Commons business papers

Contents

Published – Friday 13 December 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 12 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

549Public toilets

Tabled: 12/12/24 Signatories: 1

Mohammad Yasin

That this House recognises the profound but often uncelebrated impact of adequate public toilet provision, enabling mobility, promoting dignity and ensuring the accessibility of public spaces to everyone, particularly the elderly, people with disabilities and families with young children; and congratulates Bedford Borough Council’s recent investment in public toilets in Russell Park.

550Democracy and human rights in Myanmar

Tabled: 12/12/24 Signatories: 1

Helen Maguire

That this House notes with grave concern the ongoing human rights abuses perpetrated by the Myanmar military; recognises the urgent need to restore democracy and uphold the rights of the people of Myanmar; acknowledges the pivotal role of the UK as the penholder on Myanmar at the UN Security Council; calls on the Government to take immediate and decisive action by recognising the National Unity Government of Myanmar as the legitimate government of the country, pressing for an international arms embargo to prevent the military junta from accessing weapons, and accelerating the implementation of targeted sanctions against the financial interests of the junta; further calls on the Government to work in concert with international allies to delegitimise the military junta and make clear that its actions are unacceptable; and urges the Government to strategically support emerging democracies and democratic movements worldwide, including in Myanmar, Sudan and Iran, to counter the global trend of authoritarianism and strengthen democratic governance.

55120 years of service at the Highway Avenue Post Office

Tabled: 12/12/24 Signatories: 1

Mr Joshua Reynolds

That this House recognises with gratitude the outstanding dedication and service provided by Misters Harminder and Harpit Sambi to the community of Maidenhead over the past two decades as operators of the Highway Avenue Post Office; commends their unwavering commitment to supporting local residents and fostering a sense of community; wishes them every success in their future endeavours; and expresses its appreciation for the invaluable contributions of all community champions who run small shops, post offices, and similar establishments, acknowledging their essential role in sustaining and enriching the social fabric of our communities.

552Cuckooing awareness

Tabled: 12/12/24 Signatories: 1

Jon Trickett

That this House expresses its concern about the practice of cuckooing, which is when people take over a person’s home and use the property to commit crimes; notes that cuckooing commonly facilitates crimes involving drugs, weapons and sexual exploitation; recognises that cuckooing is often a hidden crime that targets the most vulnerable in society; acknowledges the work the Government is doing to identify instances of cuckooing through the county lines programme; believes that national and local government agencies should do more to raise awareness of cuckooing so that the public is better able to see the signs of this cruel exploitation when it takes place in their community; and calls on the Government to examine whether a new criminal offence is required to clamp down on cuckooing.

553Cirencester Signpost’s King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Tabled: 12/12/24 Signatories: 1

Dr Roz Savage

That this House congratulates Cirencester Signpost, based in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, and serving the South Cotswolds, on being awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service on the occasion of HM The King’s Birthday, 14 November 2024; recognises the invaluable work of Cirencester Signpost in providing support in accordance with Christian principles to relieve poverty and assist those in need within the Cirencester and South Cotswolds community; commends the dedication and efforts of its volunteers, who are among the 281 volunteer groups from across the UK recognised for their exceptional contributions to society; notes the significance of this award as the highest honour given to volunteer groups in the UK; and calls on the Government to continue supporting voluntary organisations like Cirencester Signpost, which play a vital role in addressing poverty, promoting community well-being, and fostering social cohesion across the country.

554100th birthday of Elizabeth Lily Tucker

Tabled: 12/12/24 Signatories: 1

Alex Easton

That this House extends its warmest congratulations to Elizabeth Lily Tucker of Bangor on the occasion of her 100th birthday on 18 November 2024; notes her celebration at the Welcome Centre at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Bangor, surrounded by family, friends, and the congregation; acknowledges the significance of receiving a card from His Majesty King Charles III to mark this incredible milestone; commends her lifelong commitment to her family, community, and church; and joins in celebrating her legacy of kindness, dedication, and inspiration to all who know her; recognises the participation of St Andrew's Sunday School, Kids4Jesus, in presenting Lily with heartfelt artwork made by children, showcasing the intergenerational bonds of the church community; and wishes her continued good health and happiness in the years ahead.

555Flood recovery framework

Tabled: 12/12/24 Signatories: 1

Claire Young

That this House notes the work of the emergency services and first responders in the wake of Storms Bert and Darragh; acknowledges that resources for emergency services remain under immense pressure; further acknowledges that future incidents of poor weather and flooding will become more common due to the impacts of climate change; calls on the Government to set out a clear framework for support for communities in the wake of such incidents; and praises the work of local authorities in helping those affected to rebuild.

556Dr Mackay appointed Scotland's new Makar

Tabled: 12/12/24 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House congratulates Dr Peter Mackay on being appointed Scotland’s new Makar; notes that Dr Mackay’s appointment as Scotland’s Makar, the National Poet for Scotland, is a historic milestone because he is the first Makar to write primarily in Gaelic; celebrates the deep connection to Scotland’s linguistic and cultural heritage that this appointment symbolises; understands that Dr Mackay is currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of St Andrews and notes that now, as the Makar, he will also be tasked with producing work reflecting significant national events and fostering a deeper appreciation of poetry throughout the country; and wishes Dr Mackay all the best for this role and for the future.

557Knowsley Livv Housing industrial dispute

Tabled: 12/12/24 Signatories: 16

Ian Byrne

Kim Johnson

Steve Witherden

John McDonnell

Richard Burgon

Brian Leishman

That this House notes with concern the ongoing industrial dispute at Livv Housing Group; further notes that this dispute follows Livv Housing workers facing years of real terms pay cuts; notes the unprecedented cost-of-living crisis faced by Livv Housing workers, including soaring prices of essentials like food and energy; expresses concern that the failure to reach an agreement in the dispute is impacting services for the 13,000 properties managed and maintained by Livv Housing across Liverpool City Region and the North West; expresses further concern about allegations that Livv Housing has engaged in tactics that undermine collective bargaining and trade unions; recognises that the trade unions representing Livv Housing workers, Unite and Unison, are eager to reach a resolution to the dispute; notes that Livv Housing recorded significant surpluses in recent years and reportedly had reserves of £110 million as of March 2024; and therefore calls on Livv Housing to enter into meaningful negotiations with trade unions to resolve the dispute and give workers a fair deal.

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.

480Equal pay and prize money in women’s football

Tabled: 29/11/24 Signatories: 18

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.

487The Ulster banner and the Northern Ireland Commonwealth flag

Tabled: 2/12/24 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Mr Gregory Campbell

Carla Lockhart

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: 3

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Carla Lockhart

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.

505Residence-based voting rights

Tabled: 5/12/24 Signatories: 12

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.

50975th anniversary of National Parks

Tabled: 6/12/24 Signatories: 9

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.

522Fife Carers Centre recognition as a Carer Positive Exemplary employer

Tabled: 9/12/24 Signatories: 8

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: 31

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: 33

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.

525Institutes of Technology

Tabled: 9/12/24 Signatories: 12

Will Stone

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Mary Kelly Foy

Mr Paul Foster

Tristan Osborne

That this House commends and celebrates the 21 Institutes of Technologies across the UK for their outstanding contribution to delivering high-quality, advanced technical education and training in a wide array of STEM fields; and notes that they play a vital role in addressing industry skills gaps by responding to the specific needs of local businesses, creating excellent opportunities for both young people and mature learners to access exceptional training and career pathways.

527Anniversary of the murder of Kenneth Smyth and Daniel McCormick

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

That this House notes the anniversary of the murder of Kenneth Smyth and his colleague Daniel McCormick on 10 December 1971 as they travelled to work; notes that Kenneth was off duty and that Daniel had left the UDR and they were slaughtered as they headed to work together; further notes that no one has ever been brought to justice for this evil terrorist murder that saw these men brutally slain for no other reason than serving Queen and Country in the UDR and that the families still mourn their loss; and urges Government to consider cases like Kenneth’s, when reforming legacy legislation to ensure criminals, like the perpetrators of this atrocity, are brought to justice.

528Medicinal cannabis

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 5

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Mary Kelly Foy

Wera Hobhouse

Christine Jardine

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.

530Attack on Adass Israel Synagogue, Melbourne

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 6

Christine Jardine

Calum Miller

Jim Shannon

Adam Dance

Helen Maguire

Luke Akehurst

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: 4

Katrina Murray

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Chris Kane

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.

53325th anniversary of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 20

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.

536Role of small family farms in Somerset

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 14

Sarah Dyke

Manuela Perteghella

Helen Maguire

Ian Roome

Wera Hobhouse

Adam Dance

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.

538Peace, democracy and accountability in Syria

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 8

Tom Morrison

Wera Hobhouse

Dr Roz Savage

Adam Dance

Zöe Franklin

Mr Will Forster

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: 2

Clive Jones

Peter Swallow

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: 4

Rebecca Long Bailey

Sir John Hayes

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Mary Kelly Foy

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.

542Water quality in Sri Lanka

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 5

Munira Wilson

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

Christine Jardine

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: 8

Mr Will Forster

Helen Maguire

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Wera Hobhouse

Jess Brown-Fuller

Zöe Franklin

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.

546Sale of the Observer newspaper

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 9

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.

548Ofwat price review

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 6

Clive Lewis

Dr Roz Savage

Kim Johnson

Cat Eccles

Mary Kelly Foy

Neil Duncan-Jordan

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.