Contents

Published – Thursday 22 May 2025

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 21 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

1308Former secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Tabled: 21/05/25 Signatories: 1

Mary Glindon

That this House notes that Gary Kent, a parliamentary staff member since 1987, was secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq for nearly two decades until last year; welcomes the recent decision of the Kurdistan Regional Government to commend his notable service and dedication and commitment and persistent efforts that have significantly developed ties of friendship and co-operation while not preventing him from, in the words of the Kurdistan Regional Government, seeing us as we are, warts and all, and, like a true friend, suggesting to us how we can improve the situation for the betterment of our society and economy; and adds its thanks to Gary Kent for his work in advocating for stronger co-operation with a nation and government that are proud of their partnership with the UK.

1309British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (No. 2)

Tabled: 21/05/25 Signatories: 1

David Chadwick

That this House condemns the ongoing injustice faced by members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) and urges the Government to act immediately to ensure that all former mineworkers are treated with fairness and dignity; notes that, while the Government has recently released funds from the Miners’ Pension Scheme, it has failed to extend the same support to BCSSS members, many of whom face real difficulty despite having contributed to the scheme throughout their working lives; believes that levelling up coalfield communities must begin by honouring the generation whose hard work built and sustained them; supports the BCSSS Trustees in their call for the £2.3 billion investment reserve to be distributed fairly to members; and calls on the Government to consult directly with the trustees and commit to full transparency in all decisions relating to the scheme.

1310Arms exports to Israel

Tabled: 21/05/25 Signatories: 28

Zarah Sultana

Jeremy Corbyn

Andrew George

Carla Denyer

Apsana Begum

Ms Diane Abbott

That this House calls on the Government to immediately suspend all arms exports to Israel in line with majority public opinion and urgently provide full transparency over Britain’s military relationship with Israel considering new evidence of significantly increased military shipments during the war on Gaza; notes a new report evidencing Britain has exported over 8,600 munitions, 116 goods in the category of tanks, armoured vehicles and parts thereof and continued direct shipments of F-35 parts after UK’s suspension of licenses in September 2024; further notes this evidence contradicts ministerial claims to have banned arms sales that could be used in Gaza, including direct supply of F-35 parts to Israel; highlights F-35 jets have been used in attacks described by the UN as indiscriminate and disproportionate; recalls the Government itself warned of a clear risk of supply of F-35 parts enabling violations of international law; notes the Government's own figures showing Britain approved single issue licenses for £127.6 million worth of military equipment to Israel between October and December 2024, totalling more than 2020 to 2023 combined; further highlights the Foreign Secretary’s new absolute commitment to take further action if needed; urges that such action is urgently needed and must include suspension of all arms exports; and further urges the Government publish export data of all military goods since October 2023, including senders, consignees, shippers, product descriptions, ports of origin and end-users, and to clarify how it determines and enforces where these goods are used and which uses it considers acceptable.

1311Humanitarian aid into Gaza

Tabled: 21/05/25 Signatories: 6

Mr Adnan Hussain

Ayoub Khan

Adrian Ramsay

Jeremy Corbyn

Sorcha Eastwood

Dr Simon Opher

That this House calls on the United Nations, alongside the Security Council, to take urgent action to facilitate humanitarian aid access to Gaza, in light of the statement by the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs that 14,000 babies will die in Gaza if aid supplies do not get in to Gaza immediately and in response to the urgency of the escalating humanitarian crisis; and, recognising the importance of international cooperation, urges all willing member states to contribute resources and support to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential aid to the civilian population of Gaza.

1312Hillhead Primary School fundraising marathon

Tabled: 21/05/25 Signatories: 1

Martin Rhodes

That this House congratulates the pupils, staff, parents and wider community of Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow on raising over £1,500 through a marathon relay at Scotstoun Stadium to upgrade the school’s outdoor spaces and play areas; applauds the 21 Primary 3 pupils, all aged between seven and eight, who collectively ran more than 100 laps to complete the full marathon distance of 26.2 miles; recognises the hard work and commitment of the parent organisers and supporters, whose efforts made the event a success; notes the inspiration provided by a message of encouragement from double Commonwealth Games gold medallist Eilish McColgan; celebrates the school community's spirit, determination and initiative in surpassing their original fundraising target of £500; and wishes Hillhead Primary continued success in improving their learning environment for the benefit of all pupils.

1313Falkirk Delivers named Policing Partner of the Year for Forth Valley

Tabled: 21/05/25 Signatories: 1

Euan Stainbank

That this House congratulates Falkirk Delivers on being named Policing Partner of the Year for Forth Valley; notes that as the Business Improvement District for Falkirk town centre, it represents over 600 businesses and has worked closely with Police Scotland to support crime prevention, public safety, and community engagement; commends its initiatives including Retailers Against Crime, the ShopSafe radio scheme, taxi marshals, and naloxone deployment; further recognises its efforts in supporting police operations, sharing intelligence, promoting road safety and mental health awareness, and strengthening public order; and thanks Falkirk Delivers for its continued commitment to improving safety and supporting policing objectives across Falkirk and the wider area.

1314Braes High School awarded Climate Action Project of the Year in Eco-Schools Scotland Awards

Tabled: 21/05/25 Signatories: 1

Euan Stainbank

That this House congratulates Braes High School in Falkirk on winning the Climate Action Project of the Year at the Eco-Schools Scotland 2025 Awards; commends the leadership and commitment of its pupils in promoting climate action and working with schools across Falkirk to raise awareness; and wishes the school continued success in its efforts to champion sustainability and environmental education.

1315Steins Thistle win Scottish Amateur Cup

Tabled: 21/05/25 Signatories: 1

Euan Stainbank

That this House congratulates Steins Thistle on their historic victory in the Only Sport Scottish Amateur Cup final, defeating FC Pather 3-1 at Hampden Park; commends the players, coaching staff, and supporters for this outstanding achievement; recognises their qualification for next season’s Scottish Cup; and wishes the team continued success as they build on this remarkable season.

1316Horsham FC

Tabled: 21/05/25 Signatories: 1

John Milne

That this House congratulates Horsham Football Club on a historic 2024-25 season; commends the team for reaching the first-round proper of the FA Cup for the third time in four years, securing the Isthmian League title, and achieving promotion to the National League South for the first time in the club's history; praises their second consecutive Sussex Senior Cup victory, and celebrates their commitment to football development, including the introduction of a women’s team; acknowledges the vital role of the club’s volunteers in supporting youth teams and community initiatives; and wishes Horsham FC continued success in the National League South for the 2025-26 season.

1317Impact of No Recourse to Public Funds on child poverty

Tabled: 21/05/25 Signatories: 6

Nadia Whittome

Olivia Blake

Tony Vaughan

Ms Diane Abbott

Abtisam Mohamed

Dr Simon Opher

That this House recognises the urgent need for child poverty measures to include all children living in the UK, regardless of immigration status; notes with concern that an estimated 1.5 million children in families with migrant parents live in poverty, accounting for more than a third of the total number of children living in relative poverty according to new analysis by the Institute of Public Policy Research; further notes that twice the proportion of children in families with foreign-born parents are living in poverty compared to other children, 46% compared to 25%; also notes that an estimated 507,064 children had No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) as a condition of their visa at the end of 2023; notes that NRPF restrictions prevent families from accessing essential benefits including Child Benefit, leaving many in severe financial distress; highlights that the long-term impact of poverty on children’s health, education, and wellbeing is well-documented; further notes that continuing to exclude children in migrant households from child poverty measures weakens the effectiveness of wider poverty reduction efforts; and calls on the Government to ensure that all legislative and policy initiatives aimed at tackling child poverty fully consider and address the needs of children affected by NRPF.

1318Progress in UK-EU relations

Tabled: 21/05/25 Signatories: 1

James MacCleary

That this House welcomes the steps taken at the recent reset Summit to improve UK-EU relations and move beyond the instability and confusion of recent years; recognises the potential for cooperation in areas such as science, defence and food trade to bring tangible benefits to people and businesses across the UK; regrets, however, that no formal commitment was made to establish a capped Youth Mobility Scheme, despite an agreement in principle and repeated calls from business and civil society; further regrets the Government's continued reticence to work towards a new, bespoke UK-EU customs union or agreement on deep alignment, which independent analysis suggests would deliver billions in economic growth and reduce red tape for exporters; notes with disappointment that there remains no progress on easing post-Brexit barriers for UK touring artists and performers, whose livelihoods continue to suffer from unnecessary bureaucracy and restrictions; and urges the Government to deliver progress against each of these areas, recognising the economic value to be gained by doing so and the importance of delivering more opportunities for our young people and performing artists.

131965 years of song from Kirkintilloch Ladies Choir

Tabled: 21/05/25 Signatories: 1

Katrina Murray

That this House congratulates Kirkintilloch Ladies Choir on their 65th anniversary; notes that their celebratory concert held on 10 May 2025 provided a diverse programme of music from the choir’s wide repertoire; further notes that the aim of the choir is to promote the enjoyment of singing among women and provide entertainment to audiences both locally and further afield; also notes that the choir was founded in 1960 by Nan Duncan, a local music teacher who conducted the choir for 20 years; notes that to this day the choir rehearses on the same piano; further notes that the choir has always been based in Kirkintilloch and has its present rehearsal home in the Park Centre; also notes that when other choirs were not able to sustain themselves through and beyond the pandemic the choir were lucky to have musical director Stephen Langston and accompanist Nancy Burns who had the almost impossible task of conducting and accompanying online to the Zoom years, and it is thanks to them and the passionate persistence of members that the choir survived when so many up and down the country did not; notes that the joy of singing remains to be shared by the members of Kirkintilloch Ladies Choir and their audiences locally and nationally; and wishes them every success for 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.

1219Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

Tabled: 7/05/25 Signatories: 21

Sojan Joseph

Dr Simon Opher

Jim Shannon

Colum Eastwood

Chris Kane

Ellie Chowns

That this House recognises that Mental Health Awareness Week is between 12 and 19 May 2025; notes that the theme for this year is community; believes that being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing; further believes that people thrive when they have strong connections with other people and supportive communities to remind them that they are not alone; notes with concern that while most online communities are accommodating places, 76 percent of secondary school teachers are extremely concerned about the influence of online misogyny on their schools; encourages those who do feel alone to seek out support; calls for increased support for community mental health services to ensure there is a shift in mental health care from hospitals to the local community; further recognises the important role that Mental Health Awareness Week plays in bringing attention to mental health; and pays tribute to all those working in this sector.

1230Gaza occupation proposals

Tabled: 8/05/25 Signatories: 62

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.

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

Tabled: 13/05/25 Signatories: 15

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.

1256Negotiating rights for police officers

Tabled: 13/05/25 Signatories: 18

Liz Saville Roberts

Rachael Maskell

Cat Smith

Kim Johnson

Mary Glindon

Grahame Morris

That this House notes that pay and conditions for police officers in England and Wales are subject to recommendations by the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) and that its letter of remit each year is drafted by the Home Office, directing it to look at specific areas of pay and conditions and within established parameters; further notes that, while the PRRB can step outside of the areas and limits within this letter, its recommendations need approval by the Secretary of State for the Home Department; believes these restrictions at both the beginning and end of the process remove any true independence from the PRRB; also notes that PRRB recommendations are not binding and there is no right of appeal or arbitration; notes that police officers have no right to take industrial action and that, before the PRRB was introduced in 2014, police pay and conditions were resolved through a Police Negotiating Board and subject to binding arbitration, which is still used in Scotland; further believes that the PRRB process should be reviewed to allow for consultation and collective bargaining, with a system of binding arbitration introduced; insists that this is not asking for a blank cheque or for agreement to unreasonable demands but rather for a compensatory mechanism for the lack of any ability to take industrial action; and calls on the Government to enter into formal negotiations with the Police Federation of England and Wales with a view to reforming the current PRRB system to include binding arbitration.

1267Jewish LGBTQ+ groups at Pride

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 23

Christine Jardine

Tom Gordon

Lisa Smart

Wera Hobhouse

Helen Maguire

Mr Angus MacDonald

That this House expresses deep concern at the decision by the Jewish LGBT+ charity KeshetUK and other Jewish LGBTQ+ groups to withdraw from Pride in London this year, marking the second consecutive year they have felt unable to participate due to safety concerns and a lack of adequate assurances from event organisers; notes that this decision follows the unprecedented rise in antisemitism in the UK since the Hamas atrocities on 7 October 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza, which has severely impacted the sense of safety and inclusion for Jewish communities, including those within the LGBTQ+ community; recognises the historic and ongoing contribution of Jewish LGBT+ individuals to the broader movement for equality and inclusion; unequivocally condemns all forms of antisemitism and homophobia, particularly where they intersect; calls on Pride in London and the relevant authorities to urgently review and strengthen safety protocols to ensure that all communities, especially minority groups, feel safe and welcome; urges greater engagement between Pride organisers and Jewish LGBT+ groups to rebuild trust and facilitate their participation in future events; and reaffirms this House’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rights, safety, and dignity of all LGBTQ+ individuals, regardless of faith or ethnicity.

1268Political parties at Pride

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 40

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.

1275Dementia Action Week

Tabled: 16/05/25 Signatories: 22

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.

1278International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

Tabled: 16/05/25 Signatories: 25

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.

1282Fairtrade tea campaign

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 3

Martin Rhodes

Jim Shannon

Douglas McAllister

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.

1286World Bee Day

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 19

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.

1288Dementia Action Week 2025

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 6

Jim Shannon

Douglas McAllister

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Rupert Lowe

Daniel Francis

Luke Akehurst

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: 12

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.

1294Supporting young Carers in Wiltshire

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 8

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.

1295Gary Lineker's contribution to Match of the Day

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 5

Shockat Adam

Mr Adnan Hussain

Iqbal Mohamed

Ayoub Khan

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House pays tribute to the extraordinary career and enduring legacy of Gary Lineker as he retires from his role on Match of the Day; celebrates him not only as one of England’s greatest ever goal scorers and a former England team captain, but as the beating heart of Leicester City FC, the club he has always called home; applauds his unwavering composure, both as a player renowned for his calmness under pressure and as a broadcaster whose clarity and humour became the voice of Saturday nights for millions; acknowledges his immense charitable work, including tireless support for children’s cancer charities, vital donations to the British Red Cross during the covid-19 pandemic, and his critical role in rescuing Leicester City FC from financial ruin in 2002; honours his achievements on the pitch, including the 1986 World Cup Golden Boot and leading England to the semi-finals in 1990; and believes that football fans across the nation will deeply miss his warmth, wit, and wisdom, and wishes him the very best in his well-earned retirement from the show.

1296UK-EU Summit (No. 2)

Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 4

Jim Allister

Jim Shannon

Rupert Lowe

Alex Easton

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: 35

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.

1298130th anniversary of R.J. Mitchell

Tabled: 20/05/25 Signatories: 2

Dr Allison Gardner

Jim Shannon

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: 2

Stephen Gethins

Jim Shannon

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: 4

Mr Lee Dillon

Helen Maguire

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

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: 2

Stephen Gethins

Jim Shannon

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: 3

Stephen Gethins

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

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: 5

Mrs Elsie Blundell

Jim Shannon

Ayoub Khan

Jeremy Corbyn

Daniel Francis

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: 3

Rupert Lowe

Sir Gavin Williamson

Mary Glindon

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: 5

Sarah Dyke

Jim Shannon

Adam Dance

Vikki Slade

Wera Hobhouse

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: 2

Euan Stainbank

Jim Shannon

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: 2

Chris Kane

Jim Shannon

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.