Contents

Published: Wednesday 12 March 2025

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 11 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

926Killyleagh Development Association

Tabled: 11/03/25 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates 30 years of success by Killyleagh Development Association; highlights that on 9 November 1994, 9 individuals came together to sign the articles of association of Killyleagh Development Association with the aims to address unemployment and deprivation of the villages of Killyleagh and Shrigley, in the constituency of Strangford; underlines the work of the Association over the last number of years, including major building and investment initiatives and public engagement events; further notes the opportunities the Association offers for business boost and expansion in the area and the contribution this makes to the local economy and town; and thanks all those involved for their fantastic efforts and wishes the Association all the very best for the future.

927World Kidney Day 2025

Tabled: 11/03/25 Signatories: 1

Daisy Cooper

That this House acknowledges that World Kidney Day takes place on Thursday 13 March 2025; recognises that an estimated 3.5 million people are living with later stage, 3-5, chronic kidney disease (CKD), although many remain undiagnosed; further recognises the mental health impacts of severe CKD, evidenced through 67% of patients living with CKD reporting symptoms of depression; regrets the financial impacts on patients due to multiple trips to hospital per week for life sustaining treatment, the inability to work regular hours, and increased utility bills due to energy intensive medical equipment negatively impacting patients’ finances; understands that CKD cases are often preventable, and by detecting CKD early, it is possible to slow or stop the progression of the disease, and prevent it from reaching the stages at which it is most severe; commends charities, such as Kidney Care UK, and their work on the Bloody Amazing Kidneys campaign, which raises awareness of the disease and encourages people most at risk of chronic kidney disease to get tested; notes that half of the 135,000 people who took the Bloody Amazing Kidneys campaign kidney health check were at risk of kidney disease, mainly because of high blood pressure; and calls on the Government to prioritise the early detection of kidney disease, and develop guidelines so that other services and support vital for kidney patients, including transport, social care, and mental health support, are uniformly available, with no postcode lotteries.

928Tackling the climate and nature crisis

Tabled: 11/03/25 Signatories: 2

Edward Morello

Pippa Heylings

That this House recognises the urgent need for the UK to take world-leading action on climate change and environmental protection; notes that climate change poses the greatest threat to global stability, public health, and ecological preservation; further notes that the UK has an opportunity to lead in the transition to a net-zero economy, with renewable energy now significantly cheaper than fossil fuels, and calls on the Government to ensure these savings are reflected in energy bills for consumers; expresses deep concern over the UK’s ongoing nature crisis, and calls on the Government to double the size of the Protected Area Network and commit to planting at least 60 million trees annually; urges this Government to strengthen protections, including by passing a Clean Air Act, enhancing the powers of the Office for Environmental Protection, and tackling air pollution; further notes that Dorset’s National Landscape covers 40% of the county, underscoring the need for strong national policies to protect natural landscapes; condemns the ongoing sewage scandal, which has led to devastating pollution of UK rivers and coastal waters, and calls on the Government to impose stricter penalties on water companies that fail to prevent sewage dumping; acknowledges that while other nations contribute heavily to environmental destruction, the UK must take a leadership role in developing solutions and setting high standards for climate and environmental policy; and further urges the Government to take bold, immediate steps to halt the decline of Britain’s natural environment for the benefit of future generations.

929Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Tabled: 11/03/25 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes that March is Prostate Cancer awareness month; highlights that prostate cancer has become the most common cancer in England, with a massive 25% increase in cases between 2019 and 2023 and a further 1,100 men being diagnosed each year in Northern Ireland; underlines the importance of awareness campaigns and the difference they have, leading to thousands more men getting an early and lifechanging diagnosis; further notes that despite the huge increase in prostate cancer cases, there is still no national screening programme and as the disease often has no symptoms in its earlier stages, this situation means too many men find out they have cancer only after it’s spread and become harder to treat; and calls upon the Government to update NHS guidelines so that more can be done to increase early diagnosis and save more lives.

93025th anniversary of Alloa Athletic’s Bell’s Challenge Cup victory

Tabled: 11/03/25 Signatories: 1

Brian Leishman

That this House celebrates the 25th anniversary of Alloa Athletic’s historic victory in the Bell’s Challenge Cup on 21 November 1999; recognises the incredible achievement of the part-time team in overcoming four full-time clubs, culminating in a thrilling 4-4 draw and dramatic penalty shootout victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the Shyberry Excelsior Stadium; pays tribute to the players, manager Terry Christie, coaching staff, and supporters who made this victory possible; commends the remarkable resilience, skill, and determination shown by the team on the day, including the unforgettable moment when goalkeeper Mark Cairns both scored and saved the decisive penalty; acknowledges the importance of Alloa Athletic in the history and culture of Clackmannanshire and its continued role in Scottish football; welcomes the club’s efforts to honour this achievement with a special event at the Indodrill Stadium, reuniting players and staff with fans to celebrate this unforgettable moment in the club’s history; and wishes Alloa Athletic continued success in the years ahead.

931Adult education

Tabled: 11/03/25 Signatories: 1

Anna Sabine

That this House recognises the importance of adult education; thinks that access to adult education should be free or affordable and across a wide range of subjects, skills and topics; praises the work of Frome Community Education, a non-for-profit which offers free adult classes in IT, literacy and numeracy as well as wider classes in history and culture, art and craft, and exercise and wellbeing; further recognises that these services often rely on the third sector and calls for more Government funding for adult education for local authorities; and encourages adults to access adult education services to build and expand skills to help broaden careers, hobbies and interests.

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.

830Youth Olympics success

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 5

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

Dave Doogan

Seamus Logan

Chris Law

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: 6

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

Andrew Rosindell

Dave Doogan

Seamus Logan

Chris Law

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: 5

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

Dave Doogan

Seamus Logan

Chris Law

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: 5

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

Dave Doogan

Seamus Logan

Chris Law

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.

834Homelessness

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 24

Vikki Slade

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Martin Wrigley

Liz Jarvis

Claire Young

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

837Regional Inequalities in energy pricing

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 41

Mr Angus MacDonald

Wera Hobhouse

Edward Morello

Jim Shannon

Martin Wrigley

Helen Maguire

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

843Content warnings for infant mortality

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 11

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.

848Changes to Overseas Development Assistance

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 59

Monica Harding

Calum Miller

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Liz Jarvis

Wera Hobhouse

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

849Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 10

Stephen Gethins

Jim Shannon

Ann Davies

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Llinos Medi

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

851Impact of tool theft on tradespeople

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 26

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.

853Right to peaceful protest

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 15

Siân Berry

Ann Davies

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Llinos Medi

Neil Duncan-Jordan

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

856West Bank

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 39

Calum Miller

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

Wendy Chamberlain

Pippa Heylings

Zöe Franklin

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

857Treatment of Israeli hostages

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 34

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: 26

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: 8

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.

862Climate Change Committee's 7th Carbon Budget

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 17

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.

865Educationally subnormal schools in the 1960s and 1970s

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 25

Kim Johnson

Ellie Chowns

Rachael Maskell

Apsana Begum

Brian Leishman

Neil Duncan-Jordan

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

867National oversight mechanism

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 19

Carla Denyer

Ellie Chowns

Kim Johnson

Rachael Maskell

Graham Leadbitter

Steve Witherden

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

868Cap exemption under Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 8

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Ellie Chowns

Rachael Maskell

Richard Burgon

Jim Shannon

Sir Desmond Swayne

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

873UK-USA trade deals and the NHS

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 19

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: 8

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: 9

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: 20

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.

880Lucy Baldock

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 12

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jon Trickett

Jeremy Corbyn

Brian Leishman

Jim Shannon

Apsana Begum

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

884University of Aberdeen breast cancer breakthrough

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 5

Kirsty Blackman

Brian Leishman

Jim Shannon

Stephen Flynn

Chris Law

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: 36

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: 10

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.

890Impact of independent sector provision of cataract surgery

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 32

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: 14

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: 10

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: 31

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: 17

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.

901Rail fare increase

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 23

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: 4

Mr Gregory Campbell

Carla Lockhart

Luke Akehurst

Tristan Osborne

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: 10

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: 20

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: 7

Mr Richard Quigley

Dr Roz Savage

Lee Barron

Peter Lamb

Ellie Chowns

Jim Shannon

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: 17

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.

908Annette Tracey

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 3

Jodie Gosling

Rachel Taylor

Jim Shannon

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: 7

Wendy Chamberlain

Mr Angus MacDonald

Helen Maguire

Ian Roome

Ayoub Khan

Zöe Franklin

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: 35

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: 5

Graham Leadbitter

Dave Doogan

Seamus Logan

Chris Law

Tristan Osborne

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: 12

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: 33

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.

914Tree Cities of the World and Wokingham Borough Council

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 8

Clive Jones

Adam Dance

Mr Angus MacDonald

Dr Roz Savage

Helen Maguire

Mr Joshua Reynolds

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.

915Garforth Residents' Campaign Against Giggle Fibre Telegraph Pole Installations

Tabled: 7/03/25 Signatories: 20

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: 16

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.

917Victoria Cross medals at the Imperial War Museum

Tabled: 7/03/25 Signatories: 3

Alex Easton

Jim Shannon

Mr Joshua Reynolds

That this House expresses deep concern over the decision of the Imperial War Museum to permanently close the Lord Ashcroft Gallery, which has displayed around 230 Victoria Cross and George Cross medals; notes that these medals represent the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of Britain’s service personnel; believes that removing them from public display is a disservice to the memory of those who earned them and to future generations who should have the opportunity to learn from their heroism; recognises the immense historical and educational value of these decorations and their associated stories; calls on the Imperial War Museum to reverse this decision and ensure that these medals remain accessible to the public; and urges the Government to work with relevant stakeholders to safeguard the continued exhibition of these important artefacts in a manner befitting their significance to the nation's history.

918Plastic pollution

Tabled: 10/03/25 Signatories: 11

Gideon Amos

Helen Maguire

Zöe Franklin

Dr Roz Savage

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

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: 10

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Ian Roome

Tristan Osborne

Luke Akehurst

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: 24

Helen Morgan

Jess Brown-Fuller

Dr Danny Chambers

Alison Bennett

Helen Maguire

Martin Wrigley

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: 3

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

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: 5

Tom Morrison

Zöe Franklin

Lisa Smart

Jim Shannon

Adam Dance

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: 4

Euan Stainbank

Jim Shannon

Brian Leishman

Chris Law

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: 5

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Brian Leishman

Apsana Begum

Jeremy Corbyn

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: 10

Ms Diane Abbott

Jim Shannon

Brian Leishman

Apsana Begum

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Richard Burgon

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.