Commons business papers

Contents

Published – Tuesday 18 March 2025

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 17 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

952Banking hubs

Tabled: 17/03/25 Signatories: 1

Chris Coghlan

That this House welcomes the return of in-person banking and cash services, with the opening of a banking hub in the market town of Dorking; notes that banking hubs offer important everyday banking transactions and a community banker for more specific or complex enquiries; acknowledges the contribution of Cash Access UK in supporting communities that have lost access to bank and building society branches; and further notes that more full-service banking hubs are urgently needed across the UK.

953Independent advisory panel on Department for Work and Pensions-related deaths

Tabled: 17/03/25 Signatories: 1

John McDonnell

That this House is alarmed by the continued use of the fatally flawed work capability assessment, adopted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to limit the access of disabled people to long-term disability benefits and that is linked to a growing public mental health crisis and suicides; is concerned that the chronically ill and disabled community are living in fear of DWP as they are threatened with additional cuts to the welfare budget, guaranteed to cause more human suffering on a vast scale; highlights the devastating consequences of these punitive policies, which have forced people into poverty, mental distress, and, tragically, even to their deaths; and calls on the Government to establish an independent advisory panel with full powers to investigate DWP-related deaths and suicides caused by the DWP's failed systems.

954Sharrington phone box

Tabled: 17/03/25 Signatories: 1

Steff Aquarone

That this House recognises the importance of the K6 telephone box in the village of Sharrington, North Norfolk; notes with deep concern that BT have proposed the closure of this telephone box; acknowledges that Sharrington lacks a reliable mobile phone signal; appreciates the worries of the local population, especially the elderly residents who feel a sense of security from this guaranteed connectivity; congratulates the 50 local residents who took direct action on 14 March by queueing up to make calls and prove the importance of the phone box; celebrates the tireless campaigning work of Sharrington resident Derek Harris, who has lived in the village for 50 years; calls on Historic England to list the phone box to recognise its importance; and further calls on BT to reverse their decision and maintain the Sharrington phone box.

955Carbon monoxide safety

Tabled: 17/03/25 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the dozens of British lives lost to carbon monoxide poisoning each year; expresses concern at the underreporting of carbon monoxide incidents, due to low awareness, diagnosis and death classification; notes the additional risks of carbon monoxide poisoning to those travelling abroad, due to weaker appliance standards; identifies the life-saving importance of carbon monoxide alarms, which should be installed wherever combustion appliances are used indoors and taken travelling as a precaution; further notes the concerning availability online of substandard alarms; and urges members of the public to follow UK carbon monoxide alarms regulations and use only British standard-compliant alarms.

956Solar panels at Deanland Wood Park

Tabled: 17/03/25 Signatories: 1

James MacCleary

That this House expresses concern that around 100 households at Deanland Wood Park, many elderly, have been unable to use their solar panels for months due to compliance disputes and the liquidation of Park Home Energy; notes that residents who paid thousands for these systems now face rising energy costs with no resolution; is concerned by the lack of action from liquidators and park management; and calls on the Government to urgently intervene to ensure residents can access the renewable energy they paid for.

95710th anniversary of the English Riviera Film Festival

Tabled: 17/03/25 Signatories: 1

Steve Darling

That this House congratulates the English Riviera Film Festival on its 10th anniversary and celebrates the dedication, creativity, and hard work of all those involved in making the festival a continued success; recognises the efforts of festival director John Tomkins and the entire festival team, judges, presenters, photographers, and film crews, as well as the Royal Lyceum Theatre for hosting the anniversary awards event; acknowledges the outstanding talent of filmmakers from across the UK and beyond, including those who travelled from Los Angeles to take part; commends the success of Across the Gola by Jude Kiriwald, winner of both Best Documentary Film and the Audience Award for Best Film; and notes the importance of independent film and cultural events in enriching local communities and inspiring future generations of filmmakers.

958Rowcroft Hospice

Tabled: 17/03/25 Signatories: 1

Steve Darling

That this House acknowledges the exceptional work of Rowcroft Hospice, an independent charity based in Torquay, providing specialist palliative care services to individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses across South Devon; commends their comprehensive support, including inpatient care, home care, and bereavement support; celebrates the upcoming Strictly Rowcroft event on 17 May 2025 at the Princess Theatre, Torquay, where 12 local participants will perform Latin and ballroom routines to raise vital funds for the hospice; and notes with admiration that the hon. Member for South Devon, is among the participants, exemplifying commendable community engagement and support for this invaluable institution.

959Honouring the life of Ray Merlin Rutter

Tabled: 17/03/25 Signatories: 1

Sarah Dyke

That this House celebrates the life and legacy of Ray Merlin Rutter, who has sadly passed away at the age of 77; recognises Merlin’s singular contribution to the Glastonbury community, where he was a beloved and well-known figure, often seen wearing his distinctive blue robes and wizard hat; acknowledges that Merlin offered rune readings to visitors from across the world outside Glastonbury Abbey, enhancing the town’s reputation for inclusivity and community spirit, and appreciates his unwavering commitment to bringing joy to others, making him a key part of Glastonbury’s cultural fabric; expresses gratitude for Merlin’s dedication as a volunteer and advocate for the Love Glastonbury Community Fridge, a vital local initiative that redirects fresh food destined for landfill to community members in need to tackle food poverty whilst simultaneously battling food waste; commends the lasting positive impact that Merlin had on the town through his warmth and kindness; and extends condolences to his family, friends, and the wider community, recognising his presence in Glastonbury will be deeply missed, and his legacy fondly remembered.

960The Alban Bun

Tabled: 17/03/25 Signatories: 1

Daisy Cooper

That this House celebrates that for nearly 700 years the Alban Bun has been part of the Easter tradition at St Albans Cathedral; recognises the Alban Bun’s status as the precursor to the famous Hot Cross Bun; notes that Brother Thomas Rocliffe, a monk at the abbey, is said to have developed the original recipe in 1361 and would distribute his buns to the poor on Good Friday; further notes that Brother Thomas Rocliffe developed an original recipe which remains a closely guarded secret; thanks all those involved in baking this year’s buns; further celebrates all the hard work of the team at the Abbot’s Kitchen Cafe in St Albans Cathedral for serving and selling Alban Buns throughout Lent; and encourages hon. Members to visit St Albans and enjoy this most wonderful tradition.

961Open University in Scotland Director Susan Stewart

Tabled: 17/03/25 Signatories: 1

Richard Baker

That this House notes the upcoming departure of Susan Stewart as Director of The Open University in Scotland after nine years at the helm; believes that throughout her tenure Susan has made a substantial contribution not only to the university but the wider higher education sector; commends Susan’s commitment to making educational opportunities available to all; further notes that during Susan’s tenure 84,230 students have studied with The Open University in Scotland; recognises that former hon. Member Jennie Lee generally acknowledged as the founder of The Open University was born in Lochgelly within the now Glenrothes and Mid-Fife constituency; acknowledges Susan’s prior career as an Assistant Producer at STV, Press and Parliamentary Liaison Officer at Strathclyde Regional Council, Head of Media Relations at Glasgow City Council, Depute Head of the Scottish Executive Press Office, First Secretary Scottish Affairs at the British Embassy Washington and Director of Corporate Communications at The University of Glasgow; and thanks Susan for her outstanding public service and wishes her well for the future.

962Rhys McClennaghan Dancing with the Stars champion

Tabled: 17/03/25 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the success of Rhys McClennaghan who was crowned 2025 Dancing with the Stars champion; congratulates this world class Olympic athlete on yet another victory; highlights the tremendous encouragement that Rhys gives to young people not simply in his hometown of Newtownards, but throughout Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK to be active and understand that success on the global stage comes with hard-work at home; and offers best wishes to world-class athlete Rhys McClennaghan as he continues to compete and inspire others to work towards their goals.

963Chronic urinary tract infections and women's health

Tabled: 17/03/25 Signatories: 2

Helen Maguire

Helen Morgan

That this House recognises the urgent need for improved care and support for those suffering from chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs), a debilitating condition that significantly impacts quality of life; notes with concern the lack of awareness, research, and effective treatment options available to patients; acknowledges that women's health as a whole demands greater attention, funding, research and care from the Government; and calls on the Government to prioritise investment in women's health, improve access to specialist care, and ensure that those affected by chronic UTIs or other debilitating conditions receive the diagnosis and treatment they deserve.

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.

884University of Aberdeen breast cancer breakthrough

Tabled: 3/03/25 Signatories: 7

Kirsty Blackman

Brian Leishman

Jim Shannon

Stephen Flynn

Chris Law

Graham Leadbitter

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: 38

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.

893Ashby Netball Club

Tabled: 4/03/25 Signatories: 3

Amanda Hack

Jim Shannon

Sarah Edwards

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

901Rail fare increase

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 27

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.

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

Tabled: 5/03/25 Signatories: 27

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: 11

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.

910Covid-19 Day of Reflection 2025

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 43

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.

913Mobile phone usage in schools

Tabled: 6/03/25 Signatories: 37

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.

920Community pharmacies

Tabled: 10/03/25 Signatories: 52

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.

925Overseas aid budget

Tabled: 10/03/25 Signatories: 13

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.

928Tackling the climate and nature crisis

Tabled: 11/03/25 Signatories: 26

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.

934Workplace disabilities and sickle cell disease

Tabled: 12/03/25 Signatories: 11

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

Ayoub Khan

Carla Denyer

Ellie Chowns

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.

936Future of the adoption and special guardianship support fund

Tabled: 12/03/25 Signatories: 34

Jess Brown-Fuller

Wera Hobhouse

Adam Dance

Steve Darling

Cameron Thomas

Dr Al Pinkerton

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: 33

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: 16

Ellie Chowns

Carla Denyer

Siân Berry

Ayoub Khan

Adrian Ramsay

John McDonnell

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: 22

Helen Maguire

Calum Miller

Ian Roome

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

Claire Young

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.

942Minister for Coastal Communities

Tabled: 13/03/25 Signatories: 8

Martin Wrigley

Steff Aquarone

Jess Brown-Fuller

Edward Morello

Ian Roome

Rachel Gilmour

That this House calls on the Government to appoint a Minister for Coastal Communities to help tackle the unique set of issues that coastal communities face; and urges the Government to implement the recommendations of The Future of Seaside Towns: Follow-up Report to allocate a Ministerial portfolio within the Department specifically for seaside towns to create a clear point of contact and demonstrate the importance of these areas within the levelling up agenda, ensure the Minister with this portfolio attends all meetings of the Interministerial Group on Levelling Up to ensure coastal perspectives are considered, and develop a national coastal communities strategy in collaboration with the Local Government Association, coastal interest groups, and the private and third sectors.

943Three promotion places from the National League

Tabled: 13/03/25 Signatories: 6

Kate Osborne

Jon Trickett

Grahame Morris

Ian Lavery

Nadia Whittome

Margaret Mullane

That this House recognises the importance of the pyramid system in English football; welcomes efforts to distribute revenue more fairly across the system, and acknowledges the vital role of the 72 National League clubs as the top tier of non-League football in England; applauds the National League’s adoption of the Salary Cost Management Protocol next season to align with the English Football League (EFL), helping maintain the record of no National League club entering liquidation since 2013; supports the National League’s 3-Up campaign for three promotions into the EFL, welcoming the EFL’s willingness to discuss this, noting that it aligns with the Independent Football Regulator’s three objectives; and calls for the regulator to use its backstop to ensure both financial and promotional fairness within the National League system.

944Wellbeing benefits of outdoor education to young people

Tabled: 13/03/25 Signatories: 11

Tim Farron

Ian Roome

Martin Wrigley

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Edward Morello

That this House recognises the significant benefits of outdoor learning for children and young people; urges the Secretary of State to undertake a review of the value of those benefits; notes that more time learning outdoors provides an opportunity for children to learn skills and characteristics to cope with many of the societal problems of climate change, worsening child mental health, and high child obesity levels; further notes that there is significant evidence that outdoor learning and youth work enables better engagement with education, builds pro-environmental behaviours from a young age, and establishes team work and resilience in young people; and recognises that these practices build on a long heritage of outdoor learning in the UK.

945Horseracing and rural communities

Tabled: 14/03/25 Signatories: 2

Mr Lee Dillon

Helen Maguire

That this House recognises the importance of the horse racing industry to rural communities like Newbury; notes with concern the industry's recruitment challenges due to prohibitively high rural house prices; further recognises the need to extend high-speed broadband services to rural areas to support recruitment efforts; commends the dedication of industry employees, particularly Simone Meloni from Newbury, recipient of the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee of the Year award; and calls on the Government to provide greater support to this vital sport and work collaboratively with the industry to facilitate its future growth.

946SEND in schools

Tabled: 14/03/25 Signatories: 7

Mr Lee Dillon

Wera Hobhouse

Steve Darling

Adam Dance

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Zöe Franklin

That this House recognises the need for further classroom provisions to be implemented for children with SEND; notes with concern that resources for pupils with SEND are very limited and that there is a need for extra school places for such pupils; congratulates Castle School in Newbury for the commencement of a project that will create 32 extra classroom spaces for children with SEND; recognises the vital role that West Berkshire Council played in the investment of this project, highlighting its commitment to improving SEND education; and calls on the Government to support projects such as the one at Castle School to improve education for children with SEND.

947Wokingham District Primary School Girls football team and the ESFA National Cup Final

Tabled: 14/03/25 Signatories: 4

Clive Jones

Steve Darling

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Helen Maguire

That this House congratulates Wokingham District Primary School Girls Under 11s football team on reaching the National Final of the ESFA National Cup following their victory against Tonbridge and Malling; celebrates the role junior teams play in developing young talent for the future of association football; welcomes the continuing growth in participation in women's and girls' football across the UK; wishes the girls a safe and pleasant journey to Stoke City FC for the cup final; and hopes for a stunning win for Wokingham after a fair and competitive game.

949Reductions in welfare spending

Tabled: 14/03/25 Signatories: 8

Siân Berry

Sorcha Eastwood

Nadia Whittome

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Llinos Medi

That this House believes that the welfare system should be based on dignity and respect; further believes that years of damaging austerity inflicted upon public services and welfare provision by previous Conservative Governments has brought our communities to breaking point, with people in receipt of health-related benefits already facing inordinate hardships as a result; notes that the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has called on the UK Government to take corrective measures to address the immense negative impact of welfare cuts made since 2010; is concerned that 50 per cent of people claiming Universal Credit who have limited capability for work are unable to heat their homes or pay their bills and have low food security; is further concerned that, according to Scope, an added 700,000 disabled households will be pushed into poverty by the cuts rumoured to be set out in the forthcoming Green Paper on welfare reform; considers there is no moral case for making these cuts, the impact of which would be catastrophic for millions of disabled people; calls on the Government to address the root issues that lead to welfare claims, namely housing insecurity, poor quality jobs, huge wage inequality and a soaring mental health crisis; and further calls on the Government not to scapegoat disabled people by cutting the welfare payments on which they depend.

950Royal Television Society and withdrawal of award to journalists in Gaza

Tabled: 14/03/25 Signatories: 7

John McDonnell

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Llinos Medi

Ann Davies

Neil Duncan-Jordan

That this House expresses its strong concern at the decision by the Royal Television Society to scrap a special recognition award for journalists in Gaza; further expresses its support for the demand by nearly 400 people, including many prominent journalists, for full transparency about how the Society arrived at this decision; and also expresses its regret that this act by the Society displayed an appalling failure to respect the sacrifices made by journalists in Gaza, including the loss of 170 lives.

951Balgove Larder wins Countryside Alliance Award 2025

Tabled: 14/03/25 Signatories: 3

Wendy Chamberlain

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Helen Maguire

That this House congratulates Balgove Larder on winning this year’s Countryside Alliance Award in the Butcher Category for Scotland; notes that Balgove Larder is a farm shop just outside St Andrews and is a hub for locally reared, grown, caught, handmade and prepared foods; and celebrates all the hard work of the team at Balgove for their dedication and wishes them all the best for the future.