davey

Jess Brown-Fuller

That this House celebrates Carers Rights Day; recognises the hard and vital work unpaid carers do caring for their loved ones; notes that carers across the country support the wellbeing of millions of the most vulnerable in our society and contribute £184bn to the UK economy; further notes that health and care services and the NHS cannot function properly without the contribution of family and unpaid carers; regrets that hundreds of thousands of carers live in poverty, and suffer from social isolation; further regrets that two in five young carers are persistently absent from school; reaffirms the importance of existing rights for carers, such as unpaid carer’s leave; applauds the work of voluntary and charitable organisations like Carers UK, who have improved the lives of countless carers; and calls on the Government to mark this Carers Rights Day with action, including by making unpaid carer’s leave paid, introducing a generous entitlement to respite care, reforming Carer’s Allowance, establishing a Young Carers Pupil Premium, and ending the persecution of carers for overpayments of carers allowance.

446Carers Rights Day 2024

Tabled: 21/11/24 Signatories: 1

Jamie Stone

That this house recognises the importance of carers in the UK, in the light of Carers Rights Day; in addition acknowledges the poor working conditions and low pay that carers struggle with; highlights the value of carers to societies across the UK; notes that while the recent budget has added more support for the care sector more needs to be done following the repercussions of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic; further acknowledges that unpaid carers are now providing care worth £184 billion per year; and calls on the Government to further support carers both in paid and unpaid roles.

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.

378Alan Sayers and the Falkirk Business Improvement District

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 5

Euan Stainbank

Mary Kelly Foy

Kirsteen Sullivan

Jim Shannon

Dr Scott Arthur

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.

383Work of St John Ambulance

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 42

Kirith Entwistle

Mary Kelly Foy

Sarah Hall

Charlotte Nichols

Sonia Kumar

Zöe Franklin

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.

389Social care workers and National Insurance

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 38

Steve Darling

Claire Young

Clive Jones

Tom Gordon

Edward Morello

Richard Foord

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.

398National Sherwood Forest Day

Tabled: 12/11/24 Signatories: 8

Michelle Welsh

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Nadia Whittome

Jo White

Richard Burgon

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.

406Implications for rural communities of the Autumn Budget 2024

Tabled: 13/11/24 Signatories: 17

Tim Farron

Robin Swann

Steff Aquarone

Anna Sabine

Claire Young

James MacCleary

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.

408Protecting wild sea birds and sand eels

Tabled: 14/11/24 Signatories: 11

Wendy Chamberlain

Adam Dance

Claire Young

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Richard Burgon

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: 12

Clive Jones

Claire Young

Adam Dance

Anna Sabine

Wendy Chamberlain

Rachael Maskell

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: 22

Christine Jardine

Claire Young

Steve Darling

Adam Dance

Anna Sabine

Ben Maguire

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.

413Jim Allan, High Street Hero Award winner, Lothian 2024

Tabled: 18/11/24 Signatories: 3

Kirsteen Sullivan

Jim Shannon

Euan Stainbank

That this House celebrates the work of Bathgate bairn Jim Allan; congratulates Jim Allan on winning the Scotland Loves Local High Street Hero award for Lothian; acknowledges Jim Allan as an award-winning community role model and inspiring eco-warrior for his work in clearing litter; recognises the impact of litter on many communities; understands the danger of litter to wildlife and the natural environment; commends Jim for his hard-work collecting litter and inspiring local litter-pickers since 2019; thanks the inspired 3,650-strong community movement that has collected 541 tonnes of litter in the year to September 2024; further acknowledges the social and health benefits of these group activities in encouraging exercise and fresh air, and providing purpose; encourages the community aspiration and spirit needed to take up activities that help to improve street cleanliness, reconnect people with their neighbours and reap health benefits; and wishes Jim Allan and West Lothian Litter Pickers well in their future endeavours.

41950th anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings

Tabled: 18/11/24 Signatories: 7

Jim Allister

Jim Shannon

Andrew Rosindell

Alex Easton

Liam Byrne

Tahir Ali

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.

422Puppy smuggling bill

Tabled: 18/11/24 Signatories: 15

Dr Danny Chambers

Richard Burgon

Liz Jarvis

Helen Morgan

Jim Shannon

Mr Will Forster

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.

425D-Day veteran George Chandler

Tabled: 18/11/24 Signatories: 12

Alison Bennett

Richard Burgon

Jim Shannon

Sir Julian Lewis

Steve Darling

Steff Aquarone

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: 3

Alex Easton

Andrew Rosindell

Jim Shannon

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.

429Ocean Oarsmen’s Atlantic Rowing Challenge

Tabled: 19/11/24 Signatories: 8

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Jim Shannon

James MacCleary

Wendy Chamberlain

Manuela Perteghella

Dr Danny Chambers

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: 4

Kate Osborne

Apsana Begum

Jim Shannon

Dr Scott Arthur

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.

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

Tabled: 20/11/24 Signatories: 3

Shockat Adam

Brian Leishman

Brendan O'Hara

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.

436Bus fare cap

Tabled: 20/11/24 Signatories: 18

Mr Paul Kohler

Tim Farron

Anna Sabine

Wera Hobhouse

Olly Glover

Helen Morgan

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: 19

Helen Morgan

Jess Brown-Fuller

Alison Bennett

Dr Danny Chambers

Sarah Olney

Wera Hobhouse

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: 10

Anna Sabine

Wera Hobhouse

Steff Aquarone [R]

Martin Wrigley

Caroline Voaden

Adam Dance

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: 17

Mrs Kemi Badenoch

Kevin Hollinrake

David Simmonds

Lewis Cocking

Paul Holmes

Mr Gagan Mohindra

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: 2

Frank McNally

Dr Scott Arthur

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.