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Early Day Motions

Published – Thursday 6 March 2025

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 5 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

899Site of Witness and Memory, Albania

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 1

Andrew Rosindell

That this House commends the work of the museum, The Site of Witness and Memory, in Shkodër, which is the first site of remembrance in Albania that commemorates the atrocities committed by Albania’s Communist regime; acknowledges the crimes committed in Albania in the name of Marxism–Leninism and Albania’s totalitarian dictator, Enver Hoxha; notes with sadness the lives lost in the site of the museum which was then one of the local branches of the Ministry of Interior, as well as the twenty-two other branches in Shkodër, where unspeakable violence, torture, and murder was perpetrated on people of faith, those with differing political beliefs, and those associated with counter-revolutionary activity; and acclaims the museum’s efforts in raising awareness of the crimes of Hoxhaism.

900The Dads' Network

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 1

Caroline Voaden

That this House celebrates the launch of the Dads' Network, a new national organisation for community dads' groups which is based in Totnes; recognises the important work they do to support fathers and families across the country; commends their efforts to build a strong, supportive community for fathers; acknowledges their growing impact in improving the well-being of fathers and their families nationwide; and congratulates them on receiving a £20,000 investment through National Lottery Awards for All funding to support activities for fathers and children over the next two years.

901Rail fare increase

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 1

Mr Paul Kohler

That this House regrets the Government’s decision to increase rail fares by 4.6%; notes that this decision comes while cancellations, delays and overcrowding remain endemic; further notes that the hike will cost many commuters hundreds of pounds a year; further regrets that this decision follows years of rising transport costs under the former Conservative Government and amidst a cost of living crisis; also regrets that the Government’s decision will force people away from public transport, worsen air pollution and emissions; regrets that Great Britain’s railway has been reduced from the envy of the world to a network that is expensive, poorly integrated, dysfunctional and overwhelmed; and calls on the Government to make good on its promise to deliver better passenger standards, freeze rail fares, and deliver the first rate railway service that passengers and businesses so deserve and need.

902European Remembrance Day for victims of terrorism

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 1

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House notes 11 March 2025 marks European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism; acknowledges that many innocent victims across the UK and Europe must not be forgotten; also acknowledges the fact that a number of Hon. and Rt. Hon. Members of Parliament were murdered as a result of terrorism over many years; and resolves to ensure that the light of democracy must never by extinguished as a result of acts of violence carried out against the innocents.

903Skilled worker legislation impact on government workers

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 1

Grahame Morris

That this House expresses serious concern about the impact of the Skilled Worker Visa legislation on low-paid Government workers; notes that over 500 staff working for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) alone fall below the current income threshold; further notes that the higher income demand implemented by the previous Government and supported by the new administration means that hundreds of DWP employees will be forced to find higher-paid work elsewhere or seek jobs that have a lower income threshold, or will face deportation from the UK; understands this is causing untold stress for these employees and their families; recognises this situation is worsening the DWP staffing crisis, where workloads are already unsustainable; believes the situation could be avoided if the way DWP calculates the hourly rates of these employees were to be adjusted; acknowledges that, as these Executive Officer grade staff make crucial decisions and give advice and support to claimants seeking employment, this situation illustrates the need to address the fall in the value of pay for Government workers; and urges the Home Secretary to intervene to review the legislation and salary thresholds for individuals working in the civil service, and to allow DWP and other impacted Government departments to adjust the way hourly rates are calculated to avoid the stress suffered by valuable public servants and to avoid compounding the staffing and service crises that currently exist in the Department.

904South West Blood Bikes' volunteers

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 1

Steve Darling

That this House celebrates the work of South West Blood Bikes as they complete their 350th delivery in support of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust; recognises the vital role of their dedicated volunteers in providing this free emergency courier service across Devon, ensuring the timely transport of blood, medical samples, medicines, medical equipment, and donor breast milk; notes that, since December 2024, they have supported the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust with medicine deliveries, and that they expanded delivery services in February 2025 to include the transportation of urgent laboratory samples and blood supplies; further notes that their volunteers have now travelled over 3,000 miles in total across Torbay and South Devon, with their support helping patients return home sooner and freeing up hospital beds for those in need; acknowledges the dedication of their four teams and fleet of 21 bikes and cars, working in coordination with the National Association of Blood Bikes to facilitate deliveries; commends the generosity of those who give their time to this life-saving service; and encourages those able to do so to support South West Blood Bikes.

905Ending the sale of tickets to captive orca and dolphin shows

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 1

Liz Jarvis

That this House believes that travel companies should stop selling tickets to shows featuring captive orcas and dolphins; notes with concern that despite mounting evidence of the harm caused to these animals in captivity, over 3,600 cetaceans worldwide remain confined for human entertainment; recognises that captivity severely restricts cetaceans’ natural behaviours, leads to physical and psychological distress, and shortens life expectancy; further notes that leading travel companies, including EasyJet Holidays and Jet2holidays, have already ceased the sale of such attractions in response to public and scientific concern; expresses disappointment that some travel companies continue to sell tickets to captive animal attractions; welcomes the Born Free Foundation’s Tank Free campaign calling on travel operators to end their support for the captive cetacean industry; and urges the Government to work with the travel industry to phase out the promotion and sale of tickets to captive orca and dolphin shows.

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.

808Cash acceptance

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 26

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Richard Burgon

Apsana Begum

Ian Lavery

Margaret Mullane

Brian LeishmanAndy McDonald

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: 18

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Richard Burgon

Shockat Adam

Apsana Begum

Ian Lavery

Brian LeishmanCarla DenyerNadia Whittome

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.

818Commemorating 200 years of the modern railway

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 7

Karl Turner

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

Rachael Maskell

Martin Vickers

Andy McDonald

Valerie Vaz

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.

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

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 19

Kim Johnson

Ian Byrne

Paula Barker

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Richard Burgon

Brian LeishmanAndy McDonald

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.

827UK-Ukraine voluntary aid groups

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 7

Luke Myer

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Peter Lamb

Andrew George

Mary Glindon

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.

83550th anniversary of Community Advice Newtownards

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Andrew Rosindell

Gavin Robinson

That this House celebrates 50 years of Community Advice Newtownards, formerly Citizens Advice, in Strangford constituency; notes that Community Advice has been instrumental in the local community for providing practical and reliable information to help residents with their problems; highlights the large range of topics Community Advice are able to assist with, which can range from parking tickets to support with benefit forms, and that this advice is free, independent, impartial and for everyone; and thanks Community advice and their incredible staff for all they do to serve the people of Newtownards and surrounding areas and wishes them all the very best for the future.

837Regional Inequalities in energy pricing

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 39

Mr Angus MacDonald

Wera Hobhouse

Edward Morello

Jim Shannon

Martin Wrigley

Helen Maguire

Chris Kane

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: 7

Shockat Adam

Jim Shannon

Ellie Chowns

Ben Lake

Rachael Maskell

Ayoub Khan

Mary Glindon

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.

842Western Gateway Rail Deal

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 6

Catherine Fookes

Jim Shannon

Dr Simon Opher

Max Wilkinson

Sadik Al-Hassan

Claire Young

That this House notes the publication of the Western Gateway Rail Deal, which sets out ways to capitalise on new funding to connect an extra 248,000 people to a new local train station across South Wales and Western England, including five new Burns Stations, which if delivered, could add £17bn of economic benefits to the UK; recognises the importance of cross-border collaboration for achieving the realisation of the investments set out in the Rail Deal; and commends the work of the Western Gateway, Transport for Wales, GWR, Network Rail and all other stakeholders involved in bringing the Rail Deal together.

848Changes to Overseas Development Assistance

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 51

Monica Harding

Calum Miller

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Liz Jarvis

Wera Hobhouse

Sarah GreenAndrew GeorgeRichard FoordLuke Taylor

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: 9

Stephen Gethins

Jim Shannon

Ann Davies

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Llinos Medi

Mary Glindon

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: 4

Peter Prinsley

Jim Shannon

Richard Burgon

Andrew George

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: 23

Luke Taylor

Helen Maguire

Liz Jarvis

Wendy Chamberlain

Olly Glover

Ann Davies

Andrew George

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: 6

Shockat Adam

Jim Shannon

Ellie Chowns

Rachael Maskell

Ayoub Khan

Andrew George

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: 14

Siân Berry

Ann Davies

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Llinos Medi

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Brian LeishmanAndrew George

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: 7

Max Wilkinson

Jim Shannon

Pippa Heylings

Helen Maguire

Dr Roz Savage

Sarah Dyke

Andrew George

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: 13

Ian Roome

Helen Maguire

Steve Race

Andrew Rosindell

Richard Foord

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

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: 32

Calum Miller

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

Wendy Chamberlain

Pippa Heylings

Zöe Franklin

Mary GlindonJamie StoneChris CoghlanSarah GreenAndrew George

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: 32

Calum Miller

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

Pippa Heylings

Zöe Franklin

Mary GlindonJamie StoneGavin RobinsonSarah GreenAndrew George

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: 18

Helen Morgan

Alison Bennett

Jess Brown-Fuller

Ellie Chowns

Ian Roome

Adam Dance

Andrew George

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.

85980th anniversary of Operation Open Door

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 5

Blair McDougall

Douglas McAllister

Tristan Osborne

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

This House commemorates the 80th anniversary of Operation Open Door, when the British Royal Navy and Norwegian service personnel rescued 502 civilian refugees from the Nazi-Occupied Island of Soroya, Norway; notes the bravery of the people of Soroya in the face of Nazi brutality; celebrates the heroism of all those who took part in the rescue raid and the merchant seamen who helped take the civilians to sanctuary in Scotland; especially commends the 27 members of the crew and Naval Armed Guard of the Liberty ship, the SS Henry Bacon, who sacrificed their own lives to save those of refugees; further notes that the SS Henry Bacon was the last Allied ship sunk by the Luftwaffe in the Second World War; congratulates the village of Neilston in East Renfrewshire for providing a warm welcome and a happy home to these refugees; further commends the work of Matt Drennan and the Neilston War Memorial Association for developing and maintaining a memorial and information board at Kingston Park where the refugees were housed, including 27 trees planted to commemorate the lost sailors; and resolves to live up to the lessons of heroism and humanity offered by the story of those involved in Operation Open Door.

860Sir Tom Clarke CBE

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 3

Frank McNally

Luke Akehurst

Katrina Murray

That this House commends Sir Tom Clarke CBE for his six years of service as Chair of Coatbridge Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Board of Trustees; notes that Sir Tom’s stellar career in public and community service spans six decades, with his chairmanship of the Coatbridge CAB succeeding a successful career in local government and thirty-three years as a Member of Parliament; praises the advice and assistance offered to residents of Coatbridge and its outlying villages by Coatbridge CAB’s staff and 29 volunteers, which helped secure £2.7 million for local people last year; and welcomes that while stepping down as chair, Sir Tom will continue to play a role in Coatbridge CAB as an invaluable member of its Board of Trustees.

861Tribute banner to Brendan McFarlane at Celtic Football Club

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 3

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

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: 14

Pippa Heylings

Ellie Chowns

Adam Dance

Wendy Chamberlain

Helen Maguire

Rachael Maskell

Andrew George

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: 7

Tim Farron

Helen Morgan

Helen Maguire

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jim Shannon

Sarah Dyke

Mr Joshua Reynolds

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: 47

Richard Burgon

Imran Hussain

Zarah Sultana

Ian Byrne

John McDonnell

Apsana Begum

Andrew GeorgeCarla Denyer

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: 24

Kim Johnson

Ellie Chowns

Rachael Maskell

Apsana Begum

Brian Leishman

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Steve WitherdenNadia WhittomeJohn McDonnellZarah SultanaRichard BurgonDawn ButlerAndrew GeorgeClive Lewis

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: 6

Lillian Jones

Ben Lake

Peter Lamb

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Mr Gregory Campbell

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: 13

Carla Denyer

Ellie Chowns

Kim Johnson

Rachael Maskell

Graham Leadbitter

Steve Witherden

Neil Duncan-Jordan

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: 7

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Ellie Chowns

Rachael Maskell

Richard Burgon

Jim Shannon

Sir Desmond Swayne

Andrew George

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.

871Fife Whisky Festival 2025

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 6

Wendy Chamberlain

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Jamie Stone

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.

873UK-USA trade deals and the NHS

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 16

Jon Trickett

Jeremy Corbyn

John McDonnell

Apsana Begum

Steve Witherden

Richard Burgon

Andy McDonaldAndrew George

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: 6

John McDonnell

Jon Trickett

Brian Leishman

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Andy McDonald

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: 5

David Chadwick

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Andrew George

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: 20

Graeme Downie

Kim Johnson

Luke Akehurst

Brendan O'Hara

Peter Swallow

Gill Furniss

Mrs Emma Lewell-BuckMary GlindonAndrew George

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: 3

Blair McDougall

Jim Shannon

Tonia Antoniazzi

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: 10

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

John McDonnell

Graham Leadbitter

Tristan Osborne

Christine Jardine

Mary GlindonGavin RobinsonMr Gregory CampbellAndrew George

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: 3

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Valerie Vaz

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: 11

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jon Trickett

Jeremy Corbyn

Brian Leishman

Jim Shannon

Apsana Begum

John McDonnellMary Kelly FoyAndy McDonaldChris Hinchliff

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: 11

Mr Lee Dillon

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Steve Darling

Jess Brown-Fuller

Jim Shannon

Mr Joshua ReynoldsAndrew George

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: 5

Mr Lee Dillon

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Jim Shannon

Mr Joshua Reynolds

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: 11

Graeme Downie

Patricia Ferguson

Tracy Gilbert

Gregor Poynton

Alison Taylor

Douglas McAllister

Mary GlindonKatrina MurrayValerie Vaz

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.

886Headway North East Fife branch

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 7

Wendy Chamberlain

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Steve Darling

Jim Shannon

Tom Morrison

Jamie Stone

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: 27

Jess Brown-Fuller

Helen Morgan

Alison Bennett

Dr Danny Chambers

Wera Hobhouse

Mr Angus MacDonald

Claire YoungJamie StoneMartin WrigleyMr Joshua ReynoldsAndrew George

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.

888Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme in York

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 3

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Mary Glindon

That this House notes that from 1 April 2025 the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme will limit VAT relief to £25,000, with no further plans beyond 2026; further notes that while 94% of projects will be unaffected by these changes, it has generated significant challenges for projects which have already commenced such as The Belfrey, in York where its £10m project has now lost £1.5m of funding due to these changes at short notice, while the church has already removed the floor, the windows, stripped back the walls, and is removing the roof, leaving a ruin held together with scaffolding; believes that immediate remedy must be provided to support the few projects which are impacted by these changes, recognising that the places of worship impacted by this change have already signed contracts for works, and this will also impact on their social programmes to the city, their worshipers and their plans for the future; and therefore calls on the Government to work with those projects impacted to find a resolution to the loss in funds as a matter of urgency.

889In memory of Jack Vettriano

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 3

Richard Baker

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Jack Vettriano OBE; recognises his remarkable journey from a self-taught artist in Levenmouth, Fife, to an internationally acclaimed painter whose prints of works, including The Singing Butler, have adorned countless homes worldwide; notes that his early inspiration came from the Kirkcaldy Galleries, where some of his earliest works were later exhibited; acknowledges his significant contribution to Scottish artistic life; celebrates his generous philanthropic work; and further recognises that his loss will be deeply felt across Scotland and beyond.

890Impact of independent sector provision of cataract surgery

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 18

Ian Byrne

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Andrew George

Zarah Sultana

Nadia Whittome

Brian LeishmanImran HussainSteve WitherdenRachael MaskellRichard BurgonMary Kelly FoyAndy McDonaldGrahame MorrisPatricia FergusonKim JohnsonJon TrickettIqbal Mohamed

That this House notes the Centre for Health and the Public Interest’s research showing that the percentage of NHS cataract procedures being carried out by the private for-profit sector increased from 24% in 2018-19 to 55% in 2022-23 and that the increase is likely to mean there are fewer resources available to treat other eye care conditions, such as glaucoma and wet macular degeneration, which are generally considered more serious and can lead to irreversible sight-loss; is concerned that in a survey by the Royal College of Ophthalmology 67% of clinical leads in NHS ophthalmology departments reported that the impact of independent sector provision on patient care has been negative, and that clinical leads were most likely to say the impact of independent sector providers on their ophthalmology department had been negative when it came to training opportunities, 73%, funding of their department, 58%, available workforce, 50%, and their ability to deliver comprehensive services, 48%; is further concerned that the use of the independent sector to deliver cataract procedures does not represent value for money in the light of the damage it is doing to the future of universal comprehensive NHS provision; is concerned too that senior clinicians have raised fears of NHS eye care deserts in the future, just as there are with dentistry, and that increasing numbers of people will lose their sight unnecessarily; and calls on the Government to carry out an urgent review of these matters.

891Own Books and World Book Day

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 9

Manuela Perteghella

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Jamie Stone

Helen Maguire

Andrew George

Mr Joshua ReynoldsValerie VazJess Brown-Fuller

That this House celebrates World Book Day and the vital role of reading in shaping young minds; commends Own Books for its exceptional work in providing free books to children across Warwickshire and beyond, allowing them to take books home to keep and fostering a lifelong love of reading; congratulates the charity on receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, recognising its significant contribution to literacy and education; acknowledges the profound impact that access to books has on children’s confidence, wellbeing, and future opportunities; and calls on the Government to support community-led literacy initiatives that ensure every child, regardless of background, has access to books and the joy of reading.

892VAT on Automated External Defibrillators

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 6

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Ann Davies

Llinos Medi

Jim Shannon

Andrew George

That this House calls on the Government to remove VAT on Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs); notes that the Scrap the Heart Restart Tax is a national campaign by the British Healthcare Trades Association which has drawn support from a range of aid and cardiovascular charities including St John Ambulance, the British Heart Foundation, and the British Red Cross; further notes that the proposal would increase the affordability of AEDs and save lives; highlights that early treatment can increase survival rates to as high as 70% if defibrillation is given within three to five minutes of collapse, but drops by 10% for every minute of delay after this time; argues that removing VAT from the sale of AEDs would make them significantly more affordable and bring costs down by up to £500; and further calls on the UK Government to adopt this proposal which would greatly increase the number of defibrillators in community centres, sports clubs and workplaces, and save lives in turn.

893Ashby Netball Club

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 2

Amanda Hack

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Ashby Netball Club for playing 75 hours of non-stop netball; notes that the players raised £54,000 for Kids Village which is a charity that provides respite holidays for children with critical illnesses; further congratulates the players on breaking two world records in the process; applauds them for setting an entirely new one; and recognises all the players involved for their remarkable achievement.

894Fife Church Recording Society and Crail Church

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 4

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Jamie Stone

Helen Maguire

That this House celebrates the work of the Fife Church Recording Society; welcomes their recent work documenting the different items found in Crail Church such as memorial headings, stonework, woodwork, textiles and paintings; notes that Crail Church is a historic Church dating back to the 12th century; and thanks the Society for their documentation of all of its incredible details.

895Cavendish School Outstanding Ofsted rating

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 5

Josh Babarinde

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Jess Brown-Fuller

That this House congratulates Cavendish School in Eastbourne for achieving an 'Outstanding' grade in their Ofsted inspection of 2025; thanks Cavendish School staff, including Headteacher Mr Marchant, and governors for their hard work to secure this result; and recognises the commitment of Cavendish School’s pupils - and parents, guardians and carers of pupils - for contributing to the school’s Outstanding grade.

896Impact Assessments of changes to Official Development Assistance

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 20

Monica Harding

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Calum Miller

Anna Sabine

Brian Mathew

Claire YoungCaroline VoadenMr Joshua ReynoldsJamie StoneMartin WrigleyVictoria CollinsHelen MaguireTom MorrisonWendy ChamberlainCharlotte CaneJames MacClearyAndrew GeorgeIan SollomJess Brown-Fuller

That an Humble Address be presented to His Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to give directions that there be deposited in the House of Commons Library all impact assessments which His Majesty’s Government have made regarding the impact of the reduction of Official Development Assistance from 0.5% to 0.3%.

897Colleges Week 2025

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 10

Ian Sollom

Jim Shannon

Ayoub Khan

Claire Young

Wendy Chamberlain

Ian Roome

Andrew GeorgeMr Joshua ReynoldsAdam DanceJess Brown-Fuller

That this House welcomes Colleges Week 2025 from 3-7 March 2025; celebrates the impact colleges have on local communities across the country in building brighter futures for their students and staff; and calls on the Government to address the persistent underfunding of further education colleges in the forthcoming Spending Review to ensure they can continue to deliver high-quality education and skills training that is vital for individual opportunity and national prosperity.

898In memory of Penny Uprichard

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 4

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Jamie Stone

Helen Maguire

That this House expresses its deepest condolences following the death of Penny Uprichard; acknowledges her incredible decade long campaign to preserve the historic character of St Andrews, the town she had called home since childhood; notes that she took Fife Council to the Supreme Court in 2013 over their 2006 Fife Structure Plan; recognises that her friend and former planning convener of St Andrews Preservation Trust, David Middleton, described Penny as a force of nature which is evident in her single-handedly challenging the introduction of parking ticket machines in the town centre; understands this loss is felt widely; and expresses sympathy to his friends and family following the sad news of his passing.