Contents

Published – Thursday 12 December 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 11 December 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

536Role of small family farms in Somerset

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 1

Sarah Dyke

That this House recognises the crucial role small family farms in Somerset play in the UK’s agricultural sector, contributing to food production, environmental sustainability and rural employment; commends the environmental and economic benefits of family farms in Somerset, which produce £500 million worth of food annually, employing over 10,000 people; notes with concern the challenges posed by changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) will have on family farms in the South West, given the average farm size is only 69 hectares, making them more vulnerable to financial shocks; further notes that the necessity to sell land to cover tax bills, threatens the generational continuity of family farms and the nation’s food security; believes that buying locally grown food is an excellent way for consumers to reconnect with farmers and develop a better understanding of where their food comes from and to support British farming; celebrates the cultural importance of Somerset’s small family farms during the festive period, providing locally sourced food and drink for the nation’s Christmas dinner tables; and calls on the Government to urgently review the impact of changes to APR and BPR on family farms.

537The Bay Leaf

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 1

Gregor Poynton

That this House celebrates the recent achievements of The Bay Leaf, whose restaurants in Pumpherston and Bathgate won Best Indian Restaurant Regional Winner and Voters Choice’s Restaurant of the Year at the Scottish Asian Food and Curry Awards 2024; notes that this is not their first success having received a high commendation at the Scottish Curry Awards 2023 in the New Restaurant of the Year category and won Best Indian Restaurant Regional Winner in 2022; recognises the hard work of the staff at the Bay Leaf and all other award winners for their achievements; and cherishes the success of small businesses in Livingston constituency, Scotland and across the UK.

538Peace, democracy and accountability in Syria

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 1

Tom Morrison

That this House welcomes the sudden collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria as a turning point for the country and the wider Middle East; acknowledges the immense suffering endured by the Syrian people under a dictator who employed chemical weapons, waged brutal campaigns against civilians, and suppressed calls for freedom; recognises that the fall of Assad represents a crucial opportunity for Syrians to rebuild their nation with peace, democracy, and justice at its core; calls on the Government to support the peaceful and orderly transition of power in Syria, ensuring that all minority groups, including Kurdish, Christian, Sunni, and Shia communities, are protected and their voices heard; further calls for free and fair elections to ultimately be held in accordance with international law, guided by the will of the Syrian people and not foreign interests; urges the UK to collaborate with regional partners to provide humanitarian aid, support the rebuilding of Syria’s institutions, and ensure accountability for the war crimes committed by the Assad regime; highlights the importance of the UK’s leadership in advocating for justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable; calls for the establishment of a comprehensive international effort to help rebuild Syria’s judicial and education systems, security forces, and essential services, ensuring that the country’s recovery reflects its multi-ethnic and multi-religious diversity; and reaffirms the UK’s commitment to a just, peaceful, and democratic future for Syria, rooted in human rights, equality, and the rule of law.

539Academic performance of Emmbrook School

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 1

Clive Jones

That this House recognises the success of Emmbrook Sixth Form's 2024 A Level results; notes that the Sixth Form achieved their highest ever A Level results; celebrates the achievement of an ALPS1 for the first time in the school's history, meaning that they are in the top 1% of schools nationwide; and congratulates the students on achieving an incredible result which makes their community proud of their hard work.

540British Nuclear Testing Programme veterans

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 3

Rebecca Long Bailey

Sir John Hayes

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

That this House honours and thanks the veterans of the British Nuclear Testing Programme, veterans’ relatives, indigenous peoples whose lands were used as testing grounds, clean-up operatives, scientists and others involved both directly and indirectly to the programme; acknowledges the contribution of this programme to our defence capabilities and knowledge; notes that some peer-reviewed scientific research publications have identified test veterans to be at risk of specific increased health risks associated with exposure to ionising radiation and that many British personnel have reported the lack of personal protective equipment and safety protocols; and therefore calls on the Government to support these veterans in accessing their military health and scientific medical testing records, and delivering a programme of national recognition, education, and compensation accordingly.

541UK support for the global effort to feed children at school

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 1

Ellie Chowns

That this House welcomes the growing international commitment to providing children with a healthy meal every day at school; notes that 418 million children benefited from school meals in 2022, an increase from 388 million in 2020; congratulates the School Meals Coalition, a partnership of over 105 countries and 135 organisations spanning diverse geographies and income levels, for driving this progress; recognises the transformative impact of well-designed school meal programmes on child development, education, social protection, agriculture, climate resilience, and gender equality; further welcomes the UK Government’s plans to expand free breakfast provision to every primary school in England; and calls on the Government to join the School Meals Coalition and commit to supporting its goal of ensuring every child worldwide has access to a free nutritious meal in school by 2030.

542Water quality in Sri Lanka

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 1

Munira Wilson

That this House expresses concern regarding water quality in northern Sri Lanka; is concerned by reports that the Sri Lankan government refused to allow independent assessments of water quality in the region; notes that the consumption or use of water contaminated by waste oil has been linked to many diseases and birth defects; calls for steps to be taken to allow all citizens in northern Sri Lanka, the majority of whom are Tamils, to have access to clean drinking water; further calls for the area around the Chunnakam power plant complex to be subjected to a full independent investigation; believes that organisations responsible for pollution of ground water in Chunnakam should have a duty to carry out remedial works; and further believes that all citizens affected by water contamination should be provided with competent medical follow-up and be compensated adequately by the Sri Lankan government.

543McLaren Racing Formula 1 Constructors' Championship

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 1

Mr Will Forster

That this House congratulates McLaren Racing on winning the Formula 1 Constructors' Championship with a thrilling victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; recognises the outstanding talent of the entire McLaren team; celebrates the world-class automotive manufacturing in Woking, which spurred them to victory; acknowledges the global reputation of British engineering excellence, shown in the competition by McLaren’s success; and notes how this victory will inspire a new generation of engineers, putting Woking firmly on the map as a global hub of high quality manufacturing and engineering.

544John Watt fundraising for Northern Ireland Children to Lapland Trust

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 1

Alex Easton

That this House congratulates John Watt, manager of Focus Menswear in Bangor, for his extraordinary efforts in raising £50,000 for the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust; notes that this incredible achievement will support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses by providing magical and unforgettable experiences; further commends the dedication of John and his colleagues for organising various fundraising events, including a charity gala that brought together the Bangor community; recognises the vital role that local businesses like Focus Menswear play in supporting charitable causes; and wishes John Watt and the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland Trust continued success in their inspiring work.

545Bonnybridge railway station

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 1

Euan Stainbank

That this House supports the campaign to re-establish a railway station in Bonnybridge, recognising the community’s long-standing efforts over the past 25 years to improve transport connectivity; notes the significant population growth in the area and the pressing need for better public transport links to boost local economic development and reduce reliance on cars; acknowledges the strong local support for this initiative, including from councillors and community leaders; and calls on the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to review the business case for the project and take decisive steps to deliver this vital infrastructure for Bonnybridge and the wider Falkirk area.

546Sale of the Observer newspaper

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 7

Rebecca Long Bailey

John McDonnell

Grahame Morris

Jon Trickett

Ian Lavery

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House expresses serious concerns about the speed of the process and the substantive issues at stake in relation to the proposed sale of the Observer newspaper to Tortoise Media; considers that The Observer, first published in 1791, is a historical national institution known as a source of quality journalism which must be protected for future generations; believes that the deal appears to be being rushed through, without due consideration of alternatives; regrets that the Guardian Media Group and the Scott Trust have not engaged in meaningful consultation with journalistic and editorial staff; condemns the decision to announce in principle support for the sale during the first industrial action taken by members of the National Union of Journalists at the Guardian/Observer for over fifty years called in response to concerns at the deal; believes that the disappearance of Observer content behind an online paywall would be detrimental to the public interest by restricting access to accurate news and a plurality of opinions; and therefore calls on Government to issue a Public Interest Intervention Notice, to allow for further regulatory consideration of the sale’s likely impact.

54725th anniversary of the Grab Trust, Argyll & Bute

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 1

Brendan O'Hara

That this House congratulates the Grab Trust, a charitable social enterprise, dedicated to waste reduction in Argyll and Bute through the promotion of reuse, recycling, and litter management on the occasion of their 25th anniversary; commends LORI, the Lorn and Oban Re-Use Initiative project, which has prevented around 400 tonnes of furniture and household items from going to landfill through their upcycling and re-purposing projects since 2018; further commends ReMake, an intergenerational skills sharing project through short training courses; appreciates the work of the community volunteers who contribute hugely to Grab Trust projects every year and thanks them for their hard work and commitment to their communities; recognises the Grab Trust’s significant contribution to the Marine Conservation Society’s Beach Watch data through promotion and support of community beach cleans; also recognises the Beaches & Marine Litter Project’s extensive engagement programme with local and national agencies, communities, schools, businesses and individuals to promote and encourage changes in behaviours and attitudes through information and education; and wishes the Grab Trust the very best of luck for the future.

548Ofwat price review

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 1

Clive Lewis

That this House condemns the provisional approval by Ofwat of an average 21% above-inflation rise in water bills over five years designed to fund £88 billion in sewage infrastructure upgrades; notes that this follows water companies extracting £85 billion in shareholder profits since privatisation, while amassing £64.4 billion in debt; further notes that since privatisation, in real terms, shareholders have withdrawn almost 60% of the original shareholder capital instead of investing; also notes that water companies have been lobbying for bill rises of an average of 40%; expresses concern that 40% of households surveyed by the Consumer Council for Water say they would already struggle to afford the provisionally approved 21% bill hikes, with many indicating they would cut back on essentials like food to pay their water bills; further condemns record levels of sewage spills, including 10 million litres pumped into Lake Windermere by United Utilities in February, continuous sewage discharges from a Thames Water facility in Oxfordshire, and the failure of Southern Water to provide water to 32,000 households over five days due to a burst main; calls on the Government to stop bill rises and suspend Ofwat’s price review process until its own Commission has reported in 2025; further calls on the Government to hold water companies to account, including banning dividends and bonuses until sewage discharges are resolved; and also calls on the Government to declare water a basic right, ensuring affordability and sustainability for all.

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.

439Housing

Tabled: 20/11/24 Signatories: 31

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.

471Potential closure of post offices

Tabled: 27/11/24 Signatories: 33

Daisy Cooper

Steve Darling

Anna Sabine

Ian Roome

Wendy Chamberlain

Helen Maguire

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.

480Equal pay and prize money in women’s football

Tabled: 29/11/24 Signatories: 17

James MacCleary

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

Liz Jarvis

Helen Maguire

Jim Shannon

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.

484Treating retail workers with kindness during the festive trading period

Tabled: 29/11/24 Signatories: 23

Chris Kane

Graeme Downie

Kenneth Stevenson

Martin Rhodes

Katrina Murray

Brian Leishman

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.

486Bath Young Carers

Tabled: 2/12/24 Signatories: 24

Wera Hobhouse

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

Ian Roome

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

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.

501Certificate of Common Sponsorship

Tabled: 3/12/24 Signatories: 19

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Mary Kelly Foy

Andrew George

Carla Denyer

Richard Burgon

Ellie Chowns

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.

505Residence-based voting rights

Tabled: 5/12/24 Signatories: 11

Wera Hobhouse

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Gideon Amos

Manuela Perteghella

Ben Maguire

That this House believes democracy works best when all who are a part of our community can participate; acknowledges that everyone who has made the UK their long-term home, pays taxes, does their bit and contributes to society should have the right to vote in local and parliamentary elections; regrets that over 4 million people have no right to vote in UK general elections; further regrets that the voting rights of EU citizens have been curtailed and that over 171,000 previously-eligible EU voters have been removed from the electoral register as a consequence of the implementation of the 2022 Elections Bill.

508Apprenticeships in the trades industry

Tabled: 6/12/24 Signatories: 12

Adam Dance

Helen Maguire

Tom Morrison

Gideon Amos

Ian Roome

Andrew George

That this House notes with concern the challenges faced by trades people across the country in recruiting and maintaining apprentices; acknowledges the vital role trades people play in the UK’s economy and society; celebrates the value of trade apprenticeships; recognises the need for better engagement from schools to promote and support trades apprenticeships; and calls on the government to provide greater administrative and financial support for tradespeople taking on apprentices.

50975th anniversary of National Parks

Tabled: 6/12/24 Signatories: 6

Alex Sobel

Ellie Chowns

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

Mary Kelly Foy

Andy MacNae

That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of the creation of National Parks in England and Wales, established following the passage of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, a landmark achievement of the post-war Labour government led by Clement Attlee; acknowledges the pioneering vision of Labour ministers, including Lewis Silkin, who championed the creation of these protected areas; recognises the vital role that National Parks play in conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage of some of the most cherished landscapes in the UK; commends the invaluable contributions of National Parks in promoting public access to the countryside, fostering environmental education, and supporting sustainable farming; acknowledges the dedicated work of National Park Authorities, the Campaign for National Parks, local communities and volunteers in preserving these treasured spaces for future generations; and calls on the Government to set out a bold vision for our National Parks, with reforms that drive climate action, biodiversity restoration and prohibit damaging activities, and enhance inclusivity and access for all.

517Asda's Cashpot for Schools initiative

Tabled: 9/12/24 Signatories: 5

Anna Sabine

Jim Shannon

Adam Dance

Max Wilkinson

Rachel Gilmour

That this House recognises the extraordinary efforts of Asda's Cashpot for Schools initiative, which has raised nearly £9,000 for Frome and East Somerset and over £400,000 for the South West; shows its gratitude to staff and workers in Frome Asda for their hard work over the festive period; thanks the generosity and engagement of customers; welcomes the initiative's work in helping provide primary schools and parent groups with additional funding; and wishes everyone involved in the initiative a wonderful break and New Year.

522Fife Carers Centre recognition as a Carer Positive Exemplary employer

Tabled: 9/12/24 Signatories: 7

Wendy Chamberlain [R]

Jamie Stone

Jim Shannon

Helen Morgan

Adam Dance

Steve Darling

That this House congratulates Fife Carers Centre for being recognised as a Carer Positive Exemplary employer under the Carer Positive Scheme; praises the hard work of all their staff and the vital support they provide to unpaid carers across Fife; notes the importance of all businesses supporting unpaid carers and emphasises the need for employers to recognise the caring rights of their employees; and celebrates schemes such as Carers Positive and Employers for Carers which provide support and best practice guidance.

523Domestic Abuse Offences

Tabled: 9/12/24 Signatories: 29

Josh Babarinde

David Chadwick

Ian Roome

Liz Jarvis

Helen Maguire

Tim Farron

That this House acknowledges the pervasive and deeply harmful impact of domestic abuse on survivors; notes that, while the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines domestic abuse, there is no specific criminal offence for domestic abuse in England and Wales; further notes that many domestic abuse cases are prosecuted under broader offences such as common assault, ABH and GBH instead; recognises that as a result, not all domestic abuse cases are properly identified within the criminal justice system; also notes with alarm that this legal gap has meant that some domestic abusers are eligible for release under the SDS40 Early Release Scheme, despite the Government’s attempts to exempt them; and calls on the Government to back the Domestic Abuse (Aggravated Offences) Bill, which would ensure that domestic abuse cases are properly recognised as such in the criminal justice system by creating domestic abuse-aggravated offences, mirroring racially and religiously aggravated offences created in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, enabling more survivors and victims to get the protections they need and deserve.

524Review into breast cancer screening

Tabled: 9/12/24 Signatories: 31

Wera Hobhouse

Caroline Voaden

Helen Morgan

Liz Jarvis

Helen Maguire

Edward Morello

That this House recognises the worrying rise in breast cancer cases in younger women; notes with concern that breast cancer accounts for 43% of all cancers diagnosed in women aged 25-49, yet women wait until they are 50 or older to begin routine screening; urges everyone to work together to dispel the misconception that breast cancer only affects older women; commends the medical professionals who provide top class care to patients once diagnosed; and calls on the Government to review the current arrangements for breast cancer screening, including the merits of reducing the minimum age at which women are invited for regular breast cancer screening.

528Medicinal cannabis

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 4

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Mary Kelly Foy

Wera Hobhouse

That this House recognises the benefits of prescribed medical cannabis for people suffering with epilepsy and a variety of other conditions; welcomes the legalisation around the use of prescribed medical cannabis on 1 November 2018; regrets the inconsistent MHRA guidelines that risk product availability for patients; further regrets the restrictions on electronic prescriptions for the issuing of medicinal cannabis products; and calls on the Government to use every means necessary to ensure greater consistency from the MHRA to ensure patients suffering from long-term and chronic conditions are aware of medical cannabis as a treatment and incur as little disruption and inconvenience as possible when obtaining it.

52920th anniversary of the Olive Branch Foodbank

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 3

Cat Smith

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House congratulates the Olive Branch Foodbank in Lancaster on their 20th year of dedicated service to the local community and living out their Christian faith in serving those in need; thanks them for their invaluable support to individuals and families facing food insecurity, addiction and homelessness; recognises their tireless efforts to combat poverty and provide dignity and hope to those in need; pays tribute to the remarkable staff, volunteers, and supporters who have made this milestone possible; and commends the Olive Branch for this milestone and wishes them success in their aims of sharing the love of Jesus and combatting food poverty.

530Attack on Adass Israel Synagogue, Melbourne

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 5

Christine Jardine

Calum Miller

Jim Shannon

Adam Dance

Helen Maguire

That this House unequivocally condemns the arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne last week that is now being investigated as a terrorist incident; notes with concern the rising rates of antisemitism being seen worldwide; acknowledges that these disturbing trends are also unfolding in the UK, with the Community Security Trust reporting a record high of 5,583 anti-Semitic incidents across the country in the last year; recognises that there is no place for antisemitism of any kind in our society; welcomes the work of organisations like the Community Security Trust in helping Jewish communities feel safe; and calls on the Government to take swift action to stamp out antisemitism both at home and abroad, including by urgently providing funding for protective security measures to places that are vulnerable to antisemitic attacks, including schools and synagogues

531Kilsyth Primary School

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 3

Katrina Murray

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House congratulates the pupils and staff of Kilsyth Primary School on not only achieving the Digital Schools award but also earning recognition as a Digital Mentoring School; congratulates the winner of the Make It Happen Club App Design Challenge, Primary 7 pupil Louise Carberry who has seen her Save the Whale App become a reality; and notes that this work has been led by a group of digital leaders from the school who have recorded their experiences as a podcast for the wider Kilsyth community.

532Celebrating Ahmad Tea

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 6

Liz Jarvis

Jim Shannon

Adam Dance

Helen Maguire

Chris Law

Sarah Dyke

That this House celebrates Chandler’s Ford-based Ahmad Tea winning the King’s Award for Enterprise for its sustainable development programmes, and recognizes actions the company has taken to improve the lives of communities in the UK and around the world; notes the financing and building a cancer hospital in Sri Lanka, supporting women in the tea gardens of Assam and Kenya with nutrition and health programmes and support for UK charities including Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, the Stroke Association, the Alzheimer’s Society, and Macmillan Cancer Support; highlights the positive difference the company makes to prioritize sustainability and fairness in its supply chains; underlines the hard work of staff; and congratulates them on their success.

53325th anniversary of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 19

Grahame Morris

Ian Lavery

Jon Trickett

Rebecca Long Bailey

Andy McDonald

Jo White

That this House congratulates the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) on its 25th anniversary; commends its outstanding contribution to supporting former coalfield communities across the UK in the aftermath of the devastating pit closure programme; recognises the dedication and tireless efforts of CRT staff and volunteers, whose work has transformed thousands of lives by addressing health, skills, and employment challenges to combat economic inactivity; and encourages the Government to work in partnership with the CRT to deliver their shared missions and the long-overdue regeneration that former mining towns and villages deserve.

534Army Benevolent Fund

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 3

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House notes the exceptional work carried out by the Army Benevolent Fund; recognises the self sacrifice of many thousands of former serving personnel and their families; commends the efforts that continue to be made in helping many whose lives, both physically and mentally have been impacted as they acted in defence of their country; thinks especially of them and their families at Christmas time; and expresses the hope that contributions to this and other similar funds will increase so that the care, compassion and commitment offered by those involved with the ABF will also continue for as long as the need is there.

535Eilidh Gammons, Highland Dancing Champion of Champions 2024

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 3

Brendan O'Hara

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Eilidh Gammons of Helensburgh on being awarded Champion of Champions by Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing UK; acknowledges that this is Eilidh’s third consecutive win of the award but the first time at Senior level; commends Eilidh on her extraordinary achievements from an early age and her remarkable talent, hard work and determination which have earned her an elite position in the world of Highland Dance; also congratulates everyone who has supported Eilidh’s dancing career, including her dance teacher Margaret MacInnes, and everyone connected with the Margaret Rose School of Dance; and on behalf of everyone in Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber sends Eilidh best wishes in her future endeavours.