Contents

Published – Tuesday 4 March 2025

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 3 March 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

869Edmund Dene Morel

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 2

Stephen Gethins

Chris Law

That this House notes the role of Edmund Dene Morel in leading the campaign against the atrocities committed in the Congo Free State during the late 19th century; recognises that Morel’s campaign was instrumental in the passing of the 1903 House of Commons Resolution stating that the Congolese people should be governed with humanity; acknowledges his service as the hon. Member for Dundee from 1922 to 1924; and further acknowledges The Rest of History podcast for their recent episodes recognising the importance of Edmund Dene Morel in campaigning against the crimes of the Congo Free State and marking his legacy of the tradition of human rights activism.

870Friends of Dawson Park, Langlees and Bainsford

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 1

Euan Stainbank

That this House commends the Friends of Dawson Park for their outstanding work in uniting the Langlees and Bainsford community and improving local facilities; applauds their successful partnership with Coo Park United, Grahamston Community Football Club, and Bainsford War Memorial; welcomes their securing of £500,000 from Falkirk Council’s Regeneration Fund to enhance Dawson Park Playpark, install CCTV, and improve lighting for public safety; recognises their wider efforts to promote local heritage and biodiversity through UK Government and National Lottery funding; and calls on the Government to support grassroots initiatives that deliver real change for communities.

871Fife Whisky Festival 2025

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House celebrates the Fife Whisky Festival 2025 beginning on Friday 28 February and continuing over the weekend; notes that the Fife Whisky Festival was founded by Karen Somerville and Justine Hazelhurst and the inaugural festival took place in 2018; welcomes the over 40 distilleries and independent bottlers from all over Scotland coming to Cupar to showcase their whisky; highlights that the staple event brings the local community together; and that hon. Members look forward to attending.

872Coal mining in Radstock

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 2

Anna Sabine

Jon Trickett

That this House recognises and celebrates the work of the Radstock Museum in educating people and communities on the history of coal mining in Radstock; notes that coal mining has been an important part of the town since coal's discovery in 1763; further notes that the town largely grew out of the coal mining industry; acknowledges the work of the Somerset District Miners’ Welfare Trust in spreading awareness of the importance of coal mining in Somerset; and further acknowledges the importance and legacy of coal mining in the South West of England.

873UK-USA trade deals and the NHS

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 7

Jon Trickett

Jeremy Corbyn

John McDonnell

Apsana Begum

Steve Witherden

Richard Burgon

That this House notes the ongoing bilateral trade negotiations between the United Kingdom and the United States of America; declares that the NHS is not for sale; believes that the NHS is a vital British institution that must remain publicly owned, universal, free at the point of use and based on clinical need rather than an ability to pay; rejects the idea of a privatised insurance based system; and demands that a future trade agreement must not include access to any part of the NHS.

874Triggers to Claiming Personal Independence Payment report

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 2

John McDonnell

Jon Trickett

That this House congratulates John Pring for securing the publication of the research report Triggers to Claiming Personal Independence Payment, March 2022, through a Freedom of Information request; expresses concerns that the Government had delayed publication of the report for so long; believes the report provides strong evidence to explain the need for increased spending on personal independence payment (PIP); notes the report called for the Department for Work and Pensions to expand its work raising awareness of PIP with the public sector, charities and the general public; further notes that disabled people were being made aware of PIP through their contact with formal services, including JobcentrePlus, and not through the media or social media; and calls on the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to bring forward a report on lessons learnt from this survey.

875Fibrenest and Persimmon homes

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 1

David Chadwick

That this House expresses concern over the lack of broadband competition in many Persimmon homes estates, where residents are limited to the use of Fibrenest, a broadband provider which is owned entirely by the Persimmon Homes group; highlights that this practice prevents Persimmon homeowners from easily accessing alternative broadband providers and therefore limits consumer choice; notes that this forces consumers into a monopolistic arrangement at the mercy of a company that has full control over service standards and pricing; further notes that this practice has anti-competition, and market fairness implications, eliminating any incentive for service improvement; argues that Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority investigate this monopolistic and exploitative practice; and further argues that the Government legislates to ensure that residents of new build estates are allowed free and fair access to decide their own broadband arrangements.

876120th anniversary of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 1

Graeme Downie

That this House congratulates the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service (RFA) on the 120th anniversary of its formation as a civilian Merchant Seafarer crewed Royal Navy support service in March 1905; applauds the work of the 1,650 civilian Ratings, Officers and apprentices in the RFA today who play an invaluable and flexible support role, including the UK’s response to grey zone threats to critical subsea energy and communications infrastructure; pays tribute to the hundreds of civilian Merchant Seafarers killed or injured on RFA and Ministry of Defence chartered ships during the major conflicts of the twentieth century, from both World Wars to the Falklands and Gulf conflicts; notes that new solid support and multi-role support ships will not be delivered to the RFA until the 2030s; welcomes the constructive resolution of the 2023-24 pay dispute between the recognised maritime unions and the RFA; notes the importance of UK civilian seafarers to strategic defence capacity; is concerned that UK resident crew only hold 11% of 160,000 jobs in the UK shipping industry; and calls on the Government to work with the maritime trade unions, including the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, to increase investment in recruitment and retention of civilian Merchant Seafarers and new RFA ships to maintain the UK’s maritime security and the discharge of international responsibilities of safe passage and navigation for the rest of this century.

877GHA Rugby Football Club National League 1 champions

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 1

Blair McDougall

That this House congratulates GHA Rugby Football Club on becoming champions of the National League 1 for Season 2024-2025; notes the team's unbeaten run in the league; recognises that this magnificent achievement is down to the work of a wider team of coaches, physio, and volunteers who have backed the team's efforts on the pitch; looks forward to seeing GHA play in the Premiership next season; and commends the club on the opportunities to enjoy sport that they provide to people of all ages from across East Renfrewshire and beyond.

878Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes that March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the UK, created by Ovarian Cancer Action in 2005; highlights that only three-in-ten women diagnosed with ovarian cancer live beyond ten years and that 7,500 women in the UK sadly receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis each year; underlines that understanding the symptoms is pivotal for early detection and that some of the main symptoms include persistent bloating, pelvic and abdominal pain, fatigue and unexplained weight loss or weight gain; further notes that more progress must be made to reach a vision of ovarian cancer being survivable; and calls on the Government to do more to raise awareness of the impacts of ovarian cancer.

87930 years of The Wool Shop, Newtownards

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates 30 years of The Wool Shop Newtownards, in the constituency of Strangford; notes that this popular store sells a range of supplies related to knitting, crochet, and other fibre arts, which so many love and enjoy; highlights the friendliness and generosity of the staff, who will go above and beyond to assist and support local customers; underlines the contribution small businesses, including this one, makes to the local economy; and wishes The Wool Shop all the very best for their future in the town.

880Lucy Baldock

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 2

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jon Trickett

That this House commemorates the life of Suffragette Lucy (Minnie) Baldock, who died in Hamworthy, Poole on 10 December 1954, aged 90; notes that she was a member of the Independent Labour Party and helped to set up the first London Branch of the Women’s Social and Political Union in 1906; understands that she was a prominent campaigner for equal rights for women and was arrested twice for her activities which included shouting votes for women through a megaphone during the opening of Parliament and in 1908 spending one month in Holloway Prison for holding a meeting outside the House of Commons while it was sitting; further notes that she was diagnosed with cancer in 1923 and spent her remaining years at 73 Lake Road, Hamworthy; recognises that she is commemorated on the plinth of the statue of Millicent Fawcett in Parliament Square; and calls on the Government to support the efforts of the hon. Member for Poole and the local community to have a blue plaque erected in the town to celebrate and honour her life.

881Primary care workers

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 1

Mr Lee Dillon

That this House recognises the vital work carried out by primary healthcare professionals in sustaining the NHS; notes that primary care services provide essential health and social care to communities across the country; commends the nine GP practices in Newbury for their role as the first point of contact for residents seeking medical attention and for delivering excellent care to the local community; particularly recognises the outstanding contribution of Elaine Edlin, who has recently retired from Strawberry Hill Medical Centre in Newbury after 22 years of dedicated service; and affirms that healthcare professionals like Elaine are fundamental to maintaining high-quality primary care services across the UK.

882Petrol prices

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 1

Mr Lee Dillon

That this House notes with concern the disproportionate increase in petrol prices in Newbury, which are on average eight pence more expensive per litre compared to prices within a 20-mile radius; calls on fuel providers to lower their prices in Newbury to align with neighbouring constituencies to reduce this pricing disparity; recognises that this issue has persisted for over a decade, potentially causing financial pressure on constituents, many of whom may already be struggling financially due to record high living costs; and urges the Government to take further action to lower pump prices and ensure fairer pricing for all.

883Baroness Smith of Gilmorehill

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 1

Graeme Downie

That this House congratulates Baroness Smith of Gilmorehill on her retirement from the House of Lords; thanks her for her over 30 years of service in the other place promoting social justice, opportunity and the importance of democracy; believes her work in setting up the John Smith Memorial Trust in the name of her late husband, the Rt hon. John Smith MP, has put down the enduring roots of democracy, peace and the rule of law in many former Soviet Republics, including in Ukraine where their work has been vital in helping the country withstand the invasion Russia and build the foundations for a better future; notes the creation of the John Smith Centre for Public Service at the University of Glasgow, which works across political divide and strives to promote the highest levels of public service here in the UK; further notes that both her daughters have a similar commitment to public service, which will continue the incredible family legacy; and wishes Baroness Smith a long and happy retirement.

884University of Aberdeen breast cancer breakthrough

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 1

Kirsty Blackman

That this House hails the groundbreaking new Field Cycling Imager scanner developed by scientists at the University of Aberdeen; notes that the technology is a world first in breast cancer scanning and diagnosis and can see previously undetectable cancer; further notes that this follows recent breakthroughs in AI technology at the University of Aberdeen which facilitated the discovery of 12 percent more cancers than routine breast exams; commends those from the University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian who worked on these breakthroughs; and hopes that this technology will mean that cases of breast cancer will be detected earlier in future.

885Morgan Rogers Champions League hat-trick

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 1

Alex Ballinger

That this House congratulates Halesowen native Morgan Rogers on his fantastic achievements in the Champions league; notes his brilliant hat-trick against Celtic, and being the first player in history to score twice in the opening five minutes of a Champions League match; and wishes Rogers the best with his career moving forward.

886Headway North East Fife branch

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House welcomes the launch of a volunteer-led branch of Headway in North East Fife on 6 March 2025; acknowledges that Headway is a charity who promote the understanding of all aspects of brain injury and provide information, support and services to survivors, their families and carers; notes that Headway also campaigns to reduce the incidence of brain injury; celebrates the important work that Headway does; and thanks them for their work assisting people with brain injuries to return to community living.

887Shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 4

Jess Brown-Fuller

Helen Morgan

Alison Bennett

Dr Danny Chambers

That this House expresses deep concern over the ongoing shortage of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), a vital medication relied upon by 61,000 people across the UK, including those with pancreatic cancer and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency; notes with alarm that PERT shortages are predicted to continue until 2026, with no signs of resolution, leaving 82% of patients struggling to access their usual prescriptions, 80% forced to alter their diet or dosage, and many skipping meals altogether; recognises that without PERT, patients suffer from severe malabsorption, leading to malnutrition, muscle wasting, debilitating diarrhoea, and, in extreme cases, death by starvation; further notes the significant mental health impact of this crisis, with 51% of affected individuals experiencing increased stress, anxiety, and worry; and calls on the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to urgently outline the steps being taken to address the root causes of the shortage, ensure a stable and adequate supply of PERT, and provide clear clinical guidance to support patients and healthcare professionals in managing this critical situation.

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.

807Hill farming

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 13

Tim Farron

Ian Roome

Adam Dance

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jim Shannon

Dr Roz Savage

That this House recognises hill farming to be critical to the protection and restoration of beautiful British upland farmland; acknowledges the world class standards of animal husbandry and food production practised by British upland farmers; notes that hill farmers work to improve biodiversity through sheep grazing and the protection of wetlands and woodlands; further recognises the efforts of hill farmers to improve water quality and reduce water run-off across their land, which provides vital natural flood mitigation; also recognises the flood mitigation work of upland farmers in Longsleddale and Kentmere protecting homes in Kendal, Staveley, and Burneside from devastating floods; understands hill farmers protect peatlands which capture and store carbon; remembers that when UNESCO gave the Lake District World Heritage Status, they gave equal credit for landscape formation to hill farmers as they did the glaciers; further notes therefore with concern that, despite this, hill farmers’ livelihoods are at risk from delays to new Government higher-tier support schemes, and are receiving only 8% of the Government’s Sustainable Farming Incentive despite the uplands occupying around 15% of England’s area; urges the Government to consider the vital benefits of hill farming for environment and national cultural heritage when assessing competing demands on land through the Land Use Framework; and calls on the Government to dedicate further support to upland farmers to reflect their vital work to protect natural landscapes.

808Cash acceptance

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 21

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Richard Burgon

Apsana Begum

Ian Lavery

Margaret Mullane

That this House is concerned at the rapidly increasing trend for UK businesses, local authorities and leisure facilities, including those supported by taxpayer funding, to refuse to accept cash for payments; appreciates that this issue is of ever-increasing importance to the 16 million British adults who run their household budgets using cash, along with many of the 13 million UK citizens over 65 struggling to make ends-meet; recognises that the estimated 4 million people in the UK at risk in abusive relationships may use discretely saved cash as an escape route from abuse; deplores the fact that the imposition of app-only payment, including for car parking and other travel-related purchases, severely threatens the financial inclusion of the 8 million plus adults who do not own smart phones; notes that most of the UK’s European neighbours, including Belgium, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain, have already put cash acceptance legislation in place; understands that a recent survey by YouGov established that 71% of British adults want similar legal measures introduced in the UK; and calls on the Government to introduce legislation to require all businesses in the UK to accept cash for payment.

809LGBTQI+ people in immigration detention

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 13

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Richard Burgon

Shockat Adam

Apsana Begum

Ian Lavery

That this House welcomes the ongoing review of the Home Office's Adults at risk in immigration detention policy; notes that LGBTQI+ people face heightened levels of harassment, discrimination, abuse, and physical and sexual violence in immigration detention; recognises that the bullying of and discrimination against LGBTQI+ people in detention can re-traumatise those who have fled persecution; believes that immigration detention is costly and punitive, and that cheaper and more humane alternatives to detention exist; further welcomes the community-based Alternative to Detention pilots undertaken by the Home Office and supports their wider expansion; calls on the Government to include being gay, lesbian, bisexual or queer in the Adults at risk in immigration detention policies indicators of risk and to remove the categorisation of vulnerability based on evidence levels; and supports the greater use of community-based alternatives to detention.

810Increases in rail fares

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 16

James MacCleary

Adam Dance

Steve Darling

Tom Gordon

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

That this House deeply regrets the Government’s decision to increase rail fares by 4.6%, at a time when performance on the rail network continues to decline; notes with concern that this increase fails to incentivise train use, undermining efforts to promote public transport as an affordable and sustainable alternative; expresses concern that an annual season ticket for a commuter travelling from Lewes to London Victoria now costs an eye-watering £5,432; condemns the worsening reliability of services, with persistent delays, cancellations, and overcrowding making rail travel increasingly frustrating for passengers; and believes that commuters and families should not be forced to pay more for a service that continues to deteriorate.

812Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide charity

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 27

Layla Moran

Steve Darling

Tom Gordon

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

That this House recognises the important work done by the charity Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide; notes that for every person who dies by suicide, there are up to 135 people who are impacted by the death; further notes Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide's aim to set up groups across the country to be a network of support for those who have lost loved ones to suicide; recognises current bereavement services fall short due to a lack of funding; and calls on the Government to act urgently and step up support for those experiencing bereavement by suicide.

813Supporting British farmers

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 30

Edward Morello

Ian Roome

Adam Dance

Steve Darling

Tom Gordon

Mr Angus MacDonald

That this House recognises the vital contribution of British farmers to food security, environmental protection, and rural communities; notes with great concern that 30% of farms failed to make profit in 2023/24 and the UK has seen a 5.8% decline in dairy producers; acknowledges farmers are being forced to diversify due to poor profitability; calls on the Government to support farmers’ efforts to diversify alongside their work in food production; further calls on the Government to increase the farming budget by £1 billion a year; also calls for fairer trade deals post-Brexit that protect farming standards and ensure British farmers are not undercut; highlights the urgent need to support farmers facing extreme weather events caused by climate change, such as flooding and droughts, to maintain national food security; further notes the financial strain on family farms due to Inheritance Tax changes, and understands that the new exemption of only the first £1 million in agricultural and business assets leaves many family farms vulnerable; further highlights the case of a brother and sister in West Dorset, who are seventh generational dairy farmers, who will face a tax bill of £400,000 upon their mother's passing, which will exceed their annual profits; calls on supermarkets to prioritise paying farmers fairly rather than prioritising profit; and further calls for the introduction of a fairer food supply chain, greater investment in agricultural technology, stronger mental health support for farmers, and protections for high-quality farmland to support domestic food production.

817Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 9

John McDonnell

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Richard Burgon

Shockat Adam

Jon Trickett

That this House notes the horrific events that took place on the 13 April 1919 where more than 1500 unarmed children, women, men and the elderly were brutally shot and murdered and more than 6,000 were injured without any warning or reason under the order of Brigadier General R.E.H. Dye; further notes the massacre and the humiliations that followed are a deep stain and scar on British history; and calls on the Government to make a formal apology which would give some solace to the victims, their families and the people of the Indian subcontinent.

818Commemorating 200 years of the modern railway

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 4

Karl Turner

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

Rachael Maskell

That this House celebrates the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, opened on 27 September 1825, marking the beginning of the modern railway era; notes that this was a transformative innovation, born in Britain, which rapidly spread across the globe, connecting places, people, ideas and fundamentally transforming the fabric of society; acknowledges Railway 200, a year-long nationwide partnership-led campaign commencing in January 2025; aims to honour this legacy by showcasing rail’s monumental past, its vital role today, and its crucial importance to a sustainable future; recognises the significant impact of rail in contemporary times, with UK railways carrying 1.4 billion passengers across 9,864 miles and moving over 15.7 billion tonnes of freight, effectively reducing road congestion and promoting a greener economy; further notes that the Railway 200 initiative is being meticulously developed by a cross-industry partnership dedicated to engaging young people from diverse backgrounds and encouraging volunteerism within heritage railways; applauds the ongoing efforts to modernise the UK rail network; commends major improvement projects such as HS2, the Trans Pennine Route Upgrade, and East West Rail; further acknowledges the important role of heritage railways, which span 600 miles and are maintained by the dedication of 22,000 volunteers and 4,000 staff, offering enriching experiences to 13 million visitors annually; and urges all members and constituents to support Railway 200 and participate in celebrating the pivotal role of rail in past, present, and future progress.

820Wellbeing of home educated children

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 19

Gideon Amos

Adam Dance

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Helen Maguire

Dr Roz Savage

That this House recognises that for many children and their families, personalised home education is the best choice, and therefore affirms the rights of parents to choose home education where it is in their child’s best interest; notes that, in and of itself, home education does not present a safeguarding risk; further notes that existing child protection frameworks should be strengthened; believes that the implementation of a register of children not in school should not impose burdensome or disproportionate levels of oversight on home educators; further believes that details required within that register must be limited to those strictly necessary to safeguarding the wellbeing of the home educated child; is concerned at the potential for home education provision to be unjustly denied in cases where it is most appropriate for the child, particularly for children with SEND diagnoses; also notes the lack of support offered to home educating families in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill; urges the House to support amendments to that Bill to make examination free to home educated children; and further urges the Government to engage meaningfully to strengthen not weaken the wellbeing and life chances of home educated children.

822Striking workers at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts sixth form

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 17

Kim Johnson

Ian Byrne

Paula Barker

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Richard Burgon

That this House stands in solidarity with staff at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), who are embarking on a two-week strike demanding union recognition; recognises the dedication and hard work of the teaching staff at LIPA Sixth Form and their vital role in providing high-quality education to students; notes with concern that staff have been left with no choice but to take strike action due to inefficient management practices and health and safety concerns; further stands in solidarity with the striking staff and their union representatives in their fight for fair treatment and recognition of the National Education Union (NEU); and calls on the Multi-Academy Trust to immediately sign a Trade Union Recognition Agreement and engage in meaningful negotiations with staff to resolve the dispute and ensure fair working conditions for all employees.

823Acts of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 6

Jim Shannon

Robin Swann

Mr Gregory Campbell

Bob Blackman

Rachael Maskell

Andrew George

That this House notes with sadness that 70 Christians have been found beheaded in church in the DRC; underlines that on 13 February 2025, suspected militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) based in the countries North East region, a group with ties to the Islamic State, approached homes in Mayba in the territory of Lubero to which twenty Christian men and women came out and were captured; further notes that the ADF surrounded the village and captured a further 50 Christians, took them to a Protestant Church in Kasanga and murdered them; highlights that this is a heinous act of violence against civilians and that the perpetrators must be held accountable for these widespread violations of human rights; calls upon the government and their international counterparts to prioritise civilian protection in DRC where armed groups are operating; and further calls upon those of faith to remain in prayer for vulnerable communities and these grieving families.

825Citizenship for refugees

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 36

Lisa Smart

Helen Morgan

Wendy Chamberlain

Steve Darling

Olly Glover

Tom Gordon

That this House notes with concern the new Home Office guidance issued this month, which states that anyone who enters the UK irregularly will be refused naturalisation, regardless of how long they have lived in the UK; further notes that this policy could permanently bar many refugees from becoming British citizens; regrets that the former Conservative government closed safe and legal routes to sanctuary, leaving many desperate people with no choice but to make perilous journey in the control of criminal smugglers and traffickers; believes that this policy will not deter dangerous Channel crossings or disrupt criminal trafficking networks, but will instead hinder refugee integration and undermine the UK’s obligations under international law, which protect refugees from being penalised for illegal entry; and calls on the Government to bring forward new guidance that ensures a path to citizenship for refugees, enabling refugees to fully integrate into our communities and contribute to our economy, while providing safe and legal routes to sanctuary for refugees.

826International Mother Language Day

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 8

Shockat Adam

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jeremy Corbyn

Apsana Begum

Siân Berry

That this House celebrates International Mother Language Day and observes the importance of promoting linguistic and cultural diversity; recognises the historical significance of International Mother Language Day, especially in Bangladesh, where the day is observed as a national holiday in remembrance of the 1952 language movement martyrs who gave their lives defending the right to speak Bengali as their mother language; calls on the Government to ensure that linguistic diversity is embraced; and urges continued global cooperation in preserving languages, particularly those at risk of extinction.

827UK-Ukraine voluntary aid groups

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 6

Luke Myer

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Peter Lamb

Andrew George

That this House expresses its deep gratitude to all those who volunteer across the United Kingdom to provide aid for Ukraine; commends the individuals, community groups, and businesses who have donated medical supplies, toiletries, and other essential goods and transported them to Ukraine; and recognises the contribution of voluntary aid groups such as SUKS in East Cleveland, which has made over ninety aid runs to reach those in need.

828Cornwall Air Ambulance

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 12

Ben Maguire

Ian Roome

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Dr Roz Savage

That this House congratulates Cornwall Air Ambulance for its outstanding achievements in 2024, having successfully completed over 1,000 missions, including 445 trauma-related incidents, 327 medical emergencies, and 274 cardiac arrests; recognises the invaluable work of the charity's critical care team, which has also delivered 19 blood transfusions at the scenes of emergencies; expresses sincere gratitude to the crews for their life-saving work in airlifting patients; further acknowledges the charity’s significant fundraising efforts, including their current Heli2 Appeal; calls on the Government and the public to support the charity and the efforts they undertake; and further recognises the hard work of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to raise funds and keep their vital service going.

834Homelessness

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 20

Vikki Slade

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Martin Wrigley

Liz Jarvis

Claire Young

That this House recognises there is a rough sleeping emergency; highlights with concern the Rough Sleeping Inquiry's findings, published on 14 February 2025, of gaps between public institutions and housing support which put vulnerable people at greater risk of rough sleeping following discharge from health care settings or prison; notes that the inquiry reports that young people in particular are struggling to receive in-person assessments from councils which delays their access to temporary accommodation; agrees with the inquiry’s recommendation for the Government to provide local authorities with long-term funding to tackle homelessness; regrets that the current funding system for rough sleeping prevention is fragmented; further recognises that the loss of affordable social rent and the increase in the number of long-term empty homes are key factors in the rise in homelessness; urges the Government to increase the building of new social homes to 150,000 per year; calls on the Government to assess the capacity of local authorities to address homelessness, especially following the additional financial pressures on their budgets following the Government’s changes to National Insurance Contributions; further urges the Government to introduce a somewhere safe to stay legal duty to ensure that everyone who is at risk of sleeping rough is provided with emergency accommodation and an assessment of their needs; and further calls on the Government to publish a cross-Whitehall plan to end all forms of homelessness.

837Regional Inequalities in energy pricing

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 35

Mr Angus MacDonald

Wera Hobhouse

Edward Morello

Jim Shannon

Martin Wrigley

Helen Maguire

That this House acknowledges the severe disparity in energy costs between mains gas and electricity, which disproportionately affects rural communities and high rise buildings across the UK; notes that while renewable electricity is cheaper to generate, market structures result in electricity consumers paying significantly more than those using mains gas; further notes that many areas lack access to mains gas, forcing reliance on costly alternatives; highlights the Environmental and Social Obligation taxes that apply to electricity but not gas; and calls on the Government to decouple energy pricing to ensure fairer costs for all.

838Energy price cap increase

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 5

Shockat Adam

Jim Shannon

Ellie Chowns

Ben Lake

Rachael Maskell

That this House notes with concern the further increase of the energy price cap by Ofgem from April 2025; further notes at 6.4%, or an average £111 per year, this is higher than expected and higher than the rate of inflation and average pay increases; acknowledges the research by Citizens Advice which shows the energy network owners have made excess profits of nearly £4 billion over four years after Ofgem miscalculated their costs; and calls on the Government to step in to prevent these damaging rises, either through introducing an emergency windfall tax on these excess profits and the introduction of targeted energy bill support or by instructing Ofgem to ensure they put the protection of consumer interests first and reverse the price cap rises and pass the costs onto the owners of the energy network.

840Closure of the Musician Pub in Leicester

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 3

Shockat Adam

Jim Shannon

Richard Burgon

That this House notes with regret the closure of the Musician Pub in Leicester; recognises its citation in a recent survey as one of the top 10 most active music venues in the country; congratulates owner Darren Nockles for his 25 years of service showcasing music from Leicester and around the world; further notes a 2024 report from the Music Venue Trust that represents UK grassroots music venues, which found cities such as Leicester had fallen off itineraries of live music tours and that the number of live music shows nationwide have fallen by 8.3% since 2023; and calls on the Government to support live music and its venues across all parts of the country by supporting LIVE’s policy platform to empower the £6.1 billion UK live music industry.

843Content warnings for infant mortality

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 8

Cameron Thomas

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Jess Brown-Fuller

Gideon Amos

Dr Roz Savage

That this House notes with concern the lack of content warnings in film and television broadcasting relating to infant mortality; recognises that adequate trigger warnings exist in other fields including violent scenes, sexual assault, drug and alcohol use, tobacco products, foul language, yet a subject as distressing as infant mortality is rarely addressed; further notes that simply labelling it with trauma, grief or death as a content warning is insufficient and that it should clearly specify if it involves an infant to ensure clarity; and calls for the Government to review these warnings, ensuring that content and trigger warnings are proportionate and allow viewers to make informed choices.

844Status of Scotch Whisky

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 22

Jamie Stone

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Liz Jarvis

Susan Murray

That this House recognises the English Whisky Guild’s application to obtain Geographical Indication status; acknowledges that the application includes a different definition of Single Malt; notes that the current definition of Single Malt Whisky denotes the production at a single distillery using a single variety of malted barley grain; further notes that, altering this definition will damage the reputation of the Single Malt category, thus devaluing the Scotch Single Malt Whisky market; further acknowledges that the Scotch Whisky industry contributed £7.1bn to the UK economy in 2022 and supported 66,000 jobs; highlights that the industry generated £3 in every £100 of Scotland’s Gross Value Added; and calls for the protection of the existing Single Malt category, outside of the English Whisky Geographical Indication in order to ensure the special reputation of Scotch Whisky remains undamaged.

845British Science Week

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 12

George Freeman

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Sadik Al-Hassan

Tom Gordon

Pippa Heylings

That this House marks British Science Week - a ten-day celebration of science, research and innovation – featuring thousands of events and activities across the UK for people of all ages; commends the efforts of the British Science Association to inspire and enable schools, community groups, cultural organisations, research institutions and businesses to celebrate science, research and innovation and its crucial role in our lives; and recognises the support of UK Research and Innovation for making British Science Week possible.

846Stratford upon Avon Boat Club

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 7

Manuela Perteghella

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Gideon Amos

Wera Hobhouse

Dr Roz Savage

That this House congratulates Stratford upon Avon Boat Club for winning the inaugural Environmental Sustainability Award at the British Rowing Awards 2024; notes its proactive, collaborative approach to reducing its environmental footprint through the formation of a Sustainability Working Group, the adoption of eco-friendly cleaning practices, the installation of a bee café, and the active engagement of its junior, adaptive, and masters’ sections in workshops and community initiatives; and expresses its support for further grassroots environmental projects, including the planned second-hand kit sale and Club Clean-Up Day, recognising that every action can collectively make a significant contribution to preserving the River Avon and the wider local environment in Stratford-on-Avon and beyond.

847National Fish and Chip Awards 2025

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 12

Steve Darling

Jim Shannon

Liz Jarvis

Wendy Chamberlain

Helen Maguire

Jess Brown-Fuller

That this House celebrates the National Fish and Chip Awards 2025, recognising the vital role of fish and chip businesses in the economy, hospitality sector, and local communities; acknowledges the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) for its work in supporting and promoting the fish and chip industry; congratulates Pier Point Fish & Chips and Lorraine Arnold on being named among the Top Five in the Restaurant of the Year category, demonstrating excellence in the industry; further congratulates Charlie James of Pier Point Fish & Chips for reaching the Top Eight in the prestigious Drywite Young Fish Frier category, reflecting his dedication and skill; recognises the hard work, commitment, and contribution of small hospitality businesses in strengthening local economies, creating jobs, and enhancing high streets across the UK; and wishes all nominees success at the awards ceremony on 26 February 2025.

848Changes to Overseas Development Assistance

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 42

Monica Harding

Calum Miller

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Liz Jarvis

Wera Hobhouse

That this House expresses concern over the Government’s decision to reduce the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5% to 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNI); agrees with the importance of strengthening the UK’s national security and defence commitments, particularly in light of increasing global security challenges, but recognises that a cut to ODA diminishes the UK’s soft power; regrets that the UK’s retreat from its status as an international aid superpower creates a vacuum into which Russian and Chinese influence will flow; acknowledges the intimate connection between supporting international aid and preventing conflict abroad; reflects on the benefits to UK security of promoting stability abroad; notes that ODA investment is an essential tool in tackling poverty, promoting stability, and reducing the causes of conflict and migration, all of which serve the UK’s own security interests; further regrets that this cut represents the lowest UK aid contribution as a percentage of GNI since 1999, diminishing the UK’s long-standing reputation as a global leader in humanitarian assistance and development; further notes with alarm that an increasing proportion of the UK’s ODA is being spent on in-donor refugee costs rather than directly supporting poverty reduction, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development overseas; calls on the Government to reconsider this decision and explore alternative means to meet its defence spending commitments without cutting international aid; and urges Ministers to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to global security and development, ensuring that national strength is not built at the cost of global responsibility.

849Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 8

Stephen Gethins

Jim Shannon

Ann Davies

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Llinos Medi

That this House expresses its grave concern at the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where over 800,000 people have been displaced; notes that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warns that the warring parties are increasingly using rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war; further notes the dire humanitarian crisis, with mass displacement, limited access to essential services such as water, hygiene, and sanitation, and the severe disruption to food production during a critical cultivation period; acknowledges the vital role played by local church agencies and humanitarian organisations in responding to the crisis; calls on the UK Government to use its diplomatic influence to press for an immediate cessation of violence against civilians, the protection of international humanitarian law, and improved access for humanitarian aid; urges the UK Government to prioritise diplomatic efforts to encourage all parties involved in the conflict to allow humanitarian assistance to reach affected populations; further calls upon the UK Government to take steps to ensure that UK supply chains are not complicit in the exploitation of conflict minerals from the DRC; and further urges the UK Government to put pressure on the governments in the region to establish an immediate end the violence, and find a path to sustainable peace in DRC.

850NHS nurse Kate Turner

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 3

Peter Prinsley

Jim Shannon

Richard Burgon

That this House congratulates Kate Turner on her 50 years of service to the NHS as a nurse at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds; notes the positive effect her work has had on thousands of people across Suffolk, in hospitals, the community and for many years in cardiac rehabilitation; recognises the role of NHS nurses in delivering quality patient care; and wishes Ms Turner and all staff at West Suffolk Hospital the best.

851Impact of tool theft on tradespeople

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 22

Luke Taylor

Helen Maguire

Liz Jarvis

Wendy Chamberlain

Olly Glover

Ann Davies

That this House notes the financial and emotional toll of tool theft on tradespeople; acknowledges that replacing stolen equipment can be costly, often leading to economic hardship for small businesses; highlights that theft results in cancelled jobs and loss of income; recognises the stress caused by dealing with theft and the disruption to work; and calls for greater protection and support for tradespeople facing these challenges.

852Anniversary of the Darfur genocide

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 4

Shockat Adam

Jim Shannon

Ellie Chowns

Rachael Maskell

That this House commemorates the anniversary of the Darfur genocide in 2003 when hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians were killed, and millions more were displaced from their homes; acknowledges the suffering inflicted upon indigenous tribes in the region, including the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa groups; further acknowledges the profound and lasting impact of the conflict on the people of Darfur and the wider Sudanese population; calls for continued support for the people of Darfur and for greater accountability for those responsible for the atrocities; expresses deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur and wider Sudan where atrocities continue to be committed; urges the Government to prevent further genocidal acts in Darfur; further urges the Government to enhance peacekeeping efforts and provide aid to the region; and reaffirms the importance of preventing future genocides by ensuring justice, promoting human rights, and holding perpetrators of mass atrocities accountable for their actions.

853Right to peaceful protest

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 12

Siân Berry

Ann Davies

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Llinos Medi

Neil Duncan-Jordan

That this House believes that the right to peacefully protest is a fundamental pillar of our democracy and must be protected; is deeply concerned about the sweeping restrictions on when, how and where people can protest posed by provisions within the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023; notes that this legislation has expanded police powers to restrict noisy protests, introduced protest-specific stop and search powers, and has created new criminal offences that limit peaceful protest tactics; further notes that non-violent protestors have been sentenced to record lengths of time in prison at a time when our criminal justice system is in crisis and our prisons are over-flowing; rejects the use of existing powers to punish protestors without criminal trial by taking away their right to travel, keeping them in cells and on remand for extended periods and imposing stringent conditions including curfews, tagging, restrictions on their freedom of movement; and therefore, calls on the Government to repeal the protest-related provisions within the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023 and to demonstrate its commitment to democracy by upholding the fundamental right to protest.

854Cheltenham Festival week and antisocial behaviour

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 6

Max Wilkinson

Jim Shannon

Pippa Heylings

Helen Maguire

Dr Roz Savage

Sarah Dyke

That this House acknowledges the huge economic benefits which race week brings to Cheltenham, particularly to the local hospitality industry; notes that local residents have concerns about antisocial behaviour, including public urination; recognises that local agencies have worked hard for the past two years to reduce public urination, on a campaign known locally as the War On Wee, as part of the Love Our Turf Campaign; implores racegoers not to urinate in public; and welcomes the work of local councils, the police and the Jockey Club to stamp out this disgusting practice, alongside other antisocial behaviour.

855Air Gunner Jim Squires

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 12

Ian Roome

Richard Foord

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Edward Morello

Andrew Rosindell

That this House pays tribute to the life and wartime service of the late Jim Squires, formerly of No. 50 Squadron, Royal Air Force, and a Lancaster bomber Air Gunner who survived more than 35 sorties during the Second World War; recognises an extraordinary life lived to 99 years of age; acknowledges the low survival rates and remarkable bravery of RAF bomber crews; honours the few remaining WW2 RAF veterans; and salutes those to whom so much is owed in defence of freedom.

856West Bank

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 23

Calum Miller

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

Wendy Chamberlain

Pippa Heylings

Zöe Franklin

That this House is deeply concerned by recent developments in the West Bank; believes that the deployment of Israeli military personnel to the West Bank, which constitutes one of the most significant military operations in the area since 2002, further escalates tensions and undermines the stability of the fragile ceasefires in the wider region; notes with alarm the expulsion of over 40,000 residents from the Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps; condemns remarks by those who advocate the annexation of the West Bank to Israel and who incite violence to achieve that end; further believes that such extremism undermines the efforts of those Israelis and Palestinians who are working towards peace; calls on the Government to legislate to cease the import to the UK of goods produced in illegal settlements; further notes the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the West Bank, with many displaced Palestinians struggling to access clean water, food, shelter and medical care; and further calls for the urgent delivery of aid to displaced Palestinians.

857Treatment of Israeli hostages

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 27

Calum Miller

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

Pippa Heylings

Zöe Franklin

That this House is deeply moved by the release of hostages after being held in captivity for over 16 months by Hamas; notes with disgust the way in which hostages have been treated while in captivity and during their release, such as the way in which Eli Sharabi was cruelly mocked by his captors on release over the murder of his family; believes that such extremism undermines the efforts of those Israelis and Palestinians who are working towards peace; further notes the ongoing suffering of all those still being held hostage by Hamas as well as the suffering which their families have endured; pays tribute to the immensely powerful advocacy of the hostage families in the midst of unimaginable suffering; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages still held in Gaza; and urges the UK Government to do all it can to secure a lasting peace with a two state solution which will give Israelis and Palestinians the security they deserve.

858Social care day of action

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 16

Helen Morgan

Alison Bennett

Jess Brown-Fuller

Ellie Chowns

Ian Roome

Adam Dance

That this House notes the unprecedented decision of social care providers to protest outside Parliament; believes this must be a wake-up call for the Government on the disastrous state of adult social care; echoes their plea to save the sector from total collapse; further notes that inadequate social care accounts for one in every eight hospital beds currently occupied; regrets the years of neglect under the last Conservative Government, which saw elderly and disabled people left without care, families at breaking point and an NHS on its knees; further regrets the self defeating and foolish national insurance rise, which will see carers laid off and care homes shut their doors; regrets the decision to postpone cross party social care talks on the basis of scheduling conflicts; urges the Government to ensure the cross party commission finishes its work within a year, so that vital reforms can be implemented to bring social care back from the brink, recognise carers and promote their professional development, recruit more carers to address shortages, and properly support unpaid and family carers; and calls on the Government to recognise that this challenge, which touches on the lives of every family in the country, is of existential importance for our NHS, and for the care, comfort and dignity of all across our country.

861Tribute banner to Brendan McFarlane at Celtic Football Club

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 2

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the display at a recent football match played at a Celtic Football Club home game in Glasgow where a banner was displayed by some fans which declared the recently deceased IRA terrorist Brendan McFarlane as a hero; draws attention to the facts that McFarlane was convicted in 1976 for his role in an attack on the Bayardo Bar in a Unionist area of Belfast, where five people were murdered and sixty others injured, and even after his release he resumed his terrorist activities; also deplores the fact that a Professor at the University of Glasgow shared the display on social media; calls upon Glasgow Celtic Football Club and the University of Glasgow to take action, as failure to do so will mean a belief in wider society that both institutions are content to be associated with a tribute to a sectarian terrorist who was deeply involved in multiple murders.

862Climate Change Committee's 7th Carbon Budget

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 10

Pippa Heylings

Ellie Chowns

Adam Dance

Wendy Chamberlain

Helen Maguire

Rachael Maskell

That this House recognises the Climate Change Committee (CCC)’s 7th carbon budget as a clear pathway to UK energy security, protecting families and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices controlled by authoritarian regimes; is deeply concerned by the CCC's findings that the UK has deliverable plans for only a third of the emissions reductions needed to meet climate targets; understands that urgent action is required to expand domestic energy capacity; regrets that the former Conservative government cut the home insulation schemes established by the Liberal Democrats, which would have saved customers thousands and made homes warm and safe; is concerned by the Government’s continued subsidies for the Drax biomass plant, airport expansion, and delays to the energy-saving benefits of Future Home Building Standards; calls for ambitious upfront investment in a ten-year emergency upgrade programme to provide free insulation and heat pumps for low-income households; urges the Government to introduce an energy social tariff to tackle fuel poverty and health inequalities caused by cold, damp homes; welcomes the CCC’s recognition of nature’s role in tackling climate change and strengthening communities against extreme weather; calls for urgent action on nature recovery, including tree planting and regenerative farming, to ensure food security, restore ecosystems, and reduce carbon emissions; and urges the Government to restore the UK’s position as a global leader in renewable energy.

863Cumbria farmers

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 3

Tim Farron

Helen Morgan

Helen Maguire

That this House recognises the pivotal role that farmers play in producing the food on our plates and caring for the environment; expresses strong concern over the Government’s changes to inheritance tax rules for farmers and the impact this will have in particular on small family farmers in our rural communities; and strongly supports Newsquest Cumbria’s Back Our Farmers Campaign in The Cumberland News and The Westmorland Gazette which calls for the Chancellor to think again.

864Israel’s military presence in the West Bank

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 39

Richard Burgon

Imran Hussain

Zarah Sultana

Ian Byrne

John McDonnell

Apsana Begum

That this House expresses alarm over the escalating Israeli military assaults across the illegally occupied West Bank, including the use of armoured tanks in Jenin for the first time since 2002; notes that since 21 January 2025, Israel has launched a major offensive resulting in the deaths of at least 51 Palestinians, including at least 7 children, and the forced displacement of over 40,000 Palestinians from refugee camps in the north of the West Bank; condemns the targeting and killing of children including Ayman Al-Hemouni, 12, and Rimas Ammouri, 13, both shot in the back by Israeli forces on 21 February; further expresses alarm at Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz’s statement that Palestinian refugee camps in Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas are now empty of residents and his instruction to prepare for a prolonged military presence; further condemns coordinated attacks by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinian communities, including in Masafer Yatta and occupied East Jerusalem, where homes and structures have been set ablaze; recalls the International Court of Justice ruling in July 2024 that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory is unlawful and that all states have a legal obligation not to aid or assist this illegal occupation and to act to bring it to an end; and urges the Government to take steps including a ban on all goods from illegal Israeli settlements and to end military cooperation and arms trade with Israel and all other trade that aids or assists Israel’s unlawful occupation.

865Educationally subnormal schools in the 1960s and 1970s

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 8

Kim Johnson

Ellie Chowns

Rachael Maskell

Apsana Begum

Brian Leishman

Neil Duncan-Jordan

That this House acknowledges the historical injustice suffered by Black children who were wrongly classified as educationally subnormal and placed in schooling for those with severely physical and mental disabilities under racist policies; notes the findings of Subnormal: A British Scandal and the exceptional work of educational campaigners starting with Bernard Coard, who have highlighted the lifelong harm caused by this systemic discrimination; further recognises the generational impact on families and communities whose children were denied access to a fair and equal education; notes the fortieth anniversary of the Swann Report entitled Education for All and its recommendations to combat racism in education, and regrets the lack of full implementation of its conclusions and findings; calls on the Government to issue a formal apology to those affected and to ensure their experiences are properly acknowledged; and urges the Government to establish a full public inquiry into this historic educational injustice to ensure accountability, transparency and meaningful policy changes to prevent such discrimination from ever occurring again.

866Christians Against Poverty and debt advice funding

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 4

Lillian Jones

Ben Lake

Peter Lamb

Rachael Maskell

That this House commends the outstanding work of Christians Against Poverty (CAP) in providing free, expert debt advice and practical support to people and families facing financial hardship; acknowledges the invaluable role played by CAP in helping people escape problem debt, build financial resilience and restore hope in their lives; recognises the increasing demand for debt advice services amid the high cost of living and economic pressures; expresses concern that many frontline debt advice providers face funding challenges that threaten their ability to support those in need; and calls on the Government to do what they can to help free face-to-face debt advice services to ensure that organisations like Christians Against Poverty can continue their vital work from the excellent Howard Centre in Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency and in communities across the UK.

867National oversight mechanism

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 8

Carla Denyer

Ellie Chowns

Kim Johnson

Rachael Maskell

Graham Leadbitter

Steve Witherden

That this House believes that the State owes it to bereaved families and victims to learn and implement lessons from deaths involving the State and corporate agencies; notes that the Grenfell Inquiry recognised a failure of the State to follow up on recommendations made by inquests and inquiries; acknowledges the Government’s commitment to a publicly available record of these recommendations as a step in the right direction; urges the Government to also create a national oversight mechanism to ensure that these recommendations are routinely monitored by an independent body to help enact learning and prevent future deaths; further notes that such a Mechanism would go beyond facilitating transparency and ensure accountability, which is desperately needed for bereaved families and for public confidence; and believes that for victims of large scale tragedies such as Hillsborough and Grenfell, as well as victims of individual state failings, the Government must ensure that lessons are learned from their deaths and the same mistakes are not repeated.

868Cap exemption under Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 4

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Ellie Chowns

Rachael Maskell

Richard Burgon

That this House notes with concern that the new £25,000 cap on the Listed Places of Worship scheme has created significant financial difficulties for churches across the country that have building projects already in progress; believes that the sudden and unexpected introduction of the cap on January 22nd amounts to an unfair change of policy for places of worship that have already signed contracts; notes that the cap has put in jeopardy projects that are designed to restore important historic buildings and provide crucial community services, such as Holy Trinity Clapham which has raised £6.2m to expand its community services for the homeless and vulnerable, families and children but which now faces an extra £1m tax bill; recognises the scheme has received cross-party support across successive governments; and calls on the Government to ensure the introduction of an exemption for places of worship that already have signed contracts for projects set to conclude in the 2025-26 financial year, before the cap was introduced.