Published – Wednesday 4 December 2024

New EDMs

495Strengthening UK relations with the Kurdistan Region in Iraq

Tabled: 3/12/24 Signatories: 1

John Slinger

That this House supports the Government’s recent agreement with the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq on migration, trafficking, and drug smuggling; further supports ever deeper diplomatic efforts by the UK and its allies to strengthen relations with Iraqi Kurdistan across diplomatic, military, educational, cultural, and business spheres; suggests that every effort be made by the UK and our allies to strengthen relations between Erbil and Baghdad for their mutual benefit and on the basis of the federal constitution agreed by the Iraqi people in the 2005 referendum; notes that such efforts, as elsewhere in the world, can foster greater prosperity and political stability through reform, including to tackle corruption and sustainably diversify the economy; and further notes that this can also reduce the push factors for migration to the UK.

496Kevin Sinfield fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease research

Tabled: 3/12/24 Signatories: 1

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House notes the seven ultramarathons in seven days across the UK in December 2024 by rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield CBE, who has continued his incredible fund raising efforts for research into combating Motor Neurone Disease (MND), so far raising over £16 million to help those affected by one of the most debilitating and heart-breaking conditions; recognises BBC Breakfast has consistently helped to highlight the amazing efforts Kevin Sinfield has put in since his friend the late Rob Burrows CBE was diagnosed in 2019; and expresses the hope that a cure for MND will be brought much closer due in no small measure to these outstanding endeavours.

497Bowel Cancer UK report into NHS services

Tabled: 3/12/24 Signatories: 1

Clive Jones [R]

That this House recognises bowel cancer as the second biggest cancer killer, with over 13,500 people tragically dying from bowel cancer each year in England alone; acknowledges the findings from Bowel Cancer UK’s report entitled Delivering the ambitions of the NHS Long Term Plan: A review of progress of bowel cancer in England that whilst progress for bowel cancer services has been made, progress has still not been good enough; is concerned that progress on early diagnosis of bowel cancer has stagnated and that patients are experiencing longer waiting times than almost all other cancer; further recognises that nine in ten people survive bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage, compared to just one in ten at the latest stage; and calls on the Government, via their new national cancer plan, to deliver the optimisation of the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme and to create much needed extra capacity in endoscopy and pathology services to encourage early diagnosis.

498University of St Andrews cost of living and sustainability initiatives

Tabled: 3/12/24 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House notes the achievement of the University of St Andrews working in partnership with bus operators Stagecoach East Scotland and Moffat & Williamson to deliver a 75% travel discount for students and staff as a cost of living support measure over the last two years; recognises that this discount has contributed to a saving of £1.7million for students and staff and made a significant impact on household budgets during this time; further recognises that this unique initiative has resulted in an estimated carbon saving of 1,325 tonnes over the last 24 months, the equivalent of a 34% drop in carbon emissions in that time; and celebrates efforts made by the University to support increased use of public transport, reduce car use and cut congestion in St Andrews through the promotion of sustainable alternatives.

499Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures

Tabled: 3/12/24 Signatories: 1

Andrew George

That this House welcomes Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis on his visit to the UK today; notes that the British Museum still holds about half of the Parthenon Sculptures, controversially removed from Athens by Lord Elgin between 1801 and 1812, during the Ottoman occupation of Greece, then purchased from him by the Government following a decision by this Parliament in 1816, and that they remain on display in the British Museum to which they were transferred by Act of Parliament in the same year; considers it is no longer appropriate for these sculptures to be held and displayed in the UK and notes that the sculptures have not always been well protected and have indeed been damaged whilst in the possession of the museum; further notes that the remaining Parthenon Sculptures have been well displayed since 2009 in the purpose built Acropolis Museum in the shadow of the Parthenon; notes that Prime Minister Mitsotakis has compared the UK’s possession of the Parthenon sculptures as like cutting the Mona Lisa in half; and calls on the Government to work with the trustees of the British Museum, to agree a gracious act to reunite the Parthenon Sculptures with those in Athens and to finally put right this enduring wrong.

500British Council International School Award for Wallace Fields Junior School in Epsom

Tabled: 3/12/24 Signatories: 1

Helen Maguire

That this House congratulates Wallace Fields Junior School, Epsom, on achieving accreditation with the British Council International School Award; notes that this prestigious award recognises and celebrates schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to integrating international dimensions into their curricula and activities, engages students, staff, and the local community in understanding and celebrating international diversity; and wishes them the very best in their future endeavours educating children on key life skills.

501Certificate of Common Sponsorship

Tabled: 3/12/24 Signatories: 1

Neil Duncan-Jordan

That this House believes that migrant health and care workers on Tier 2 visas play an essential role in the delivery of UK health and care services; recognises that current rules tie these workers to a single employer, and that if a worker loses their job they may face financial hardship, debt, lost investment and the possibility that their partner will also lose the right to work; further believes that the dependency on a single employer creates a significant power imbalance; notes that it also contributes to potentially exploitative and unsafe working conditions, with workers reluctant to report concerns for fear of retaliation or deportation; further notes that employers may exploit these fears by making unfair demands, and that many migrant workers report feeling trapped in bonded servitude with constant job insecurity; acknowledges the negative impact that this situation can have on mental health and wellbeing; agrees that migrant workers deserve the freedom to change employers within the sector; supports UNISON’s campaign for a Certificate of Common Sponsorship for health and care workers on Tier 2 visas as a way of breaking the exclusive link between a single employer and a worker’s visa status; and calls on the Government to begin the process of introducing such as scheme as part of the overall drive to reform and improve the social care sector.

502Merry Christmas Harrogate single

Tabled: 3/12/24 Signatories: 1

Tom Gordon

That this House congratulates the Straymen, Simon Cotton, Joe Pearce and all other individuals and organisations involved on the release of the single Merry Christmas Harrogate; highlights the dedication of all those involved to improving and advertising the town of Harrogate and all that it offers; and wishes them luck in the Christmas charts.

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.

444Violence against women and girls

Tabled: 21/11/24 Signatories: 25

Tonia Antoniazzi

Claire Young

Jodie Gosling

Ruth Jones

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Cat Eccles

Jo White

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.

454Reducing the age for bowel cancer screening offered on the NHS

Tabled: 25/11/24 Signatories: 16

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Christine Jardine

Ian Roome

Steve Darling

Mr Will Forster

That this House recognises the hard work of Stephen Rippington, who whilst battling against bowel cancer, was active in raising awareness for the disease both within his local area and online, and his wife Jessica who has raised over £10,000 for bowel cancer research; notes that 1 in 4 diagnoses occur among people aged under 50; and, following Stephen's passing earlier this year, calls for the age eligibility of screening tests for bowel cancer offered by the NHS to be reviewed.

455Closure of Rathbones Bakery, Wakefield

Tabled: 25/11/24 Signatories: 17

Jon Trickett

Kim Johnson

Jim Shannon

Ian Lavery

Jeremy Corbyn

Richard Burgon

Ian Byrne

That this House is disturbed by news that Rathbones bakery site in Wakefield looks set to close following a decision by the owners, supermarket chain Morrisons, to cease production; deeply regrets the consequence of this decision on the jobs of 400 loyal staff from across the Wakefield District, with further impacts on the supply chain and on agency workers; notes that Morrisons was taken over by private equity firm Clayton Dubilier and Rice in 2021 and fears that the new owners are asset-stripping the firm and prioritising short-term yields over the long term interests of the business; further notes the company has indicated it could look at keeping open the production of morning goods, but only by operating a de facto policy of fire-and-rehire with the remaining workers kept on with inferior pay, terms and conditions; supports the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union in insisting that workers should not pay the price for the destructive business model adopted by private equity concerns; and calls on government both to provide all necessary support to the workers involved and to undertake an urgent investigation into the impact of private equity takeovers and acquisitions on the UK groceries market.

456St Andrew's Book Festival

Tabled: 25/11/24 Signatories: 5

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Chris Law

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House celebrates St Andrew’s Book Festival which is taking place this week from 25 November until 1 December; recognises that the event is organised by Scots in London and was established in 2017 to bring together Scottish organisations across London, including Scotland House London, the Scottish Business Network, churches, charities, clubs and the Scottish military; and notes that this is the first Scottish themed book festival in London with the admirable goal of bringing Scottish talent to new audiences, fostering cross-country connections and supporting debut Scottish writers.

457National Insurance contributions rise exemption for childcare providers

Tabled: 25/11/24 Signatories: 27

Munira Wilson

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Christine Jardine

Tom Gordon

Ian Sollom

Mr Will Forster

That this House notes that the increase to the rate of employers' National Insurance contributions announced in the Autumn Budget will lead to higher childcare fees for families, along with probable closures of early years and childcare settings; further notes that early years and childcare provision has faced years of underfunding under the previous Government, leading to families facing very high fees and a lack of available places; and calls on the Government to reconsider these National Insurance proposals so that early years and childcare providers are exempted from the National Insurance tax increase.

460Variety Disability Sports Awards

Tabled: 26/11/24 Signatories: 15

Max Wilkinson

Wendy Chamberlain

Steve Darling

Helen Maguire

Chris Law

Adam Dance

Tom MorrisonSarah Dyke

That this House celebrates the Variety Disability Sports Awards 2024, which took place on 25 November 2024; congratulates each of the award winners and nominees for their achievements, whether that be as an athlete, coach or innovator; notes the importance of equal access to sport and physical activity for all; praises the work done by Variety to support young disabled people in accessing sport; offers thanks to everyone involved, including @sohoplace Theatre, Adam Hills, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, and Channel 4; and celebrates the work of Variety, the Children’s Charity, in its 75th year.

467Fuel Poverty Awareness Day

Tabled: 26/11/24 Signatories: 27

Pippa Heylings

Ellie Chowns

Ian Roome

Edward Morello

Wera Hobhouse

Angus MacDonald

Sarah Dyke

That this House notes that Wednesday 27 November marks Fuel Poverty Awareness Day; remarks with grave concern that this winter will leave thousands of people cold and hungry; further notes that homelessness in the UK is at a record high and an estimated six million households are in fuel poverty; recognises UK housing stock is the oldest in Europe and among the least energy efficient; regrets the growing number of vulnerable people who are living in poorly insulated homes and struggling to choose between heating and eating; further regrets that food banks and local services are overwhelmed; also regrets that the former Conservative government failed to commit to an ambitious programme to support renewable energy or decent homes standards to bring down energy bills, reduce emissions and improve public health; also regrets the Government’s decision to cut Winter Fuel Payments during the cost of living crisis; notes with concern Ofgem’s decision to increase the fuel poverty cap by 1.2% in January 2025; observes that new decent homes standards have been further delayed; regrets that the Government’s Warm Homes Plan is not due until next year; and calls on the Government to urgently implement a ten-year emergency home insulation programme and to reduce energy bills and protect vulnerable households this winter.

468New University of Surrey United Nations CIFAL Centre

Tabled: 26/11/24 Signatories: 6

Zöe Franklin

Helen Maguire

Christine Jardine

Mr Will Forster

Jim Shannon

Sarah Dyke

That this House congratulates the University of Surrey, Guildford, on the opening on 25 November 2024 of their new CIFAL International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders, in partnership with the United Nations; commends its aim of capacity-building, facilitating knowledge sharing between civil society organisation representatives, public servants, decision-makers and stakeholders locally and working internationally to strengthen capacities, improve decision-making processes and promote sustainable development; and notes the significant impact the centre will have locally, nationally and globally through its work.

470Cuba

Tabled: 27/11/24 Signatories: 20

Grahame Morris

Steve Witherden

Kim Johnson

Jeremy Corbyn

Richard Burgon

John McDonnell

Brian Leishman

That this House expresses deep concern at the ongoing hardships faced by the Cuban people due to the 62-year US economic, commercial, and financial embargo, which has inflicted an estimated $1.499 trillion loss on the Cuban economy; welcomes the overwhelming global support for ending the embargo, as evidenced by the vote in the United Nations General Assembly on 30 October 2024, in which 187 nations called for its removal; urges President Biden to take decisive action in the remaining months of his administration by removing Cuba from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism and fully lifting the embargo; and calls on the Government to implement the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement signed with Cuba in November 2023, to strengthen UK-Cuba relations and encourage greater international cooperation.

471Potential closure of post offices

Tabled: 27/11/24 Signatories: 25

Daisy Cooper

Steve Darling

Anna Sabine

Ian Roome

Wendy Chamberlain

Helen Maguire

Claire YoungMr Will ForsterMike MartinMr Paul KohlerHelen MorganSarah Dyke

That this House recognises the importance of Post Office branches across the UK; believes that they form a vital part of our local communities and highstreets with millions of people depending on them; recognises the importance of Post Offices as community hubs, providing access to communication, banking and other vital services; notes the particular need for such services for people with restricted access, such as older or more rural populations with little connectivity; is deeply concerned about the news that 115 branches of the Post Office may be closed and around 1,000 jobs could be at risk; and calls on the Government to take action to set the Post Office on a sustainable footing for the long term and to ensure that none of the 115 post offices close until a consultation with each local community has been undertaken.

474Assistance and access for disabled people at railway stations

Tabled: 27/11/24 Signatories: 22

Adam Dance

Ian Roome

Steve Darling

Helen Maguire

Mr Paul Kohler

Edward Morello

Ben Maguire

That this House is gravely concerned by the challenges disabled people face in getting support at railway stations, particularly in rural constituencies such as Yeovil; expresses alarm at the absence of available assistance staff in stations such as Yeovil Pen Mill; notes with concern that only one in four train stations have step free access, that only 2% have level boarding, that at 67% of stations the platforms are too narrow for wheelchairs to turn, and that around 40% of rail stations have no tactile paving which is a vital safety feature for blind and visually impaired people; strongly believes that these people should have the same access to railway stations as able-bodied passengers and should not be at risk of accidents; acknowledges that many find the booking systems for requesting support staff difficult to access and use; also notes that inaccessible stations and a lack of support staff also pose challenges for parents with buggies and the elderly; and calls on the government to improve accessibility and support for disabled people on our railways, such as by improving the Access for All programme to deliver more projects, more rapidly, and by holding operators like Great Western Railway to account.

480Equal pay and prize money in women’s football

Tabled: 29/11/24 Signatories: 9

James MacCleary

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

Liz Jarvis

Helen Maguire

Jim Shannon

Steve DarlingBen MaguireSarah Dyke

That this House expresses concern over the significant disparities in pay and prize money between men’s and women’s football; notes that the prize fund for the women’s FA Cup remains far lower than that of the men’s competition, despite the impressive growth and increasing popularity of women’s football; commends Lewes Football Club for being the first and currently only football club in the world to pay its men’s and women’s teams equally, setting an inspiring example for others to follow; calls on the Football Association to take immediate action to ensure that the women’s FA Cup prize money is brought into line with the men’s competition; further notes the ongoing inequity in player pay, with many women footballers earning considerably less than their male counterparts; and urges governing bodies, sponsors and clubs to commit to closing the pay gap, ensuring fairness and equality for all players regardless of gender.

48150th anniversary of Epsom Common Association

Tabled: 29/11/24 Signatories: 4

Helen Maguire

Jim Shannon

Steve Darling

Ben Maguire

That this House congratulates Epsom Common Association on their 50th Anniversary and for being awarded their 18th consecutive Green Flag award: notes that this prestigious award recognises well managed parks and green spaces around the UK; celebrates the outstanding contribution to the community made by Epsom Common Association in a voluntary capacity, giving their effort, enthusiasm and time, delivering to the highest of standards in the local area; recognises the importance of protection and future welfare of Epsom Common; and wishes them the very best in their future endeavours carrying out conservation management tasks on the Common.

482Uphall Golf Club

Tabled: 29/11/24 Signatories: 3

Gregor Poynton

Jim Shannon

Brian Leishman

That this House congratulates Uphall Golf Club for triumphantly reopening its clubhouse after a fire during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 which destroyed the building; commends its response to the challenge by successfully getting the golf club back up and running; applauds its innovation by franchising the restaurant and golf shop to allow for greater focus on the golf course and its members; celebrates the welcoming role which it plays in the local community through its provision of a restaurant which welcomes members and non-members every day of the week; and wishes them all the very best for their business in the future.

484Treating retail workers with kindness during the festive trading period

Tabled: 29/11/24 Signatories: 17

Chris Kane

Graeme Downie

Kenneth Stevenson

Martin Rhodes

Katrina Murray

Brian Leishman

Graham LeadbitterTristan Osborne [R]

That this House welcomes the press and social media campaign from the Scottish Retail Consortium and Usdaw which is urging Scots to be kind, considerate and respectful to retail workers and fellow customers when shopping this Christmas; notes that the festive period can be an especially complex and challenging time for retail businesses with colleagues working hard to keep shelves stocked and products delivered; understands that abuse towards those working in customer service has climbed with figures from Usdaw showing over two thirds of retail staff have experienced verbal abuse in the past twelve months; affirms that any mistreatment of colleagues in stores is wholly unacceptable and should not be tolerated; and commends this responsible and positive initiative from employers and trade unions for a little Christmas kindness and courtesy from Scots so that we can all enjoy shopping over the festive period and in turn support local jobs and the vibrancy of our town and city centre destinations.

485Tom and Marie's fundraiser for Dementia UK

Tabled: 2/12/24 Signatories: 3

Michelle Scrogham

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House commends Marie and Tom Burton from Ulverston in Cumbria for their efforts to raise money in aid of Dementia UK through Tom and Marie’s Charity Dog/Pet show and an upcoming sponsored ultra-marathon; recognises the devastating impact this disease can have and the urgent need for research into treatment; notes that there are over 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK and that this is expected to rise sharply in the coming years; underlines the current support pre and post diagnosis for those experiencing memory loss and other symptoms; and wishes Tom and Marie the best for their ultramarathon.

486Bath Young Carers

Tabled: 2/12/24 Signatories: 16

Wera Hobhouse

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

Ian Roome

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Steve DarlingSteff AquaroneWendy ChamberlainAnna SabineAlison BennettDavid ChadwickClaire YoungMax WilkinsonBen MaguireTim Farron

That this House congratulates Bath Philharmonia Young Carers' Choir on the release of their single Love is Enough; wishes them luck in the race for this year’s Christmas number one; recognises the talent and hard work of the six current and former young carers who wrote the single; highlights the challenges young carers face, in particular, disruptions to their education and social isolation; and calls on the Government to ensure that all young carers receive the support and services they need.

487The Ulster banner and the Northern Ireland Commonwealth flag

Tabled: 2/12/24 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House notes concern that it has been reported that the Chief Executive and Chairman of Commonwealth Games, Northern Ireland feel the flag is not representative of everyone and have suggested a change to a new emblem for the 2026 games in Glasgow; highlights that there is no appetite for change within those that perform under the Ulster banner by any community recognising that the Ulster banner contains the links to the Irish red hand of Ulster as well as the crown; and calls on the Government to support retention of the status quo and to cease the politicisation of sport which unifies us all.

488BBC licence fee

Tabled: 2/12/24 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

That this House notes with concern that from April 2025, the BBC licence fee will increase to £174.50; underlines that the Government has announced the rise by £5 and is due to increase in line with inflation each year until 2027; highlights the extreme concern and justifiable resistance to the proposed increase and that the currently monthly payment of £15 per month, up from £13.25, which is substantially greater than other streaming services such as Netflix or Prime; further notes the impact this will have on pensioners, single working households and low income families; and urges the Government to reconsider any further price increase for the future.

489Colin S Macleod's 1000-mile swim

Tabled: 2/12/24 Signatories: 3

Torcuil Crichton

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House congratulates Mr Colin S Macleod, long distance swimmer and charity fundraiser, on completing his 1000-mile, Land's End to Shetland swimming challenge by repeatedly and relentlessly traversing the mile-length of the Braighe isthmus on the Isle of Lewis on the Minch and Broadway sides in all weathers during 2024; acknowledges the success of Jane Maciver, Paul Finnegan, Donald Smith, Cinzia Zingone, David Evans, Malcolm Dalzel-Job and Colin S MacLeod in completing their contributions to the virtual Land's End to John O'Groats to Shetland 1000-mile challenge; and notes their joint fundraising achievements to mark the 200th anniversary of the RNLI.

49030th anniversary of Bexley Deaf Centre

Tabled: 2/12/24 Signatories: 3

Daniel Francis

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House congratulates Bexley Deaf Centre on its 30th anniversary of being recognised as a charity and celebrates the opening of a new Deaf Centre in Brampton Road, Bexleyheath earlier this year; notes that Bexley Deaf Centre was originally commissioned by the local authority to help people maintain their hearing aids and distribute batteries; highlights that their services now include British Sign Language courses, a hearing aid clinic, a job club, advocacy and information advice and deaf awareness in schools; further notes that Bexley Deaf Centre’s services are now accessed on average over 10,000 times a year; thanks all staff and volunteers for their continued dedication; and wishes the Bexley Deaf Centre all the best for the future.

491Domestic abuse and public life

Tabled: 2/12/24 Signatories: 6

Apsana Begum

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Andrew George

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Shockat Adam

That this House notes that domestic abuse involves a pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner; understands that not all domestic abuse takes place in the home or during a current relationship and that often women are most vulnerable when they are leaving a relationship, or after it has ended; highlights that post-separation control and/or harassment is a form of abuse that can occur long after a relationship or marriage is over, with different tactics of abuse employed; recognises that domestic abuse is prevalent and can affect people from all walks of life and in all forms of employment, including those public life; also notes that female political representatives, including those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, face disproportionate barriers and are at greater risk of harassment and abuse; and therefore calls on all political parties to ensure that political representatives who are survivors of domestic abuse are not exposed to further harassment in their roles and to raise awareness of the issues in order to create a society where individuals experiencing domestic abuse feel confident that they will be believed, listened to and treated supportively.

492Domestic abuse and the workplace

Tabled: 2/12/24 Signatories: 6

Apsana Begum

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Andrew George

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Shockat Adam

That this House notes that domestic abuse can have profound long-term effects on survivors and is concerned that is very difficult to speak out about domestic abuse and often those that do are subject to further silencing tactics; recognises that domestic violence is a workplace issue and that it can affect employment performance and in some cases even mean the abuse is carried out in the workplace; believes that domestic abuse policies form an essential part of a strategy to achieve equal opportunities in the workplace; recognises trade unions are key in holding employers to account and have an important role to play in bargaining for better workplace conditions; calls on all employers to ensure workplaces are places of safety for survivors of domestic abuse with measures in place for their protection and empowerment such as paid leave and flexible working, and an environment fostered where individuals experiencing domestic abuse feel confident that they will be believed, listened to and treated supportively; and calls on the Government to ensure the provision of a nationally-funded network of domestic violence and abuse support services.

493Migrants and domestic abuse

Tabled: 2/12/24 Signatories: 6

Apsana Begum

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Andrew George

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Shockat Adam

That this House notes that domestic abuse can have profound long-term effects on survivors and is concerned that it is very difficult to speak out about domestic abuse and often those that do are subject to further silencing tactics; is concerned that police forces potentially sharing migrant data with Immigration Enforcement could prevent migrants experiencing domestic abuse from reporting to the police and others due to the fear that they will be treated as an offender themselves and face potential criminalisation, detention and deportation; is further concerned that many migrants experiencing domestic abuse are left without support due to the no recourse to public funds policy; believes that everyone experiencing domestic abuse must feel able to report abuse and access justice and safety, and that perpetrators should not be allowed evade justice by using immigration status in order to silence, abuse and control; and calls on the Government to introduce a firewall between all public services and the Home Office and to scrap the no recourse to public funds policy.

494Funding for domestic abuse services

Tabled: 2/12/24 Signatories: 6

Apsana Begum

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Andrew George

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Shockat Adam

That this House notes that domestic abuse has wide-ranging effects, including mental, emotional, physical, social and financial, on all areas of life for the individual survivor and those around them; recognises that community-based domestic abuse services provide holistic, specialist support to women and children experiencing domestic abuse on both a short and long-term basis; further recognises that access to support at all stages, whether still living with the abuser, planning to flee, or having already left to rebuild their lives, is absolutely critical; is alarmed that many such services are chronically underfunded and working to short-term contracts, creating a postcode lottery of provision across the country; and calls on the Government to ensure that domestic abuse services, including specialist services for disabled, LGBTQ+ and Black and Asian survivors, are properly funded so that every survivor can access the support they need.