Contents

Published: Tuesday 11 March 2025

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 10 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

918Plastic pollution

Tabled: 10/03/25 Signatories: 1

Gideon Amos

That this House commends the pupils of West Monkton Primary School for their advocacy in highlighting the urgent issue of plastic pollution; recognises the importance of educating and empowering young people to take action in protecting the environment; acknowledges the detrimental impact of plastic waste on marine life, ecosystems, and communities; supports measures to ban single-use plastics, improve recycling infrastructure, and promote a circular economy; and calls on the Government to accelerate efforts to tackle plastic pollution to secure a cleaner and more sustainable future for the next generation.

919Illegal modification of e-bikes and e-scooters

Tabled: 10/03/25 Signatories: 1

Helen Maguire

That this House notes with concern the rise in illegally modified e-bikes and e-scooters, which pose serious safety risks to riders and pedestrians; recognises that altering speed and power limits compromises road safety regulations; urges the Government to strengthen enforcement and public awareness; and calls for greater collaboration between authorities and manufacturers to prevent illegal modifications and promote responsible use.

920Community pharmacies

Tabled: 10/03/25 Signatories: 4

Helen Morgan

Jess Brown-Fuller

Dr Danny Chambers

Alison Bennett

That this House notes the perilous state of community pharmacies, which are struggling to survive across the country; recognises that pharmacies are at the heart of our communities, are an essential part of health and care services, and are relied upon by millions of people every day; further notes that since 2017, 1,200 pharmacies have closed their doors, with an additional 1,000 pharmacies set to close by 2027; regrets that the last Conservative Government failed to stem pharmacy closures and watched on as services deteriorated; further regrets the Government’s decision to hike employers’ National Insurance contributions (ENICs), which will force pharmacies to lay-off staff and cut services; expresses alarm that, after 11 months, the Government has still not announced a contract for pharmacies for the current financial year; also notes that no funding has been announced for Pharmacy First beyond March, and that this could threaten access to prescribing and primary care; believes that investing in the pharmacy sector and expanding pharmacy services is essential for easing pressure on the rest of the health service, and that an invest-to-save approach in healthcare must include pharmacies as a matter of priority; and calls on the Government to cancel the ENICs increase, deliver fairer funding for pharmacies, stop pharmacy closures, end pharmacy deserts, work with pharmacies to address medicine shortages, and support pharmacists to help save our NHS by being the strong, dynamic and innovative pillar of primary care they can and want to be.

921The Inn at Kingsbarns national award

Tabled: 10/03/25 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House celebrates The Inn at Kingsbarns on winning the Community Inn of the Year award at the Scottish Hotel Awards last week; recognises that the Inn has had an extremely busy past eight months after being taken over by the Kingsbarns Community Development Trust in June last year; congratulates head chef at the Inn, Allan Kay on receiving a national Chef Excellence Medal during the same ceremony and manager Mark on being awarded the Manager Gold Medal; notes the hard work of all the staff at The Inn at Kingsbarns; and wishes them all the best for the future.

922Step-free access at train stations in Greater Manchester

Tabled: 10/03/25 Signatories: 1

Tom Morrison

That this House recognises the urgent need for step-free access at train stations across Greater Manchester, ensuring that public transport is accessible for all; notes the ongoing campaign led by local activist Nathaniel Yates, who has tirelessly fought for step-free access at Woodsmoor train station and others in the region; acknowledges that the lack of accessible infrastructure disproportionately impacts disabled people, parents with prams, and elderly passengers, limiting their independence and mobility; regrets that, despite longstanding calls from campaigners and local representatives, progress on delivering step-free access has been slow; calls on the Government to prioritise funding for station accessibility improvements, including Woodsmoor station, and to work with local authorities, Network Rail, and transport bodies to deliver a fully accessible railway network; and commends campaigners like Nathaniel Yates for his dedication in pushing for a more inclusive transport system.

923Falkirk Shakespeare Project to perform original play at Edinburgh Fringe

Tabled: 10/03/25 Signatories: 1

Euan Stainbank

That this House congratulates the Falkirk Shakespeare Project, a group of Falkirk teenagers, on their achievement in producing and performing their original play, Get Thee to a Nursery, at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival; commends their dedication and creativity in developing a new interpretation of Shakespeare’s text from a child’s perspective; recognises the leadership of their drama teacher, Alex Norcott, in fostering their talents; notes that the production showcases the remarkable artistic abilities of young people from Falkirk; acknowledges the importance of supporting emerging designers and performers in Scotland’s world-renowned arts scene; and wishes the young team, a collaboration of pupils from four Falkirk schools, every success with additional performances at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival and in their future artistic endeavours.

924Staffing at Brunel University

Tabled: 10/03/25 Signatories: 1

John McDonnell

That this House expresses its deep concern at the large scale cuts in staffing being imposed by Brunel University amongst academic and professional services staff with 125 academic staff at risk of losing their jobs by the end of March and 239 professional services staff at risk of losing their jobs by the end of June; notes that this massive programme of cuts threatens to undermine the long term viability of the university; and urges the management of the university to engage with the University College Union to give serious consideration to options to address the university's financial challenges other than redundancies.

925Overseas aid budget

Tabled: 10/03/25 Signatories: 1

Ms Diane Abbott

That this House notes with concern the Government’s announcement to significantly increase military spending at the expense of vital overseas development assistance and public services; believes that these are the wrong priorities for public investment and will make the world less safe and disproportionately impact the poorest, both at home and abroad; notes the year-on-year increase for defence spending since 2016; further notes the 2023-24 Infrastructure and Projects Authority report which assesses as unachievable the Ministry of Defence programme to replace Britain’s nuclear weapons, due to sustained delays and cost overruns; further believes the billions of pounds allocated to this programme are a waste of public funds; and calls on the Government to reverse its plans to increase defence spending and instead redirect funding into public services, international development, and climate action to build a safer, fairer, and more sustainable future for all.

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.

813Supporting British farmers

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 31

Edward Morello

Ian Roome

Adam Dance

Steve Darling

Tom Gordon

Mr Angus MacDonald

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

818Commemorating 200 years of the modern railway

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 14

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: 24

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.

830Youth Olympics success

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 4

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

Dave Doogan

Seamus Logan

That this House congratulates freestyle snowboarder Emily Rothney, from Carrbridge and downhill skier Tia Freshwater, from Kincraig, on their recent success at the Youth Olympics in Georgia; recognises that Emily won a gold medal for Team GB with a total score of 156.75 after scoring an impressive 83 points on her last attempt; further recognises that Tia secured 18th place; congratulates both Emily and Tia on their hard work and successes; and wishes them the best of luck with their sporting careers going forward.

831Cairngorm Brewery award success

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 5

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

Andrew Rosindell

Dave Doogan

Seamus Logan

That this House congratulates Cairngorm Brewery in Aviemore on their recent success at the Great British Beer Festival Winter 2025; recognises their Black Gold session stout, 4.4% ABV, was awarded the title of Champion Winter Beer of Britain; commends the dedication and craftsmanship of the brewery team, including Sales Director Merlin Sandbach and Head Brewer Liam Anderson, in consistently producing high-quality beers; acknowledges the significance of this accolade in highlighting the excellence of Scottish brewing on a national stage; and encourages support for local breweries to ensure the continued success and diversity of the UK's independent brewing industry.

832National Railway Heritage Awards success

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 4

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

Dave Doogan

Seamus Logan

That this House congratulates Jillian and David Robertson on their recent success at the 44th National Railway Heritage Awards in London; notes that they were recognised with a Highly Commended certificate in the commercial restoration category for their work in transforming former council offices at Kingussie railway station into a boutique hostel, the Railway Rooms; and commends the Robertsons for their commitment to preserving and enhancing the region's railway heritage while providing quality accommodation for visitors.

833Calum Langmuir ski success

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 4

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

Dave Doogan

Seamus Logan

That this House congratulates Calum Langmuir, an Alpine ski racer from Nethy Bridge, on his recent success at the 2025 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Saalbach, Austria; notes his impressive fifth-place finish in the Giant Slalom qualifiers, securing his spot among the top 25 out of 130 competitors; acknowledges his resilience following a significant crash during the Team Parallel event, from which he has fortunately recovered; commends his dedication and progression from training on Cairngorm Mountain and at the Lecht to representing Great Britain on the world stage; recognises his status as one of only two Scots in the GB senior squad; and finally, wishes Calum continued success with his sporting career in future.

845British Science Week

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 17

George Freeman

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Sadik Al-Hassan

Tom Gordon

Pippa Heylings

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

848Changes to Overseas Development Assistance

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 56

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.

857Treatment of Israeli hostages

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 33

Calum Miller

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

Pippa Heylings

Zöe Franklin

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

858Social care day of action

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 24

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.

85980th anniversary of Operation Open Door

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 7

Blair McDougall

Douglas McAllister

Tristan Osborne

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Dr Scott Arthur

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: 5

Frank McNally

Luke Akehurst

Katrina Murray

Dr Scott Arthur

Martin Rhodes

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.

864Israel’s military presence in the West Bank

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 51

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.

867National oversight mechanism

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 18

Carla Denyer

Ellie Chowns

Kim Johnson

Rachael Maskell

Graham Leadbitter

Steve Witherden

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

873UK-USA trade deals and the NHS

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 17

Jon Trickett

Jeremy Corbyn

John McDonnell

Apsana Begum

Steve Witherden

Richard Burgon

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

874Triggers to Claiming Personal Independence Payment report

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 7

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: 8

David Chadwick

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Andrew George

Dr Roz Savage

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.

878Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 17

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

John McDonnell

Graham Leadbitter

Tristan Osborne

Christine Jardine

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.

883Baroness Smith of Gilmorehill

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 14

Graeme Downie

Patricia Ferguson

Tracy Gilbert

Gregor Poynton

Alison Taylor

Douglas McAllister

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.

887Shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 33

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.

888Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme in York

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 4

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Mary Glindon

Ellie Chowns

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: 9

Richard Baker

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Cat Eccles

Alison Taylor

Gregor Poynton

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.

891Own Books and World Book Day

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 13

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: 8

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.

896Impact Assessments of changes to Official Development Assistance

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 26

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: 14

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: 6

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Jamie Stone

Helen Maguire

Mr Angus MacDonald

Ian Roome

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.

901Rail fare increase

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 19

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.

903Skilled worker legislation impact on government workers

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 7

Grahame Morris

Cat Eccles

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Kim Johnson

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Mary Glindon

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.

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

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 16

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.

906Oversight of homelessness

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 5

Mr Richard Quigley

Dr Roz Savage

Lee Barron

Peter Lamb

Ellie Chowns

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: 16

Susan Murray

Helen Morgan

Wendy Chamberlain

Gideon Amos

Olly Glover

Mr Angus MacDonald

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.

909Eva Smeddle and Glasgow Chamber Orchestra

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 5

Wendy Chamberlain

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Ian Roome

Ayoub Khan

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: 29

Liz Jarvis

Ian Roome

Adam Dance

Mr Angus MacDonald

Dr Roz Savage

Helen Maguire

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: 3

Graham Leadbitter

Dave Doogan

Seamus Logan

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: 9

Dr Roz Savage

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Jess Brown-Fuller

Wera Hobhouse

Liz Jarvis

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: 29

Pippa Heylings

Adam Dance

Mr Angus MacDonald

Brian Mathew

Susan Murray

Dr Al Pinkerton

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.

915Garforth Residents' Campaign Against Giggle Fibre Telegraph Pole Installations

Tabled: 7/03/25 Signatories: 17

Richard Burgon

Nadia Whittome

Ian Byrne

Steve Witherden

Imran Hussain

Brian Leishman

That this House congratulates Garforth residents for their campaign against the installation of telegraph poles in the area by Giggle Fibre against the wishes of residents; notes this area of Garforth has never previously had telegraph poles and that residents enjoy this aspect of the area and strongly wish to continue to do so; commends the team of residents who organised the recent public meeting in opposition to Giggle Fibre's telegraph pole installations attended by some 200 Garforth residents; thanks the over 900 residents from the area that have signed the Parliamentary Petition regarding the installation of telegraph poles; further congratulates Garforth Community Action website for its role as an online hub for residents to join the campaign; further notes that whilst long-standing law allows companies to install telegraph poles without planning permission, just because a company can do something, doesn't mean a company should do something and believes that local, not just legal, considerations are vitally important and believes the wishes of local residents should come first; also notes the government is reviewing the Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice 2016 it inherited and encourages it to take into account the experience of Garforth residents whilst doing so; advises Giggle Fibre and any companies considering purchasing or using its infrastructure to expect a resident boycott of their services in Garforth; urges Giggle Fibre to stop its installations in Garforth; and supports, and wishes Garforth residents well in their campaign which is a fantastic example of community spirit.

916Convoy of Hope partnership for Ukraine

Tabled: 7/03/25 Signatories: 10

Daisy Cooper

Ian Roome

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

That this House congratulates the International Christian Medical and Dental Association (ICMDA), Mighty Convoy (MC) and the Christian Medical Association of Ukraine (CMAU) on the launch of their new partnership campaign Convoy of Hope to provide vehicles and medical supplies to Ukraine; notes that they have already together raised over £1.3m and sent over 150 lorry loads and over 40 ambulances of purchased and donated medical supplies worth over £10 million to provide vital medical aid to the people of Ukraine since February 2022, including, but not limited to, anaesthetic machines, oxygen concentrators, baby incubators, patient monitors, field dressings, pharmaceuticals, beds and external fixators; further notes the partnerships they have formed with healthcare and logistics companies including Gateshead NHS Trust, Leeds Hospital, Northumbria NHS Trust, Barts NHS Trust, Kimal, Clinisupplies, Circle Health Group, Keswick Group, Dawson Group, Taylor Transport, Clipper Logistics, Bunzl and others; calls on hon. and Rt. hon. Members to promote the Convoy of Hope partnership to relevant people and organisations in their constituencies, and especially hospitals and medical suppliers encouraging them to donate excess medical supplies; recognises the contribution of ICMDA, MC and CMAU in supporting the people of Ukraine against the illegal Russian invasion; and wishes the new partnership the very best in its continued efforts in delivering emergency vehicles and medical supplies to the region.