Commons business papers

Contents

Published – Friday 24 January 2025

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 23 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

686Rural rail services

Tabled: 23/01/25 Signatories: 1

Edward Morello

That this House acknowledges the inadequate rail services in rural areas such as those on the Salisbury to Exeter railway line, which serves West Dorset constituency; calls on the Government to act on the analysis and recommendations of the Connecting South West England Report from Greengauge 21 on much-needed electrification and the upgrade of single-line tracks with passing points to double lines to reduce delays and improve service reliability for passengers and operators; expresses concern over the lack of alignment between the timeline for the nationalisation of South Western Rail and the establishment of Great British Railways, and the risk this poses for achieving a cohesive and integrated rail strategy; further highlights the potential for missed opportunities in delivering a unified vision for the rail network, risking fragmenting the long term approach to reform the rail network; and calls for targeted investment in rural rail infrastructure to address the underrepresentation of these areas in public transport planning.

687Thailand legalises same-sex marriage

Tabled: 23/01/25 Signatories: 1

Brian Leishman

That this House congratulates Thailand on becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, a historic milestone for rights and equality in the region; celebrates the thousands of couples who have joyfully formalised their unions since the law came into effect, recognising the profound significance this holds for their rights, dignity, and equality; commends the tireless efforts of activists and progressive lawmakers whose dedication made this landmark achievement possible; notes that the new law ensures equal legal protections for same-sex couples, including inheritance rights, adoption, and medical decision-making; recognises Thailand’s leadership in fostering a more inclusive society; and encourages other nations in the region to follow this example by advancing marriage equality, affirming that love and commitment deserve recognition and protection regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

688Scottish Golf Awards 2025 - North East Fife finalists

Tabled: 23/01/25 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House congratulates Ian Muir, Abigail May and the Fife Golf Trust on making the finalists list for the 2025 Scottish Golf Awards; recognises Ian Muir has been nominated for Coach of the Year for his work as a performance coach at the University of St Andrews; notes Abigail May has been nominated for Female Amateur Golfer of the Year for reaching the semi-finals at the Scottish Girls’ Amateur and representing Scotland with distinction at home and abroad; celebrates Fife Golf Trust, which includes Scoonie Golf Course in Leven, being nominated for the Impact and Innovation award for their ‘Seven Golf Courses for Nature’ project which aims to boost biodiversity and underlines the Trust’s wider commitment to sustainability; wishes everyone the best of luck; and looks forward to the winners being announced on 14 March.

689Publication of fuel court prices

Tabled: 23/01/25 Signatories: 1

Martin Wrigley

That this House calls on the Government to commit to the pump watch petrol price comparison platform, as recommended by the Competition and Markets Authority.

690Independent parking regulator

Tabled: 23/01/25 Signatories: 1

Martin Wrigley

That this House believes there needs to be a proper independent parking regulator, with appropriate powers to regulate fees, enforcement and appeals.

69195th Anniversary of Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster

Tabled: 23/01/25 Signatories: 1

Robin Swann [R]

That this House congratulates the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster on their 95th Anniversary; acknowledges the positive contribution they have made to the rural fabric and society in Northern Ireland, educating and supporting young people from all walks of life over numerous generations; appreciates and thanks all those who have held positions within the organisation, at club, county, national, international level and staff, by shaping our industry and community leaders; and further acknowledges the key role it has had in shaping Northern Ireland’s farming future.

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.

61894th birthday of Rabbi Bernd Koschland

Tabled: 13/01/25 Signatories: 5

David Pinto-Duschinsky

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Christine Jardine

Luke Myer

That this House congratulates Rabbi Bernd Koschland on his 94th birthday; recognises his huge contribution to Holocaust education as a survivor of the Kindertransport that saw him awarded an MBE; lauds his decades-long service to the Jewish community across the UK and his work as an teacher; celebrates his power as a story teller, his warmth, his kindness, his humanity and his wit; thanks him for the light he has brought into so many lives; and wishes him many happy returns.

622Sexual harassment in the workplace

Tabled: 13/01/25 Signatories: 38

Dawn Butler

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jon Trickett

Kate Osborne

That this House is seriously concerned about the continued incidence of alleged sexual harassment in workplaces across the UK; notes that 700 current or former employees of McDonald's UK alone are bringing legal action against the company alleging they were subject to sexual harassment, alongside other discrimination, homophobia, and racism claims; understands that 90 per cent of the complainants were employed on zero hours contracts, indicating that instances of abuse are more likely to occur given the power imbalances between managers and often young and more vulnerable workers on casualised terms and conditions; supports legislative proposals in the Employment Rights Bill to strengthen legal duties of protection on employers; welcomes the launch by the Workers Policy Project of the End Not Defend Sexual Harassment campaign, to ensure that the issue is also taken seriously within the regulatory framework governing safety in the workplace, and to strengthen workers and trade union rights; and calls for an integrated and properly-resourced approach between the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, Health and Safety Executive and the new Fair Work Agency in order to stamp out sexual harassment at work for good.

629Life and achievements of Bob Williams

Tabled: 13/01/25 Signatories: 12

Vikki Slade [R]

Anna Sabine

Brian Mathew

Jim Shannon

Sarah Dyke

Helen Maguire

That this House celebrates the life and achievements of Bob Williams, former Dorset County Councillor, Deputy Leader of Borough of Poole and President of Mid Dorset & North Poole Lib Dems, who has sadly passed away; acknowledges Bob’s dedication and commitment to Broadstone and Poole, firstly through 28 years as an elected member and latterly as a much valued community volunteer; recognises his commitment to local authority service in particular supporting youth services, planning and setting up Pride in Poole; notes the key role that he played, alongside fellow Liberal Democrat Brian Clements, in securing and building the Twin Sails Bridge; commends his support for Broadstone after his political career ended being the voice of the Broadstone Christmas Parade and serving as secretary for the Broadstone Chamber of Trade and Commerce for many years; pays tribute to his dedication to his wife Shelagh, children Christian and Kerry and his wider family, and to the Liberal Democrats where he served first as Chair of the local party and then as President, and notes his qualities as a kind and gentle man who had a talent for singing and always offered his practical help putting up Christmas lights, fixing the community hall and setting out the fun day; and thanks him for the role he played in securing the election of many councillors in Dorset and to Parliament of Dame Annette Brooke MP and Vikki Slade MP both of whom consider him a cherished friend.

640Female football cards and consumer products

Tabled: 14/01/25 Signatories: 24

Helen Maguire

Jim Shannon

Mr Will Forster

Zöe Franklin

Steff Aquarone

Martin Wrigley

That this House acknowledges the significant progress made in women's football and the increased visibility of female players at both national and grassroots levels; notes with concern the lack of availability of birthday and greeting cards celebrating female footballers; believes that the underrepresentation of female athletes in such products undermines efforts to promote gender equality in sports; calls on greeting card manufacturers and retailers to expand their ranges to include more options featuring female football players; and encourages greater representation of women's sports across all forms of media and consumer products to inspire the next generation of female athletes.

646US trade and impact assessments

Tabled: 16/01/25 Signatories: 17

Ed Davey

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Ian Roome

Steff Aquarone

Wera Hobhouse

That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to give directions that there be deposited in the Library of the House of Commons all impact assessments which His Majesty’s Government has made regarding the impact of potential US tariffs on the UK economy.

648Highland hospital transport

Tabled: 16/01/25 Signatories: 5

Jamie Stone

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Helen Morgan

Ian Roome

That this House recognises the inequality in access to healthcare faced by residents in the far north of Scotland; acknowledges that thousands of people are struggling to reach Raigmore Hospital in Inverness due to inadequate hospital transport schemes; notes that residents of Caithness have to travel up to 100 miles for necessary medical treatments; highlights that public transport is not always viable and taxis are not always affordable; further recognises that this is deterring people from settling in the Highlands; and calls on the Government to recognise this issue and raise it with the Scottish Government.

650Parks Police

Tabled: 17/01/25 Signatories: 7

Sarah Olney

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

Helen Maguire

Munira Wilson

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the excellent work that the Parks Police undertakes to minimise levels of crime in parks across London; notes the important role they play in tackling anti-social behaviour in open spaces; acknowledges their expertise in their domain; understands park users’ appreciation of their presence in assisting with policing matters; and urges the Home Office to provide the Metropolitan Police with sufficient funding to ensure that cuts to the Parks Police division are not on the table.

651British companies and the transportation of Russian liquefied natural gas

Tabled: 17/01/25 Signatories: 4

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

Graham Leadbitter

Ellie Chowns

That this House stands with the people of Ukraine against the illegal invasion and occupation of their country by Russia; believes that sanctions on Russian exports and, in particular, Russian-produced fossil fuels, are necessary to help reduce the ability of Russia to fund its ongoing invasion; welcomes that the UK Government has prohibited the importation of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) into the UK; notes with concern, however, that British companies continue to be involved in the transport and sale of Russian LNG from Russia to other countries; further notes with extreme concern that it has been reported that Glasgow-based corporation Seapeak Maritime Glasgow Ltd own and operate six tankers transporting Russian LNG and at least 12 tankers transporting Russian gas through the Arctic Ocean have protection and indemnity insurance provided by UK-based insurers, including North of England P&I Association, Standard P&I Club per Charles Taylor & Co, and UK P&I Club; believes that companies involved in the sale and exportation of Russian LNG should not be eligible for Government assistance, financial or otherwise; and calls on the UK Government to close current loop-holes that allow British-based companies to transport Russian LNG despite previous sanctions.

652Consultation on Work Capability Assessment

Tabled: 17/01/25 Signatories: 10

John McDonnell

Ayoub Khan

Mary Kelly Foy

Jeremy Corbyn

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the High Court judgement ruling that the last Government's consultation on changes to the criteria for the Work Capability Assessment was unlawful; and calls upon the new Government to ensure that any proposals to reform the Work Capability Assessment are undertaken by a process of co-production with disabled people and the organisations, groups and campaigning bodies representing disabled people including Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) and on the basic principle advocated by disabled people of "nothing about us, without us."

653Blue Monday

Tabled: 17/01/25 Signatories: 24

Anna Sabine

Ian Roome

Steff Aquarone

Wera Hobhouse

Caroline Voaden

Cameron Thomas

That this House recognises Blue Monday and that January can be a particularly difficult month for those struggling with their mental health and wellbeing; commemorates the work of charities such as Samaritans for all their hard work around the year and around the clock in supporting vulnerable people and for their initiative ‘Brew Monday’ which encourages people to reach out to and speak to those they care about; laments that young people in the UK have higher mental health needs than ever; and acknowledges the need for a mental health professional in every primary and secondary school, mental health hubs in the community and regular mental health check-ups.

655Social housing in rural areas

Tabled: 20/01/25 Signatories: 15

Edward Morello

Ian Roome

Helen Maguire

Liz Jarvis

Ben Maguire

Adam Dance

That this House recognises the importance of providing high-quality social housing to all residents, particularly in rural areas such as West Dorset; calls on the Government to ensure better minimum energy performance certificate standards and build quality for both existing and new social housing developments; notes that energy-efficient homes reduce environmental impact, lower energy bills, and alleviate financial burdens on low-income households; and urges the Government to prioritise policies that promote sustainable, energy-efficient, and affordable housing as part of a broader strategy to address the housing crisis and combat climate change.

658Sale of caged hens’ eggs

Tabled: 20/01/25 Signatories: 13

Adam Dance

Helen Maguire

Tim Farron

Liz Jarvis

Jim Shannon

Jess Brown-Fuller

That this House recognises the United Kingdom’s long-standing leadership in animal welfare and its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in farming; celebrates the dedication and innovation of British farmers in producing high-quality food while improving animal welfare standards; acknowledges the significant public concern about the welfare of laying hens in caged systems and the evidence of improved health, welfare, and natural behaviours in cage-free systems; notes research showing that free-range eggs often provide better nutritional value for consumers; commends the ongoing efforts by farmers and retailers to transition to higher-welfare systems; further notes the steps taken by other countries to phase out caged systems and the growing demand for ethical and sustainable food production; and calls on the Government to work collaboratively with industry, farmers, and stakeholders to develop a clear and fair timeline for ending the sale of eggs from caged hens in the UK by 2030, ensuring a fair transition for producers, supporting investment in alternative systems, and maintaining the UK’s position as a global leader in animal welfare.

659Hospices and palliative care

Tabled: 20/01/25 Signatories: 20

Edward Morello

Ian Roome

Helen Maguire

Simon Hoare

Ben Maguire

Adam Dance

That this House recognises the essential care provided by hospices and other palliative care providers, such as Weldmar Hospicecare and Julia’s House in Dorset, including end-of-life support and specialist care for seriously ill children; notes with concern that only 8% of Julia’s House’s income comes from public funding and that Weldmar Hospicecare is forecasting a deficit of over £1 million; further notes that hospices alleviate significant pressure on the NHS; and calls on the Government to fix the postcode lottery in palliative care, and ensure all hospices are properly resourced under a fair funding deal, with specific consideration for children’s hospices and those providing specialist care, to ensure they can continue to deliver vital services for vulnerable residents.

660Support for SMEs in coastal and farming constituencies

Tabled: 20/01/25 Signatories: 16

Edward Morello

Ian Roome

Helen Maguire

Liz Jarvis

Steff Aquarone

Ben Maguire

That this House acknowledges the detrimental impact of National Insurance contribution rises and higher business rates on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in coastal and farming constituencies like West Dorset; notes that these sectors are essential for tourism and seasonal employment but are disproportionately affected by these financial pressures; calls for fundamental reform of the business rates system to support small businesses and high streets while stopping the penalisation of productive investment; and further calls on the Government to take immediate action to alleviate the financial burden on SMEs before it forces closures that will devastate local economies.

662Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Big Garden Birdwatch 2025

Tabled: 20/01/25 Signatories: 6

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Mary Kelly Foy

Ayoub Khan

Ellie Chowns

That this House notes the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSBP) annual Big Garden Birdwatch 2025; highlights that across the UK, 600,000 people took part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2024, counting an incredible 9.7 million birds; further notes that house sparrows took the top spot, but counts of these birds are down by 60% compared to the first birdwatch in 1979; underlines that we have lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 60 years; further highlights that there are 342,587 people already signed up and that this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in nature; and thanks the RSPB for all they do and encourages everyone to consider taking part in this years Birdwatch 2025.

663Cervival Cancer Prevention Week 2025

Tabled: 20/01/25 Signatories: 9

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Mary Kelly Foy

Helen Morgan

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House notes Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2025, which takes place from 20 to 26 January; highlights that cervical screening is not easy for many, but screening is estimated to save 5,000 lives a year across the UK; underlines that this week is a chance to support and empower individuals to take control of their health, and that it is also a time to advocate for better access to resources and education around cervical health; further notes by working together as a community, people can break down stigmas, encourage conversations and make cervical cancer awareness and cancer prevention a priority; thanks the wonderful NHS for all they do to support women through cervical cancer prevention; and calls on the Government to support calls to review and lessen the age for commencement of cervical screening.

668Garforth Town AFC and grassroots community football

Tabled: 20/01/25 Signatories: 20

Richard Burgon

Brendan O'Hara

Colum Eastwood

Steve Witherden

Ian Byrne

Kate Osborne

That this House celebrates the work of volunteers at Garforth Town AFC, nicknamed the miners, at the Bannister Prentice Community Stadium; notes the positive impact that they make in ensuring this wonderful community football club keeps going, growing and thriving; sends condolences to the friends and family of Dennis Sanderson who recently passed away at the age of 93 and was the epitome of volunteering at a non league club; congratulates club officials and volunteers past and present who have shaped the club's 60 year journey from its 1964 formation as the Miners Arms pub team to their present standing in the Northern Premier League First Division East via honours including the Wilkinson Sword Trophy, the NCEL Division 1 Championship and winning the NCEL Premier Division Play Off; further notes the impressive attendances at home games and committed travelling support at away matches; further celebrates the infectious enthusiasm and hard work of general manager Sam Whitley, the committed and energetic stewardship of club chairs Craig Bannister and Andy Hey and dedication of honorary president Steve Hayle; recognises all those who contribute to the club including through working on social media, ticket sales, marshalling parking, the raffle and in the bar and food stall; notes their important role in hosting Leeds United Women's home games; believes Garforth Town AFC shows the special value of grassroots community football; and wishes manager Paul Marshall, his team and all the players every success for the rest of the season.

669Lichfield Young Farmers' Club Christmas Tractor Run

Tabled: 21/01/25 Signatories: 3

Dave Robertson

Adam Jogee

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Lichfield Young Farmers' Club and their committee of Tom Harrison, Thomas Sabin, Jess Smith-Moon, Tabitha Heathcote, Alfie Lee and Matilda Gall for organising the 2024 Christmas Tractor Run, which brought extra seasonal cheer to the city and was well received by the community; recognises that the event raised over £11,800 for good causes including St Giles Hospice and 4Louis; and notes that, through this fundraising, the event will support people at the end of their lives and families with child loss.

670Benefits of outdoor education to children’s wellbeing

Tabled: 21/01/25 Signatories: 28

Tim Farron

Jess Brown-Fuller

Shockat Adam

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Steve Darling

That this House recognises the significant benefits of outdoor education to children’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing; calls on the Secretary of State for Education to undertake a review into these benefits within six months of the passing of the Children’s Wellbeing Bill; further urges the Secretary of State to publish a report on the review’s findings within six months of the passing of this Act; and believes that the inclusion of outdoor education within a child’s learning experience is essential for promoting resilience, physical health, and social development.

671Provision of residential outdoor education for children in kinship care

Tabled: 21/01/25 Signatories: 26

Tim Farron

Jess Brown-Fuller

Shockat Adam

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Steve Darling

That this House recognises the unique challenges faced by children in kinship care and the vital role outdoor education plays in fostering self-esteem and developing essential life skills; calls on local authorities to take such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that children living in kinship care receive at least one residential outdoor education experience; and urges the Government to prioritise access to outdoor education opportunities for children in kinship care as part of their broader commitment to child welfare and development.

672Countryside Alliance Awards finalists in North East Fife

Tabled: 21/01/25 Signatories: 7

Wendy Chamberlain

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Jamie Stone

Ian Roome

Dr Roz Savage

That this House congratulates local businesses Balgove Larder and Bowhouse on being finalists in the Countryside Alliance Awards, also known as the Rural Oscars; understands that the awards celebrate British food and farming, enterprise and heritage through small hard-working local businesses; notes that the Rural Oscars are now in their 18th year and are set apart from other award schemes as they are driven by public nomination; and wishes Balgove Larder and Bowhouse the best of luck and looks forward to the announcement of the winners in March 2025.

673CAMRA Pub of the Year award 2024 for The Bailey Head

Tabled: 21/01/25 Signatories: 15

Helen Morgan

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Wendy Chamberlain

Vikki Slade

Steve Darling

That this House congratulates the staff of The Bailey Head pub in Oswestry on their outstanding achievement of winning the prestigious CAMRA 2024 Pub of the Year competition; recognises the challenges faced by pubs in recent years due to economic pressures and changing social habits; expresses hope that this well-deserved award will bring continued success and prosperity to The Bailey Head and inspire other pubs across the UK to strive for excellence in their service to their local communities; appreciates the importance of The Bailey Head supporting local suppliers; praises the pub's dedication to providing outstanding drinks and snacks, a feeling of community within Oswestry and exceptional service; acknowledges the sense of community, effort and commitment that the team at The Bailey Head has shown in establishing a warm atmosphere for both locals and visitors; and underlines the significance of pubs as essential social centres that contribute significantly to local economies and offer a place for people to come together.

674Fundraising efforts of Trinity School in Newbury

Tabled: 21/01/25 Signatories: 6

Mr Lee Dillon

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Ian Roome

Dr Roz Savage

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the efforts of the year nine students at Trinity School in Newbury for their fundraising and awareness-raising activities in support of Dingley’s Promise, a charity dedicated to supporting children with SEND; thanks these students for their dedication to enhancing educational opportunities for children with SEND, helping to support their development and future success; acknowledges the invaluable work of Dingley’s Promise in delivering life-changing support to children under five with SEND and their families in West Berkshire; and expresses concern over the current insufficiency of support and resources available to families with children with SEND.

675Flood preparedness

Tabled: 21/01/25 Signatories: 23

Freddie van Mierlo

Edward Morello

Jess Brown-Fuller

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House is deeply concerned by the recent flooding across the UK and the devastating impact this has had on communities, businesses and transport routes; recognises the particular tragedy of instances where members of the public have lost their lives as a result of flooding and severe weather; notes its gratitude for the efforts of emergency services, utilities company staff and communities who have responded to flooded events with bravery and efficiently; understands that issues in current eligibility criteria for flooding support schemes mean that many in rural communities miss out on vital support; further notes with concern that the Flood Recovery Framework has not been activated following the devastating floods this winter despite over 1,000 homes experiencing flooding following flooding in September 2024; calls on the Government to reassess the eligibility criteria for flooding support schemes to ensure all flooded properties are supported; urges the Government to tailor the qualifying criteria for the Farming Recovery Fund to reflect the realities of flooding for rural communities and farmers and to raise the Environmental Land Management budget by £1 billion a year to recognise farmers’ key role in managing flood water; further calls on the Government to commit to funding for flood defences past 2026, to allow local authorities to commit to long-term flood preparedness plans; and asks the Government to ringfence funding allocations for natural flood risk management.

676South Queensferry

Tabled: 21/01/25 Signatories: 6

Christine Jardine [R]

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Jamie Stone

Dr Roz Savage

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates South Queensferry on being selected as the most beautiful town in Scotland by travel experts from across the UK; notes that the town boasts breathtaking views, historic architecture, lovely shop fronts and plentiful green space; commends the local residents and businesses for contributing to the town’s beauty; and encourages tourists in Edinburgh to visit the town to see the Forth Rail Bridge, Hopetoun House and South Queensferry High Street, all of which contribute significantly to the outstanding beauty of the local area.

677Imprisonment of Alaa Abd El-Fattah (No. 2)

Tabled: 21/01/25 Signatories: 16

John McDonnell

Richard Burgon

Ian Byrne

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Apsana Begum

Brian Leishman

That this House expresses its concern at the continued imprisonment of British citizen Alaa Abd El-Fattah; notes that the Foreign Secretary is due to visit Egypt imminently; and urges the Foreign Secretary to insist that the Egyptian government release Mr El-Fattah and, as a minimum, allow him to visit Mr El-Fattah.

678Cancer Connect Yeovil

Tabled: 21/01/25 Signatories: 9

Adam Dance

Edward Morello

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Sarah Dyke

Ian Roome

That this House celebrates the work of Cancer Connect Yeovil; notes that the group is part of the non-medical support offered by the Cancer Support Team based at Yeovil District Hospital; also notes that the group is open to anyone at any stage of cancer treatment or recovery and aims to better support those affected by cancer and to meet others who understand; thanks Rebecca Cracknell for her invaluable five years of hard work running the group; recognises, more broadly, that support groups based around the arts have been shown to improve mental and physical health outcomes as well as aiding emotional expression, improving coping and psychological adaptation to cancer, and enhancing optimism and hope for survival; and expresses its support for the continuation of funding for Cancer Connect Yeovil in 2025 and beyond.

679Furniture poverty in social housing

Tabled: 22/01/25 Signatories: 9

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Steve Witherden

John McDonnell

Grahame Morris

Jeremy Corbyn

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the problem of furniture poverty; notes that 6 million people in the UK are living without basic furniture; understands that the problem is particularly serious in the social rented sector with 2.3m social housing tenants lacking three or more essential items; acknowledges that only 2% of social housing properties are currently let as furnished or part-furnished compared to 29% in the private rented sector; believes in the importance of increasing the supply of homes for social rent but that a proportion of these homes must be offered to tenants furnished to reduce the levels of furniture poverty that exist across the UK; further believes this would help to provide stable accommodation for those fleeing domestic violence, helping to improve education outcomes for children and also helping to improve health outcomes; and calls on the Government to amend the Decent Homes Standard to ensure that at least 10% of all social homes be made available as furnished properties.

680Harrogate Theatre's 125th anniversary

Tabled: 22/01/25 Signatories: 5

Tom Gordon

Max Wilkinson

Jim Shannon

Adam Dance

Richard Burgon

That this House congratulates Harrogate Theatre on reaching its 125th anniversary this year; recognises the organisation’s work since it was founded in 1900, with programmes including live events such as theatre, comedy, music and dance, hosting touring productions, producing its own award winning pantomime, hosting community companies, supporting emerging artists through its Artist Development Hub and last, but by no means least, running its own youth theatre providing young people with the opportunity to try out different theatre skills and explore their own creativity; and further recognises its place as a much loved cultural centre in the heart of Harrogate.

681Road safety in rural areas

Tabled: 22/01/25 Signatories: 8

Edward Morello

Adam Jogee

Ian Roome

Jess Brown-Fuller

Dr Roz Savage

Jim Shannon

That this House acknowledges the persistent road safety challenges in rural areas such as West Dorset, including large potholes, poor visibility, and narrow, winding roads shared by cars, lorries, buses, cyclists, and horse riders; calls on the Government to prioritise community-based road safety improvements and implement safety measures in new road infrastructure from the outset; highlights the importance of utilising advanced safety technologies in modern vehicles and ensuring road designs are compatible with these technologies; and urges investment in rural road networks to protect all road users and support the needs of local communities.

682Israeli violence in the West Bank

Tabled: 22/01/25 Signatories: 16

Jeremy Corbyn

Iqbal Mohamed

John McDonnell

Apsana Begum

Mr Adnan Hussain

Andy McDonald

That this House notes that the Israeli army is conducting a wide ranging military campaign in the West Bank causing injury and deaths in significant numbers, as well as oppression and humiliation of Palestinians; further notes the increase in the number of military checkpoints and lockdowns constraining and forbidding movement of many including hospital staff, medics (Jenin Government Hospital) and civilians; acknowledges the impediments placed in the way of the Palestine Red Crescent in carrying out its vital work as a result of military raids; condemns the escalation in Israeli settler terrorist attacks on Palestinian villages and homes; and reaffirms the right of all in the region to freedom of movement and to be allowed to carry on with their daily lives without fear of death or persecution.

683Make it Glasgow

Tabled: 22/01/25 Signatories: 3

Martin Rhodes

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House congratulates Make it Glasgow in receiving the Glasgow Times Community Champions Lord Provost Special Recognition Award; recognises the hard work of Louise Nolan, Ruth Impey and Roisin Colyer working to bring ceramics manufacturing back to the North of Glasgow; commends their commitment to creating jobs and offering training to revive industrial ceramic skills; and notes their efforts to create a sustainable business model that harbours community values, helps build local skills and improve the environment.

684Possobilities

Tabled: 22/01/25 Signatories: 4

Martin Rhodes

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Maureen Burke

That this House congratulates Possobilities in receiving the Glasgow Times Community Champions Team award; commends the continuous support and respite that the group offers to disabled and vulnerable people in the North of Glasgow; recognises how Possobilites continues to champion their members through social groups and community-led assets in a welcoming environment; praises their Cook ‘n’ Care social enterprise that has run for almost 25 years, providing a meal delivery service for vulnerable, elderly and disabled people in their own homes; and further congratulates and thanks the Possobilities team on behalf of everyone in Glasgow North for their tireless work and commitment to supporting their community.

685Claypits Nature Reserve

Tabled: 22/01/25 Signatories: 4

Martin Rhodes

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Maureen Burke

That this House congratulates Claypits Nature Reserve in receiving the Glasgow Times Community Champions Environmental Champion Award; commends the volunteers who have maintained the green space to protect and enhance the wildlife that lives here in Glasgow North; acknowledges the conservation of the natural beauty of the wildlife as well as fostering an environmental education for the local community; and recognises their work with the landowners and Scottish Canals to create and maintain a green space in the heart of the Hamiltonhill and the wider Glasgow North community.