Published – Friday 28 March 2025

New EDMs

1018900th anniversary of Stirling

Tabled: 27/03/25 Signatories: 1

Chris Kane

That this House notes the conclusion of a year of celebrations marking the 900th anniversary of Stirling being granted Royal Burgh status by King David I; recognises the breadth and diversity of events that have engaged communities across Stirling in celebrating its rich heritage, including the Walking of the Marches, the Station Square Stirling Timeline artwork by artist David Galletly, and Stirling’s Makar, Laura Fyfe’s poem Her Slow Beating Heart; acknowledges the work of archaeologist and writer Dr Murray Cook in stimulating interest in the anniversary over a number of years; welcomes the contribution of the University of Stirling in launching the free online course Heart of Scotland: History & Heritage of Stirling at 900 Years; celebrates key moments such as Stirling’s first Pride, the 2024 edition of the Forth Valley Food and Drink Festival, and the Massed Pipe Band Parade to conclude the celebrations; commends the coordinating work of Stirling Council, particularly the civic office and the events team; further acknowledges the role of Artlink Central, in their 35th anniversary year, for documenting the impact and contributions of individuals, local groups, and the wider Stirling community throughout the Stirling 900 programme; and expresses confidence that the legacy of these celebrations will continue to inspire civic pride, cultural enrichment, and community engagement in Stirling for generations to come.

1019Chryston High School wind band

Tabled: 27/03/25 Signatories: 1

Katrina Murray

That this House congratulates Chryston High School wind band for winning a gold award at the Scottish Concert Band Festival final, which was held in Perth Concert Halls on 15 March; and recognises that their achievement is even more significant as this was the first time the band had competed in the Festival.

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.

944Wellbeing benefits of outdoor education to young people

Tabled: 13/03/25 Signatories: 29

Tim Farron

Ian Roome

Martin Wrigley

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Edward Morello

Mr Paul Kohler

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.

982Support for young disabled people after education

Tabled: 20/03/25 Signatories: 21

Max Wilkinson

Ellie Chowns

Helen Maguire

Tom Gordon

Liz Jarvis

Claire Young

Andrew George

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: 20

Helen Maguire

Ian Roome

Anna Sabine

Wera Hobhouse

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Rachael Maskell

Ellie ChownsAndrew George

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: 15

Kim Johnson

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Nadia Whittome

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Imran Hussain

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.

997Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance 25th anniversary

Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 14

Edward Morello

Helen Maguire

Anna Sabine

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Jim Shannon

Sarah Dyke

Simon Hoare

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: 25

Pippa Heylings

Helen Maguire

Ian Roome

Wera Hobhouse

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Rachael Maskell

Wendy ChamberlainBrian MathewSusan MurrayChris CoghlanEllie ChownsBen MaguireAndrew GeorgeEdward MorelloMike Martin

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: 10

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Ayoub Khan

Kim Johnson

Shockat Adam

Grahame MorrisEllie ChownsAndrew George

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: 9

Gavin Robinson

Carla Lockhart

Sammy Wilson

Jim Allister

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Sorcha 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: 11

Monica Harding

Helen Maguire

Claire Young

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Zöe Franklin

Ellie ChownsAndrew George

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: 3

Shockat Adam

Jim Shannon

Andrew George

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: 6

John McDonnell

Rachael Maskell

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

Ellie Chowns

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: 3

Lizzi Collinge

Jim Shannon

Dave Robertson

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: 8

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Llinos Medi

Ann Davies

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Andrew George

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.

1009Avanti West Coast ticket offices and station staffing

Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 9

Rebecca Long Bailey

Ayoub Khan

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Kim Johnson

Cat Smith

Grahame Morris

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.

1011Benefit reforms and Personal Independence Payment consultation

Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 10

Mr Clive Betts

Clive Efford

Abtisam Mohamed

Valerie Vaz

Melanie Onn

Karl Turner

Ellie Chowns

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: 10

Helen Maguire

Ayoub Khan

Jim Shannon

Zöe Franklin

Ian Roome

Dr Roz Savage

Susan MurrayPippa Heylings

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.

1014Human rights in Balochistan (No. 2)

Tabled: 26/03/25 Signatories: 2

John McDonnell

Ellie Chowns

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: 4

Martin Wrigley

Wera Hobhouse

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Adam Dance

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: 7

Tim Farron

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

Ellie Chowns

Andrew George

Steff Aquarone

Adam Dance

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: 3

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Graham Leadbitter

John McDonnell

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.