Contents
Published – Thursday 5 June 2025
Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 4 June 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
1389Clean Air Day 2025
Tabled: 4/06/25 Signatories: 1
Liz Saville Roberts
That this House celebrates Clean Air Day on 19 June, which is coordinated by Global Action Plan to bring together communities, businesses, education and the health sector to improve public understanding of air pollution, build awareness of how air pollution affects our health and explain some of the easy things we can all do to tackle air pollution to help protect our health and the environment; notes that air pollution is associated with between 29,000 and 43,000 deaths a year in the UK; further notes that the World Health Organization, the UK Government and the Welsh Government recognise that air pollution is one of the largest environmental threats to our health; commends those taking part in Clean Air Day by committing to healthy travel charters and tree planting projects; and calls on the UK and devolved governments to take decisive action to reduce the levels of toxic air pollution on our roads by advocating for cleaner transport options.
139090th anniversary of Cheltenham Lido
Tabled: 4/06/25 Signatories: 1
Max Wilkinson
That this House celebrates Cheltenham Lido's 90th birthday; acknowledges the important role that the lido plays in Cheltenham's community; notes the historical importance of the lido as a Grade II listed building; further notes the success of Cheltenham Lido's sustainability project, which is reducing carbon emissions while providing financial sustainability for the pool; and calls on the Government to work with local authorities and communities like Cheltenham to secure the long-term financial and environmental sustainability of outdoor swimming pools.
1391Dental provision in the South West
Tabled: 4/06/25 Signatories: 1
Lisa Smart
That this House expresses deep concern over the shortage of NHS dental services in the North West of England; is alarmed that parents are frequently advised to seek private dental care for their children simply to access routine check-ups; notes with particular concern that more than 100,000 children aged six to ten have been admitted to hospital with decaying teeth since 2018; believes this situation is depriving children of essential early dental care; supports the introduction of supervised toothbrushing schemes in nurseries and schools; further believes that VAT should be removed from children’s toothbrushes and toothpaste to make oral hygiene more affordable for families; and urges the new Government to collaborate with primary care bodies to end the emergence of dental deserts, particularly in the North West, by reforming the broken NHS dental contract, incentivising dentists to return from the private sector, and using flexible commissioning to ensure patients can access NHS dental services when needed.
1392Madleen Freedom Flotilla Ship
Tabled: 4/06/25 Signatories: 1
Rachael Maskell
That this House stands in solidarity with the crew of 12, including climate activist Greta Thunburg, of the Madleen Freedom Flotilla Ship bound for the Gaza Strip, attempting to break Israel's siege of Gaza to deliver vital aid including essential medical supplies, food and children's aid; supports the statement by UN experts that the people of Gaza have the right to receive aid through their own territorial waters even under occupation, and that the Coalition ship has the right to free passage in international waters to reach the people of Gaza; agrees that Israel must not interfere with its freedom of navigation, long recognised under international law and must adhere to international law and comply with orders from the International Court of Justice to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid; notes that malnutrition cases in the region have skyrocketed, UNICEF have stated that currently 14,000 children are suffering from acute malnutrition, elderly Palestinians as well as children are dying of starvation due to prolonged food shortages and a lack of access to medical aid, further notes that the entire 2.1 million population of Gaza is at risk of famine if the blockade is not lifted urgently; and notes that member states including the UK have a legal obligation and moral imperative to stop the starvation in Gaza.
1393National Carers Week 2025 and the Women in the North report
Tabled: 4/06/25 Signatories: 3
Mary Kelly Foy
Emma Lewell
John McDonnell
That this House notes that 9 to 15 June 2025 marks Carers Week; recognises the vital contribution made by unpaid carers across the UK; acknowledges the theme for this year’s Carers Week, Caring About Equality, which highlights the inequalities many carers face; further notes the findings of the Women in the North report by Health Equity North, which found that women in the North of England are more likely to be unpaid carers, live in poverty, and have fewer qualifications than women elsewhere in the country; expresses concern at the disproportionate impact this has on health, wellbeing, and life opportunities; and calls on the Government to take urgent steps to address regional inequalities and to provide greater recognition, resources, and support for unpaid carers, particularly women in the North.
1394Non-stun slaughter ban
Tabled: 4/06/25 Signatories: 1
Rupert Lowe
That this House expresses concern over the continued allowance of non-stun animal slaughter in the United Kingdom, particularly in relation to its widespread use in halal meat production; recognises the substantial body of veterinary evidence indicating that pre-stunning significantly reduces animal suffering at the point of slaughter; notes polling which consistently shows strong public support for mandatory stunning of animals before slaughter; regrets that current religious exemptions permit practices that fall below the UK’s stated animal welfare standards; and therefore calls on the Government to urgently review the legislative framework around non-stun slaughter, consider restricting or banning the practice, and introduce mandatory, clear labelling of meat products by method of slaughter so that consumers can make informed choices.
1395Christian persecution in Kebbi State, Nigeria
Tabled: 4/06/25 Signatories: 8
Sir Desmond Swayne
Sir John Hayes
Martin Vickers
Jim Shannon
Carla Lockhart
Sir Edward Leigh
Tim FarronRuth Jones
That this House notes with extreme concern reports of recent widespread jihadist-driven attacks in Nigeria, including the coordinated targeting of at least six predominantly Christian villages in the Danko Wasagu local government area of Kebbi State between 8 and 15 May 2025: further notes that the communities of Waje, Tsalon Damisa, Dajin Maikyasuwa, Dajin Kanya, Gaya, and Rimau were attacked, resulting in the deaths of more than 60 individuals; and calls on His Majesty's Government and Nigerian authorities to take more effective action to protect vulnerable communities and to bring to justice those responsible.
1396Scottish Opera wins Classical:NEXT Innovation Award
Tabled: 4/06/25 Signatories: 1
Martin Rhodes
That this House congratulates Scottish Opera on being awarded the prestigious worldwide Classical: NEXT Innovation Award for its pioneering health and arts initiative, Breath Cycle; notes that the project, the first of its kind, which began in 2013, now supports people living with a range of respiratory conditions, including long covid; further notes that Breath Cycle has engaged nearly 2,500 participants across Scotland, the wider UK and Europe; recognises the reported benefits to participants’ mental and physical health, energy levels and confidence; and celebrates the recognition of Breath Cycle as a ground-breaking project that is shaping the future of classical music through bold, thoughtful and effective innovation in practice.
1397Funding for Ely and Haughley Rail junction upgrades
Tabled: 4/06/25 Signatories: 1
Charlotte Cane
That this House recognises the critical role of the Ely and Haughley rail junctions in supporting national economic growth, regional development, and the transition to greener transport; notes that these long-overdue infrastructure upgrades have been in planning for decades and are now essential to unlocking capacity for both freight and passenger services across the East of England and beyond; further notes that the Ely Area capacity enhancements and Haughley junction upgrade would enable 2,900 additional freight services annually from the Port of Felixstowe, reduce road congestion by removing 98,000 HGV journeys, stimulating 277,000 extra rail passenger journeys per year, it would also reduce carbon emissions by 1.7m tonnes of CO2 over 60 years and it will reduce congestion by 5.6 million hours per year; highlights that the schemes would generate a return of £4.89 for every £1 invested, with an additional £60 million in wider economic benefits already identified; acknowledges the alignment of these projects with private sector investment; and therefore urges the Government to allocate funding to enable Network Rail to proceed with detailed planning and delivery of these essential infrastructure improvements, thereby supporting regional growth, decarbonisation, and national connectivity.
1398Mauritius Treaty
Tabled: 4/06/25 Signatories: 72
Mrs Kemi Badenoch
Nigel Farage
Jim Allister
Priti Patel
Richard Tice
James Cartlidge
Sir Bernard JenkinSir Iain Duncan SmithSir Geoffrey CoxSir Edward LeighDavid SimmondsJack RankinSarah BoolBen Obese-JectyShivani RajaCharlie DewhirstBradley ThomasBlake StephensonSir Roger GaleGregory StaffordMr Richard HoldenSir Alec ShelbrookeSir Christopher ChopeTom TugendhatSir Jeremy WrightAlan MakGraham StuartSir Desmond SwayneHarriet CrossMr Louie FrenchJoe RobertsonSir Ashley FoxSir Julian LewisDr Andrew MurrisonDame Harriett BaldwinMike WoodWendy MortonJohn LamontLewis CockingRebecca HarrisHelen GrantNigel HuddlestonMims DaviesGareth BaconAndrew RosindellDr Neil HudsonSteve BarclayBob BlackmanGreg SmithDamian HindsJohn GlenVictoria AtkinsSir James CleverlyEdward ArgarAndrew BowieHelen WhatelyDame Caroline DinenageRichard FullerDavid ReedMr Gagan MohindraJoy MorrisseyDavid MundellSir Julian SmithMatt VickersKit MalthouseJames WildMr Mark FrancoisDr Kieran MullanRebecca SmithPaul HolmesJerome MayhewRebecca Paul
That the Agreement, done at London and Port Louis on 22 May 2025, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, should not be ratified.
1399PA Media Ltd parliamentary newswire coverage
Tabled: 4/06/25 Signatories: 1
Rebecca Long Bailey
That this House notes with concern the proposals by PA Media Ltd, trading name of the Press Association, to cut posts and merge the previously separate teams responsible for monitoring the House of Commons and House of Lords for the purposes of providing a newswire service to journalists, and reduce the number of dedicated political journalists covering Holyrood; further notes that the separation of these remits has allowed staff to ensure that updates on the organisation’s Newswire service are accurate, trusted and hugely valued by outlets who need not rely on Hansard uploads, which are not available immediately after debates; fears the merger of this work will lead to less detailed coverage of events in both Houses and little to no coverage of activity in one House if journalists are directed to focus resources differently; notes that the proposals have been strongly condemned by the National Union of Journalists as a threat to public interest journalism on democratic activity by elected officials, with the public’s ability to scrutinise parliamentarians negatively impacted if reporting on parliamentary activity is curtailed; and calls on PA Media Ltd to pause the implementation of these proposals and cuts to others in the Content team pending further meaningful discussions with the union and parliamentarians from across the two Houses and thorough consideration of alternative proposals.
1400Mauritius Treaty (No. 2)
Tabled: 4/06/25 Signatories: 1
Jim Allister
That this House believes the Mauritius Treaty should not pass because completing the decolonisation of Mauritius cannot be achieved without reference to the people of the Chagos islands (See: UN 742 VII, 1953) who have not been afforded a voice in the treaty negotiations; observes that the Mauritian government cannot speak on their behalf because most Chogossians do not live in Mauritius where there is, in any event, evidence to suggest that they have experienced discrimination; acknowledges that the inclusion of the Chagos islands in the same colony as Mauritius was arbitrary given that their peoples relate to different ethnicities and religions separated by 1,339 miles, such that had the colony been decolonised as a whole and then allowed to express self-determination, the formation of two separate countries would have been unsurprising; strongly believes that as the Chagossian people all live in UN Member states, exploiting their absence from their islands to validate the transfer of those islands to Mauritius without consulting them, simply compounds the injustice of their forcible removal, replacing one form of colonialism with another; also strongly objects to the extortionate costs of the treaty, and its deeply troubling geo-strategic implications given the close relationship between China and Mauritius, the first African country to enter into a free trade agreement with China, and its entering into an agreement with Russia the same week the treaty was announced to boost cooperation in fishing and marine research.
1401Scottish Rugby and the British and Irish Lions
Tabled: 4/06/25 Signatories: 1
Christine Jardine [R]
That this House congratulates Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe of Edinburgh Rugby on their selection for the British and Irish Lions squad ahead of their tour to Australia; also congratulates Scott Cummings, Zander Fagerson, Huw Jones, Blair Kinghorn, Finn Russell and Sione Tuipulotu from the Scottish Men's national team on their selection; commends the six players making their debut for the Lions on this tour; further commends the coaching staff, medical staff and physiotherapists, and the teams at Scottish Rugby and Edinburgh Rugby on their commitment, skill and dedication to the sport that has led to eight Scots in the squad; notes their first match will be a friendly against Argentina in Dublin on 20 June; and wishes them and the whole squad the best of luck ahead of their tour.
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.
1266Import of goods from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 33
Ellie Chowns
Abtisam Mohamed
Layla Moran
Brendan O'Hara
Claire Hanna
Ben Lake
Martin Rhodes
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.
1280Sewage pollution
Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 23
Edward Morello
Dr Danny Chambers
Helen Maguire
Alex Brewer
Adam Dance
Wera Hobhouse
Sarah Dyke
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.
1284Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck
Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 10
Vikki Slade
Adam Dance
Mr Angus MacDonald
Edward Morello
Jim Shannon
Clive Jones
Sarah Dyke
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.
1286World Bee Day
Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 25
Anna Sabine
Alex Brewer
Helen Maguire
Adam Dance
Wera Hobhouse
Liz Jarvis
Sarah Dyke
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.
1290World IBD Day 2025
Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 23
Tom Gordon
Adam Dance
Helen Maguire
Wera Hobhouse
Liz Jarvis
Steff Aquarone
Sarah Dyke
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: 10
Sarah Gibson
Mr Angus MacDonald
Jess Brown-Fuller
Mr Joshua Reynolds
Jim Shannon
Clive Jones
Sarah Dyke
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.
1297World Bee Day (No. 2)
Tabled: 19/05/25 Signatories: 44
Monica Harding
Adam Dance
Helen Maguire
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Wera Hobhouse
Mr Paul Kohler
Sarah Dyke
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.
1300Legacy League’s fundraising for Newbury Cancer Care
Tabled: 20/05/25 Signatories: 8
Mr Lee Dillon
Helen Maguire
Jim Shannon
Clive Jones
Mr Angus MacDonald
Jess Brown-Fuller
Sarah Dyke
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.
1308Former secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Tabled: 21/05/25 Signatories: 5
Mary Glindon
Jim Shannon
Mrs Sharon Hodgson
John Slinger
Dawn Butler
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: 22
David Chadwick
Jim Shannon
Adam Dance
Brian Leishman
Ben Lake
Llinos Medi
Sarah Dyke
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.
1316Horsham FC
Tabled: 21/05/25 Signatories: 7
John Milne
Helen Maguire
Jim Shannon
Steve Darling
Clive Jones
Mr Angus MacDonald
Sarah Dyke
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.
1318Progress in UK-EU relations
Tabled: 21/05/25 Signatories: 34
James MacCleary
Helen Maguire
Wera Hobhouse
Adam Dance
Olly Glover
Victoria Collins
Sarah Dyke
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.
1321UK-EU defence cooperation
Tabled: 22/05/25 Signatories: 28
Helen Maguire
Manuela Perteghella
Clive Jones
Wendy Chamberlain
Wera Hobhouse
Ian Roome
Sarah Dyke
That this House welcomes the establishment of the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership as an important step toward rebuilding structured cooperation on defence issues; recognises the shared interest of both the UK and the EU in strengthening collective European security, particularly in light of Russian aggression in Ukraine and uncertainty around US President Trump's commitment to European defence; notes the potential for closer collaboration on military mobility, joint procurement and industrial capacity; further welcomes the Government’s assertion that the agreement paves the way for UK defence firms to access the EU’s proposed €150 billion SAFE fund; regrets the absence of concrete mechanisms or timelines for accessing this fund or for formal cooperation on defence industrial policy; expresses disappointment that the agreement only commits to exploring the possibility of an Administrative Arrangement with the European Defence Agency, rather than announcing one; believes that full UK participation in the EDA would strengthen both parties’ ability to respond to shared security challenges; urges the Government to ensure that the forthcoming Strategic Defence Review recognises the vital role of UK-EU defence cooperation in our future collective security; and further urges the Government to move towards agreeing tangible, formal security and defence arrangements following the Reset Summit.
1328School funding
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 11
Mr Lee Dillon
Claire Young
Adam Dance
Wera Hobhouse
Jim Shannon
Helen Maguire
Liz Jarvis
That this House notes with concern the significant underfunding of schools, leading to severe budgetary pressures and cuts; recognises the considerable strain placed on staff and students, including at a secondary school in Newbury, which faces a projected deficit of £870,000 this year; expresses concern for the impact on staff morale and job security; further notes the potential adverse effect on the quality of education provided to pupils; urges the Government to commit to ensuring proper funding for schools so every child can reach their potential; and calls on the Government to increase investment in the school system and to prioritise the education and future opportunities of young people.
1330Reinstatement of the Winter Fuel Payment
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 13
Luke Taylor
Claire Young
Jim Shannon
Helen Maguire
Mr Angus MacDonald
Christine Jardine
Jess Brown-FullerLiz Jarvis
That this House notes with great concern the significant financial hardship caused by the removal of the Winter Fuel Payment for those already affected by the ongoing cost of living crisis; recognises the vital role this payment plays in supporting vulnerable individuals; urges the Government to reinstate this payment without further delay; and calls on the Government to provide immediate and clear guidance on eligibility criteria to ensure all those entitled to support receive it in a transparent manner.
1331Libraries Week 2025
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 12
Sarah Dyke
Adam Dance
Wera Hobhouse
Jim Shannon
Mr Angus MacDonald
Christine Jardine
Jess Brown-FullerLiz Jarvis
That this House celebrates Libraries Week 2025, taking place from Monday 2 June to Sunday 8 June, as a national campaign recognising the vital role libraries, professional librarians and volunteers play in strengthening communities and driving opportunity; welcomes this year’s theme entitled Libraries change lives by sustaining economic growth, which highlights the many ways in which library services across the UK support local economies by empowering jobseekers, supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, delivering digital skills and literacy training; acknowledges the particular importance of libraries in rural communities where access to services and educational opportunities can be limited; highlights Somerset Council’s mobile library service as an important resource for isolated and rural residents, providing a trusted and accessible gateway to books, digital services, and community support; further welcomes the findings of a recent independent review which cited Somerset Libraries as a national example of excellence; and calls on the Government to ensure continued investment in and the protection of library services as essential infrastructure in tackling digital exclusion, reducing educational inequality, promoting lifelong learning and economic growth across the UK.
1335Access to Work backlogs
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 21
Charlotte Cane
Claire Young
Adam Dance
Wera Hobhouse
Jim Shannon
Mr Angus MacDonald
Helen MaguireLiz JarvisCalum Miller
That this House notes with concern the chronic delays in the Department for Work and Pensions’ administration of the Access to Work (AtW) scheme, which is vital in supporting disabled people to enter and remain in employment; further notes that new claims for employed applicants are currently taking around nine months to process, while self-employed applicants are facing delays of up to 14 months; also notes that even existing applicants are experiencing waits of up to seven weeks for payments to be processed; is alarmed that the DWP has increased its target for processing payments from 10 to 20 days due to staff shortages; recognises that many claimants need to submit claims in the final quarter of the year, placing additional strain on an already overstretched system; and is concerned by reports that over 60,000 applications remain unresolved as of early 2025.
133675th anniversary of Burton Albion Football Club
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 4
Jacob Collier
Jim Shannon
Dave Robertson
Amanda Hack
That this House recognises and celebrates Burton Albion Football Club on its 75th anniversary; notes that the Club was formed on 6 July 1950 at Burton upon Trent Town Hall; further recognises the significant contribution the Club has made to the local community; thanks all the supporters, players, management, staff and volunteers past and present for their involvement; and wishes Burton Albion Football Club all the best for the future.
1339Accountability in the water industry and proposals for the reform of Ofwat
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 7
Clive Lewis
Chris Hinchliff
Jim Shannon
Olivia Blake
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Andrew George
Jess Brown-Fuller
That this House notes with concern the systemic failings of the water industry and its regulators, which have allowed water companies to break the law while forcing customers to pay twice for essential services; further notes that Ofwat’s PR24 determination allocated enhanced funding to United Utilities for the Windermere Schemes without ensuring that this money would be used to improve sewerage services, rather than belatedly bring sites into compliance; recognises that this failure reflects wider national issues in the water industry, where investment has been inadequate and permit breaches persist; condemns Ofwat for relying on modelled, rather than real-world, data, allowing water companies to mark their own homework and evade accountability; further notes that Ofwat previously allowed financial extraction by private equity firms, resulting in higher bills and environmental degradation; and calls on the Government to reform Ofwat so that regulatory decisions are based on actual data, introduce a robust clawback mechanism to prevent unjustified charges, and ensure that water companies, not customers, bear the financial burden of bringing sites into legal compliance
1341Sir Bob Reid
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 7
Wendy Chamberlain
Jim Shannon
Mr Angus MacDonald
Christine Jardine
Clive Jones
Sarah Dyke
Jess Brown-Fuller
That this House expresses its deepest condolences following the death of Sir Bob Reid; acknowledges that he held important positions in various companies, most notably at Shell and as CEO at British Rail in 1990, overseeing projects like the Channel Tunnel; notes that Sir Bob had strong leadership skills and was admired for his energy and enthusiasm, as well as having a liking for human contact and an easy manner, regardless of rank; recognises that Sir Bob was born in Cupar and later studied politics, economics and history at the University of St Andrews, where he represented the university at golf and met his future wife, Joan Oram; and understands this loss is felt widely and expresses sympathy to his friends and family following the sad news of his passing.
1345Reform of NHS dentistry services
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 24
Sarah Gibson
Claire Young
Adam Dance
Brian Mathew
Wera Hobhouse
Jim Shannon
Jess Brown-FullerLiz Jarvis
That this House notes with concern the findings of the Public Accounts Committee's report entitled Fixing NHS Dentistry, which highlights the failure of the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England's 2024 dental recovery plan to improve access to NHS dental services; is alarmed that only 40% of adults in England were able to see an NHS dentist in the two years to March 2024, a decline from 49% prior to the covid-19 pandemic; recognises that the current dental contract, established in 2006, is unfit for purpose and does not incentivise dental practices to provide sufficient NHS care; acknowledges that initiatives such as the new patient premium and the golden hello recruitment scheme have not achieved their intended outcomes, with the latter resulting in less than 20% of the expected dentist appointments; expresses dissatisfaction that the Government has not committed to a clear timeline for reforming the NHS dental contract, as evidenced by the response to Written Question 46464 on 28 April 2025, where no specific timeframe was provided; and calls on the Government to work collaboratively with dental professionals, integrated care boards and other stakeholders to design and implement a new dental contract that addresses current shortcomings and promotes the provision of NHS dental services, ensuring equitable access to dental care for all citizens.
1346National Fish and Chip Day 2025
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 16
Liz Jarvis
Adam Dance
Jim Shannon
Wera Hobhouse
Mr Angus MacDonald
Christine Jardine
Jess Brown-Fuller
That this House celebrates National Fish and Chip Day 2025, which marks the 10th anniversary of the event; recognises the contribution of fish and chip businesses to the economy, hospitality sector and local communities; acknowledges increases to prices in the sector, including the cost of energy, raw goods and packaging, staff wages and changes to employer National insurance contributions; celebrates Mike’s Traditional Fish and Chips in Bishopstoke for being shortlisted in the National Fish and Chip Awards 2025 and for their role in the local community by employing staff from the local area, often school-leavers who are working for the first time and learning professional skills; and champions the contribution of small local hospitality businesses in strengthening our high streets and creating jobs across the UK.
1347Interception of small boats by France
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 14
Sir Gavin Williamson
Rupert Lowe
Jack Rankin
Martin Vickers
John Lamont
Jim Shannon
Shivani RajaSir John Whittingdale
That this House notes that 1,378 migrants attempted to cross the Channel on small boats on 31 May 2025, the highest daily tally so far this year; acknowledges that France only stopped 184 migrants that day despite agreeing in February 2025 to amend their laws to allow police to intercept boats in shallow waters; recognises that the French have intercepted just 38% of boats this year which is a decrease from 45% in 2024 and 47% in 2023; and calls on the Government to suspend Britain’s fishing deal with the European Union until France upholds its promise to intervene and stop the small boats.
1348RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 8
Sarah Dyke
Adam Dance
Jim Shannon
Mr Angus MacDonald
Dr Roz Savage
Helen Maguire
Ian Roome
That this House congratulates Georgie Newbery of Common Farm Flowers, Charlton Musgrove, on being awarded a Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show as part of the Farewell Flower Collective; celebrates the first-ever inclusion in the Show’s 113-year history of a display dedicated to funeral flowers in the Great Pavilion; commends the powerful and moving centrepiece featuring a willow coffin with seasonal, British-grown flowers, showcasing the potential of sustainable funeral floristry; notes that all floral arrangements were created entirely without floral foam or single-use plastics and were fully compostable; recognises Georgie Newbery’s contribution to British-grown flowers over the past 15 years, growing up to 100,000 stems annually without the use of chemicals, and maintaining large areas of her farm for wildlife and biodiversity; and further celebrates this achievement as a leading example of ethical, creative, and environmentally responsible floristry.
1349Carers Week 2025
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 41
Alison Bennett
Claire Young
Wendy Chamberlain
Vikki Slade
Caroline Voaden
Rachel Gilmour
Jess Brown-FullerLiz JarvisHelen MorganFreddie van Mierlo
That this House supports Carers Week 2025, taking place from 9 to 15 June; recognises this year’s theme is entitled Caring about equality; emphasises that millions of unpaid carers looking after family members and friends often face significant challenges and inequalities in their daily lives; asks the Government to address the significant inequalities faced by unpaid carers and commit to ensuring that carers receive the support they need and deserve; and endeavours to build a society that treats all carers equitably.
1350Radiologists and clinical oncologists
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 5
Peter Prinsley
Jim Shannon
Andrew George
Luke Akehurst
Clive Jones [R]
That this House recognises the vital role played by resident and consultant radiologists and clinical oncologists in diagnostic imaging and cancer care across our NHS; pays tribute to the work that these doctors do to treat a variety of conditions from cancer to strokes as well as the leading role they are playing in the rollout of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence in our health service; is concerned by figures in the latest Royal College of Radiologists census reports which show a 29 percent shortfall of radiologists amounting to 1,953 doctors and a 15 percent shortfall of oncologists, which is 193 doctors, across the UK in 2024; understands that these shortfalls can cause delays in patients getting access to treatment and are forecast to grow as demand for diagnostics and cancer care increases; and acknowledges the urgent need to recruit, train and retain the staff needed to support patients and ensure that backlogs and waiting lists do not continue to expand.
1351Support for families affected by childhood cancer
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 4
Carla Lockhart
Jim Shannon
Andrew George
Shockat Adam
That this House recognises the unimaginable pain experienced by families receiving a childhood cancer diagnosis; pays heartfelt tribute to David and Sara Watson, who, following the devastating loss of their much loved son Adam, have channelled their grief into tireless campaigning to support other families on this harrowing journey; notes with deep concern the current delay of up to three months in accessing Child Disability Living Allowance (DLA) following a cancer diagnosis, despite the immediate and overwhelming needs of the child and their family; supports the call for urgent legislative reform through Adam’s Law, which would ensure automatic and immediate access to Child DLA upon diagnosis of childhood cancer; commends the work of the charity B Positive in advocating for improved wraparound support services; and urges the Government to act without delay to deliver compassionate, timely, and effective support to families facing the trauma of childhood cancer.
135360th anniversary of the Heald Green Flower Club
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 5
Tom Morrison
Mr Angus MacDonald
Jim Shannon
Lisa Smart
Sarah Dyke
That this House congratulates the Heald Green Flower Club on the occasion of its 60th anniversary; acknowledges the club’s remarkable contribution to community life in Heald Green through its monthly Flower Arranging For All gatherings at the Heald Green Village Hall; praises the club for providing a welcoming and creative space for people to learn and enjoy the art of flower arranging; notes the benefits to participants including artistic development, improved wellbeing and the formation of friendships; commends the club’s emphasis on seasonal arrangements, hands-on workshops and demonstrations led by experienced members; and pays tribute to the dedication of the club’s organisers, for fostering a strong sense of community, creativity and joy over six decades.
135440th anniversary of Surrey Research Park
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 8
Zöe Franklin
Jim Shannon
Mr Angus MacDonald
Clive Jones
Helen Maguire
Dr Al Pinkerton
Mr Will ForsterSarah Dyke
That this House celebrates the 40th anniversary of Surrey Research Park, a pioneering community of innovation and technological advancement operated by the University of Surrey; recognises its ongoing role in fostering collaboration between academia and industry since it was established by the University of Surrey in 1985; further highlights its success as the birthplace of Guildford’s games and space industries and as home to Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, a global leader in satellite innovation spun out of the university and also celebrating its 40th anniversary this year; applauds its positive impact on both a local and national scale, supporting around 200 companies, employing 7,410 employees and contributing £650 million to the economy; acknowledges how the work of the University of Surrey and the successful businesses based on the Surrey Research Park are a shining example of the role of universities as engines of growth, locally, regionally and nationally; and wishes all involved in this innovative community every success for the future.
1356Gold Eco Church Award for St Mary’s Church, Ewell
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 4
Helen Maguire
Jim Shannon
Mr Angus MacDonald
Sarah Dyke
That this House congratulates St Mary’s Church in Ewell on being awarded the prestigious Gold Eco Church Award by A Rocha UK; recognises this as a landmark achievement reflecting the Church's deep and sustained commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability and care for creation; commends the efforts of the entire church community, whose work to embed eco-conscious values into worship, buildings, land use, community engagement and lifestyle has set a powerful example of faith in action; notes that St Mary’s is now among a select group of churches across the UK to receive this highest level of recognition; and wishes the church continued success as it celebrates this milestone and continues its vital work for people and planet alike.
1358Cookham Abbey Dig 2025
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 5
Mr Joshua Reynolds
Jim Shannon
Mr Angus MacDonald
Clive Jones
Sarah Dyke
That this House celebrates the commencement of the 2025 excavation season at the site of the Anglo-Saxon monastery in Cookham, Berkshire, led by the University of Reading’s Department of Archaeology; notes the exceptional preservation and national significance of the site, which was first identified in 2021 and has since yielded important discoveries including over 70 burials, many showing evidence of disease and healing, indicating the monastery's role as a centre of care and healing in the 8th and 9th centuries; acknowledges the site's historical importance as a royal monastery under Queen Cynethryth, widow of King Offa of Mercia, and its strategic location along the River Thames, a vital trade and communication route during the Anglo-Saxon period; commends the collaborative efforts of the University of Reading, Holy Trinity Church Cookham and the Friends of Cookham Abbey in facilitating the excavation and engaging the local community through educational outreach and public tours; and encourages continued support for this project, which offers invaluable insights into early medieval monastic life and contributes significantly to our understanding of England's historical heritage
1359Old Basing memory garden for bereaved parents
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 8
Alex Brewer
Adam Dance
Jim Shannon
Mr Angus MacDonald
Clive Jones
Helen Maguire
Liz JarvisSarah Dyke
That this House recognises the trauma, distress and heartbreak caused by baby loss and notes that having spaces for peace and connection with others can be a pivotal part of processing; acknowledges the importance of the memory garden at Basing House in providing a dedicated place of calm to parents grieving the loss of a baby; recognises the incredible work by the team at Hampshire Hospitals, the team at Basing House, and Jasmine Wheaton and Matt Snook, who devastatingly lost Noah and Evie, and have since helped to develop the memory garden alongside the teams; commends Matt on his fundraising bike ride on Sunday 25 May from the John Radcliff Hospital in Oxford to Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital to raise valuable funds for the charity to help fund care for other bereaved families; and notes the support provided from Hampshire Hospitals Charity through its forget me not fund, which seeks to provide a range of services to all those affected by baby loss.
1361Blackburn Rovers Women’s Team
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 6
Tim Farron
Jim Shannon
Mr Angus MacDonald
Clive Jones
Andy MacNae
Sarah Dyke
This House condemns the decision made by the owners of Blackburn Rovers FC to remove the Blackburn Rovers Women's team from the Women's Championship; stands in solidarity with the club's players; considers this act to be unfair, short-sighted and an insult to players, fans and the women's game in general; further acknowledges that, on the 150th anniversary of the club's foundation and the 30th anniversary of the men's team's historic Premier League victory, the owners have shown callous disregard for the heritage of Blackburn Rovers; further calls for the owners to reverse this decision, apologise to the players and fans, or else to sell the entire club to someone who cares about it; and urges the Government to strengthen the proposed football regulator so that it will have the power to deal with the likes of Blackburn Rovers' current owners, on account of their failure to qualify as fit and proper people to run such a proud and distinguished club.
1364Reform of monetary limits on charity lotteries
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 16
Wendy Chamberlain
Jim Shannon
Mr Angus MacDonald
Tom Gordon
Ben Maguire
Olly Glover
Jess Brown-FullerLiz JarvisRichard BakerSarah Dyke
That this House acknowledges the role played by Britain’s charity lottery sector in providing some £450 million in vital funds for good causes each year at no cost to the Government; recognises the unique nature of charity lottery fundraising, which is centred on long-term, unrestricted giving; acknowledges such a model complements the overwhelmingly project-based funding offer from the National Lottery’s distribution bodies; notes the charity lottery sector continues to call for removal of the £50 million annual limit on their sales and that such lotteries are the only gambling or fundraising product subject to such a cap, despite their low risk, charitable nature; understands that analysis by Britain’s biggest charity lottery fundraiser, People’s Postcode Lottery, projects that removing the annual sales limit and accompanying reforms could free up £175 million in funding for supported charities impacted by the cap; and urges the Government to use its forthcoming update on the sector to announce meaningful reform of the needless and outdated monetary limits placed upon charity lotteries so that they can raise even more for good causes across Britain.
1365Relaunch of Greener Henley
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 5
Freddie van Mierlo
Jim Shannon
Mr Angus MacDonald
Clive Jones
Sarah Dyke
That this House congratulates Greener Henley on its successful relaunch as a registered charity committed to addressing critical environmental issues under the themes of safer, cleaner and greener; notes that the organisation is tackling food security, flooding and the impacts of HGVs under its safer agenda; air and water pollution under the cleaner agenda; and protection and restoration of natural biodiversity under the greener agenda; applauds the charity's ambitious aim to engage and mobilise 5,000 people, including 3,000 in Henley-on-Thames and 2,000 in surrounding villages, to take transformative action for the environment; welcomes the forthcoming launch of an innovative online platform that will allow individuals to log pledges such as planting wildflower borders or cycling to work, thereby creating a shared record of local climate and nature-friendly commitments; and commends Greener Henley for its leadership in fostering community-wide environmental responsibility through active engagement and events across the region.
1366Brain tumour diagnosis
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 18
Clive Jones [R]
Claire Young
Adam Dance
Wera Hobhouse
Jim Shannon
Lisa Smart
Jess Brown-FullerLiz JarvisHelen MorganSarah Dyke
That this House recognises the urgent need to improve diagnostic pathways for brain tumours, the largest cancer killer of the under 40s; notes with concern the findings of The Brain Tumour Charity’s April 2025 report entitled Exploring GP Access to Imaging in England, which highlights significant delays in diagnosis, with 45% of patients in England diagnosed via emergency presentation and 41% of brain tumour patients seeing a GP three or more times before diagnosis; expresses alarm at the widespread lack of awareness among GPs of NHS England’s 2023 direct access imaging guidance and the postcode lottery in access to MRI and CT head scans; further notes the lack of clear referral pathways and radiology capacity as key barriers to effective use of direct access; urges the Government to respond to the report’s seven key recommendations, including universal commissioning of direct access imaging, creation of full diagnostic pathways, and the development of a National Brain Tumour Strategy; and calls on the Government to urgently work with integrated care boards to consider these recommendations and improve outcomes for patients facing this devastating disease.
1367Police officers
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 18
Tim Farron
Claire Young
Adam Dance
Jim Shannon
Helen Maguire
Manuela Perteghella
Tom GordonLiz JarvisDr Danny ChambersMartin WrigleySarah Dyke
That this House recognises the tireless work of police officers around the UK; praises the selfless service of police officers’ to their communities and their country in daily acts of unseen work, often in dangerous situations; notes in particular the fantastic work of Cumbria Constabulary in rural, remote communities, despite stretched resources over huge geographical distances; further notes the recent letter to The Times from six chief constables of the biggest forces in the UK and their warnings that without investment, government ambitions to reform policing, protect victims, and cut crime will fall short; recognises the worry that many officers will feel about continued uncertainty; and calls on the Government to ensure fair pay rises for police officers by reforming the Police Remuneration Review Body to make it properly independent of Government.
1371Wastewater Infrastructure and Environmental Protection in Planning Applications
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 16
Victoria Collins
Adam Dance
Wera Hobhouse
Jim Shannon
Helen Maguire
Mr Angus MacDonald
Jess Brown-FullerHelen MorganSarah Dyke
That this House expresses concern about the potential impact of new developments on local water and drainage systems, particularly in areas with chalk streams, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and other protected habitats; notes that water companies often claim a site holds sufficient capacity despite local systems being under strain and environmental standards at risk; believes the current assessment process for wastewater capacity in planning applications lacks rigor and fails to account for long-term environmental costs; is disappointed that the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill fails to address this; urges the Government to include provision for sustainable drainage in future developments in the Bill by implementing Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010; calls on the Government to require water companies to provide independent infrastructure capacity assessments that consider local environmental pressures; further urges the Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Communities to grant local authorities greater powers to commission independent assessments; and further calls for all new developments to align with the UK's clean river objectives and protection of vulnerable habitats.
1372Long covid in children and young people
Tabled: 2/06/25 Signatories: 18
Victoria Collins
Claire Young
Adam Dance
Dr Danny Chambers
Jim Shannon
Helen Maguire
Jess Brown-FullerHelen MorganSarah Dyke
That this House notes with concern the significant impact of long covid on children and young people across the UK, with thousands experiencing prolonged symptoms following covid-19 infection; regrets the serious consequences for children’s health, education, and family wellbeing; further notes the strain on schools and healthcare services; recognises the need for more research into long covid in children; calls on the Government to work with relevant organisations to ensure affected children receive proper recognition, care, and support; and further calls on the Government to create a register for those suffering from long covid alongside establishing care pathways to ensure that all practitioners have the guidance to treat long-term covid-19 patients effectively.
1373Impact of research and development tax credit policy on UK innovation and SMEs
Tabled: 3/06/25 Signatories: 2
Charlotte Cane
Liz Jarvis
That this House notes with concern the case of Horizon, a retail design and brand communications agency based in Ely, East Cambridgeshire, which has been adversely affected by recent changes to the research and development tax credit scheme; recognises Horizon’s contribution to UK innovation and exports, having grown over 15 years into a medium-sized enterprise employing approximately 75 people and generating £9.5 million in turnover, half of which is from international trade; acknowledges that Horizon’s growth was significantly supported by reinvestment in research and development and the responsible use of research and development tax credits, which enabled the development of award-winning retail display solutions; expresses concern that a recent investigation led to the rejection of their 2023-24 research and development claim, a retrospective repayment of over £120,000, and a prohibition on future claims; notes the company’s subsequent decision to relocate design and development functions outside the UK, citing a lack of support for innovation; warns that such outcomes risk undermining UK competitiveness, innovation, and SME growth at a critical economic juncture; further acknowledges that while there may be cases of non-compliance, and condemns any deliberate misuse of the research and development scheme, the current approach must strike a fair balance, supporting genuine innovation while ensuring proportionate and timely enforcement; and urges the Government to review the implementation of research and development tax credit policy to ensure it supports genuine innovation, prevents abuse without penalising legitimate claims, and sustains the UK’s position as a global leader in creative and technological enterprise.
1375Prayer for Pentecost
Tabled: 3/06/25 Signatories: 2
Jim Shannon
Ruth Jones
That this House warmly welcomes news that Christians from across the British Isles will be taking part in 72 hours of unbroken prayer this weekend to celebrate Pentecost, the birth of the Church and to pray for our local communities; highlights that, since 2006, the National Day of Prayer and Worship have been gathering Christians to join the movement for unity, prayer and transformation across the UK, from grassroots villages to larger towns; underpinning the importance of prayer for every Christian; further notes that people are encouraged to join the 72 hours of prayer, which starts at midnight on Thursday 5 June and ends on Pentecost Sunday evening on 8 June; offers good wishes all those celebrating Pentecost this weekend; and thanks the Church for the continued contribution it makes to the spiritual life and wellbeing of so many within the UK.
1376Water quality of the River Mole
Tabled: 3/06/25 Signatories: 6
Helen Maguire
Adam Dance
Jim Shannon
Mr Will Forster
Sarah Dyke
Monica Harding
That this House expresses deep concern over the deteriorating water quality of the River Mole; notes recent data collected by River Mole River Watch reveals persistently high levels of phosphate pollution in the River Mole over the last two years, with average concentrations increasing from 0.48 parts per million (ppm) in 2023 to 0.56 ppm in March 2025; further notes that such elevated phosphate levels significantly exceed safe thresholds for freshwater ecosystems and could result in eutrophication, an excess of nutrients in the water that depletes oxygen, causes algal blooms and damages biodiversity; acknowledges that the elevated phosphate levels are linked to factors including sewage overflows from pumping stations, of which only 18 out of 307 in the catchment have event duration monitors installed, severely limiting transparency; recognises the valuable role of community-led monitoring in exposing the scale and sources of river pollution; calls on the Government to give citizen scientists greater powers to hold water companies accountable, including through representation on water company boards; further calls on the Government to mandate the installation of monitoring equipment on all sewage infrastructure and to ensure water companies publish both the volume and concentration of emergency overflow discharges on company websites; and encourages water companies to invest in upgrading wastewater treatment facilities to restore and protect the health of our waterways, like the River Mole, for future generations.
1377Scotstoun Primary School’s inspection report
Tabled: 3/06/25 Signatories: 2
Patricia Ferguson
Jim Shannon
That this House congratulates Scotstoun Primary School for being awarded a wonderful inspection report; commends the staff and teachers at the school who were praised for their professionalism ensuring positive outcomes for all children and driving improvements in attainment and gaps in learning, with the Education Scotland team describing a highly effective leadership of change at all levels; recognises that this report is a success not just for the school but for the whole Scotstoun Primary School community who were noted by the inspectors as a well-established and high-quality partnership, with the cultural diversity of the area being honoured and celebrated, creating a strong feeling of community; and notes that the report specifically praises the school’s effective use of digital technologies improving the quality of both learning and teaching as well as their use of play and inquiry-based learning, allowing the children to develop their skills in a fun, independent and hands-on way.
1378Glasgow Warriors and the British and Irish Lions tour selection
Tabled: 3/06/25 Signatories: 2
Patricia Ferguson
Jim Shannon
That this House congratulates Scott Cummings, Zander Fagerson, Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu on their selection for the British and Irish Lions touring squad; commends Glasgow Warriors Rugby Club, based in Glasgow West for producing the joint-second highest number of players selected for the touring squad and for setting a club record for British and Irish Lions squad selection; notes that these selections reward the hard work of the players who have each contributed significantly to Glasgow Warriors and Scottish rugby, but also reflects the work of the Glasgow Warriors team, from coaching staff to medical teams, whose dedication behind the scenes ensures the health and success of the players; and wishes the whole British and Irish Lions squad good luck on their upcoming tour of Australia.
1379Glasgow 850 Close Knit project
Tabled: 3/06/25 Signatories: 2
Patricia Ferguson
Jim Shannon
That this House commends Glasgow Presbytery for marking the 850th anniversary of the City of Glasgow with an exhibition of patchwork blankets; notes that the blankets will be formed of individual squares sewn together by churches, community groups, businesses, organisations and individuals across Glasgow; recognises the contribution of the Jordanhill congregation in Glasgow West constituency, who are working hard to knit squares to support this initiative and congratulates them for producing three blankets, consisting of two hundred squares; further notes that knitters across Glasgow have created an impressive 160 blankets so far; and further recognises that once the exhibition has ended, the blankets will be donated to The Lodging House Mission and distributed to those experiencing homelessness across Glasgow.
1380World Cider Day 2025
Tabled: 3/06/25 Signatories: 7
Sarah Dyke
Adam Dance
Wera Hobhouse
Jim Shannon
Mr Will Forster
Liz Jarvis
Anna Sabine
That this House celebrates World Cider Day on 3 June, founded in 2013 to promote the heritage, craftsmanship and cultural significance of cider making around the globe; recognises that cider holds a unique place in British life, with the UK cider industry valued at over £3.4 billion annually, supporting thousands of jobs in the agricultural, production and hospitality sectors; highlights the importance of Somerset as the historic and spiritual home of British cider, where generations of producers have cultivated orchards, preserved traditional methods and built an industry that is central to the county’s identity and rural economy; further recognises that Somerset’s cider makers continue to lead the way in preserving this tradition while embracing innovation and sustainability; acknowledges the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility but expresses concern that the current design of the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme risks placing unsustainable burdens on small and medium-sized cider makers, many of whom are rooted in Somerset’s rural communities; and calls on the Government to work in partnership with the sector to ensure that environmental goals are achieved in a way that supports producers, protects local economies and secures the future of the British cider industry.
1381Volunteers Week 2025
Tabled: 3/06/25 Signatories: 11
Dr Roz Savage
Jess Brown-Fuller
Ian Roome
Adam Dance
Wera Hobhouse
Jim Shannon
Mr Will ForsterHelen MaguireLiz JarvisDr Danny ChambersSarah Dyke
That this House supports Volunteers Week 2025; celebrates the extraordinary work that volunteers, charities, and grassroots organisations do to support their local communities; notes the work of volunteer-supported organisations across the South Cotswolds, including Cirencester Stroke Club, Tetbury Men's Shed, The Big Yellow Bus Project, Food for Thought, The Churn Project, Cirencester Hospital and Relay for Life, among countless others; thanks the volunteers who give up their time to support the health, wellbeing, and livelihoods of their fellow residents; and encourages the Government to do everything it can to ensure this vital work can continue.
138250 years of Stepps Community Fire Station
Tabled: 3/06/25 Signatories: 2
Katrina Murray
Jim Shannon
This House recognises 50 years of life saving service of Stepps Community Fire Station; congratulates Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for this and for their ongoing commitment to community fire stations; notes that this purpose-built station is a local landmark with the fire tower easily recognised; further notes that the purpose of the tower is for the training of fire fighters; observes that this facility is located in North Lanarkshire in Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch constituency and provides support in north east Glasgow, Muirhead, Chryston, Cardowan, Mount Ellen and Gartcosh as well as to major incidents across west central Scotland; highlights that this is the second incarnation of a community fire station in a community that has a long standing tradition of voluntary and retained fire fighters; further observes that these fire fighters either live or work in the local communities they serve; and also highlights that fire fighters attend a wide range of emergency incidents as well as carrying out community safety visits to the local community.
1384Dylan Wood
Tabled: 3/06/25 Signatories: 2
Brian Leishman
Jim Shannon
That this House congratulates Dylan Wood, a talented theatre actor from Tillicoultry in the Wee County, on his outstanding performance as Orpheus in the West End production of Hadestown; celebrates his continued success in the role into 2026 following a widely praised and accomplished run; recognises the inspiring journey Dylan has taken from his first stage appearance at Alloa Town Hall to the bright lights of London’s West End; applauds his dedication to the arts and his commitment to his craft; expresses pride that a young man from Clackmannanshire is showcasing Scottish talent on the national stage; and hopes that his story will inspire young people from Tillicoultry and across the Wee County to pursue their creative dreams.
1385Gaza (No. 2)
Tabled: 3/06/25 Signatories: 71
Ed Davey
Calum Miller
Josh Babarinde
Zöe Franklin
Charlotte Cane
Steve Darling
Dr Al PinkertonTessa MuntRichard FoordDr Roz SavageAdam DanceGideon AmosSarah GreenMartin WrigleyBobby Dean
That this House expresses its condemnation of the Israeli government's expansion of military activity in Gaza and declaration of 22 new settlements in the West Bank; denounces Prime Minister Netanyahu's unwillingness to comprehensively lift the devastating aid blockade; rejects as dangerous, insufficient and unworkable the operation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation; calls on the Government to develop an alternative plan with other countries to take aid into the Strip through a humanitarian corridor, ideally sponsored by the UN; believes that Hamas should immediately and unconditionally release the remaining 58 hostages; notes that military action will not support getting the remaining hostages back to Israel, and that only diplomacy has been the consistently effective tool through which those in Hamas’ captivity have made it home; urges the Government to immediately sanction Ministers Ben-Gvir, Smotrich and Katz, who consistently call for the dispossession of Palestinians, and to immediately ban all UK arms exports to Israel; urges the Government to immediately suspend the 2030 roadmap for UK-Israel bilateral relations, until the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is alleviated; calls on the Government, in lieu of imminent action by the Israeli government to allow full aid access to Gaza and draw back its military campaign, to expand sanctions to Israeli Ministers and Members of the Knesset who support continuing the blockade and military action; and urges the Government to recognise the state of Palestine, showing beyond doubt the UK’s commitment to Palestinians’ right to self-determination and a two-state solution as the only just, political settlement.
1387Whitstone’s Fish and Chip Shop in Midsomer Norton
Tabled: 3/06/25 Signatories: 6
Anna Sabine
Ian Roome
Adam Dance
Jim Shannon
Liz Jarvis
Sarah Dyke
That this House celebrates Whitstone’s Fish and Chip shop in Midsomer Norton, which was voted the best chippy in Frome and East Somerset by a public vote ahead of National Fish and Chip Day; celebrates all the other brilliant outlets who received votes; recognises their hard work in making and serving food to the local community and the positive impact they have on the local economy; recognises the difficulties they face in light of high energy costs and National Insurance contribution rises; and wishes them all the best in the year ahead.
1388Devon Day 2025
Tabled: 3/06/25 Signatories: 9
Steve Darling
Ian Roome
Richard Foord
Rachel Gilmour
Martin Wrigley
Jim Shannon
Mr Joshua ReynoldsCaroline VoadenSarah Dyke
That this House recognises and celebrates Devon Day on 4 June 2025, a day to honour the rich history, culture and natural beauty of the county of Devon; notes the significance of this date as the feast day of St Petroc, one of the patron saints of Devon; acknowledges the contributions of Devon's communities to the United Kingdom through tourism, agriculture, the arts and innovation; commends the efforts of local authorities, community groups and schools in promoting Devon’s heritage and identity; encourages people across the country to learn more about Devon’s unique landscapes, from Dartmoor to the Jurassic Coast, and to support its local businesses; and calls on the Government to continue supporting regional celebrations that strengthen local pride and cohesion.