Contents

Published – Thursday 9 January 2025

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 8 January 2025

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

604Housing

Tabled: 8/01/25 Signatories: 1

Gideon Amos

That this House notes with concern the ongoing housing crisis; recognises that the Empty Homes Network and Local Government Association have reported a 10% increase in long term empty homes; understands the detrimental impact these empty homes have on this crisis; further notes that consenting to the development of thousands of green fields will not solve the housing crisis unless the Government funds the construction of new social and council rent homes per year; therefore urges the Government to ensure that developers build genuinely affordable homes for local people in line with the Liberal Democrat commitment to create 150,000 new social homes a year; calls for second homes to be prevented from sitting empty through higher council taxes and planning controls; and further urges the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government to support the provision of new homes by providing local authorities with the funding and powers required to bring residential housing back into use and invest in a new generation of rent to own homes for young and excluded renters to get into home ownership.

605Keenan Recycling carbon footprint reduction

Tabled: 8/01/25 Signatories: 1

Euan Stainbank

That this House congratulates Keenan Recycling on its efforts to reduce Falkirk’s carbon footprint by diverting over 2,250 tonnes of food waste from landfill since 2019; notes that this waste is transformed into renewable energy through anaerobic digestion, generating electricity to power 250 homes annually; and commends Keenan Recycling for its leadership in promoting sustainability and tackling climate change.

606Protecting children from sexual abuse

Tabled: 8/01/25 Signatories: 17

Lisa Smart

Wera Hobhouse

David Chadwick

Ben Maguire

Josh Babarinde

Pippa Heylings

That this House believes that no child should ever be subjected to sexual abuse or exploitation; recognises that any perpetrators must face the full force of the law; emphasises that to fully deliver justice for survivors, steps must be taken at all levels of Government to better protect children from sexual abuse and sexual exploitation in the future; commends the work of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, chaired by Professor Alexis Jay, which examined how institutions in England and Wales had protected children from sexual abuse and culminated in 20 far-reaching recommendations to improve that response in the future; notes with concern the lack of progress made in implementing these recommendations, despite more than two years passing since the final report was published; and calls on the Government to urgently implement all 20 recommendations, while providing regular reports to Parliament on its progress.

607Pesticides in public spaces

Tabled: 8/01/25 Signatories: 5

Siân Berry

Nadia Whittome

Wera Hobhouse

Liz Saville Roberts

Ian Byrne

That this House notes that many local authorities and other public authorities use pesticides to manage unwanted vegetation in public places such as parks and green spaces, streets, school grounds, churchyards, train stations and car parks; is concerned that the most commonly used pesticide in urban areas is glyphosate, which has been designated as a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organisation since 2015; is further concerned that the overuse of pesticides in urban areas is destroying areas that wildlife, including birds, insects, bees and hedgehogs, rely on for food and shelter, and that pesticides also run off hard surfaces such as pavements, contaminating water courses and damaging aquatic life; commends the more than 100 local authorities across the UK that have either ended or significantly reduced their use of pesticides; calls on the Government to provide the necessary funding and support to encourage more local authorities to follow suit; and urges the Government to support the Plant Protection Products (Prohibition on Public Sector Use) Bill that would introduce a national phase-out of pesticide use in public spaces by local authorities and other public authorities for amenity purposes.

608Wild Moon Morris

Tabled: 8/01/25 Signatories: 1

Sarah Dyke

That this House congratulates Wild Moon Morris, the Somerton-based folk dance club, on their invitation to perform on 2 February 2025 to celebrate Imbolc, the Pagan festival marking the beginning of spring and the official opening of the Celtic settlement in Moredo, Portugal; recognises the cultural significances of Wild Moon Morris, who through their contemporary form of Morris dancing, help to preserve Celtic cultural heritage, foster community engagement and celebrate seasonal change through music, choreography and folklore; applauds their female-led recital alongside the all-female Pauliterias de Malhadas, the UNESCO-recognised Careto Demons, and the Academic Iberica da Mascara, whose performances celebrate the rich tapestry of folk and Celtic paganism shared between the UK and Portugal; notes with appreciation the financial support provided by the people of Glastonbury, Moredo Town Council, City Council Braganca and the International Art Co-operative, which have enabled this cultural collaboration; and wishes Wild Moon Morris and all participating performers every success in their recitals celebrating the arrival of spring and demonstrating the importance of cultural unity within Celtic Paganism.

609Hayesdown First School's Power Down Day

Tabled: 8/01/25 Signatories: 1

Anna Sabine

That this House recognises the students of Hayesdown First School in Frome for completing a Power Down Day to help reduce the school's carbon footprint; praises the teachers for encouraging students to think about their energy consumption and for promoting eco-friendly practices in the school; encourages other schools to carry out similar initiatives; and further recognises the importance of a curriculum that educates young children on climate change and the impact of our energy consumption on the planet and which inspires them to be active citizens in the fight against climate change.

610Afghan women and girls

Tabled: 8/01/25 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House deplores the systemic and violent subjugation of women and girls in Afghanistan by the Taliban, including extensive restrictions on speech, education, working, and unaccompanied travel or movement in the public sphere; notes that this is described by the United Nations special rapporteur as amounting to a gender apartheid; acknowledges the Tirana Declaration agreed by Afghan female leaders in September 2024; further acknowledges the critical need to hold Taliban leaders accountable for human rights violations; and calls on the Government to reaffirm its commitment to Afghan women and girls throughout its diplomatic, international development and defence policies.

611Import and sale of real fur

Tabled: 8/01/25 Signatories: 11

Ruth Jones

Irene Campbell

Sarah Edwards

Will Stone

Adrian Ramsay

Wera Hobhouse

That this House urges the Government to ban the import and sale of real fur; notes that the UK has banned the main methods of fur production, namely leg-hold trapping and fur farming, due to their cruelty; believes that it is hypocritical to allow the import and sale of real fur; further notes that real fur is rejected by the public, many fashion houses and retailers, and that the sale of fur has been banned in California; and further believes that a fur ban is a natural extension of the existing import bans on cat and dog fur and commercial seal fur products, and that a comprehensive fur ban will help maintain the UK as a global leader in the promotion of animal welfare.

612Sydney John Maskell awarded the Legion D’Honneur Medal

Tabled: 8/01/25 Signatories: 1

Sarah Dyke

That this House celebrates the extraordinary achievement of Sydney, known as John, Maskell, 105, who has been awarded the Legion D’Honneur Medal by the French Government in recognition of his outstanding service in the Royal Signals during the D-Day landings and the Liberation of France; recognises that the Legion D’Honneur is France’s highest military and civil distinction, awarded upon the demonstration of extreme bravery; expresses profound gratitude for his courage, valour and dedication demonstrated in the defence of freedom and democracy against Nazi tyranny in Europe; acknowledges that in an era marked by the troubling rise of fascism and authoritarianism around the world, the sacrifices made by Mr Maskell and all veterans, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring need to protect peace; and commends the French Government for recognising the sacrifice and contribution of Allied veterans ensuring their legacy is remembered and celebrated for years to come.

613First Bus price fares in Somerset

Tabled: 8/01/25 Signatories: 1

Sarah Dyke

That this House welcomes the decision by First Bus to keep fares across Somerset under £3, despite the national fare cap’s increase, demonstrating a strong commitment to affordable and accessible transport for residents of Somerset; recognises that the Government’s decision in the Autumn Budget effectively equates to a 1p income tax hike for commuters placing a significant financial burden on commuters, particularly in rural areas, who are reliant on affordable bus services; applauds the collaborative efforts of First Bus and Somerset Council in ensuring sustainable travel remains affordable, with the majority of bus passengers in Somerset benefiting from single fares of £2.40 for journeys up to six miles, 20% lower than the national cap; commends First Bus for maintaining lower fares on town services and for children, with some tickets priced as low as £1; acknowledges that affordable public transport is essential for residents in rural areas, such as Glastonbury and Somerton, where bus services provide vital access to work, school and other essential services; supports the role of public bus services in reducing carbon emissions, cutting congestion, and ensuring equal access to opportunities; and calls on the Government to scrap their £3 bus fare cap increase, reverting to the £2 bus fare cap, to avoid financially burdening working people, rural communities and those on low incomes who are dependent on affordable transport.

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.

538Peace, democracy and accountability in Syria

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 19

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.

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

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 14

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: 13

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.

546Sale of the Observer newspaper

Tabled: 11/12/24 Signatories: 19

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: 5

Brendan O'Hara

Jim Shannon

Iqbal Mohamed

Graham Leadbitter

Chris Law

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: 23

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.

550Democracy and human rights in Myanmar

Tabled: 12/12/24 Signatories: 25

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.

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

Tabled: 12/12/24 Signatories: 10

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.

555Flood recovery framework

Tabled: 12/12/24 Signatories: 35

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: 11

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.

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

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 23

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.

568Renewal of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 21

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.

576Fraserburgh Academy visit to OECD summit

Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 5

Seamus Logan

Jim Shannon

Kirsty Blackman

Graham Leadbitter

Chris Law

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.

581Environmental impact of Israel’s bombing

Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 11

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: 13

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.

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: 39

Steve Darling

Wendy Chamberlain

Clive Jones

Tom Morrison

Cameron Thomas

Dr Al Pinkerton

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: 24

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: 9

Llinos Medi

Ben Lake

Ann Davies

Liz Saville Roberts

Ellie Chowns

Iqbal Mohamed

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: 21

Sarah Dyke

Ellie Chowns

Wendy Chamberlain

Helen Morgan

Dr Roz Savage

Sarah Gibson

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.

58970th anniversary of the Parish of St Mary's Church Duntocher

Tabled: 6/01/25 Signatories: 3

Douglas McAllister

Jim Shannon

Patricia Ferguson

That this House congratulates St Mary's Parish Church Duntocher on the occasion of its 70th anniversary; notes that on 14 November 1954 the new church was formally opened and dedicated by Archbishop Donald Campbell, and that on 15 November 2024 Archbishop William Nolan celebrated Holy Mass at St Mary's to celebrate the 70th anniversary; recognises the significant contribution of the church to the spiritual wellbeing of its parishioners and the wider community of Duntocher; commends St Mary's and its parishioners who have maintained the church and parish life over 70 years; further congratulates Mr James Brown and Mr and Mrs James and Phyliss Smith on receiving the Archdiocesan Medal in recognition of their service to St Mary's Church; and wishes the Church and Parish of St Mary's Duntocher every success in the years ahead.

590Mr Owen Sayers MBE, 60 years Scouting

Tabled: 6/01/25 Signatories: 3

Douglas McAllister

Jim Shannon

Patricia Ferguson

That this House celebrates the presenting of Mr Owen Sayers MBE with his 60 Years Service to Scouting Award in 2024 by the Chief Volunteer of Scouts Scotland; recognises that Owen Sayers became a Scout leader at the age of 18, and that further leadership roles over the next 60 years included Section Leader, Group Scout Leader, District Commissioner and County Commissioner; commends Owen Sayers for his dedication to scouting, volunteering, and service to young people across West Dunbartonshire; further commends Owen Sayers for his unwavering commitment to serving local communities and the country; and congratulates Mr Owen Sayers MBE on his 60 Years Service Award and wishes him and the 1st Glen Lusset Scout Group every success in the future.

592President Jimmy Carter

Tabled: 6/01/25 Signatories: 5

Adam Jogee

Jim Shannon

Rachael Maskell

Ben Lake

Patricia Ferguson

That this House expresses its sorrow at the death of President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, on Sunday 29 December 2024 at the age of 100; gives thanks for his good, long life of service to the citizens of the United States and to people right across the world; remembers his service as a member of the Senate of the State of Georgia from 1963-1967 and as the 76th Governor of the State of Georgia from 1971-1975; salutes the pivotal role President Carter played in securing the Camp David Accords; celebrates his commitment to peace, decency, respect and the truth; notes that he was the only US President to receive a Nobel Peace Prize for his work to monitor more than 100 elections in nations right across the world and to help build and repair thousands of homes in countries across the globe with Habitat for Humanity; acknowledges the strong bond he had with the late former First Lady Mrs Rosalynn Carter and her own public service; commits to standing up for those most in need at home and abroad as President Carter did; and sends its deepest condolences to the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of President Jimmy Carter.

596Posthumous Victoria Cross for Blair Paddy Mayne

Tabled: 6/01/25 Signatories: 5

Jim Shannon

John Cooper

Mr Gregory Campbell

Alex Easton

Dr Scott Arthur

That this House remembers the heroic endeavours of Blair Mayne; believes that these should be acknowledged through the award of a posthumous Victoria Cross; notes that Blair, known as Paddy, Mayne was a native of Newtownards in the constituency of Strangford and that he was a legendary member and officer of the Special Air Service; highlights that he served with considerable valour and distinction throughout the Second World War and will always be remembered for his efforts; and underlines that his legacy shall never be forgotten and that he should no longer be denied the honour of a Victoria Cross for his sensational contribution to the Special Services throughout the War.

598Active travel

Tabled: 6/01/25 Signatories: 10

Sarah Gibson

Helen Maguire

Ian Roome

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Adam Dance

That this House congratulates the work being led by Active Travel England and specifically the Royal Wootton Bassett Environment Trust which is working to promote active travel in Wiltshire; acknowledges that investment in active travel routes is needed to stimulate local economies; and notes that local authorities need to be empowered so they can leverage the planning system more effectively to deliver local active travel routes.

599England men's cricket team's upcoming fixture against Afghanistan

Tabled: 6/01/25 Signatories: 28

Tonia Antoniazzi

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Sarah Dyke

Tracy Gilbert

Patricia Ferguson

That this House expresses profound concern regarding the England men's cricket team's upcoming Champions Trophy fixture against Afghanistan; understands that this fixture will take place in the context of the banning of female participation in sport by the Taliban in Afghanistan; pays tribute to the Afghanistan women's cricket team who are currently in exile as a result of this ban; acknowledges that this ban is a reflection of the wider erasure of women from daily activities in Afghanistan; recognises that this ban is in direct contravention of International Cricket Council rules that require all test nations to support and fund women's cricket; and strongly urges the ECB to consider a boycott of this upcoming fixture.

600Alloa's Football Memories initiative

Tabled: 7/01/25 Signatories: 4

Brian Leishman

Jim Shannon

Patricia Ferguson

Jon Trickett

That this House celebrates the success of Alloa's Football Memories group, founded by John Glencross, Alloa Athletic’s club historian, to support people living with dementia; notes that the initiative began in March 2023 with just six attendees and has since grown to a remarkable 40 regular members, offering companionship and community through shared memories of the beautiful game; commends John Glencross for his dedication in establishing and hosting the monthly meetings at Alloa’s Ochil Lounge, with support from Alloa Athletic Football Club; recognises the importance of initiatives like Football Memories in improving the wellbeing of individuals living with dementia by stimulating recall and fostering social connections; further applauds Alloa manager Andy Graham and club legend Neil Parry for attending the group’s December meeting to share entertaining stories and engage with attendees; and calls on the Government to expand support for community initiatives like Football Memories, recognising their critical role in dementia care and in building compassionate, inclusive communities.

601Detainment of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya

Tabled: 7/01/25 Signatories: 17

Shockat Adam

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Rachael Maskell

Brian Leishman

Claire Hanna

Ayoub Khan

That this House condemns Israel’s raid and destruction of Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the last functioning hospitals in Gaza; expresses deep concern over the detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of the hospital and a paediatric specialist; calls for his immediate release along with other detained medical personnel in accordance with international humanitarian law which safeguards medical workers from detention and harm in conflict settings; condemns Israel's systematic and deliberate targeting of healthcare facilities and personnel in Gaza; further calls on the government to exert pressure on Israel to uphold the rights of medical professionals and ensure the protection of healthcare facilities; and expresses solidarity with all those working to provide medical care and humanitarian aid in Gaza.

602Postural Tachycardia Syndrome

Tabled: 7/01/25 Signatories: 4

Cat Smith [R]

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House notes that Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) is an autonomic nervous system abnormality which causes chronic illness and significant disability, often in young people, in some cases leaving people bed ridden; further notes that the average time from first presentation of symptoms to diagnosis is seven years; also notes that while there is currently no cure for PoTS, studies indicate that 90% of affected people improve with medically guided treatments and lifestyle changes but awareness of the condition is still low and there are few specialist services in many regions of the UK and no care pathways for patients anywhere in the UK; and believes that this indicates a need for increased support offered to those who suffer from PoTS.

603World Darts Champion Luke Littler

Tabled: 7/01/25 Signatories: 7

Charlotte Nichols

Sarah Hall

David Baines

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Jon Trickett

That this House recognises the astonishing performance of Luke Littler in winning the 2025 World Championship, becoming the youngest world champion in darts history at 17 years and 347 days old; recognises that his remarkable successes in the past year see him ranked as the number two player in the world; rejoices that he has inspired huge numbers across the country to follow and take up darts for the first time; proudly celebrates these achievements by a favourite son of Warrington; and wishes Luke The Nuke the best of success as he hopefully goes from strength to strength in 2025.