Contents

Published – Wednesday 21 May 2025

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 20 May 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

1298130th anniversary of R.J. Mitchell

Tabled: 20/05/25 Signatories: 1

Dr Allison Gardner

That this House pays tribute to R.J. Mitchell, lead designer of the Spitfire, on the 130th anniversary of his birth; notes his contribution to victory in the Battle of Britain through his work on the Spitfire; and further notes his connection to North Staffordshire and celebrates his collaboration with Rolls Royce, who built the Merlin engine, which was vital to the defeat of the Nazis.

1299Gillies 130 years in business in Broughty Ferry

Tabled: 20/05/25 Signatories: 1

Stephen Gethins

That this House congratulates Gillies of Broughty Ferry in marking 130 years in business; celebrates its role as one of the largest furniture retailers in Scotland; notes their involvement in giving back to the community of Broughty Ferry by supporting the Summer Gala Week and raising money for a nominated charity in their annual Christmas display; and acknowledges their sustainability efforts through initiatives such as introducing bio-based carrier bags and recycling carpet offcuts and furniture packaging.

1300Legacy League’s fundraising for Newbury Cancer Care

Tabled: 20/05/25 Signatories: 1

Mr Lee Dillon

That this House recognises the efforts of the organisers of the Legacy League, Andrew Downing and Ashley Stockwell, for hosting a charity football tournament at Trinity School in Newbury to raise funds for Newbury Cancer Care; notes that the tournament consisted of eight teams and 85 players; congratulates all those involved in the event, which raised over £7,000 for Newbury Cancer Care; acknowledges the vital work of Newbury Cancer Care in supporting people across West Berkshire, including the provision of specialist medical equipment and support for healthcare workers to attend training courses; further notes the significant challenges currently facing small healthcare charities; and calls on the Government to recognise the importance of small healthcare charities and the contribution they make to local communities.

1301Carnoustie Golf Links wins Best Golf Course in Scotland award

Tabled: 20/05/25 Signatories: 1

Stephen Gethins

That this House congratulates Carnoustie Golf Links on being awarded Best Golf Course in Scotland over £250 at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards; recognises the significance of this achievement in celebrating excellence in Scottish golf; commends the dedication of the entire Carnoustie team in maintaining its reputation as golf’s greatest test; acknowledges the invaluable support of guests, suppliers, season ticket holders, local community members, and partners in sustaining its success; and wishes Carnoustie continued recognition as a world-class golfing destination.

1302120 years of DC Thomson

Tabled: 20/05/25 Signatories: 2

Stephen Gethins

Chris Law

That this House marks 120 years since the establishment of DC Thomson in Dundee, celebrating its profound impact on publishing, journalism, and popular culture; recognises its role in shaping the city’s identity and entertaining generations through some of the most iconic comic characters in history, including The Beano, The Dandy, Oor Wullie, and The Broons; acknowledges its contribution to news and storytelling through The Courier, The Evening Telegraph, and legendary titles such as Jackie and Commando; commends its ability to evolve in the digital age while maintaining its rich heritage; and expresses gratitude for its enduring creativity and innovation, ensuring Dundee remains at the heart of publishing for generations to come.

1303Women in Transport's 20th anniversary

Tabled: 20/05/25 Signatories: 1

Mrs Elsie Blundell

That this House congratulates Women in Transport on the occasion of its 20th anniversary; recognises and commends the organisation’s outstanding work in championing gender diversity and inclusion across the transport sector; applauds its commitment to supporting, connecting and advancing women at all stages of their careers throughout the UK; and wishes the organisation continued success in its vital work to create a more equitable, inclusive and representative transport industry.

1304Imprisonment of Lucy Connolly

Tabled: 20/05/25 Signatories: 1

Rupert Lowe

That this House notes with concern the continued imprisonment of Lucy Connolly, a young mother, for a non-violent offence; recognises that the UK’s prison system is facing unprecedented overcrowding; further notes that the use of custodial sentences for non-violent offenders, particularly primary carers, undermines family stability, disproportionately affects children, and is often counterproductive in reducing reoffending; believes that prison should be reserved for those who pose a serious risk to the public; and calls on the Government to urgently review sentencing practices, expand the use of community-based alternatives, and ensure that limited prison space is prioritised for dangerous and violent offenders, not young mothers like Lucy Connolly.

1305Shrill carder bee

Tabled: 20/05/25 Signatories: 1

Sarah Dyke

That this House notes with concern the decline of the Shrill carder bee; is alarmed that the Shrill carder bee is now only found in several areas of the UK including the Somerset Levels; further notes the vital role bees and other pollinators play in our ecosystems and food security; celebrates World Bee Day 2025; highlights that 85-95% of the UK’s insect-pollinated crops rely on wild pollinators; notes that insect species pollinate £690 million worth of crops annually; but is concerned about the habitat destruction insects and pollinators face; notes with concern that 97% of all flower-rich grassland has been lost in the past 50 years; is further concerned by the damage that the use of pesticides containing neonicotinoids has on areas of wildlife, including the mobility of bees; congratulates the hard work of organisations such as Buglife and their B-Line project that is creating a network of insect highways across the UK reconnecting fragmented wildflower-rich habitats; and calls on the Government to build on the success of the National Pollinator Strategy by creating a complementary National Invertebrate Strategy.

1306Glenskirlie Castle, Scottish Prestige Hotel Awards

Tabled: 20/05/25 Signatories: 1

Euan Stainbank

That this House congratulates Glenskirlie Castle in Banknock on being highly commended in the Best 4-Star Hotel (Central) category at the Scottish Prestige Hotel Awards 2025; recognises the hard work and dedication of all staff in delivering outstanding hospitality; and wishes the team continued success in future awards and endeavours.

1307Employee ownership of United Auctions

Tabled: 20/05/25 Signatories: 1

Chris Kane

That this House congratulates United Auctions on becoming the first employee-owned livestock auctioneering business in the UK; notes that this landmark transition to employee ownership marks an exciting new chapter for the company, which has been at the heart of Scotland’s agricultural community for generations; pays tribute to George Purves, Managing Director, on the occasion of his retirement after almost 50 years of outstanding service to the industry, including eight years as Managing Director; recognises his pivotal role in delivering the company’s strategic succession plan and preparing it for employee ownership, ensuring that the business remains rooted in the communities it serves; acknowledges Mr Purves’s leadership in expanding United Auctions to nine centres, increasing turnover to £250 million, supporting the revitalisation of Oban Livestock Centre, and creating the Lamb for St Andrew’s Day campaign, which has reached over 600 schools and 160,000 pupils; welcomes Mr Purves’s continued involvement as Chairman of the Trustee Board; and wishes the company and its employee-owners every success in the future.

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.

1191Safe sleep standards in early years settings

Tabled: 6/05/25 Signatories: 28

Tom Morrison

Helen Maguire

Liz Jarvis

Jim Shannon

Adam Dance

Clive Jones

That this House expresses its heartfelt condolences to the family of nine-month-old Genevieve (Gigi) Meehan, who tragically died in May 2022 while in the care of a nursery in Cheadle, Greater Manchester; pays tribute to her mother Katie Wheeler and father John Meehan for their courage and determination in campaigning for change to prevent further tragedies; acknowledges the vital support and expertise of the Lullaby Trust in championing safer sleep guidance; notes with serious concern the failings in nursery safety standards and oversight that led to Gigi’s death, including dangerous sleep practices and a lack of proper monitoring; also notes with concern that there have been 5,795 allegations of children being harmed in nursery settings in the last five years; believes urgent reform is needed to ensure consistent, enforceable safer sleep standards across early years settings; calls on the Government and Ofsted to conduct a full review of current guidance and practice; and further calls for mandatory safer sleep training for all early years staff and inspectors, compulsory installation of CCTV in all nurseries and early years settings, routine review of CCTV footage during inspections, regular genuinely unannounced Ofsted visits where concerns have been raised, and clear, statutory guidance on safe sleep practices and products for babies under two.

1195Better Jobs, Better Services campaign

Tabled: 6/05/25 Signatories: 30

Kim Johnson

John McDonnell

Rachael Maskell

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Apsana Begum

Grahame Morris

That this House notes that the Government has committed to oversee the biggest wave of insourcing for a generation; welcomes the RMT’s new Better Jobs, Better Services campaign, calling for an end to outsourcing of essential rail services such as cleaning, station staffing, catering, security, infrastructure and engineering across the rail and metro networks; further notes that RMT research shows outsourcing has cost the taxpayer and farepayer £400 million annually in profits leaking out of the rail industry, the equivalent of a 3.8 per cent fare cut, while insourcing and integrating these services with the rest of the network would provide better quality, safety and value for money; also notes concerns that outsourcing is driven by employers engaging workers on inferior terms and conditions, such as poor sick pay and pensions, and that outsourcing could be embedding systemic racism on parts of the rail network where workers are disproportionally from a BME background; is encouraged that cleaning, station, catering, infrastructure and engineering services are already provided in-house, or there are discussions to do so, on many parts of the parts of the network; and therefore calls on the Government and devolved transport authorities to extend the policy of building an integrated and publicly-owned railway network to also become a vehicle to end rail outsourcing, delivering better jobs and services.

1217Electoral reform

Tabled: 7/05/25 Signatories: 40

Sarah Olney

Tom Gordon

Wera Hobhouse

Ian Roome

Adam Dance

Clive Jones

That this House believes there is urgent need for electoral reform for elections in England; further believes that the local and mayoral elections which took place across England on 1 May 2025 are the latest result to highlight the inadequacy of the current system, showing a record breaking fragmentation of the vote; notes with concern that three in five English people did not vote for the candidate who won in their local, mayoral, and parliamentary elections, of the 1,282 contested wards in last week's elections, the average two-party vote share was just 36.8% which is the lowest on record; urges the Government to bring forward legislation to reform the electoral system via proportional representation for UK general elections as well as local elections in England; and calls on the Government to outline what plans they have to reform the electoral system to make it more representative of the British electorate and deliver fair votes.

1222Speed camera guidance

Tabled: 8/05/25 Signatories: 10

Lisa Smart

Helen Maguire

Clive Jones

Mr Angus MacDonald

Tom Morrison

Sarah Dyke

That this House notes with deep concern the persistence of dangerous speeding on roads such as Strines Road in the constituency of Hazel Grove, where residents have repeatedly raised the alarm over unsafe driving conditions and the inadequacy of current enforcement mechanisms; regrets that under current guidance issued by the Department for Transport, most notably in Circular 01/2007: Using speed and red-light cameras for traffic enforcement: deployment, visibility and signing, fixed speed cameras are typically only deployed after three or more fatal or serious injury collisions have occurred; believes that this reactive approach undermines efforts to protect lives before preventable tragedies occur; supports the principle that road safety policy should be guided by clear evidence of danger, repeated community reporting, and visible patterns of high-speed driving; welcomes the Department's intention to include measures on speeding in the forthcoming Road Safety Strategy; and calls on the Government to use this opportunity to revise Circular 01/2007 to shift the focus to proactive, preventative intervention based on risk assessment and local need.

1224Protection of free expression and resistance to blasphemy laws

Tabled: 8/05/25 Signatories: 5

Rupert Lowe

Charlie Dewhirst

Bradley Thomas

Mr Peter Bedford

Sammy Wilson

That this House reaffirms its unwavering commitment to freedom of expression as a fundamental pillar of British democracy; notes with concern recent efforts, both formal and informal, to reintroduce blasphemy-style restrictions under the guise of hate crime, or public order; recalls that the UK formally abolished its blasphemy laws in 2008, recognising that in a free society, no religion or belief system, including Islam, should be immune from criticism, debate, satire or offence; and calls on the Government to issue clear guidance to police forces, public bodies and educational institutions that the United Kingdom upholds freedom of thought, speech, and expression, including the right to criticise, mock, or reject religious ideas, and that it will not tolerate any drift, intentional or otherwise, toward the reintroduction of blasphemy laws in any form whatsoever.

1226UK role in peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tabled: 8/05/25 Signatories: 21

James MacCleary

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

Tom Morrison

Rachel Gilmour

Adam Dance

That this House notes with deep concern the ongoing threats to peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly the actions of Milorad Dodik in rejecting the authority of the international peace envoy and undermining the Dayton Agreement; recalls the consistent warnings of the late Lord Ashdown, former High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, about the fragility of peace in the region; further notes with regret the UK Government’s 2020 decision to withdraw British troops from the EUFOR Althea peacekeeping mission, which sent the wrong signal about the UK’s commitment to the region; and calls on the Government to urgently reconsider its position, recommit to EUFOR and work in close coordination with international partners to strengthen regional stability and prevent further deterioration of the situation in the Western Balkans.

1230Gaza occupation proposals

Tabled: 8/05/25 Signatories: 61

Calum Miller

Monica Harding

James MacCleary

Helen Maguire

Tom Morrison

Munira Wilson

That this House expresses its outrage at proposals by the Israeli Government to indefinitely occupy Gaza; condemns the plans for the further forced displacement of Palestinians; affirms its belief that, if realised, these would constitute clear breaches of international law; notes with immense concern that these proposals will only make it more difficult to ensure the remaining Israeli hostages in Hamas' captivity will return to Israel safely; believes that these measures will not bring more long-term security to Israel; urges the Government to commit to banning the export of all UK arms to Israel to ensure no UK weapons can be used to perpetrate human rights abuses in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; further urges the Government to sanction the extremist Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, who actively promote expansion into the Occupied Palestinian Territories; and calls on the Government immediately to recognise the state of Palestine, as a way of giving hope to millions of Palestinians and affirming their right to self-determination.

1233Deaf Awareness Week 2025

Tabled: 8/05/25 Signatories: 39

Tom Gordon

Helen Maguire

Wendy Chamberlain

Wera Hobhouse

Rachel Gilmour

Adam Dance

That this House recognises the importance of, and celebrates, Deaf Awareness Week 2025; acknowledges this year’s theme, Beyond Silence; congratulates organisations such as the British Deaf Association, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, and the National Deaf Children’s Society for the vital work they do in supporting deaf people, their families, and the wider deaf community; commends local councils, including North Yorkshire Council, for openly supporting Deaf Awareness Week; encourages local authorities, businesses, and other organisations to continue improving their information and support for the deaf community; celebrates the diverse ways in which deaf people communicate and the richness of Deaf culture; and further recognises the importance of breaking down barriers to full accessibility for individuals with hearing loss, as well as those with other physical and mental disabilities.

1238UK-EU Summit

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 37

James MacCleary

Calum Miller

Helen Maguire

Monica Harding

Sarah Olney

Wera Hobhouse

That this House recognises the benefits of a comprehensive Youth Mobility Scheme between the UK and the European Union; urges the Government to adopt a more ambitious approach to negotiations, acknowledging that such a scheme would enhance cultural exchange, expand opportunities for our young people and boost our economy; calls on the Government to strengthen cooperation with the EU by securing a comprehensive Defence and Security Pact, which includes associating the UK with the European Defence Agency; and advocates for a closer trading relationship with the EU, including the negotiation of a bespoke Customs Union, to reduce trade barriers and support businesses by cutting red tape.

1240Overseas-qualified dentists

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 21

Dr Roz Savage

Wera Hobhouse

Clive Jones

Adam Dance

Wendy Chamberlain

Tom Gordon

That this House notes that around 5,000 overseas-qualified dentists are currently waiting to sit the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) in order to practice dentistry in the UK; further notes that each application process costs individuals approximately £5,000; highlights the case of one South Cotswolds constituent who has been unable to secure an exam slot for over two years; recognises the acute shortage of dentists, particularly in rural areas; acknowledges the serious consequences of limited access to dental care, including chronic pain and untreated infections; believes that enabling overseas-qualified dentists to practice can help relieve pressure on the existing dental workforce; and calls on the General Dental Council to re-evaluate the ORE process, expand exam capacity, and explore supervised practice pathways as a route to registration.

1242Future of the UK baking industry

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 21

Rebecca Long Bailey

John McDonnell

Grahame Morris

Andy McDonald

Ian Byrne

Kim Johnson

That this House notes with concern recent media reports that Associated British Foods, parent company of Allied Bakeries which produces Kingsmill bread, are in talks over a potential merger with Hovis, owned by Endless LLP; further notes that this comes as a response to reports of unsustainable losses in the Allied Bakeries division; is concerned that any merger on this scale may result in restructuring, rationalisation or closures that could affect the job security and livelihoods of thousands of UK workers both directly employed and in the supply chain; is further concerned about the potential implications for competition in the UK bakery sector and possible impact on future UK food security; and therefore calls on the management of both businesses to engage immediately with the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers union and other recognised trade unions across their sites and undertake meaningful consultation prior to the agreement or implementation of any merger proposal.

1243Nurses Day 2025

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 11

Jim Shannon

Claire Young

Mr Gregory Campbell

Andrew George

Tristan Osborne

Ellie Chowns

That this House notes Nurse's Day 2025 on May 12 which celebrates the incredible skill and dedication of all nurses across the UK and further afield; highlights the vast variety of settings, from GP staff to hospitals and from community care staff to pharmacies; underlines that despite their invaluable work, the nursing sector faces huge challenges in terms of funding and staff shortages which must be addressed as a priority for Government; further notes the positive effects nursing care has on millions of people; and thanks all nurses and NHS staff for their invaluable contribution to healthcare across the United Kingdom.

1244Court transcript costs

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 28

Sarah Olney

Wera Hobhouse

Clive Jones

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Tom Gordon

Helen Maguire

That this House believes that victims of crime should be able to access a transcript of court proceedings free of charge; notes that this would improve transparency throughout the criminal justice process; regrets the extortionate costs associated with court transcript fees, noting particular instances where victims were changed up to to £22,000; acknowledges this acts as a barrier to justice; recognises that being able to review sentencing remarks helps provide victims and survivors with clarity and closure about the outcome of their case; and urges the Government to make permanent the Rape and Sexual Offences Free Sentencing Remarks Pilot Scheme and extend this to include victims of all crime.

1246Community Energy Pathways and the King’s Award for Sustainable Enterprise

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 27

Pippa Heylings

Wera Hobhouse

Clive Jones

Helen Maguire

Victoria Collins

Edward Morello

That this House congratulates Community Energy Pathways (CEP), a not-for-profit community energy social enterprise based in Lewes, East Sussex, on being awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Sustainable Enterprise; notes that this award reflects two years of rigorous due diligence by the King’s Fund, acknowledging CEP’s outstanding contribution to empowering communities to deliver locally-owned, low-carbon energy solutions; recognises CEP’s work in supporting over 60 community energy groups across 15 counties and towns, as well as the successful securing of £1 million from UK Power Networks to expand its reach to 20,000 people and facilitate over 1,200 in-person home energy visits; commends the organisation’s innovative Energy Champions programme, which creates local jobs and equips residents with the knowledge and tools to cut energy costs and carbon emissions; further notes that community energy enjoys significantly greater public support than privately-owned alternatives, as evidenced by recent polling from Common Wealth; and calls on the Government to provide greater support to the community energy sector to accelerate the just transition to a low-carbon economy, reduce household energy bills, and strengthen local resilience and ownership of the UK’s energy future.

1247International Nurses Day 2025

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 9

Mary Kelly Foy

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Shockat Adam

Andrew George

Tristan Osborne

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises 12 May 2025 as International Nurses Day and pays tribute to the exceptional dedication, professionalism and expertise of nursing staff across the UK and around the world; notes that nursing is a highly skilled and safety-critical profession requiring rigorous training, advanced knowledge and continuous development; acknowledges the vital care provided by nurses in a wide range of settings, and the trust placed in them by the public during their most vulnerable moments; commends the Royal College of Nursing for its ongoing advocacy and support for nurses across the UK; and calls on the Government to work in partnership with organisations such as the RCN to ensure nursing staff are fairly rewarded, properly resourced and recognised as the essential professionals they are.

1248Impact of the UK–US trade deal on the domestic ethanol industry and the green economy

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 3

Karl Turner

Jim Shannon

Luke Myer

That this House recognises and applauds the historic trade deal established between the UK and the UK as a major achievement for the UK economy and a testament to the Government's commitment to enhancing international trade relations; acknowledges the potential boost that this agreement represents for various sectors across the nation, further solidifying the UK's standing within the global market; expresses concern, however, regarding the impact of the tariff removal on ethanol imports from the US, which allows volumes that are equivalent to the entire current UK market; believes that this adjustment poses significant challenges to local companies, whose competitiveness may be adversely affected by the influx of US ethanol, threatening jobs and growth in the UK's domestic ethanol industry; notes the importance of the green industry in Hull and East Yorkshire, which plays a crucial role in the sustainable energy landscape of the UK; and calls upon the Government to carefully consider the potential economic repercussions on local producers and ensure measures are taken to protect and nurture this vital sector of the UK economy, promoting a balanced trade approach that supports both international and domestic growth.

1249Driving tests in Hampshire

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 8

Liz Jarvis

Clive Jones

Jim Shannon

Dr Danny Chambers

Mr Angus MacDonald

Sarah Dyke

That this House notes significant backlogs in access to practical driving tests in Hampshire; recognises the impacts on young drivers and access to employment opportunities; acknowledges new measures introduced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, including the recruitment of additional examiners and the extension of the driving test cancellation period from three to ten working days; expresses concern over the growth of third-party reselling sites and reports of botting of the driving test booking system that creates major barriers for genuine learners; further notes the closure of the Forest Hills practical driving test centre in Southampton in 2022 and the reduction of capacity across the Solent region; further acknowledges the ongoing backlog and the impact that covid-19 has had on test availability; and calls on the Government to intensify efforts to reduce driving test waiting times in the Eastleigh constituency and across Hampshire.

1253Reductions to CrossCountry trains catering services

Tabled: 13/05/25 Signatories: 24

Rachael Maskell

John McDonnell

Mary Kelly Foy

Grahame Morris

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Charlotte Nichols

That this House is concerned that CrossCountry trains is the latest passenger train operator to announce cuts to the provision of on-board catering services on long-distance rail services; is further concerned that these short-sighted cuts risks hundreds of railway jobs, while pushing passengers away from the railway network; notes that the provision of rail catering services across the industry has been under attack for many years by train companies seeking to cut costs and staffing at the expense of passenger service; further notes that there has already been a significant reduction in catering services since privatisation 30 years ago, with nearly all restaurant areas on trains abolished and the traditional buffet counter now also disappearing on many services; believes the availability of snacks, drinks and in some cases light meals is an added value to the travel experience on our railways; further believes that on-board catering workers should be celebrated by train operators as an important part of the on-board team, offering passengers excellent customer service and providing reassurance; and calls on CrossCountry to reverse these cuts and on the Government to ensure that Great British Railways presides over expanded and properly funded catering provision, staffed in-house.

1254Service with the British Commanders’-In-Chief Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany, 1946-1990

Tabled: 13/05/25 Signatories: 12

Ben Obese-Jecty

Sir Iain Duncan Smith

Sir Julian Lewis

Jim Shannon

Mr Paul Foster

Will Stone

That this House recognises the courage, service and commitment of the service personnel who served in the British Commanders’-in-Chief Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany (BRIXMIS) in East Germany during the Cold War; further recognises the high risk involved in the conduct of the intelligence collection patrols campaign against Warsaw-Pact forces, unarmed, without protective equipment or communications devices; highlights the vital value of the raw, actionable intelligence gathered; also recognises that the East German secret police and military forces were directed to kill or injure members of the Allied Military Liaison Missions, British (BRIXMIS), United States (USMLM) and French (FMLM) military personnel; notes that the duration of the operation which spanned from September 1946 to October 1990 saw the award of 58 OBE, MBE and BEM awards and honours, but leaves around 900 former service personnel with no formal recognition of their endeavour; highlights that there is a precedent for the award of a clasp to the General Service Medal for non-kinetic operations; and recommends that there should be an award of a BRIXMIS clasp for the General Service Medal, with all those who served during the campaign eligible for receipt of the clasp.

1258Cross-Channel train services for Kent and London

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 8

Tristan Osborne

Sojan Joseph

Daniel Francis

Jim Shannon

Ayoub Khan

Lauren Edwards

That this House calls on the Government to support the return of cross-Channel train services to the Kent stations of Ashford and Ebbsfleet, which were suspended during the pandemic; and believes that the reinstatement could bring a direct economic benefit of £281 million to Kent, with a larger impact including tourist spend and other multiplier effects.

1261Universities and international students

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 23

Ian Sollom

Wendy Chamberlain

Lisa Smart

Wera Hobhouse

Pippa Heylings

Dr Al Pinkerton

That this House is deeply proud of the UK’s place as a world-leader in research and teaching in universities and other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), home to many of the world’s leading universities; notes with concern the deep financial issues facing many universities and HEIs, with more than four in ten universities in England expecting to be in a financial deficit by this summer; further notes the Government’s announcement of 12 May 2025 that proposes restricting student visas, limiting the graduate route, and imposing a levy on universities’ international student income; acknowledges the immense role that international students play in contributing to our country and our economy, while strengthening our soft power on the world stage; believes we must protect the UK’s place as a world leader in research by safeguarding our reputation as a destination for the world’s brightest minds; further believes that protecting university finances is of vital importance; therefore calls on the Government to urgently consult with the university and HEI sector on its immigration proposals; and further calls on the Government to move to a model where international student flows are reported separately to estimates of long-term migration to avoid counter-productive policies and to rapidly establish a review of higher education finance.

1262Closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s maternity unit

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 14

Adam Dance

Anna Sabine

Ian Roome

Helen Maguire

Ian Sollom

Jim Shannon

That this House expresses alarm at the sudden closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s (YDH) Maternity Unit; notes that, from 5.00pm on Monday 19 May 2025, the Special Care Baby Unit at YDH will be closed for an initial period of six months, which means the hospital will be unable to safely provide care during labour and births at the Yeovil maternity unit for that period; further notes, with concern, that no reassurance could be provided that the maternity unit will be opened after the initial six month closure; recognises that the closure will create increased pressures on the already stretched maternity unit in Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton; also notes that the decision puts patient health in south Somerset at risk; acknowledges the fear and outrage of residents across Yeovil and South Somerset; and calls on Yeovil District Hospital, Somerset NHS Trust Foundation and NHS Somerset to urgently restore safe local maternity care in Yeovil.

1263Ray Dolby Centre

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 9

Ian Sollom

Pippa Heylings

Zöe Franklin

Adam Dance

Jim Shannon

Dr Roz Savage

That this House celebrates the opening of the Ray Dolby Centre at the University of Cambridge; acknowledges this state-of-the-art facility as a cornerstone of the university's Cavendish Laboratory and a transformative hub for interdisciplinary research in physics and beyond; applauds the long tradition of ground-breaking discoveries at the Cavendish Laboratory, including the discovery of the electron, the structure of DNA and numerous Nobel Prize-winning advances; recognises that Ray Dolby, after whom the centre is named, exemplified the value of international academic exchange as a Marshall Scholar from the United States studying at Cambridge; notes that the Marshall Scholarship programme was established as an expression of gratitude for the Marshall Plan, demonstrating the enduring special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States; affirms that the values of international cooperation, scientific advancement and shared prosperity that underpinned the post-war world order have never been more relevant than they are today; celebrates the vital contributions that international students make to the United Kingdom's global soft power, academic excellence and economic prosperity; and calls on the Government to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen international academic collaboration and exchange in the spirit of the post war vision for a peaceful and prosperous world built on cooperation and shared knowledge.

1264Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 14

Liz Jarvis

Tom Gordon

Adam Dance

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

Dr Roz Savage

That this House recognises the significant impact of Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), which affects around 3% of pregnancies in the UK; notes with concern the lack of diagnostic training given to general practitioners who first see sufferers before the first appointment with a midwife, which tends to come in the ninth week of pregnancy; acknowledges the personal toll on the physical and mental health of women who do not receive a formal diagnosis of HG and are left feeling isolated and unsupported when symptoms are misdiagnosed as morning sickness; calls for the end to the postcode lottery of access to drugs to treat symptoms of nausea and vomiting, including Xonvea; and urges the Government to work with Pregnancy Sickness Support and relevant stakeholders to update clinical guidelines and improve training to support early diagnosis and safer treatment options.

1265Brecon banking hub

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 7

David Chadwick

Adam Dance

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

Dr Roz Savage

Sarah Dyke

That this House calls for the urgent establishment of a full-service banking hub in the town of Brecon, following the closure of multiple bank branches in recent years; notes with concern that only one bank branch now operates in the town, despite Brecon serving a wide rural area with a discernible need for face-to-face access to cash and banking services; further notes that current legislation, under the competency of the UK Government, prohibits the creation of new banking hubs in locations where even a single bank remains, regardless of how inadequate that banking provision may be; believes that these legislative restrictions unfairly penalise rural towns like Brecon, where digital exclusion, distance from alternative services, and reliance on cash for business and agriculture remain key concerns; and further calls on the Government to amend the eligibility rules and ensure that Brecon is given the fair access to banking infrastructure that its community needs and deserves.

1266Import of goods from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 28

Ellie Chowns

Abtisam Mohamed

Layla Moran

Brendan O'Hara

Claire Hanna

Ben Lake

That this House notes that the International Court of Justice has called for all states to abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory or parts thereof which may entrench its unlawful presence in the territory and to take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal occupation; further notes that UN General Assembly Resolution ES-10/24 calls on all states to take steps towards ceasing the importation of any products originating in the Israeli settlements; is therefore concerned that UK Government rules allow settlement goods into the UK and British retailers and businesses can sell settlement goods or provide services to settlements; and therefore calls on the UK Government to ban the importation of goods originating from Israeli settlements and to prohibit companies domiciled in the UK from selling settlement goods and providing services to settlements.

1268Political parties at Pride

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 39

Christine Jardine

Tom Gordon

Tom Morrison

Lisa Smart

Wera Hobhouse

Helen Maguire

That this House regrets the decision taken by organisers of several Pride marches and parades across the UK to not allow political parties to march; further regrets that that decision partly stems from a lack of trust in politicians and Government amongst many in the LGBTQ+ community; notes that many trans people are concerned by the rise in hate-crime against transgender and non-binary people, and worried about the practical implications of the recent ruling in the Supreme Court case For Women Scotland vs The Scottish Minister on their lives; reaffirms its commitment to standing up for the rights and dignity of all in the LGBTQ+ community, including trans and non-binary people; calls on Rt hon. and hon. Members in the House, and their political parties, to reaffirm their commitment to protecting and advancing the rights of trans and non-binary people across the UK; and hopes political parties which support the rights of LGBTQ+ people and the aims of Pride will be able to re-join these parades officially in future.

1269UK aid for global forests and indigenous peoples

Tabled: 15/05/25 Signatories: 15

Pippa Heylings

Jess Brown-Fuller

Wera Hobhouse

Mr Will Forster

David Chadwick

Charlotte Cane

That this House expresses deep concern at the threat to UK support for global forests and the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) as a result of reductions to the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget; notes that tropical forests are vital to climate regulation, biodiversity, food security and public health, and that halting deforestation could contribute up to 30% of climate change mitigation potential; further notes that forests are home to 1.6 billion people, including 300 million Indigenous Peoples whose knowledge, stewardship and tenure rights are critical to effective forest governance; recognises the positive impact of UK funding in tackling illegal logging and promoting sustainable forest economies through programmes such as Forest Governance Markets and Climate (FGMC2), Investments in Forests and Sustainable Land Use (IFSLU), The Amazon Catalyst for Forest Communities (AMCAT), the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund, and the Congo Basin Forest Action Programme; recalls the UK’s leadership at COP26 through the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use and urges the Government to honour this commitment with sustained investment; affirms that private finance initiatives, such as the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, cannot replace the UK’s bilateral support and the impact of direct partnerships with rainforest countries and IPLC-led solutions; and calls on the Government to protect existing forest programmes from aid cuts, restore the aid budget to 0.7% of GNI at the earliest opportunity, and ensure forest protection and Indigenous rights remain central to the UK’s international climate and development strategy ahead of COP30.

1275Dementia Action Week

Tabled: 16/05/25 Signatories: 21

Mr Lee Dillon

Tom Gordon

Ellie Chowns

Vikki Slade

Helen Maguire

Sarah Dyke

That this House recognises the profound impact of dementia on both those living with the condition and their loved ones; commends the work of the Alzheimer's Society in establishing Dementia Action Week to encourage people experiencing signs of dementia to seek vital help and support; applauds the initiatives of Thatcham Town Council, specifically their participation in the Paint the Town Blue campaign led by Dementia Friendly West Berkshire; and calls on the Government to significantly improve dementia care provision, with particular emphasis on enabling people to receive high-quality care in their own homes where appropriate and desired.

1276Rail services between Rose Hill Marple and Manchester Piccadilly

Tabled: 16/05/25 Signatories: 5

Lisa Smart

Sarah Dyke

Tom Morrison

Jim Shannon

Mr Angus MacDonald

That this House notes with concern that passenger numbers on the Rose Hill Marple to Manchester Piccadilly railway line remain around half of pre-pandemic levels; further notes that the service has been left with an infrequent timetable with uneven gaps which is unsuitable for commuters, such as students at Marple Hall School; notes that the final service from Manchester Piccadilly is at 9.21pm, meaning that the service cannot be used by those enjoying a night out in the city centre, and that there is no Sunday service on the line; and calls on the Government to work with Northern and Transport for Greater Manchester to ensure that the line returns to two services per hour in each direction and extend services to later in the evening and on Sundays.

1278International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

Tabled: 16/05/25 Signatories: 24

Christine Jardine

Lisa Smart

Tom Gordon

Vikki Slade

Ellie Chowns

Pippa Heylings

That this House recognises 17 May as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia; further recognises the concern and fear that many LGBTQ+ people have felt in recent years, particularly in the trans community, despite the progress made in securing rights and protections for LGBTQ+ people in law; notes with deep concern that two-thirds of LGBTQ+ people report that they have experienced anti-LGBTQ+ violence or abuse, and the number of hate crimes recorded against trans people have more than doubled in the last five years; urges the Government to implement a clear plan to tackle anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime, including ensuring that hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people are counted as aggravated offences; and calls on the Government to tackle discrimination against LGBTQ+ in housing, employment, education; and to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights across the world.

1279Digital-only immigration status

Tabled: 16/05/25 Signatories: 5

Pete Wishart

Manuela Perteghella [R]

Ellie Chowns

Ayoub Khan

Wera Hobhouse

That this House expresses serious concern about the implementation of the digital-only immigration status, which was first rolled out in 2018 for those with status under the EU Settlement Scheme and by the end of 2024 had been extended to all migrants with an immigration status in the UK; notes that this system fails to provide individuals with secure, tangible, offline and independently accessible proof of status; recognises that the View and Prove process (requiring repeated access to a GOV.UK platform, two-factor authentication, and generation of share codes) is cumbersome, fragmented and unfit for purpose, presenting serious accessibility barriers for digitally excluded and vulnerable individuals; is deeply concerned about reports of alarming failures of data integrity, including corrupted records displaying incorrect photographs, biodata, or status; further notes that at critical moments poor internet connectivity also renders people unable to prove their status; stresses the significant consequences for people in those situations, including denial of job opportunities, housing, education, and healthcare, with people also often left stranded at borders at the point of travel; is alarmed by the potential parallels with the Windrush scandal; and calls on the Government to launch an independent review of the Home Office’s implementation of the digital-only immigration status in consultation with impacted communities, considering secure alternatives and compensation for individuals who have incurred losses due to the system’s failures.

1280Sewage pollution

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 16

Edward Morello

Dr Danny Chambers

Helen Maguire

Alex Brewer

Adam Dance

Wera Hobhouse

That this House expresses grave concern over the ongoing sewage pollution crisis in England, particularly in rural constituencies like West Dorset; notes with alarm that over 450,000 sewage spills were recorded across England in 2024, including almost 4,200 in West Dorset, resulting in over 48,000 hours of sewage discharges into local rivers and beaches; further notes that the River Lim, which exits at Lyme Regis, has been declared ecologically dead due to overwhelming pollution, and that in 2019 only 17% of the 24 monitored water bodies in West Dorset were classed as having good ecological status; recognises the severe repercussions of this crisis on tourism, a key economic driver in West Dorset and many other constituencies, with visitors and residents forced to rely on water quality alerts to safely access local waterways; condemns the lack of accountability among water companies, who collectively paid £1.4 billion in dividends in 2022 and £51 million in executive remuneration over 2020 and 2021, while failing to adequately invest in infrastructure to prevent sewage spills; calls on the Government to implement stronger financial penalties for water companies that fail to meet environmental standards, to ring-fence these fines for reinvestment in affected communities, and to prioritise infrastructure upgrades in neglected rural areas; and urges the Government to ensure transparency and accountability in the water industry and to work with local businesses and communities to mitigate the environmental and economic impacts of sewage pollution, securing the future of tourism-dependent economies and protecting the nation’s natural heritage.

128150th anniversary of Hambleton Choral Group

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 2

Cat Smith

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates 50 years of singing from Hambleton Choral Group; notes that the group was the idea of the Vicar of Hambleton at the time, Rev. Ted Swinnerton who brought together a dozen men and women from the Lancashire village, and the group grew and the repertoire of music became more ambitious; further celebrates those founding members who are still active today, namely Malcolm Worsley, Norma Worsley and Dorothy Haworth; further notes that the group now holds two concerts a year, in May and in December; praises the fundraising the Choral Group have done over the years for numerous charities, big and small; thanks the Hambleton United Reformed Church for the use of their Hall as a base for the singers; and congratulates all members of the Hambleton Choral Group on an outstanding 50th anniversary Spring Concert on the 16 and 17 May 2025 at the URC Church Hall where the audience were treated to a musical delight.

1282Fairtrade tea campaign

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 2

Martin Rhodes

Jim Shannon

That this House condemns the grave working conditions that many tea growing communities face across the world; notes with concern that many tea farmers and workers do not earn enough to afford a decent standard of living; acknowledges that the challenges in the tea industry are deeply complex; supports multi-stakeholder dialogue in the tea sector to build progress towards living incomes and living wages for the people behind the tea we drink; calls for UK legislation to make it mandatory for businesses to carry out human rights and environmental due diligence in their supply chains; and urges the Government to honour its International Climate Finance commitment to support tea growing communities to adapt and build resilience to climate change.

1283The Bookhouse in Broughty Ferry

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 2

Stephen Gethins

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates The Bookhouse in Broughty Ferry for being shortlisted as one of the finalists for the British Book Awards 2025 Independent Bookshop of the Year Award; recognises that The Bookhouse is a family-run business that brings people together through book clubs and author signings; and acknowledges the work they do in concert with local schools and nurseries to support literacy and providing them with free books for children for World Book Day.

1284Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 7

Vikki Slade

Adam Dance

Mr Angus MacDonald

Edward Morello

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House recognises the significant impact of Citizens Advice working to provide information and support to people in need across the country; commends the East Dorset and Purbeck branch of Citizens Advice for their Advice Bus scheme which provides residents with free advice on issues such as debt, benefits access, employment and housing at visits to rural locations, and which has already supported 3,000 people; celebrates the Advice Bus’ second anniversary and the accompanying Royal visit made by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to mark the occasion; acknowledges the hard work of advisers at East Dorset and Purbeck Citizens Advice, and at other sites around the country; further recognises the need for such services is increasing due to the ongoing cost of living crisis; encourages the Government to engage with the reports produced by branches including the East Dorset and Purbeck branch that note the most pressing issues those seeking advice are facing; and urges the Government to consider the recommendations made by Citizens Advice in each area of support.

1285Oakwood Primary School pupils and the Daffodil Club

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 2

Maureen Burke

Jim Shannon

That this House welcomes the efforts of primary 6 pupils at Oakwood Primary School in Easterhouse, who organised a successful spring fayre to raise funds for the Daffodil Club; acknowledges the vital work of the Daffodil Club in providing care and support to vulnerable pensioners; commends the pupils for fostering a meaningful partnership with pensioners at the club; and recognises the importance of intergenerational connections in strengthening communities and enhancing the lives of both young and elderly residents.

1286World Bee Day

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 16

Anna Sabine

Alex Brewer

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Wera Hobhouse

Liz Jarvis

That this House celebrates World Bee Day, a UN-designated day whose theme this year is to highlight the critical roles bees and other pollinators play in agri-food systems and the health of our planet's ecosystems; notes with concern the rise of the Asian hornet and its effect on wildlife and habitats, including songbirds; encourages people to use locally-sourced British honey; praises the work of local beekeepers and organisations who promote and upkeep high standards and identify and report non-native species or decline; calls for more bee inspectors to ensure that beekeepers across the country maintain high-standards; and further encourages people to engage with their local beekeeping communities to learn more about the relationship between human, animal and plant health.

1287St Dunstan's Day

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 7

Sarah Dyke

Adam Dance

Wera Hobhouse

Mr Angus MacDonald

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates St Dunstan’s Day on 19 May, honouring the life and legacy of one of England’s most influential saints; acknowledges that St Dunstan was born in 909 AD in Baltonsborough, near Glastonbury, and that his early life in Somerset helped shape the values and spiritual depth that defined his later achievements; notes his appointment as Abbot of Glastonbury, where in 943 he led the rebuilding of the Abbey and initiated a revival of monastic life that became the foundation for widespread reform across the English Church; recognises his later role as Archbishop of Canterbury and trusted advisor to successive kings, and his canonisation for a life of service, integrity and lasting spiritual impact; further celebrates his patronage of goldsmiths, blacksmiths, silversmiths, musicians and locksmiths, professions that reflect his commitment to craftsmanship, creativity and skill, making him a worthy icon of Glastonbury and Somerton with these industries remaining central to the constituency; and affirms that St Dunstan’s Day is a day to celebrate his enduring influence on the English Church and Somerset’s regional and religious history.

1288Dementia Action Week 2025

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Douglas McAllister

Neil Duncan-Jordan

That this House notes Dementia Action Week 2025, which takes place between 19 and 25 May 2025, is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of an early diagnosis for people affected by dementia; highlights that one in three people living with dementia in the UK do not have a diagnosis and that 91% of people affected by dementia say there are benefits to getting a diagnosis; acknowledges that there are currently one million people living with dementia in the UK and that this complex and terminal condition also affects families who take on significant caring roles; further notes that the Government must take steps to ensure people have access to specialist dementia care to support them through diagnosis; and thanks charities and agencies who go above and beyond to guide people through their journey of living with dementia.

1290World IBD Day 2025

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 11

Tom Gordon

Adam Dance

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

Liz Jarvis

Steff Aquarone

That this House notes that 19 May 2025 marks World IBD Day, a global initiative to raise awareness of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis; recognises that over 500,000 people in the UK are currently living with Crohn’s or colitis, with 25,000 more diagnosed each year; acknowledges that these are lifelong, often invisible conditions with no known cure, and that many people face significant physical, emotional and social challenges as a result; further notes that stigma and misunderstanding around IBD persist; welcomes this year’s theme of courage, highlighting the strength it takes to navigate diagnosis, manage symptoms, endure flares, and speak openly about living with IBD; pays tribute to Crohn’s & Colitis UK and their ambassador Amy Dowden MBE for their tireless work to raise awareness and provide support to those affected; and calls on the Government to ensure better public understanding, increased research funding, and improved care and support for all those living with Crohn’s and colitis in the UK.

1291Pupils at Reddal Hill Primary School and Earth Day

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 2

Alex Ballinger

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates the Year 4 pupils of Reddal Hill Primary School in Cradley Heath on learning about Earth Day and the importance of looking after our planet; commends them on their extremely well-worded letters and colourful drawings highlighting the significance of renewable energy solutions such as solar panels and wind turbines; congratulates them for their social-conscience and advocacy on this vital issue; and recognises the importance of educating the future generation of the value in acting sustainably and protecting the environment.

1292Denis Law Legacy Trail

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 3

Kirsty Blackman

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates the new Denis Law Legacy Trail in the Printfield area of Aberdeen where he grew up, which recognises Denis Law’s remarkable legacy as Scotland’s only Ballon D’or winner, inspires youngsters from across Aberdeen and further afield to work hard to achieve their dreams, and brings beautiful artwork to the heart of the history-rich Woodside area encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore.

1293200th anniversary of Impartial Reporter Newspaper

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 2

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

That this House notes that May 2025 marks the two hundredth anniversary of the Impartial Reporter Newspaper based in Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland; recognises the continuing importance of local journalism even in the increasing online news era, and while many national and international news media outlets have come under heavy criticism for lack of impartiality in their reporting of current and historical events, much of local journalism has maintained an ethos of reporting accurately and fairly events in local areas; and expresses the hope that this will continue for many years to come.

1294Supporting young Carers in Wiltshire

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 7

Sarah Gibson

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jess Brown-Fuller

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House recognises and commends the dedication, resilience, and compassion of young carers in Wiltshire, who selflessly provide care and support to family members with illnesses, disabilities, mental health conditions or addiction issues; acknowledges the participation of 75 young carers from Royal Wootton Bassett Academy in a national award scheme aimed at raising awareness of their vital role; notes the establishment of the Young Carers Award in Schools Programme within the Wiltshire Council Voice and Participation Service, a scheme developed to work closely with schools to recognise good practice in identifying and supporting young carers in educational settings; applauds the efforts of organisations such as Youth Action Wiltshire in offering mentoring, respite activities, and emotional support to young carers; and calls upon the Government to ensure sustained support and resources for young carers, enabling them to balance their caregiving responsibilities with their personal development and education.

1296UK-EU Summit (No. 2)

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 2

Jim Allister

Jim Shannon

That this House notes with regret that the UK-EU summit did not reset relations on the basis that the UK reasserts full sovereignty over Northern Ireland and relieves it of colonial rule by the EU; notes that the SPS deal does not include customs and therefore all goods, including SPS goods, will be subject to EU customs declarations and checks on goods moving internally to Northern Ireland from GB; deplores that GB, like Northern Ireland, will now be subject to foreign laws it does not make and cannot change, that an Irish Sea border, including the parcels border, still partitions the United Kingdom; and is appalled that the UK has not taken control of British fishing waters.

1297World Bee Day (No. 2)

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 31

Monica Harding

Adam Dance

Helen Maguire

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Wera Hobhouse

Mr Paul Kohler

That this House celebrates 20 May 2025 as World Bee Day, designated by the United Nations in order to raise awareness of the essential role bees and other pollinators play in promoting individual and planetary health; recognises the centrality of bees to the British way of life, from the quiet industry of the hive to the pollination of hedgerows, orchards and cottage gardens that define our countryside, culture, and food security; further recognises the vital role of Britain’s 250-plus bee species in pollinating crops and sustaining biodiversity, contributing over £500 million annually to UK agriculture; acknowledges the critical importance of bees in sustaining biodiversity, supporting food production, and ensuring ecological balance; expresses concern at the continuing decline in bee populations due to climate change, pesticide use, habitat loss, invasive species like the yellow-legged hornet, and disease; calls on the Government to encourage local authorities, schools, farmers, and the public to support bee-friendly initiatives, including further planting, sustainable agriculture, and reduced pesticide use; and expresses pride at the tireless work of beekeepers, conservationists, and scientists across the UK who contribute to the protection and promotion of bees.