Contents

Published – Thursday 19 December 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 18 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

584Government response to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report on communication of changes to women’s State Pension age

Tabled: 18/12/24 Signatories: 1

Steve Darling

That this House condemns the Government’s refusal to provide any compensation to women affected by changes to the State Pension age, turning its back on millions of pension-age women who were harmed through no fault of their own; regrets Ministers’ decision to effectively ignore the recommendations of the independent Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman; recognises the damage done to our economy by the previous Conservative Government, but believes that Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) women should not have to pay the price of Conservative mismanagement; notes that the Liberal Democrats have campaigned for years for fair compensation of WASPI women in line with the Ombudsman’s recommendations; and calls on the Government to rethink this heartless decision and give those affected the fair treatment they deserve.

585Reform of electoral law

Tabled: 18/12/24 Signatories: 8

Sorcha Eastwood

Jon Trickett

Sarah Olney

Ben Lake

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House notes with serious concern recent reports of high-profile individuals and international entities exploring avenues to influence UK political parties and elections, raising questions about the robustness of current electoral laws in preventing foreign interference; recognises the essential role of transparent and accountable political financing in preserving public trust in democracy and ensuring that elections remain free from undue external influence; believes that current electoral laws are outdated and inadequate in addressing the threats posed by modern financial and digital technologies, including cryptocurrency, which can facilitate anonymous or foreign donations; highlights the particular, imminent risks posed by wealthy international figures, who, while engaging in lawful activities, may inadvertently or deliberately influence domestic politics contrary to the principle of self-determination; urges the Government to urgently bring forward legislative reforms to strengthen electoral law, including the introduction of a cap on political donations, stricter limitations on overseas donations, mandatory transparency in the origin of political funds, and robust enforcement mechanisms; calls on the Government to work with the Electoral Commission and other relevant bodies to adapt regulatory frameworks to address emerging challenges to democratic integrity in the digital age; and affirms the UK's commitment to safeguarding democracy by ensuring that elections are free, fair, and reflective of the will of the people without interference from foreign entities.

586Financial redress for 1950s-born women

Tabled: 18/12/24 Signatories: 5

Llinos Medi

Ben Lake

Ann Davies

Liz Saville Roberts

Ellie Chowns

That this House supports the campaigns of women failed by the implementation of UK Government changes to the State Pension Age for women born after 6 April 1950 by way of the 1995 and 2011 Pension Acts; commends the work of campaigners who have fought tirelessly over many years for justice, accountability, and financial redress; notes the recommendations of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report into the communication of State Pension changes in March 2024, that found maladministration by the Department for Work and Pensions, and recommended compensation at Level 4 of the ombudsman scale, £1,000 to £2,950; condemns the UK Government’s decision to refuse compensation for 1950s women despite that report’s recommendations, and despite acknowledging that maladministration did take place; is disappointed the 2019 promise that a Labour government would create a system of recompense for affected 1950s women has been broken; and calls on the UK Government to reverse this decision, and finally deliver justice for the 3.6 million affected 1950s-born women.

587Healthy lunches

Tabled: 18/12/24 Signatories: 2

Sarah Dyke

Ellie Chowns

That this House recognises the importance of eating a healthy and nutritious lunch; further recognises that poor diet is now the biggest risk for preventable disease, placing a huge strain on the NHS; notes that the number of food-secure households decreased by 2% according to the UK Food Security Report 2024; recognises the important role British farmers play in putting nutritious food on our plate, but is aware of the financial pressure food producers in the UK are currently facing; is worried further notes that 61% of farmers are concerned they will have to give up their farms within the next 18 months; and calls on the Government to ensure fairness in the food supply chain by strengthening the Groceries Code Adjudicator to protect consumers from unfair price rises and to support food producers.

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.

505Residence-based voting rights

Tabled: 5/12/24 Signatories: 16

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: 9

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: 16

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: 22

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.

521Impact of the Work Capability Assessment on disabled people

Tabled: 9/12/24 Signatories: 13

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: 10

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: 37

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: 44

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.

532Celebrating Ahmad Tea

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 8

Liz Jarvis

Jim Shannon

Adam Dance

Helen Maguire

Chris Law

Sarah Dyke

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

534Army Benevolent Fund

Tabled: 10/12/24 Signatories: 5

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Ellie Chowns

Tristan Osborne

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: 18

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: 18

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: 4

Clive Jones

Peter Swallow

Jim Shannon

James MacCleary

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.

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

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 10

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: 10

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: 13

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: 17

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: 19

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: 6

Mohammad Yasin

John McDonnell

Richard Burgon

Shockat Adam

Jim Shannon

Ellie Chowns

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: 19

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: 6

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Ben Maguire

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

Jim Shannon

James MacCleary

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: 10

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.

555Flood recovery framework

Tabled: 12/12/24 Signatories: 28

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: 7

Wendy Chamberlain

Helen Maguire

Calum Miller

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

Adam Dance

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.

560First anniversary of Piccoloco in Newcastle-under-Lyme

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 3

Adam Jogee

Jim Shannon

Kate Osborne

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.

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

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 18

James MacCleary

Helen Maguire

Steve Darling

Adam Dance

Dr Roz Savage

Jess Brown-Fuller

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: 22

Steve Darling

Alison Bennett

Helen Maguire

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Adam Dance

Wera Hobhouse

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.

567Christmas

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 4

Jim Shannon

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jess Brown-Fuller

Luke Myer

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: 12

Adam Dance

Steve Darling

Wera Hobhouse

Dr Roz Savage

Jim Shannon

Ian Roome

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: 16

Jess Brown-Fuller

Alison Bennett

Helen Morgan

Dr Al Pinkerton

Helen Maguire

Steve Darling

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: 8

Max Wilkinson

Helen Maguire

Dr Roz Savage

Ian Roome

Jim Shannon

Jess Brown-Fuller

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: 29

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.

572Sue Flood and Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition

Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 7

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Llinos Medi

Ann Davies

Jim Shannon

Andrew George

That this House congratulates award-winning photographer, filmmaker, and zoologist, Sue Flood from Y Bala on being shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award in the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition 2024; notes that Sue’s image of a Weddell seal resting on an ice floe in Antarctica is one of only twenty-five images chosen from an international entry of 60,000; further notes that Sue is the only UK woman finalist and the only finalist from Wales; recognises that Sue’s travels have taken her to hundreds of destinations across the globe, including the North and South Poles, that she spent eleven years at the BBC’s Natural History Unit, working on acclaimed series such as the Blue Planet and Planet Earth with Sir David Attenborough; acknowledges that Sue has won several prestigious awards including being awarded a Royal Photographic Society silver medal; and wishes Sue the very best in the competition.

573Chris McCausland Strictly success

Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Ellie Chowns

That this House notes the success of Chris McCausland and his dance partner Dianne Buswell on their fantastic win on Strictly Come Dancing; highlights the representation that his participation in the show has brought to disability inclusion and that this will inspire many people to do something different and achieve goals they never thought possible; underlines that one in four people across the UK have a disability and that this will shed light on so many conditions; and congratulates Chris on his success and wishes him the very best for the future.

574Talent 25 programme and children's creativity

Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 2

Shockat Adam

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates the Talent 25 programme, led by Dr. Bertha Ochieng at De Montfort University and funded by Arts Council England, which promotes creativity in babies and young children through free workshops in Leicester; recognises the programme’s 25-year longitudinal study measuring the impact of early arts exposure on young people’s life chances and future engagement in the arts; supports Dr. Ochieng's research highlighting the need for inclusive, affordable, and intercultural arts in early years programmes; and calls on the Government to adopt best practices from Talent 25 and fund similar initiatives in deprived areas to promote diversity, culture, and creativity among young people.

575International Human Rights Day

Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 8

Fabian Hamilton

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

Luke Taylor

Ayoub Khan

Shockat Adam

That this House recognises the importance of the international human rights framework which underpins the international rules-based order; notes that to mark this year’s International Human Rights Day, the UN has highlighted the critical role of human rights as a preventative, protective and transformative force for good; celebrates the human rights achievements of UK Parliamentarians working with inspiring civil society organisations and activists, including securing the release of wrongfully imprisoned individuals, such as Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori; further recognises the Government’s commitment to building support for victims of gender-based violence in conflict and of modern-day slavery; further notes that UK Parliamentarians have a key role in taking this impressive legacy forward to further justice and democracy, and to support human rights defenders; and also recognises the Government’s commitment to international law and human rights internationally.

576Fraserburgh Academy visit to OECD summit

Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 2

Seamus Logan

Jim Shannon

That this House commends the hard work of Fraserburgh Academy pupils on projects to inspire new growth in education; recognises their success in representing Scottish schools on a recent visit to Paris to attend the OECD summit; celebrates their successful international collaboration with students from Gunma Province in Japan; applauds their decision to travel by train to reduce their carbon emissions; and further commends their initiative in meeting a senior representative from the Japanese Embassy.

577Democratic violations and violence in Georgia

Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 15

James MacCleary

Adam Dance

Wera Hobhouse

Helen Maguire

Richard Foord

Jim Shannon

That this House condemns the escalating violence and democratic backsliding in Georgia, including the disproportionate use of force by Georgian authorities against peaceful protesters, journalists, and opposition figures; expresses concern at the arbitrary detentions of civilians, suppression of peaceful assembly, and anti-democratic actions; notes with concern the Georgian Government’s disregard for constitutional and legal norms; further condemns potential foreign interference in Georgia’s democratic institutions; calls on the Government to demonstrate solidarity with the Georgian people by pressing for the protection of democratic and political rights, and working with international partners, including the EU, to investigate the irregularities of the latest elections; and further calls on the Government to follow the actions of the United States and formally suspend the United Kingdom’s strategic partnership with Georgia.

578Sexual violence in Sudan

Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 9

Shockat Adam

Jim Shannon

Ayoub Khan

Andrew George

Mr Adnan Hussain

Neil Duncan-Jordan

That this House expresses its grave concern over the ongoing use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in Sudan, where women are subjected to systematic rape and sexual abuse by armed groups; condemns the growing reports of women resorting to suicide in an effort to escape the horrific prospect of rape; notes that these atrocities are not only a breach of human rights but also violate international law, including the Geneva Conventions; urges the UK Government to take immediate steps to support international efforts to end impunity for those responsible for sexual violence in conflict; calls for urgent humanitarian aid and psychological support for the survivors of such violence; and further calls on the Government to press for stronger international sanctions against those perpetrating and enabling these crimes, and to advocate for the inclusion of sexual violence in conflict as a priority in peace negotiations.

579Syrian self-determination

Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 6

Shockat Adam

Jim Shannon

Ayoub Khan

Andrew George

Mr Adnan Hussain

Ellie Chowns

That this House acknowledges the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria, which has resulted in immense suffering for millions of people due to conflict, displacement, and violations of human rights; reaffirms the principle of self-determination as a fundamental right of all peoples, including the Syrian people; stresses the importance of a Syrian-led political solution, with the full participation of all Syrian communities, to ensure lasting peace and stability in Syria; supports the establishment of transparent, democratic processes within Syria with free and fair elections that respect the political, cultural, and religious diversity of the Syrian population, including marginalized groups; and urges the international community to work together to provide humanitarian aid and support for the rebuilding of Syria, ensuring that the rights and sovereignty of the Syrian people are respected throughout this process.

580Israel’s military action in Syria

Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 5

Shockat Adam

Jon Trickett

Ayoub Khan

Mr Adnan Hussain

Ellie Chowns

That this House expresses grave concern over Israel’s military incursions in Syria, including its illegal invasion of sovereign Syrian territory, specifically in the region of Mount Hermon; condemns Israel’s use of an earthquake bomb in its recent attacks, the impact of which was felt on the Richter Scale, which has caused significant damage and loss of life, and is an unacceptable and illegal form of warfare; expresses concern over the ongoing illegal occupation of the Golan Heights, which Israel continues to control despite international condemnation; highlights the creation of a buffer zone around the Golan Heights by Israel as a violation of international law; and notes that Israel’s actions have been widely condemned by regional powers, for exacerbating the already fragile and volatile situation in Syria and undermining efforts for peace and stability in the region.

581Environmental impact of Israel’s bombing

Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 6

Shockat Adam

Jon Trickett

Ayoub Khan

Andrew George

Mr Adnan Hussain

Ellie Chowns

That this House expresses deep concern over the environmental consequences of Israel’s military actions in the region, particularly in relation to the bombing of Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, and its contribution to climate change and environmental degradation; notes that Israel’s use of explosive weapons, including airstrikes and bombs, has caused significant environmental damage, including the destruction of agricultural land, water resources, and has caused the contamination of soil with toxic chemicals which will have lasting effects; highlights that toxic emissions from bombs are exacerbating air pollution and contributing to climate change; acknowledges the environmental catastrophe caused by the destruction of forests, soil degradation, and contamination of water sources, which threaten both local ecosystems and the livelihoods of civilians; and urgently calls on the government to condemn these actions and push for international accountability for the environmental damage caused by the almost 100,000 tonnes of bombs that have been dropped by Israel in the past year alone.

582Violence against women in Northern Ireland

Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 9

Carla Lockhart

Claire Hanna

Sorcha Eastwood

Mr Gregory Campbell

Colum Eastwood

Jim Shannon

That this House expresses its deep concern at the scale of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland; notes with sadness that seven women have lost their lives this year alone, contributing to a total of 25 women murdered since 2020, with many of these killings occurring within their own homes; acknowledges the tragic loss of Karen Cummings in Banbridge, which has caused shock and grief within the local community, as well as the second anniversary of Natalie McNally’s murder in Lurgan, both of which serve as a painful reminder of the urgent need for action; recognises the devastating impact such violence has on families and communities; calls on the Government to work closely with devolved institutions to develop and deliver a joined-up UK-wide strategy to tackle violence against women and girls; urges action to address root causes, improve conviction rates, implement tougher sentencing for perpetrators, and provide greater support for victims; and commits to working towards a society where all women and girls can live free from fear and violence.

583Local postie David Reynolds

Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 5

Kirsteen Sullivan

Brian Leishman

Patricia Ferguson

Gregor Poynton

Martin Rhodes

That this House commends dedicated Armadale resident and local postie David Reynolds for his bravery in the course of his work; praises his quick thinking and fast action to save the life of a woman found soaked through and collapsed in the snow; recognises the hard work of posties especially at this time of year in all weather; thanks posties for regularly going above and beyond their duty to work against loneliness and isolation; and thanks David Reynolds for his three decades of service and wishes him the very best in the future.