Contents

Published – Friday 7 March 2025

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 6 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

906Oversight of homelessness

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 1

Mr Richard Quigley

That this House notes recent research carried out by Centrepoint into the scale of youth homelessness; is deeply concerned that youth homelessness across the UK has risen by 10% over the past year, with 118,134 young people approaching their local authorities for support; and supports Centrepoint’s recommendations for increased Government oversight of local authority adherence to the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, a youth-focused chapter in the Government's homelessness strategy, and urgent protections in the Homelessness Code of Guidance to ensure all vulnerable young people receive the support to which they are entitled.

907Recognition of Milngavie in Bloom

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 2

Susan Murray

Helen Morgan

That this House recognises the valuable work of Milngavie in Bloom for improving the environment of the local community of Milngavie; thanks them for 17 years of continued service; notes their particular work in looking after the planters in the town centre, the flowerbeds across town, the verges and green spaces, and other public spaces and local businesses, as well as their Clean Sweep litter-picking initiative; affirms their commitments to improving mental health, lifting community spirits, increasing civic pride, allowing residents to breathe clean air, and providing a space for volunteers to enjoy good company; and expresses gratitude to all of the volunteers, in particular Jenny Overton for her many, many years in support of the organisation and serving the community.

908Annette Tracey

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 1

Jodie Gosling

That this House recognises the service of nurse Annette Tracey, Clinical Nurse Specialist at George Eliot Hospital’s Breast Care Unit; congratulates her on 51 years of loyal service; applauds her work in the field of nipple tattooing, acknowledging the impact it has on patient’s wellbeing and recovery; commends her dedication in campaigning for the introduction of George Eliot's leading Breast Screening Service; and wishes her the best in her coming retirement.

909Eva Smeddle and Glasgow Chamber Orchestra

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House celebrates student Eva Smeddle’s music being performed by the Glasgow Chamber Orchestra; notes that the now 18 year old, who is from St Andrews, composed A Nightmare in Argentina at the age of 15 and it will now be debuted by a 45-strong ensemble from the Glasgow Chamber Orchestra on Sunday 9 March; and congratulates Eva on this incredible achievement and wishes her all the best as she pursues a professional career in music performance and composition.

910Covid-19 Day of Reflection 2025

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 1

Liz Jarvis

That this House recognises 9 March as the Covid-19 Day of Reflection, a time to remember the lives lost during the pandemic and to acknowledge the profound impact on families, communities, and frontline workers; pays tribute to those who worked tirelessly to protect public health and support those affected; regrets that insufficient action has been taken to learn from the mistakes of the pandemic response; urges the Government to fully implement the recommendations of public health experts and inquiries to strengthen preparedness for future health crises; and calls on the Government to take all necessary steps to ensure that any future pandemic does not result in preventable loss of life on such a devastating scale.

911Hunted Cow

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 1

Graham Leadbitter

That this House congratulates Elgin-based games development company Hunted Cow on the outstanding success of their latest game; recognises that Godzilla x Kong: Titan Chasers, has reached the number one spot on the iOS free games chart in both the UK and the US; recognises the significant achievement of this Moray-based company in the global gaming industry; commends the contribution of Hunted Cow to the growing creative industries sector in Scotland; notes that the company's success highlights the increasing opportunities for skilled jobs in game development within Moray and beyond; and wishes Hunted Cow ongoing success in their future projects.

91250th anniversary of Solace Women's Aid

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 1

Dr Roz Savage

That this House congratulates Solace Women’s Aid on achieving 50 years of support for women and children who are survivors of domestic abuse; notes the crucial role that charities and third sector organisations play in the fight against domestic violence; understands that sexual violence, sexual harassment, and domestic abuse remain endemic in our society; further notes that Saturday 8th March is International Women’s Day; calls for sustained investment in specialist domestic abuse services across England; acknowledges that for women in rural areas, abuse lasts 25% longer, on average, than in urban areas; recognises that abuse in rural areas can be exacerbated by inadequate services, including transport, policing, and a lack of refuges; and urges the Government to raise awareness of rural domestic violence and provide more access to specialised services in rural areas.

913Mobile phone usage in schools

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 1

Pippa Heylings

That this House notes with concern the increasing challenge of ensuring children’s safety online, which remains more important than ever; recognises the need to consider whether existing guidance on smartphone use in schools should be put on a legislative footing; acknowledges that such a measure aims to create an environment conducive to learning and free from distractions, rather than restrict freedoms; notes that in certain cases, such as those of young carers or children with health conditions, some access to a mobile phone during the school day may be necessary; further notes that parents across the UK are deeply concerned about the impact of smartphones and social media on their children; highlights recent polling that shows 95% of UK parents believe social media companies should do more to protect young people, with 68% of young people agreeing; and endorses changes such as raising the age of internet adulthood from 13 to 16, to help reduce the addictive nature of smartphones and improve online safety for young people.

914Tree Cities of the World and Wokingham Borough Council

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 1

Clive Jones

That this House congratulates the 27 local authorities across the UK, including Wokingham Borough Council, that have been recognised by the Arbor Day Foundation and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization as Tree Cities of the World; recognises the vital contribution that urban forestry plays in creating liveable, pleasant spaces in our communities; agrees with Trees for Cities' statement that trees offer immense benefits for our health and wellbeing, and are one of our best nature-based solutions for adapting our cities to climate change; and encourages even more local authorities to seek the status of Tree City of the World in coming years.

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: 27

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.

810Increases in rail fares

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 17

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.

818Commemorating 200 years of the modern railway

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 9

Karl Turner

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

Rachael Maskell

Martin Vickers

Andy McDonald

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: 21

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: 20

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.

824Plant Health

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 3

Jim Allister

Mr Gregory Campbell

Carla Lockhart

That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Official Controls (Plant Health) and Phytosanitary Conditions (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 13), dated 7 January 2025, a copy of which was laid before this House on 8 January, be annulled.

825Citizenship for refugees

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 38

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.

834Homelessness

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 22

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.

836Northern Ireland Football Training Centre of Excellence

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 4

Jim Allister

Jim Shannon

Andrew Rosindell

Carla Lockhart

That this House welcomes the announcement of the joint venture between the Irish Football Association and Galgorm Resort, whereby a state of the art football training facility will be provided for the Northern Ireland Football Teams, both male and female, at Galgorm, County Antrim; notes that this project will fill a long existing void in national football provision and preparation, as well as affording community use and involvement; commends the commitment, foresight and dedication of all involved in promoting this project; and encourages the Government to play its part in bringing the proposal to fruition.

843Content warnings for infant mortality

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 9

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: 23

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.

846Stratford upon Avon Boat Club

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 8

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: 13

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: 52

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.

851Impact of tool theft on tradespeople

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 25

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.

854Cheltenham Festival week and antisocial behaviour

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 8

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: 15

Ian Roome

Helen Maguire

Steve Race

Andrew Rosindell

Richard Foord

Jim Shannon

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: 35

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.

858Social care day of action

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 20

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: 4

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Carla Lockhart

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: 16

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.

864Israel’s military presence in the West Bank

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 49

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.

876120th anniversary of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 21

Graeme Downie

Kim Johnson

Luke Akehurst

Brendan O'Hara

Peter Swallow

Gill Furniss

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.

884University of Aberdeen breast cancer breakthrough

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 4

Kirsty Blackman

Brian Leishman

Jim Shannon

Stephen Flynn

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.

887Shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 30

Jess Brown-Fuller

Helen Morgan

Alison Bennett

Dr Danny Chambers

Wera Hobhouse

Mr Angus MacDonald

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.

889In memory of Jack Vettriano

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 4

Richard Baker

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Cat Eccles

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: 26

Ian Byrne

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Andrew George

Zarah Sultana

Nadia Whittome

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: 10

Manuela Perteghella

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Jamie Stone

Helen Maguire

Andrew George

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: 7

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.

894Fife Church Recording Society and Crail Church

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 5

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Jamie Stone

Helen Maguire

Mr Angus MacDonald

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: 6

Josh Babarinde

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Jess Brown-Fuller

Mr Angus MacDonald

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: 23

Monica Harding

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Calum Miller

Anna Sabine

Brian Mathew

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: 12

Ian Sollom

Jim Shannon

Ayoub Khan

Claire Young

Wendy Chamberlain

Ian Roome

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: 5

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Jamie Stone

Helen Maguire

Mr Angus MacDonald

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.

900The Dads' Network

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 6

Caroline Voaden

Adam Dance

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Calum Miller

Steve Darling

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: 9

Mr Paul Kohler

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

Olly Glover

Dr Al Pinkerton

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: 2

Mr Gregory Campbell

Carla Lockhart

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: 3

Grahame Morris

Cat Eccles

Neil Duncan-Jordan

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: 6

Steve Darling

Adam Dance

Mr Angus MacDonald

Ian Roome

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

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: 7

Liz Jarvis

Tim Farron

Mr Angus MacDonald

Richard Foord

Helen Maguire

Neil Duncan-Jordan

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.