Contents
Published – Thursday 27 March 2025
Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 26 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
1013British Summer Time clock change
Tabled: 26/03/25 Signatories: 1
Mr Gregory Campbell
That this House notes the twice per year change when UK clocks and watches are altered by one hour, British Summer Time starting this year on 30 March and then changed back on 26 October; and calls for an informed debate on the advantages and disadvantages of deciding that there could be a five year period where no time changes occur, to establish whether there is a reduction in road accidents during the morning rush hour, and a favourable public reaction to the move away from the twice yearly change of one hour.
1014Human rights in Balochistan (No. 2)
Tabled: 26/03/25 Signatories: 1
John McDonnell
That this House strongly condemns the severe human rights violations with ongoing reports of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and violent crackdowns on peaceful protests in Balochistan; is alarmed by the recent arrest of Dr Mahrang Baloch, a prominent human rights activist, along with members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and their family members; notes that Dr Mahrang Baloch and activist Bebo Baloch were arrested during a peaceful demonstration in Quetta, sparked by the enforced disappearance of BYC member Beberg Baloch and his brother, Dr Hammal Baloch, a scientist; further notes reports indicate that both were later handed over to the police and placed under remand without due process; is shocked that during the sit-in protest, security forces reportedly opened indiscriminate fire on demonstrators, resulting in at least five fatalities, including 13-year-old Nehmat Baloch, while leaving many others injured; understands that the authorities have intensified their suppression of demonstrations, using excessive force and live ammunition to disperse crowds and prevent further gatherings; calls on the Government to demand the immediate and unconditional release of Dr Mahrang Baloch, Bebo Baloch, Bebarg Zehri, Dr Hammal Zehri, Sammi Baloch, Lala Wahab, Nabeel Nodh, and other detained activists; and urges the Pakistani authorities to uphold fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
1015Beer festivals 2025
Tabled: 26/03/25 Signatories: 1
Martin Wrigley
That this House gives special thanks to MaltingsFest in April 2025, supported by the Society of Independent Brewers, Warminster Maltings, and Newton Abbot Town Council; further gives thanks to other beer festivals across the country; supports businesses struggling with the hike in the cost-of-living which is impacting businesses and jobs across the South West and the whole UK, including the increases in utilities costs, raw material prices, and National Insurance contributions; and thanks CAMRA and the BBPA for their work supporting pubs and breweries across the country.
1016Radiotherapy (No. 2)
Tabled: 26/03/25 Signatories: 1
Tim Farron
This House acknowledges the urgent need for a bold and comprehensive National Cancer Plan to reduce cancer waiting times from point of referral; recognises that radiotherapy is a lifesaving, highly advanced, and cost-effective treatment needed in half of all cancer cures and by one in four people in the UK at some point in their lives; pays tribute to the frontline professionals delivering this care across the country; notes with concern that cancer waiting times have been routinely missed in recent years, with too many patients unable to access modern radiotherapy; and calls for the National Cancer Plan to prioritise improving access to curative radiotherapy, invest in AI technology that empowers clinicians, and ensure patients receive timely, effective treatment to ease pressures on NHS cancer services, waitlists, workforce, and technology.
1017Government review into Volumetric Concrete Mobile plants
Tabled: 26/03/25 Signatories: 1
Mr Alistair Carmichael
That this House celebrates the Volumetric Concrete Mobile (VCM) sector employing 15,000 skilled workers in 155 constituencies, contributing £380m to the economy and £100m to the Exchequer; notes that from 1975 VCMs have run at weights above 32 tonnes to produce concrete with zero waste, servicing multiple customers, pouring different strengths of concrete on one circuit, saving an estimated 14 million concrete lorry miles pa on UK roads, eliminating 598,000 lorry journeys and 120,000 tonnes of CO2 creating a 20% increase in CO2, nitrogen oxide and particulates, generating carbon costs of £7 million pa and requiring 200 more HGV drivers; further notes that VCMs avoid wasting c.4.8 billion litres of water pa required by old-fashioned drum mixers to flush out concrete waste, and expresses concern that National Highways failed to carry out an environmental impact assessment on cutting VCM weights to 32 tonnes, and made no account in its calculations of the fact that most VCMs weight under 32 tonnes after the first delivery of the day while almost all drum mixers weigh 32 tonnes for their entire journey to every site and failed to question the c40 roll-overs of drum mixers as against one for VCMs; highlights that 5-axle 44 tonne VCMs manufactured and exported from the UK are road legal in many countries including Canada, Denmark and Brazil; and urges Ministers to review this decision and make the current 38.4 and 44 tonne weight limits permanent before the next election, honouring a pledge given before the 2024 election.
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.
936Future of the adoption and special guardianship support fund
Tabled: 12/03/25 Signatories: 50
Jess Brown-Fuller
Wera Hobhouse
Adam Dance
Steve Darling
Cameron Thomas
Dr Al Pinkerton
Mr Will Forster
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.
944Wellbeing benefits of outdoor education to young people
Tabled: 13/03/25 Signatories: 28
Tim Farron
Ian Roome
Martin Wrigley
Helen Maguire
Adam Dance
Edward Morello
Mr Will ForsterBrian Mathew
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.
955Carbon monoxide safety
Tabled: 17/03/25 Signatories: 10
Jim Shannon
Andrew George
Brian Leishman
Ayoub Khan
Siân Berry
Ellie Chowns
Mr Gregory Campbell
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.
963Chronic urinary tract infections and women's health
Tabled: 17/03/25 Signatories: 26
Helen Maguire
Helen Morgan
Dr Roz Savage
Luke Taylor
Andrew George
Wera Hobhouse
Zöe FranklinMr Will Forster
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.
964Support for Saturday clubs
Tabled: 18/03/25 Signatories: 8
Martin Wrigley
Helen Maguire
Adam Dance
Jim Shannon
Christine Jardine
Steve Darling
Mr Lee Dillon
That this House recognises the important work that Saturday clubs perform for vulnerable young people and their families; further recognises the need for Saturday clubs such as the Orchard Saturday Club to receive proper funding settlements; and also recognises the important work that Saturday clubs perform in training people on safeguarding, first aid and specialist skills.
965Coalfields Regeneration Trust funding
Tabled: 18/03/25 Signatories: 44
Grahame Morris
Elaine Stewart
Ian Lavery
Adam Jogee
Paul Davies
Steve Yemm
Luke Myer
That this House recognises the invaluable contribution of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) in supporting economic regeneration, employment, and growth in coalfield communities across the UK; notes that the CRT was established in 1999 by the then Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to address the economic and social challenges resulting from the closure of coal mines in the 1980/90s; acknowledges that the CRT received direct Government funding between 1999 and 2015 and has since developed an innovative community wealth-building model that reinvests rental income from industrial units into local economic and social initiatives; further notes that the CRT is requesting £10 million per annum in capital funding over the next five years to develop a minimum of two industrial unit projects per year, providing 500,000 square feet of new industrial space and generating over 1,000 new jobs upon completion, alongside hundreds of construction jobs and additional supply chain benefits; further recognises that this investment would generate up to £4 million annually in self-sustaining revenue for coalfield communities; highlights the independent evaluation by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies which found that the CRT delivers an annual economic benefit of £413 million, generates £7.50 in local community returns for every £1 invested, and provides £35.4 million in annual cost savings to the state; and urges the Government to approve the CRT’s funding request as a key part of its mission to bring growth to every part of the UK and as part of the Government’s neighbourhoods and communities strategy.
975DARC in Wales
Tabled: 19/03/25 Signatories: 14
Liz Saville Roberts
Helen Maguire
Jeremy Corbyn
Siân Berry
Ellie Chowns
Steve Witherden
Kirsty BlackmanSeamus Logan
That this House notes with deep concern the proposed US-UK-Australian military radar project, DARC (Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability), which would install 27 21m-high, 15m-wide parabolic radar dishes within sight of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park; believes this would severely harm the visual landscape, local tourism, and the internationally recognised natural ecology of the area; further notes the concerns regarding potential health risks posed by radiofrequency signals, as indicated by scientific studies, on residential populations located less than a kilometre from the site; highlights that DARC, as part of the AUKUS Treaty, is in violation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty’s prohibition on the national appropriation of space and undermines international law; warns that the deployment of anti-satellite weaponry, for which DARC is a crucial targeting device, threatens to destabilise the civilian satellite network by generating hazardous space debris of a volatile and unpredictable nature which increases the probability of damage to essential infrastructure; urges the Government to recognise that DARC lacks strategic military necessity compared to other priorities; and calls on the government to permanently withdraw its planning application for the Pembrokeshire site and any alternative UK location.
978Rory McIlroy's victory at the 2025 Players Championship
Tabled: 20/03/25 Signatories: 3
Alex Easton
Jim Shannon
Mr Gregory Campbell
That this House congratulates Rory McIlroy on his outstanding victory at the 2025 Players Championship, marking his second triumph at this prestigious event; recognises his extraordinary talent, skill and unwavering dedication to the sport of golf, showcased by his exceptional performance in overcoming challenging conditions at Sawgrass; applauds his resilience, remarkable consistency and excellence in securing his 28th PGA Tour title, a testament to his continuing growth as a golfer, affirming that he is now a more complete and accomplished player than at any previous point in his illustrious career; acknowledges the pride and positive recognition he consistently brings to Northern Ireland through his achievements on the international stage; highlights the inspirational role he plays for aspiring athletes around the world, demonstrating the values of determination, professionalism and sportsmanship; and extends best wishes and support for his continued pursuit of further success, particularly in achieving his long-standing goal of completing the career Grand Slam at the Masters in Augusta.
981Congratulating Alan Hansen on receiving an MBE
Tabled: 20/03/25 Signatories: 3
Brian Leishman
Jim Shannon
Mr Gregory Campbell
That this House congratulates Scottish football legend Alan Hansen on being awarded an MBE for his outstanding services to football and broadcasting; recognises that Hansen, born in Sauchie, Clackmannanshire, began his career with Partick Thistle before becoming one of Scotland’s greatest footballing exports, winning eight First Division titles, three European Cups, and two FA Cups with Liverpool during the 1970s and 1980s; commends his contribution to the Scottish national team, earning 26 caps; acknowledges his highly respected and influential role as a pundit on BBC’s Match of the Day for over two decades, where his expert analysis shaped football coverage and debate in the UK; notes his recovery from serious illness last summer and wishes him continued good health; and celebrates his lasting contribution to Scottish and British football, both on and off the pitch.
982Support for young disabled people after education
Tabled: 20/03/25 Signatories: 20
Max Wilkinson
Ellie Chowns
Helen Maguire
Tom Gordon
Liz Jarvis
Claire Young
Mr Will Forster
That this House acknowledges the findings in the National Star and the Together Trust’s report entitled What Comes After Education; recognises the report’s key findings, including that young people do not feel listened to, feel worried about leaving education, need access to meaningful activities, want to choose where they live and who they live with, want to be able to work, want meaningful relationships, need reasonable adjustments to attend university, and that transition plans must be proactive and involve the young person and their family; urges the Government to consider the report’s findings when deciding on changes to welfare policy; and calls on the Government to enact the report’s recommendations when enacting welfare changes.
985Access to football pitches for women and girls
Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 18
Helen Maguire
Ian Roome
Anna Sabine
Wera Hobhouse
Mr Joshua Reynolds
Rachael Maskell
Chris CoghlanMr Will ForsterZöe FranklinTom GordonMr Lee DillonDr Roz Savage
That this House expresses concern over ongoing inequalities in access to quality training facilities for women’s and girls’ football; notes that women's and girls’ teams are often allocated pitches in worse locations and poorer conditions than their male counterparts; further notes reports from local clubs that training slots for women's teams are frequently being taken by men’s teams, limiting opportunities for women and girls to participate in the sport; believes that equal access to quality facilities is essential for gender equality in football; and calls on the Government, local authorities, and sporting bodies to take urgent action to ensure fair distribution of pitches and training resources for players at all levels.
986Fee waivers for ILR applications
Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 14
Kim Johnson
Rachael Maskell
Jim Shannon
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Nadia Whittome
Bell Ribeiro-Addy
Jon TrickettMs Diane AbbottApsana Begum
That this House supports the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London’s call for a fee waiver to be introduced for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications for those on family and private life visas; notes that ILR provides security and stability, yet the £2,885 fee is unaffordable for many despite costing the Home Office just £646 to process; regrets that this denies many people, including UK born children and parents of British children, permanent status and forces them into financial hardship and repeated visa renewals; believes this system is counterproductive, creating unnecessary administrative burdens for both individuals and the Home Office; and calls on the Government to introduce a fee waiver to ensure financial barriers do not prevent people securing permanent immigration status after completing their qualifying periods.
98810th anniversary of the reinterment of King Richard III
Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 5
Shockat Adam
Jim Shannon
Amanda Hack
Ayoub Khan
Shivani Raja
That this House celebrates the 10th anniversary of the reinterment of King Richard III in Leicester South; recognises the historic significance of his discovery by the University of Leicester in 2012 and his reburial in Leicester Cathedral in 2015; commends the work of the local archaeologists, historians and the local community in uncovering and preserving this important chapter of British history; notes the continued cultural and educational impact, with the King Richard III Visitor Centre welcoming over 300,000 visitors since its opening; and recognises the importance of heritage-led regeneration in strengthening a city’s identity, tourism economy and community engagement.
997Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance 25th anniversary
Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 13
Edward Morello
Helen Maguire
Anna Sabine
Mr Joshua Reynolds
Jim Shannon
Sarah Dyke
Rachel GilmourLloyd HattonDr Roz Savage
That this House recognises the brilliant work of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance on its 25th anniversary of dedicated service; further recognises the extraordinary contribution of its pilots, volunteers, paramedics, and doctors in providing lifesaving pre-hospital critical care to people in need, particularly in remote, coastal and rural areas; notes that the service has responded to nearly 3,000 incidents in the past year alone; acknowledges the vital role the air ambulance plays in transporting patients to Dorset County Hospital; pays tribute to the first patient treated by the charity 25 years ago, who has spoken of his gratitude and the service’s lifesaving impact; applauds the unwavering support of the public, whose donations have enabled the service to grow from small beginnings to a vital emergency response resource; and expresses profound gratitude for the dedication and commitment of all those who have contributed to the continued success of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance in saving lives across the region.
1000Ensuring stability for Ukrainian refugees in the UK
Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 16
Pippa Heylings
Helen Maguire
Ian Roome
Wera Hobhouse
Mr Joshua Reynolds
Rachael Maskell
Mr Will ForsterTom GordonMr Lee DillonLuke MyerDr Roz Savage
That this House believes that Ukrainian refugees fleeing war must be treated with compassion in the UK; recognises that the war in Ukraine still wages on, more than three years after Putin first invaded; notes with concern recent reports that some Ukrainian refugees have faced losing their homes and jobs due to uncertainty around their visa extensions; acknowledges that Ukrainian refugees deserve certainty, enabling them to rebuild their lives in the UK if they wish and fully contribute to our economy; further acknowledges that certainty regarding visa extensions would grant young Ukrainians the opportunity to complete their education in the UK to protect and enhance their future; and calls on the Government to give Ukrainian refugees the certainty they deserve by automatically extending their visas and setting out a pathway for obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain.
1001Changes to Great Western Railway ticket offices and stations
Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 7
John McDonnell
Jim Shannon
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Ayoub Khan
Kim Johnson
Shockat Adam
Jon Trickett
That this House is alarmed that First Group rail operator Great Western Railway (GWR) has proposed a number of changes to its stations and ticket offices which include reducing ticket office windows and opening hours; is shocked that it should propose these changes despite the unprecedented and overwhelming public opposition to plans in 2023 to close around 1,000 ticket offices, including at GWR, which demonstrated the importance of ticket offices and station staff for many rail passengers; recognises that the recent Transport Committee report found that the ticket office closure plans risked significantly damaging people’s access to rail and the presence of staff is often a crucial determinant as to whether disabled people are able to travel by rail; is concerned that GWR’s proposals will undermine the role of ticket offices, to the detriment of passenger safety, security and accessibility; understands that the RMT union, which represents GWR station staff, is opposed to these proposals and has expressed concerns about a lack of proper negotiation by the company; notes that GWR paid out dividends of £24.3m in 2024; further notes that GWR is operating under a National Rail contract managed and funded by the Government; and calls on the Government to instruct GWR to scrap its proposed changes to ticket offices and stations and commit to retaining all ticket office and station staffing levels, operating hours and window provision.
1002100th anniversary of East Belfast District Scouts
Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 8
Gavin Robinson
Carla Lockhart
Sammy Wilson
Jim Allister
Mr Gregory Campbell
Jim Shannon
Claire HannaColum Eastwood
That this House notes the 100th anniversary of the East Belfast District Scouts; commends District Lead Volunteer Gareth McAuley and his team for a hugely successful celebratory centenary parade and service at Campbell College, Belfast on 23 March 2025; acknowledges the selfless dedication of scout leaders past and present; honours the generations of young people who have benefitted through fun, gained values and skills for life; and wishes East Belfast District Scouts every success for the next 100 years and beyond.
1003Support for the World Health Organization
Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 9
Monica Harding
Helen Maguire
Claire Young
Rachael Maskell
Jim Shannon
Zöe Franklin
Mr Will ForsterTom GordonDr Roz Savage
That this House affirms its support for the World Health Organization (WHO); believes that President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO via an executive order is irresponsible and dangerous; recognises that in an interconnected world, global health security and national health security are closely connected; further recognises that multilateral cooperation is vital for addressing health threats arising from climate change, anti-microbial resistance, low vaccination rates, and the proliferation of conflict and state fragility; further believes that the WHO’s work on these issues and on pandemic preparedness is essential for delivering the improved global health outcomes that will help to keep the UK safe; welcomes the Government’s continued support of the WHO; and calls on the Government to encourage its American counterparts to restart support and funding for the WHO.
1004Bangladesh Independence Day
Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 2
Shockat Adam
Jim Shannon
That this House celebrates the 54th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh; recognises the events of the Liberation War as a reminder of the importance of the right to self-determination and freedom; commemorates all those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and independence of Bangladesh; remembers the victims of the atrocities committed during the conflict, particularly the widespread use of rape as a weapon of war; further recognises the huge progress Bangladesh has made, particularly in social and economic development, since 1971; acknowledges the efforts of the interim government to navigate the current political transition period; and calls for continued support for Bangladesh’s political stability and the need for a transition into a democratically elected government with free and fair elections to ensure long term stability in Bangladesh.
1005Royal Academy of Arts proposed job reductions
Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 5
John McDonnell
Rachael Maskell
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Jim Shannon
Jon Trickett
That this House expresses its serious concerns at the proposals of the Royal Academy of Arts to put at risk the jobs of nearly 100 staff which will undermine many of the core functions of the Academy; and calls upon the management of the Academy to enter into serious and meaningful negotiations with the union representing the staff to secure an agreed way forward that protects the interests of both the Academy and its staff.
1006Rural market towns
Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 2
Lizzi Collinge
Jim Shannon
That this House recognises Kirkby Lonsdale as one of the top places to live in the UK, as reported by The Sunday Times; applauds the community for their continued work following a devastating fire in December; and agrees that rural market towns are an asset to our country.
1007BBC Sounds provision
Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 7
Liz Saville Roberts
Ben Lake
Llinos Medi
Ann Davies
Rachael Maskell
Jim Shannon
Jon Trickett
That this House recognises the importance of BBC sounds for audiences across the UK and the world; expresses deep disappointment with the BBC’s decision to restrict the use of BBC sounds to listeners living in the UK; further recognises that access to Radio Cymru on BBC Sounds plays a significant role in connecting the Welsh diaspora with Wales; notes that this will have a negative impact on Welsh speakers living outside of the UK; further notes that it will specifically have a detrimental impact on the next generation of Welsh speakers outside the UK; and seeks clarity from the BBC about the reason behind this decision.
1008Amlwch Viking Festival 2025
Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 5
Llinos Medi
Ben Lake
Ann Davies
Liz Saville Roberts
Jim Shannon
That this House celebrates the return of Amlwch Viking Festival on 26 and 27 July 2025; extends its congratulations to the organisers of the event; pays tribute to Amlwch Town Council and to Val Roberts, Eric Roberts, John Byast and Di and Titch Craddock, the late John Hughes Britannia and Peter Williams who first established this festival in 1996; expresses enthusiasm about the Viking re-enactments scheduled to take place; notes that the Amlwch Viking Festival provides a unique and immersive insight into the Viking’s way of life; recognises that Amlwch Viking Festival offers an opportunity for people across the community to come together and enjoy a cultural experience; acknowledges that such events have a positive impact on the local economy and tourist industry; offers best wishes to the festival organisers and Amlwch community.
1009Avanti West Coast ticket offices and station staffing
Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 8
Rebecca Long Bailey
Ayoub Khan
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Jim Shannon
Kim Johnson
Cat Smith
Shockat AdamJon Trickett
That this House understands that First Group majority-owned rail operator Avanti West Coast has been undertaking a stations rostering review; is alarmed at reports that this review may be used to undermine ticket offices and station staffing, with Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street and London Euston stations particularly affected; recognises that the RMT union has longstanding concerns about Avanti’s failure to fill station staff vacancies and its widespread reliance on fixed-term contracts, leading to delays at ticket offices and closures of ticket offices during their regulated hours; is concerned that these issues persist despite the overwhelming opposition to the 2023 ticket office closures proposals which demonstrated the importance of ticket offices and staff for many passengers; acknowledges that a recent Transport Committee report found that the ticket office closure plans risked significantly damaging people’s access to rail and the presence of staff is often a crucial determinant as to whether disabled people are able to travel by rail; expresses concern that Avanti’s proposals risk detrimental impacts on passenger safety, service and accessibility; notes that Avanti paid out dividends of £8.1 million in 2024; further notes that Avanti is on a National Rail contract managed and funded by the Government; and therefore calls on the Government to instruct Avanti to permanently fill all existing vacancies, transfer staff on fixed term contracts onto permanent contracts and ensure its ticket offices and stations are properly staffed.
101030th anniversary of Manor Estates Housing Association in Edinburgh
Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 2
Dr Scott Arthur
Jim Shannon
That this House celebrates the 30th anniversary of Manor Estates Housing Association in Edinburgh; acknowledges the significant contributions Manor Estates Housing Association has made to the local community since its establishment in 1995; recognises the vital role it has played in providing affordable, high-quality housing and fostering a sense of community among residents; commends the dedication and hard work of the staff, volunteers and residents who have contributed to its success over the past three decades; and calls on the Government to continue supporting charitable housing associations like Manor Estates Housing Association to ensure they can keep delivering essential services and improving the quality of life for people in their communities.
1011Benefit reforms and Personal Independence Payment consultation
Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 9
Mr Clive Betts
Clive Efford
Abtisam Mohamed
Valerie Vaz
Melanie Onn
Karl Turner
Neil Duncan-JordanJim ShannonCat Smith
That this House welcomes proposals which have the objective of ensuring more young people are supported into work; wishes to ensure that the people with the most severe disabilities continue to get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other support; and, to ensure this happens, requires the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to fully consult on all changes to PIP eligibly criteria before such measures are put before Parliament for a vote.
1012Congratulating Barry Ahearn
Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 8
Helen Maguire
Ayoub Khan
Jim Shannon
Zöe Franklin
Ian Roome
Dr Roz Savage
Adam DanceEdward Morello
That this House congratulates Barry Ahearn who completed 27 half marathons in honour of his sister Abbie Walsh who sadly passed away following a cardiac arrest during an epileptic seizure in September 2023; applauds that his amazing efforts have raised awareness of the seriousness of the condition; recognises that the funds he has raised will further epilepsy research and support those already suffering with the condition; notes that Wednesday 26 March 2025 is Purple Day, Epilepsy Awareness Day; further recognises that around 1 in 100 people in the UK have epilepsy; and calls on the Government to improve the diagnosis of epilepsy and the supply of the necessary medication so those with the condition can be identified and treated as soon as possible.