Contents

Published – Tuesday 17 December 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 16 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

558West Lothian College

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 1

Gregor Poynton

That this House celebrates the recent achievements of West Lothian College at the College Development Network College Awards 2024 where West Lothian College had the highest number of finalists from a single college in Scotland; understands the significance of West Lothian College winning the Sustainability Action Award for their Whole College Approach to Net Zero; praises the work of two particular individuals at West Lothian College, Raymond Bremner who won the Lecturer of the Year Award and Micole Cochrane for winning Professional Services Colleague of the Year Award; recognises the awards for which West Lothian College were nominated, the Health and Wellbeing Award, the Inclusive College Award and the Innovation Award; and praises Jackie Galbraith the Principal of West Lothian College for her fantastic leadership and the care that her staff show to their students, communities and environment.

559Dedridge Primary School, winner of ADHD Friendly School Award

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 1

Gregor Poynton

That this House commends Dedridge Primary School in Livingston for receiving the ADHD Friendly School Award; recognises that this is a commitment to making Dedridge Primary a safe, nurturing, welcoming and exciting place, in which all learners with ADHD can achieve their academic potential; celebrates the hard work of the staff who have undertaken additional training around Understanding and Supporting ADHD; appreciates the importance of awards like this for normalising neurodivergence and incentivising a more inclusive classroom for all children; and, finally, applauds Dedridge Primary School’s establishment of an Inclusion Group of pupil champions who inform and educate their peers and have succeeded in showcasing and promoting the positives of ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions throughout the Livingston constituency.

560First anniversary of Piccoloco in Newcastle-under-Lyme

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 1

Adam Jogee

This House notes that Piccoloco in Newcastle-under-Lyme is a coffee shop, bar and kitchen run by father-son duo Jonathan and Benjamin Hill; congratulates the Hill duo on reaching the first anniversary of the opening of Piccoloco’s first premises on Hassell Street in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre; recognises that the roots of the Piccoloco Coffee Shop grew out of the collective experience of the pandemic in February and March 2020, when the Hill family embraced coffee; further notes that, over the course of four years, Piccoloco has become a popular coffee shop in Newcastle-under-Lyme, leading to them winning the coffee shop of the year award at the LoveNuL Awards in 2023, all from a converted Piaggio Apé and, later, a converted horse trailer; acknowledges the success that Piccoloco had at the LoveNuL Awards 2024; and gives thanks for the important role played by Piccoloco in supporting and boosting the local economy in Newcastle-under-Lyme and North Staffordshire.

561Closure Notice issued to Walleys Quarry

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 1

Adam Jogee

That this House welcomes the Closure Notice issued to the operators of Walleys Quarry landfill site in Newcastle-under-Lyme on Thursday 28 November 2024; acknowledges that the closure notice was issued after an independent and thorough investigation by the Environment Agency as the regulator; recognises the anger, frustration and the mental, physical and emotional impact on local people of the stink emitting from the site; notes that this decision will be welcomed by thousands and thousands of local people who have endured so much for so long; expresses deep appreciation to all those who live, learn and work in Newcastle-under-Lyme who campaigned in the rain, sleet and snow to stop the stink over many years; further acknowledges that the focus must now shift to the remediation and long-term safety of the site; further notes that the restoration of the site must be a priority alongside assessing its condition, addressing contamination, and ensuring it is safely managed for the decades ahead; reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the site is capped and maintained, with proper support in place to protect the community; and further recognises that above all this is a victory for local people in the Ancient Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme and across Staffordshire.

56240th anniversary of Irish Community Services

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 2

Daniel Francis

Clive Efford

That this House congratulates Irish Community Services on its 40th anniversary in providing support for all parts of the community throughout the Boroughs of Bexley and Greenwich; highlights their work in supporting those who are struggling because of age, infirmity, financial difficulties or social isolation through hosting community events and offering home visits, practical advice and support; commends the work of Aggie’s café and the Irish Food Shop which offer a warm space and community support; thanks the volunteers and staff for their hard work; and wishes Irish Community Services all the best for the future.

563The EU and the arms trade, human rights, and the Israel-Gaza conflict

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 1

James MacCleary

That this House expresses grave concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis and violations of human rights in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories; reiterates the urgent need for all parties to adhere to international law and the principles of proportionality in the use of force; calls for the UK Government to work closely with European partners to push for a sustainable peace settlement based on a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine are recognised as independent, viable, and democratic states with secure borders based on pre-1967 lines; recognises the critical role of the European Union in fostering peace through diplomatic initiatives and humanitarian aid; urges the UK Government to adopt a policy of presumption of denial for arms exports to countries with poor human rights records, as identified in the FCDO’s Human Rights and Democracy Report; highlights the importance of ensuring that UK and EU arms exports do not contribute to violations of international law or exacerbate conflicts, including the Israel-Gaza conflict; and calls on the UK to prioritise collaboration with European allies to strengthen global accountability for human rights violations and uphold the values of liberalism, internationalism, and the rule of law.

564Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 1

Steve Darling

That this House congratulates comedian Chris McCausland for his outstanding victory as the first blind contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, alongside his dance partner Dianne Buswell; commends McCausland for his determination and warmth, which endeared him to millions of viewers, with more than 8 million watching the final; acknowledges that McCausland, who lost his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa, overcame significant challenges throughout the competition; celebrates his inspiring victory speech, in which he dedicated his win to his professional partner and to all those who had been told they could not achieve their dreams, where he also identified the three key elements for his success as opportunity, support and determination; recognises the positive impact his victory will have for people with disabilities, with charities such as the Royal National Institute of Blind People and Guide Dogs UK praising his achievement as a landmark moment for diversity and inclusion; further acknowledges the vital conversations sparked by McCausland’s success, particularly around dispelling myths about disabilities; calls for continued support for initiatives that promote greater inclusion of people with disabilities; and echoes the Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives report in calling for the Government to implement a Disability Employment Strategy that will improve employer attitudes and increase the number of blind and partially sighted people in work.

565St Albans Interfaith League and support for inter-faith initiatives

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 3

Daisy Cooper

Layla Moran

Alex Sobel

That this House recognises that events abroad can and do have an impact on community tensions and cohesion in the UK; condemns rising levels of antisemitism and Islamophobia; regrets that a number of inter-faith networks and initiatives have broken down in recent months; praises the leadership shown by faith and community leaders in St Albans who have made a joint statement entitled 5 Principles for Dialogue: why Jews and Muslims refuse to be enemies and are working together to educate, counter misunderstanding and forge community cohesion in the city and neighbouring areas by jointly attending schools and community events; welcomes the formation of the St Albans Interfaith League (SAIL); congratulates SAIL on the launch of the podcast A is for Abraham - Muslim, Jewish, Christian points of view; and calls on the Government to actively engage with and promote new inter-faith initiatives with a view to emulating them across the UK.

566Impact of the EU General Product Safety Regulation on the UK internal market

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Allister

That this House notes that multiple e-commerce sites are arranging for sellers in GB to stop selling to Northern Ireland because of the impediments and cost of the EU's General Product Safety Regulation; and calls on the Government to stand up for Northern Ireland businesses whose supply chain depends on GB, for Northern Ireland consumers who depend on GB, and for GB small businesses who should have the same opportunity to trade with NI as any other part of the UK, by asserting the rights and primacy of the UK internal market over foreign EU rules.

567Christmas

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates the Christmas season; remembers the true purpose of Christmas as a time to celebrate the greatest gift of God towards those he created; is mindful of the wonderful work carried out by those who love Christ in charitable and community work throughout the year; and urges the general public to use the opportunity to tell people near and dear that they are loved as we seek to emulate Christ in giving freely of ourselves for others.

568Renewal of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 1

Adam Dance

That this House notes with concern that the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme is due to expire in March 2025; notes that the scheme enables congregations of all faiths to recover the Value Added Tax costs of vital repairs to their listed buildings, making it the most universal and accessible source of relief; also notes that almost half of all Grade I listed buildings in England are historic churches; acknowledges that for 23 years the grant scheme, run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, has provided a vital lifeline to congregations throughout the UK as they struggle to raise sufficient funds to repair their historic places of worship; recognises the success of the scheme in maintaining places of value to local communities and the nation’s heritage for future generations, such as St Mary Magdalene Church in Barwick, East Corker Village Church, and Holy Trinity Church in Yeovil; also recognises the scheme has received cross-party support across successive governments; and calls on the current Government to ensure the renewal of the scheme as a matter of urgency.

569Sage House Dementia Hub

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 1

Jess Brown-Fuller

That this House recognises with gratitude the outstanding dedication and service provided by Sage House Dementia Hub in Tangmere; commends its bespoke, modern, and functional approach as a community hub that brings together local dementia support services under one roof; notes with concern the latest statistics showing that one in three people will, at some point in their lifetime, care for someone with dementia, with 944,000 people currently living with dementia in the UK, a figure projected to rise to over 1.6 million by 2040; further notes that the Sage House model has demonstrated its capacity to cut the cost of dementia care by 38%, improve quality of life for those living with dementia and their families, and has the potential to save the NHS £1.5 billion annually if rolled out nationally; celebrates its success in West Sussex and its potential as a blueprint for community-based dementia care across the UK; and urges the Government to support the wider adoption of this innovative model to ensure better outcomes for individuals living with dementia and their carers while delivering significant cost savings to the NHS.

570World Darts Championship

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 1

Max Wilkinson

That this House notes the contribution of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace; recognises the tournament's positive impact on the festive sporting and television schedule; and further recognises the importance of darts to the sporting and cultural life of our nation.

571Prison maintenance insourcing

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 20

Kim Johnson

Cat Smith

Mohammad Yasin

Mary Glindon

Liz Saville Roberts

Siân Berry

That this House notes with alarm the rising levels of squalor and disrepair in prisons, with the National Audit Office estimating the maintenance backlog has doubled to £1.8 billion in the past four years; further notes with alarm recent reports by the Independent Monitoring Boards highlighting how broken and outdated windows make it easy for drones to deliver drugs and weapons, while prisoners are bitten by rats and venomous false widow spiders, yet there is little accountability when maintenance providers’ performance falls short; believes that the privatisation of prison maintenance a decade ago is at the heart of this shameful situation, with profit-hungry contractors and a corporate-style GovCo formed after the collapse of Carillion driving a dangerous race to the bottom in living and working conditions across the prison estate; welcomes the recent agreement by ministers that all options need to be looked at in order to ensure the best possible value for money for the public purse, but recognises that outsourcing of prison maintenance has proved to be a false economy, with the taxpayer picking up the tab for contractors’ costly failures; and calls on the Government to cancel plans for retendering these contracts and to bring all prison maintenance back in-house at the earliest opportunity, in keeping with its pre-election pledge to oversee the biggest wave of insourcing for a generation.

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.

491Domestic abuse and public life

Tabled: 2/12/24 Signatories: 12

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: 12

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: 12

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: 12

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.

496Kevin Sinfield fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease research

Tabled: 3/12/24 Signatories: 11

Mr Gregory Campbell

Andrew George

Shockat Adam

Christine Jardine

Kirsteen Sullivan

Richard Burgon

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: 28

Clive Jones [R]

Helen Maguire

Steve Darling

Ian Roome

Helen Morgan

Adam Dance

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: 5

Wendy Chamberlain

Adam Dance

Helen Maguire

Dr Scott Arthur

John McDonnell

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: 7

Andrew George

Shockat Adam

Ellie Chowns

Adrian Ramsay

Wera Hobhouse

Siân Berry

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.

501Certificate of Common Sponsorship

Tabled: 3/12/24 Signatories: 21

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: 15

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.

507Registration scheme for short-term lets and local communities

Tabled: 6/12/24 Signatories: 8

Steve Darling

Jess Brown-Fuller

Wera Hobhouse

Andrew George

Ellie Chowns

Vikki Slade

That this House recognises that, while short-term lets bring economic benefits and opportunities for tourism, they must be balanced with the need to maintain the integrity of local communities, particularly in coastal, rural, and tourist hotspot areas such as Devon; highlights the increasing pressure on local housing markets, where absentee landlords are making significant profits, and families may be priced out of their own communities due to the conversion of long-term rental properties into holiday lets; welcomes the Government's commitment, as outlined in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, to introduce a registration scheme for short-term lets as a means to mitigate these issues; calls for urgent and meaningful consultation on how the registration scheme will operate, ensuring that it effectively addresses the challenges of short-term letting, including limiting its negative impact on local housing stock, providing transparency, and holding landlords accountable to ensure that communities benefit from tourism and hospitality, while working to provide local residents with affordable homes; further calls for a wider review of the taxation system to ensure that it does not disproportionately incentivise short-term letting at the expense of long-term rental options for local residents; and urges the Government to introduce such a scheme without delay, in order to protect the interests of local communities and ensure that tourism benefits are shared fairly across the nation.

508Apprenticeships in the trades industry

Tabled: 6/12/24 Signatories: 14

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: 17

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.

51150th Anniversary of Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper

Tabled: 6/12/24 Signatories: 4

Helen Maguire

Jim Shannon

Calum Miller

John McDonnell

That this House congratulates Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper on its remarkable achievement of 50 years of service; recognises the charity's outstanding commitment to supporting visually impaired residents in Epsom and Ewell by providing vital access to news and local information; commends the volunteers whose dedication, effort, and time have made this invaluable service possible; acknowledges the critical role such services play in fostering inclusion and community connection; and wishes the charity continued success in its future endeavours supporting those in need.

518175th anniversary of St Mary Immaculate Church

Tabled: 9/12/24 Signatories: 5

Gordon McKee

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Dr Scott Arthur

Richard Burgon

That this House congratulates St Mary Immaculate Church in Pollokshaws on its 175th anniversary; notes that a special celebratory mass is taking place on Monday 9 December 2024, led by Archbishop William Nolan; recognises the importance of the church to the local community; and wishes the church and its congregation every success for the future.

519Celebrating the service of local councillors

Tabled: 9/12/24 Signatories: 6

Blair McDougall

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Dr Scott Arthur

Richard Burgon

Peter Lamb

That this House believes that local councillors are the unsung heroes of our democracy; notes our thanks to the ordinary people who work for too little reward or recognition to fix things and represent local people; and congratulates in particular Councillors Betty Cunningham and Katie Pragnell of East Renfrewshire for winning the Lifetime Legend and Young Councillor of the Year awards respectively at the LGIU and CCLA Councillor Awards.

521Impact of the Work Capability Assessment on disabled people

Tabled: 9/12/24 Signatories: 10

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

Mary Kelly Foy

Ian Lavery

Claire Hanna

That this House notes the shocking evidence published by John Pring in his recent book of the harm, too often leading to fatalities, inflicted on disabled people by the Department of Work and Pensions since the introduction of the Work Capability Assessment; and calls on the Government to establish an independent public inquiry into the role played by Ministers, civil servants and advisers and their culpability for the suffering identified in this research.

522Fife Carers Centre recognition as a Carer Positive Exemplary employer

Tabled: 9/12/24 Signatories: 9

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: 34

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: 40

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: 15

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.

526ICC arrest warrant for General Min Aung Hlaing

Tabled: 9/12/24 Signatories: 8

Shockat Adam

Ayoub Khan

Jim Shannon

Jeremy Corbyn

Iqbal Mohamed

Brendan O'Hara

That this House welcomes the International Criminal Court’s request for an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s Senior General, Min Aung Hlaing, following credible evidence linking him to breaches of international law, war crimes and genocide; notes this includes in 2017 the Myanmar army destroying Rohingya settlements, along with mass rape, torture and execution without trial that killed thousands and caused 700,000 Rohingya people to flee to Bangladesh to seek refuge; further notes if the arrest warrant is issued all ICC state parties, which includes the United Kingdom, are obliged to detain General Min Aung Hlaing upon entry to their territory; and calls on the Government to comply with any arrest warrant and to pursue further measures such as ending the policy of non-interference to hold the military government of Myanmar to account and seek justice for the Rohingya and other religious and ethnic communities who are continuing to suffer at the hands of Myanmar’s military regime.

528Medicinal cannabis

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 8

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Mary Kelly Foy

Wera Hobhouse

Christine Jardine

Bob Blackman

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: 5

Cat Smith

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

John McDonnell

Richard Burgon

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: 9

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

53325th anniversary of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 21

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: 4

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Ellie Chowns

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.

536Role of small family farms in Somerset

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 16

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.

537The Bay Leaf

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 3

Gregor Poynton

Jim Shannon

Kirsteen Sullivan

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: 15

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: 3

Clive Jones

Peter Swallow

Jim Shannon

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: 7

Rebecca Long Bailey

Sir John Hayes

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Mary Kelly Foy

Ellie Chowns

Jim Shannon

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: 6

Ellie Chowns

Jim Shannon

Mrs Sharon Hodgson

John McDonnell

Kim Johnson

Richard Burgon

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: 9

Munira Wilson

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

Christine Jardine

Steve Darling

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: 10

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.

544John Watt fundraising for Northern Ireland Children to Lapland Trust

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 2

Alex Easton

Jim Shannon

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: 6

Euan Stainbank

Tracy Gilbert

Jim Shannon

John McDonnell

Richard Burgon

Brian Leishman

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: 13

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: 2

Brendan O'Hara

Jim Shannon

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: 16

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.

549Public toilets

Tabled: 12/12/24 Signatories: 5

Mohammad Yasin

John McDonnell

Richard Burgon

Shockat Adam

Jim Shannon

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: 15

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Steve Darling

Zöe Franklin

Mr Will Forster

Luke Akehurst

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: 5

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Ben Maguire

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

Jim Shannon

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: 7

Jon Trickett

Bob Blackman

Ellie Chowns

John McDonnell

Richard Burgon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

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: 8

Dr Roz Savage

Adam Dance

Helen Maguire

Ben Maguire

Cameron Thomas

Calum Miller

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: 2

Alex Easton

Jim Shannon

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: 23

Claire Young

Adam Dance

Helen Maguire

Helen Morgan

Dr Roz Savage

Ellie Chowns

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: 5

Wendy Chamberlain

Helen Maguire

Calum Miller

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

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: 22

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.