Contents

Published: Thursday 13 March 2025

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 12 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

932Fisher and Donaldson win Scotland's Best Flavoured Shortbread Award

Tabled: 12/03/25 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House congratulates Fisher and Donaldson on winning Scotland’s Best Flavoured Shortbread and Best Stall at the Highland Shortbread Showdown 2025; recognises that Fisher and Donaldson have seven bakeries across Fife; notes that the bakery is family-run and that Chloe and Jade, who were at the awards, alongside their brother Ben, are fifth generation bakers in their family business; and celebrates these awards and wishes Fisher and Donaldson all the best for the future.

933Peter Cura

Tabled: 12/03/25 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House expresses its deepest condolences following the death of Peter Cura; acknowledges that he was a much loved, well-known figure in the local area and that he served on Cupar Community Council for 30 years; notes that Peter’s father had a chip shop in Cupar which Peter took over, as well as opening a children’s clothing and toy shop, two bookmaker’s shops and an art gallery to promote young artists; recognises that Peter also played an instrumental role in advocating for the preservation of Stratheden Hospital and the renovation of Cupar’s Adamson Hospital; celebrates that in recognition of dedication, Peter was named Cupar’s Citizen of the Year in 2020; and understands this loss is felt widely and expresses sympathy to his friends and family following the sad news of his passing.

934Workplace disabilities and sickle cell disease

Tabled: 12/03/25 Signatories: 1

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

That this House regrets that despite being a serious lifelong condition, sickle cell disease is not consistently recognised in workplaces; notes that many employers still lack awareness of how the condition affects daily life, resulting in individuals living with sickle cell disease finding it difficult to secure flexible working, reasonable adjustments or medical leave without penalty; calls on the Government to take steps to protect the workplace rights of people living with sickle cell disease by recognising it as a workplace disability requiring clearer guidance under the Equality Act 2010; encourages the Department for Work and Pensions to promote a programme of sickle cell disease awareness training for employers, HR teams, and occupational health providers so employees are not subjected to misunderstanding or mistreatment; and further calls on the Government to expand Access to Work support so that employees with sickle cell disease can receive financial assistance for transport, workplace adjustments, and flexible working options.

935Friends of Factory Row volunteers

Tabled: 12/03/25 Signatories: 1

Steve Darling

That this House celebrates the outstanding work of Friends of Factory Row since its founding in 1991 in supporting some of the most vulnerable members of the community; commends the tireless dedication of its volunteers, including Viv Westmoreland, Heather Reed, and Grace Hakeson, who together have contributed an extraordinary 70 years of service; recognises their unwavering commitment to providing care, advocacy, and practical support to those experiencing homelessness; further acknowledges the invaluable role of grassroots organisations like Friends of Factory Row in fostering dignity, stability, and social inclusion; and urges the Government to continue supporting and funding community-led initiatives that make a real difference in tackling homelessness and social disadvantage.

936Future of the adoption and special guardianship support fund

Tabled: 12/03/25 Signatories: 1

Jess Brown-Fuller

That this House expresses deep concern over the future of the adoption and special guardianship support fund (ASGSF), which is set to expire on 31 March 2025; recognises the vital role the fund plays in providing essential mental health services to adopted children and those under special guardianship orders, supporting nearly half of the work undertaken by organisations such as Beacon House in Chichester; notes with alarm the uncertainty surrounding its continuation, which is causing significant anxiety among families and service providers who rely on this critical support; acknowledges the importance of stable, long-term funding for these vulnerable children to ensure they receive the therapeutic and mental health services they need to thrive; and calls on the Government to provide urgent clarification on the future of the ASGSF and commit to securing its continuation beyond March 2025.

937Keeping transport workers safe

Tabled: 12/03/25 Signatories: 13

Steve Witherden

Andy McDonald

John McDonnell

Richard Burgon

Jon Trickett

Grahame Morris

That this House notes with concern the findings of the TSSA union’s latest report entitled Keep transport workers safe – no to abuse and harassment on the transport network; further notes that the report suggests violence and abuse directed at transport workers is endemic and that these workers regularly face racial and sexual harassment and abuse, threats, assault, including assault with weapons; believes that this is unacceptable and that all workers have a right to work in dignity, free from abuse and harassment; further believes that this behaviour is not inevitable, it can be tackled, and that the Government’s public transport reforms are a key opportunity for doing that; and supports the recommendations in the report, including legislative measures to increase the protection of transport workers, an enhanced funding settlement for British Transport Police that allows it to carry out its functions without service cuts or recruitment freezes, stricter penalties for offenders, mandatory reporting of violent and abusive incidents alongside the creation of regulatory bodies to oversee workplace safety specifically in relation to violence and abuse, and guidance for employers on implementing support systems, reporting, training, and a zero-tolerance culture for abuse and harassment on the transport network.

938Provision of essential humanitarian supplies, electricity and water sanitation in Gaza

Tabled: 12/03/25 Signatories: 3

Ellie Chowns

Carla Denyer

Siân Berry

That this House condemns the Israeli Government’s decision of 3 March 2025 to halt the entry of all humanitarian aid and commercial supplies, including fuel and food, to Gaza, and its decision of 9 March 2025 to cut off electricity to Gaza’s main desalination plant; recognises that these actions violate international humanitarian law and amount to collective punishment of 2.2 million people in Gaza for the terrible crimes committed against Israeli and other citizens by Hamas; records that Gaza was already experiencing a water and sanitation catastrophe following overwhelming damage and destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure due to the Israeli Defence Force’s military operations and the ongoing unlawful blockade; further recognises that Amnesty International has described these actions as inhumane and unlawful; considers these actions to be evidence that the Israeli Government is deliberately imposing conditions of life calculated to bring about the physical destruction of Palestinians in Gaza, an act prohibited under the Genocide Convention; and calls on the UK Government to take steps to prevent genocide, as it is obligated to do, including through implementing a full arms embargo on Israel, working to secure comprehensive sanctions against Israel and other actions to hold Israel accountable for grave breaches of international law.

939Building consensus on a pathway to spending 3% of GDP on defence

Tabled: 12/03/25 Signatories: 1

Helen Maguire

That this House recognises the growing security challenges and threats facing the UK and its allies; believes that an increase in UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP as soon as possible is necessary to maintain the UK's military readiness, bolster its deterrence, and support its commitments to global security; and urges the Government to boost defence spending to 2.5% of GDP at the earliest opportunity and to hold cross-party talks to agree a consensus on how to reach 3% GDP spend on defence.

940Illegal EU meat imports and biosecurity

Tabled: 12/03/25 Signatories: 1

Carla Lockhart

That this House expresses deep concern over the growing threat posed by illegal EU meat imports, including at the Port of Larne; notes that nearly 100 tonnes of illegal meat were seized at Dover in 2023, some originating from regions affected by African Swine Fever; further notes that current border security measures are inadequate, with the majority of checks at Dover taking place 20 miles inland at Sevington rather than at the point of entry; recognises that this system allows illegal imports to evade detection and poses a severe risk to the UK’s biosecurity, public health, and agriculture sector; and calls on the Government to urgently review the Border Target Operating Model, strengthen enforcement against illegal meat smuggling, increase funding for on-site inspections at ports, and ensure robust measures are in place to protect the UK’s disease-free status.

941Sustainable Farming Incentive

Tabled: 12/03/25 Signatories: 1

Ellie Chowns

That this House expresses deep concern over the abrupt cancellation of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which has left thousands of farmers without vital support and clear guidance; notes that the scheme was withdrawn without the promised six weeks’ notice, causing significant uncertainty for those in the final stages of application; further notes that even prior to its cancellation, many farmers faced barriers to accessing the SFI; recognises the critical role of the SFI in supporting sustainable farming, food security, and climate action; calls on the Government to immediately reinstate the SFI to prevent further disruption and provide urgent support to affected farmers while conducting a comprehensive review to improve its accessibility and effectiveness; urges the Government to provide a full and transparent explanation for the cancellation decision and commit to a clear, consultative process for any future changes to farming support schemes; and stresses the need for long-term policy stability to enable farmers to invest confidently in sustainable agricultural practices that protect both the environment and the future of UK food production.

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.

849Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 11

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.

858Social care day of action

Tabled: 27/02/25 Signatories: 27

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.

875Fibrenest and Persimmon homes

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 10

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: 21

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.

891Own Books and World Book Day

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 15

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: 11

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: 32

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: 18

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: 25

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: 5

Mr Gregory Campbell

Carla Lockhart

Luke Akehurst

Tristan Osborne

Jim Allister

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: 12

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.

904South West Blood Bikes' volunteers

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 13

Steve Darling

Adam Dance

Mr Angus MacDonald

Ian Roome

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

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

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

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 22

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.

910Covid-19 Day of Reflection 2025

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 38

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.

91250th anniversary of Solace Women's Aid

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 14

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: 35

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.

916Convoy of Hope partnership for Ukraine

Tabled: 7/03/25 Signatories: 18

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.

918Plastic pollution

Tabled: 10/03/25 Signatories: 15

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: 13

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: 42

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: 5

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Steve Darling

Mr Angus MacDonald

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: 7

Tom Morrison

Zöe Franklin

Lisa Smart

Jim Shannon

Adam Dance

Steve Darling

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.

925Overseas aid budget

Tabled: 10/03/25 Signatories: 10

Ms Diane Abbott

Jeremy Corbyn

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Richard Burgon

Iqbal Mohamed

Apsana Begum

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.

927World Kidney Day 2025

Tabled: 11/03/25 Signatories: 12

Daisy Cooper

Ian Roome

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Andrew George

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: 20

Edward Morello

Pippa Heylings

Ian Roome

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

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: 3

Jim Shannon

Andrew George

Tom Morrison

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: 3

Brian Leishman

Jim Shannon

Euan Stainbank

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: 10

Anna Sabine

Ian Roome

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Andrew George

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.