Contents
Published – Friday 10 January 2025
Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 9 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
614Broxburn Academy debate club
Tabled: 9/01/25 Signatories: 1
Gregor Poynton
That this House recognises the achievements of Broxburn Academy’s debating team in competitions throughout 2024; celebrates that the team were able to win five of the seven competitions which they took part in during the year; notes the national scale of these achievements for the pupils who competed in the British Historical Association Great Debate, the Law Society of Scotland Donald Dewar Memorial Debate tournament, Glasgow Schools, Edinburgh Schools, St Andrews’ day debate tournament and the Ayrshire Cup; specifically commends the achievements of Lena Zielinska who, in July, alongside three teammates from across Scotland, won the World Schools Debating Championship in Serbia where teams from 68 countries attended; and, finally, applauds the hard work of the staff and parents of Broxburn Academy for all they do in contributing to the success of the schools debating programme, in particular Mr Robbie McDonald the head debate coach and history teacher who has spearheaded the schools debate club for the past 8 years, with his leadership playing a significant role in its success.
615Contribution of Selsey Life magazine to the Selsey community
Tabled: 9/01/25 Signatories: 1
Jess Brown-Fuller
That this House recognises with gratitude the outstanding dedication and service provided by Selsey Life magazine over the course of 301 issues, culminating with its final December 2024/January 2025 edition; commends its immense contribution to the Selsey community in sharing local news, promoting events, and fostering a sense of unity and belonging; applauds the exceptional commitment and hard work of Amanda, Steve, and the team of volunteers who made the magazine possible for many years; notes with concern the challenges faced by print journalism, particularly its disproportionate impact on elderly and vulnerable individuals who rely on physical publications for local information and engagement; acknowledges the vital role of community journalism in preserving local identity and facilitating informed communities; and calls on the Government to take steps to protect and promote the sustainability of print news to ensure it remains accessible to all, regardless of age or digital proficiency.
616Sir Jim Walker
Tabled: 9/01/25 Signatories: 1
Graham Leadbitter
That this House expresses its deep condolences following the death of Sir Jim Walker, former director of Walker’s Shortbread; recognises that not only was he a highly respected businessman and a giant in the food and drink sector, but a community-minded man who always strived to do right by his area and its people; and celebrates his legacy and his efforts to take Scotland to the world with the world-renowned products produced by Walkers.
617Sharon Scrivens
Tabled: 9/01/25 Signatories: 1
Dr Roz Savage
That this House commends Sharon Scrivens on being awarded a British Empire Medal for her tireless work to fundraise for Cancer Research UK; applauds her and her fellow volunteers on their leadership of the CRUK Cirencester Relay for Life; recognises the incredible work that fundraisers like Sharon do to support their local communities; encourages others to get involved with the challenge and support this incredible cause; and calls on the Government to continue supporting grassroots fundraising efforts and ensure that such community-led initiatives receive the recognition and resources they deserve in the fight against cancer.
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: 20
Tom Morrison
Wera Hobhouse
Dr Roz Savage
Adam Dance
Zöe Franklin
Mr Will Forster
Manuela Perteghella
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.
550Democracy and human rights in Myanmar
Tabled: 12/12/24 Signatories: 26
Helen Maguire
Adam Dance
Steve Darling
Zöe Franklin
Mr Will Forster
Luke Akehurst
Manuela Perteghella
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.
567Christmas
Tabled: 16/12/24 Signatories: 7
Jim Shannon
Mr Gregory Campbell
Jess Brown-Fuller
Luke Myer
Cat Smith
Rachael Maskell
Bob Blackman
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.
575International Human Rights Day
Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 16
Fabian Hamilton
Jim Shannon
Jon Trickett
Luke Taylor
Ayoub Khan
Shockat Adam
Manuela Perteghella
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.
577Democratic violations and violence in Georgia
Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 19
James MacCleary
Adam Dance
Wera Hobhouse
Helen Maguire
Richard Foord
Jim Shannon
Manuela Perteghella
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: 17
Shockat Adam
Jim Shannon
Ayoub Khan
Andrew George
Mr Adnan Hussain
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Bob Blackman
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.
581Environmental impact of Israel’s bombing
Tabled: 17/12/24 Signatories: 12
Shockat Adam
Jon Trickett
Ayoub Khan
Andrew George
Mr Adnan Hussain
Ellie Chowns
Sorcha Eastwood
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.
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: 41
Steve Darling
Wendy Chamberlain
Clive Jones
Tom Morrison
Cameron Thomas
Dr Al Pinkerton
Susan MurrayVikki Slade
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: 25
Sorcha Eastwood
Jon Trickett
Sarah Olney
Ben Lake
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Wendy Chamberlain
Sarah Green
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.
58970th anniversary of the Parish of St Mary's Church Duntocher
Tabled: 6/01/25 Signatories: 4
Douglas McAllister
Jim Shannon
Patricia Ferguson
Kirsteen Sullivan
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: 4
Douglas McAllister
Jim Shannon
Patricia Ferguson
Kirsteen Sullivan
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.
591Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s new memorial in South Africa
Tabled: 6/01/25 Signatories: 4
Adam Jogee
Jim Shannon
Rachael Maskell
Ellie Chowns
That this House welcomes the imminent inauguration of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s new memorial in South Africa on Wednesday 22 January 2025 by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal; acknowledges the sacrifice, valour and service of South African military labourers who served in campaigns during the First World War in East Africa; notes that this memorial will commemorate by name over 1,700 South Africans who died during World War One; thanks all those involved in the research, design and creation of this memorial; recognises the contribution made to Britain's military effort and success in both world wars of men and women from right across the Commonwealth; and celebrates the bonds of solidarity that remain strong and indivisible between our United Kingdom and our Commonwealth family.
596Posthumous Victoria Cross for Blair Paddy Mayne
Tabled: 6/01/25 Signatories: 6
Jim Shannon
John Cooper
Mr Gregory Campbell
Alex Easton
Dr Scott Arthur
Bob Blackman
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: 11
Sarah Gibson
Helen Maguire
Ian Roome
Jim Shannon
Wendy Chamberlain
Adam Dance
Dr Roz Savage
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: 39
Tonia Antoniazzi
Jim Shannon
Wendy Chamberlain
Sarah Dyke
Tracy Gilbert
Patricia Ferguson
Claire HannaKirsteen SullivanVikki SladeManuela PerteghellaSorcha EastwoodKate OsborneBob BlackmanLlinos MediLiz Saville RobertsAnn DaviesEllie Chowns
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.
601Detainment of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya
Tabled: 7/01/25 Signatories: 23
Shockat Adam
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Rachael Maskell
Brian Leishman
Claire Hanna
Ayoub Khan
Sorcha EastwoodMr Toby PerkinsAndrew GeorgeGraham LeadbitterWera HobhouseEllie Chowns
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: 7
Cat Smith [R]
Rachael Maskell
Jim Shannon
Mary Kelly Foy
Claire Hanna
Wendy Chamberlain
Ellie Chowns
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.
604Housing
Tabled: 8/01/25 Signatories: 6
Gideon Amos
Calum Miller [R]
Jess Brown-Fuller
Dr Roz Savage
Susan Murray
Vikki Slade
That this house notes with concern the ongoing housing crisis; recognises that the Empty Homes Network and Local Government Association has reported a 10% increase in long term empty homes; understands the detrimental impact these empty homes have on this crisis; notes that consenting the development of thousands of green fields will not solve the housing crisis; and instead calls for 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 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.
606Protecting children from sexual abuse
Tabled: 8/01/25 Signatories: 37
Lisa Smart
Wera Hobhouse
David Chadwick
Ben Maguire
Josh Babarinde
Pippa Heylings
Helen MorganSusan MurrayMike MartinIan SollomCaroline VoadenJess Brown-FullerDr Roz SavageMunira WilsonLiz JarvisSarah DykeMr Angus MacDonaldVikki SladeManuela PerteghellaSarah OlneyMarie GoldmanCharlotte CaneLuke TaylorAnna SabineAlex BrewerEllie Chowns
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: 7
Siân Berry
Nadia Whittome
Wera Hobhouse
Liz Saville Roberts
Ian Byrne
Shockat Adam
Ellie Chowns
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.
609Hayesdown First School's Power Down Day
Tabled: 8/01/25 Signatories: 2
Anna Sabine
Adam Dance
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: 15
Wendy Chamberlain
Ayoub Khan
Claire Hanna
Dr Roz Savage
Susan Murray
Adam Dance
Liz JarvisVikki SladeSorcha EastwoodClaire YoungGraham LeadbitterWera HobhouseAnna SabineBob BlackmanEllie Chowns
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: 13
Ruth Jones
Irene Campbell
Sarah Edwards
Will Stone
Adrian Ramsay
Wera Hobhouse
Ellie Chowns
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: 4
Sarah Dyke
Dr Roz Savage
Susan Murray
Adam Dance
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: 6
Sarah Dyke
Helen Morgan
Dr Roz Savage
Adam Dance
Wera Hobhouse
Anna Sabine
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.