Contents

Published – Tuesday 27 October 2026

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 26 October 2026

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

1023Carys Graham as World Champion Drum Major

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Carys Graham from Ballynahinch on becoming World Champion Drum Major at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow; recognises her outstanding achievements throughout the 2026 season, during which she won every Juvenile Drum Major grade contest she entered at home, in Scotland and in the United States; notes her victories at the Costa Mesa Games in California, the Mid-Ulster Championships, the City of Lisburn Championships, the County Antrim and Newtownabbey Championships and the All-Ireland Championships in Lucan, Dublin; further notes her participation with Down Pipes and Drums Pipe Band at the Lorient Festival in Brittany, France; further celebrates her remarkable achievement in winning all five major championships and becoming British Champion, United Kingdom Champion, European Champion, Scottish Champion and World Champion; also notes that winning all five major titles secured Carys the title of Scottish Champion of Champions; commends Carys for the dedication, discipline and exceptional talent demonstrated throughout an outstanding season; recognises the support of her family, instructors, band colleagues and the wider pipe band and drum major community; and wishes Carys every success in the future as she continues to represent Ballynahinch and Northern Ireland at the highest level.

1024Push for Stoptober

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Rachael Maskell

That this House encourages people to take part in Stoptober, the UK's biggest quit smoking challenge; highlights the free support services available across the UK health service to help those taking part to succeed; praises the 500 free Public Health Agency funded Stop Smoking services in Northern Ireland which are available through community pharmacies, GP practices, health trusts and community organisations; stresses the importance of support at every stage of a quit attempt; emphasises that people who stop smoking for 28 days are far more likely to quit permanently; highlights that immense progress has been made this year towards securing a Smoke Free UK with the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 which prohibits the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after 1st of January 2009; encourages people who are considering taking part to consider quitting alongside someone they know as having this support can massively boost motivation and success; and calls on the Government to take action to reduce the appeal of e-cigarettes to children by introducing controls on flavouring and advertising.

1025Suffolk Chamber of Commerce named UK Chamber of the Year 2026

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 1

Dr Peter Prinsley

That this House congratulates Suffolk Chamber of Commerce on being named UK Chamber of the Year at the British Chambers of Commerce Chamber Awards 2026; recognises its 142-year history of supporting local businesses, championing economic growth and promoting investment across Suffolk; commends its work in helping businesses benefit from major projects, including Sizewell C; pays tribute to President Catherine Johnson, Chief Executive John Dugmore, Head of Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Paul Simon, and the entire Chamber team for their dedication and hard work; and wishes the Chamber continued success in championing Suffolk's business community.

1026Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards and Shetland businesses

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 1

Mr Alistair Carmichael

That this House welcomes the wins of Shetland business owners at the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards; congratulates Celia Smith of Blyde Welcome on winning Individual of the Year, Seabirds and Seals on winning Best Visitor Attraction, and Shetland Seabird Tours for winning Best Outdoor Adventure Experience; and recognises the contribution these businesses make to Shetland’s tourism industry, local economy and reputation as a leading visitor destination.

1027Jen Roberts and raising awareness of water pollution

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 1

Mr Alistair Carmichael

That this House commends Jen Roberts of Shetland for undertaking a daily sea swimming challenge throughout October to raise funds for Surfers Against Sewage; recognises her efforts to raise awareness of sewage pollution and campaign for cleaner, safer waters across the UK; and thanks her for using her passion for wild swimming to support an important environmental cause.

1028Ending the criminalisation and stigmatisation of victims of sexual exploitation

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 2

Tonia Antoniazzi

Rachael Maskell

That this House recognises prostitution as a form of sexual exploitation and welcomes the recognition of women subjected to sexual exploitation and trafficking as victims, particularly since the enactment of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (MSA); notes, however, that many women convicted of loitering or soliciting for the purpose of prostitution under section 1 of the Street Offences Act continue to face stigma and disadvantage through the retention of criminal records arising from violence, exploitation and trafficking; further notes that, before 2003, the offence applied only to women and was therefore discriminatory on the basis of sex, and that women continued to be disproportionately affected after it was made sex-neutral; welcomes action on grooming gangs, including through Baroness Casey's recent review and the current Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs; further welcomes the Government's introduction of a disregard and pardon scheme for those convicted under the age of 18 under sections 116 and 117 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026; also notes that many victims of sexual exploitation with criminal records for offences committed when aged 18 or over were groomed or exploited as children and remained under the control of traffickers and pimps into adulthood, while others continued to suffer its effects after escaping it; acknowledges that many such women were trafficked; notes the UK's human rights obligations; and therefore calls on the Government to repeal the offence of loitering or soliciting and extend the disregard and pardon scheme to include offences committed when aged 18 or over.

1029Anne Jago

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 1

Tim Farron

That this House notes the case of Anne Jago, a former deputy headteacher and educational visits coordinator, who was found guilty of misconduct for raising safeguarding concerns about a school residential visit; further notes evidence that her actions were supported by multiple witnesses and motivated by concerns for pupil and staff safety; appeals to an admission of the Department of Education made in 2018, that "There is no question Mrs Jago had the best interests of the children at heart;" recognises the importance of protecting education staff who raise safeguarding concerns; and calls on the Government to strengthen whistle blower protections and ensure child safety remains paramount.

1030Publication of the final report of the Right to Food UK Commission

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 11

Ian Byrne

Ian Lavery

Kim Johnson

John McDonnell

Richard Burgon

Rebecca Long Bailey

That this House welcomes the final report published by the Right to Food UK Commission titled A Roadmap to Delivering Food Security to All by 2035; recognises the Commission’s vital role in exposing the scale and causes of food poverty and hunger in the UK, having collected evidence from policy experts, civil society organisations and those with lived experience of food insecurity; thanks the Commissioners and all who gave evidence to the Commission in Liverpool, Knowsley, Newcastle, Ashington, Cardiff, Aberdare, Glasgow, Belfast, London and beyond; supports the Commission highlighting the unacceptable normalisation of food insecurity and identification of practical, long-term solutions; endorses the Commission’s evidence-based roadmap to develop comprehensive and enforceable Right to Food legislation grounded in the five core demands of universal free school meals, transparency on food costs, an independent regulatory body, funding for community kitchens, and legally guaranteed food security; and urges the Government to adopt the findings of the report and include a Right to Food in the next King’s Speech, as a clear route to ending food poverty and delivering food security to all by 2035.

1031The Resurgam Trust Best Social Enterprise of the Year at the Social Enterprise NI Awards

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 1

Sorcha Eastwood

That this House warmly congratulates The Resurgam Trust in Lisburn on being named Social Enterprise of the Year at the Social Enterprise NI Awards; further congratulates Little Weavers Day Care, part of the Trust, on being Highly Commended in the New Business Start-Up category; pays tribute to the staff, volunteers and partners, including Laganview Enterprise Centre and Resurgam Healthy Living Centre, whose dedication, hard work and care make the Trust what it is; recognises the difference it makes to people across Lagan Valley, much of it achieved quietly and with the community at its heart; celebrates the pride these successes bring to everyone connected with the Trust and to the wider community; and wishes the Trust every success at the UK Social Enterprise Awards in Manchester this November.

1032Celebrating 62 Years of Dedicated Service by Father Patrick Gerald Fitzpatrick

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 1

Dr Zubir Ahmed

That this House extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to Father Patrick Gerald Fitzpatrick of St Leo the Great Church, Dumbreck, on the occasion of his retirement; recognises his extraordinary dedication to the local community and thanks him for an incredible 33 years of service at St Leo’s, and 62 years of service in total; further recognises the vital role he has played as a spiritual leader and mentor to so many across the Glasgow South West constituency and beyond; wishes him the very best in retirement and acknowledges how greatly he will be missed by his congregation and the wider community; celebrates his lifelong commitment to promoting the values of kindness, compassion and understanding; further recognises the crucial role that the Catholic church plays in promoting these values and supporting communities across the country; and re-asserts the enduring importance of kindness, tolerance and compassion in everyday life.

1033Andy Anderson fundraising challenge

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 1

Mr Alistair Carmichael

That this House congratulates Andy Anderson on raising more than £1,600 through his month-long Jive Gibbing singing challenge in aid of the Ability Shetland football team; recognises the creativity, commitment and determination shown by Andy in singing and sharing a song every day for a month; commends the generosity of everyone who donated and supported the challenge; celebrates the opportunity for the Ability Shetland learning disability football team to travel to Edinburgh and compete; and further recognises the positive impact of community fundraising in supporting inclusive opportunities for people across Shetland.

1034Sophie Eunson cancer care packages

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 1

Mr Alistair Carmichael

That this House congratulates 12-year-old Sophie Eunson on raising almost £4,000 to provide care packages for cancer patients at Gilbert Bain Hospital; notes that Sophie was inspired by her mother Grace’s recent breast cancer diagnosis; recognises the determination and compassion shown by Sophie in undertaking a sponsored walk from Vementry to Da Briggs to raise funds for the initiative; commends Sophie for turning her fundraising into practical support for people undergoing cancer treatment; celebrates the generosity of everyone who supported her fundraising efforts; and further recognises the positive contribution of young people like Sophie to the Shetland community.

1035Beenie-Ann Wood awarded 2026 Vevoe Trophy

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 1

Mr Alistair Carmichael

That this House congratulates Beenie-Ann Wood of Muckle Roe on being awarded the 2026 Vevoe Trophy in recognition of her outstanding contribution as a sail trainee aboard the Swan; recognises the enthusiasm, initiative and dedication she demonstrated throughout the sailing season, as well as her exceptional teamwork and supportive approach to her fellow trainees; commends Beenie-Ann for helping to create an inclusive and welcoming environment on board; celebrates the opportunities provided by sail training for young people in Shetland to develop skills, confidence and an appreciation of the islands’ maritime heritage; and wishes Beenie-Ann every success as she continues her involvement in sailing and youth representation.

1036Emma Burgess awarded Farmers Weekly Agricultural Student of the Year

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 1

Mr Alistair Carmichael

That this House congratulates Emma Burgess of Quendale, Shetland, on being named Farmers Weekly’s 2026 Agricultural Student of the Year; recognises the hard work, commitment and ambition that have seen Emma gain experience in agriculture both in the UK and internationally; celebrates her determination to bring new knowledge and ideas back to Shetland to strengthen her family’s farm and support the wider agricultural community; notes her commitment to improving opportunities, training and support for young people entering agriculture; and wishes Emma every success as she continues to contribute to the future of farming in Shetland.

1037Kathryn Fullerton reaches £100,000 fundraising milestone

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 1

Mr Alistair Carmichael

That this House congratulates Kathryn Fullerton of Trondra, Shetland, on raising more than £100,000 for charitable causes over 14 years of fundraising; recognises the extraordinary dedication, creativity and commitment Kathryn has shown through a wide range of fundraising activities; commends her decision to support Muscular Dystrophy UK this year following the diagnosis of a young girl from her village; celebrates the support of Kathryn’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider Shetland community; and thanks Kathryn for her outstanding contribution to charitable causes and for inspiring others through her remarkable fundraising efforts.

1038Shetland artist Yolanda Bruce work displayed in London exhibition

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 1

Mr Alistair Carmichael

That this House congratulates Shetland artist Yolanda Bruce on having her work ‘Puffin in Flight’ selected for The Natural Eye 2026 at the Mall Galleries in London; celebrates the opportunity for Yolanda to showcase her work alongside more than 350 works by leading wildlife artists from across the UK; acknowledges the inspiration drawn from Shetland’s wildlife and coastal environment; and celebrates the contribution of island artists to the UK’s vibrant creative sector.

1039Shetland triathletes at World Championships

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 1

Mr Alistair Carmichael

That this House congratulates Andrew Grant, Jacqueline Tulloch, Lynsey Henderson and Lewis Anderson of Shetland Triathlon Club on representing Great Britain at the Standard Distance Age Group World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain; recognises the commitment, dedication and athleticism required to compete at such a high level; commends the athletes for their strong performances against competitors from 62 countries; further congratulates Lynsey Henderson on finishing 13th in her age group and subsequently being selected for a Great Britain mixed relay team which finished ninth in its category; and celebrates the contribution of Shetland athletes to sport at national and international level.

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.

87530 years of Maggie’s in Glasgow

Tabled: 12/10/26 Signatories: 8

Patricia Ferguson

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Dr Scott Arthur

Richard Burgon

Maureen Burke

That this House celebrates 30 years of the Maggie’s centre in Glasgow providing free, expert support to people living with cancer, and their families, friends and carers; recognises the vital contribution made by Maggie’s, Glasgow, located in the grounds of Gartnavel General Hospital, in the constituency of Glasgow West; notes that the centre provides a welcoming, non-clinical environment where people affected by cancer can access support without an appointment or referral, including cancer support specialists, psychological support, benefits and practical advice, support groups, relaxation and creative activities; further recognises the important partnership between the centre and the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in helping people prepare for and cope with cancer treatment; pays tribute to the dedicated staff, volunteers, fundraisers and supporters who have made Maggie’s a valued part of the local community; and congratulates the Maggie’s centre in Glasgow on 30 years of ensuring that people affected by cancer do not have to face it alone.

939Autumn Budget 2026

Tabled: 12/10/26 Signatories: 15

Andrew George

Dr Ellie Chowns

Iqbal Mohamed

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Dr Roz Savage

Brian Leishman

That this House notes the extent of widening inequality in the UK, that the top 50 richest families now hold more wealth than the poorest half of the population and that there has been nearly 1000% increase in the wealth of UK billionaires since 1990; further notes that a dynamic study commissioned by Patriotic Millionaires and conducted by Dr Ben Tippett on the Sunday Times Rich List reported that £160 billion could have been raised for the UK's public finances over the past 35 years if those on the Rich List were annually taxed 2% on their net wealth, whilst their share of the wealth would still have increased from 1.7% to 2.7%; believes that moderate taxes would not provoke capital flight as lobbyists assert and is repeated by some media and commentators; also notes that an EU Commission study (2026) of 7 countries found negligible migration responses to wealth taxes; highlights considerable evidence that low taxes on wealth can be counterproductive for growth and productivity and that research by tax policy experts at CenTax and the IFS shows that equalising capital gains and income tax rates alongside introducing an investment allowance supports productivity and growth and would raise £19.7bn a year, as does taxing share buybacks and expanding NICs to income from wealth; notes the UK's tax-to-GDP ratio is around 35% according to OECD data (2024), lower than comparable G7 economies France (44%), Italy (43%), Nordic countries (41-43%); and calls on the Chancellor to reflect on these factors.

943Human rights in Bahrain

Tabled: 13/10/26 Signatories: 20

John McDonnell

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Carla Denyer

Brian Leishman

Dr Ellie Chowns

That this House condemns the escalating campaign of repression in Bahrain, led by King Hamad Al-Khalifa and enforced by Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Al-Khalifa, which has intensified since the outbreak of the Iran-US-Israel war; expresses grave concern over the arbitrary arrest of more than 700 people, including children, and the revocation of citizenship of 69 individuals, including 33 children, the youngest just 19 days old, leaving most stateless; condemns the enforced disappearance of 32-year-old Sayed Mohamed Almosawi, whose body was returned to his family nine days later bearing visible signs of torture as documented by Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy and Human Rights Watch; further condemns the mass arrest and prosecution of Shia clerics, with 56 defendants, including 46 clerics, facing trial, among them prominent Friday prayer leader Sheikh Mohamed Sanqour; expresses alarm at serious violations of fair trial rights, the secrecy surrounding the proceedings and allegations of torture to extract confessions; calls for an independent UN-led investigation into these abuses, including the ongoing mass trial of clerics, and the immediate and unconditional release of those arbitrarily detained; and urges the Government to impose targeted sanctions on Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Al-Khalifa and immediately suspend UK taxpayer-funded training and assistance to Bahrain’s Interior Ministry and other institutions implicated in the crackdown, torture and use of the death penalty.

963Autumn Budget 2026 (No. 4)

Tabled: 14/10/26 Signatories: 14

Andrew George

Dr Ellie Chowns

Iqbal Mohamed

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Dr Roz Savage

Brian Mathew

That this House notes that the combined annual profits of the four largest UK banks have doubled to £48 billion in the five years to 2025, mostly due to a tax glitch which gifted an unanticipated windfall of £86 billion since 2022; further notes that a fair and pragmatic windfall tax would raise approximately £19 billion per annum, which equates to the estimated costs of the PM’s proposed National Care Service, or could fund both a £90 cut in a typical household’s annual fuel bill, if used to replace the artificial impact of the so-called renewable levy, and a 5% VAT cut for hospitality businesses; also notes that tech giants pay only 2% on their declared UK profits and that an increase to just 10% would raise a further £4 billion per annum; and calls on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to carefully consider these factors, along with those contained in EDM 939 and EDM 940 as part of a comprehensive and equitable approach to fiscal policy in the forthcoming Budget, acknowledging the collective measures would help the government combat widening inequality.

965Impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Tabled: 15/10/26 Signatories: 3

Mary Glindon

Luke Akehurst

Rachael Maskell

That this House congratulates geopolitical artist Piers Secunda on his exhibition, Nature Morte, that exposes the efforts to exterminate Ukraine through child kidnapping for forced adoption and child militarisation in Russia, from which few return, and which is a crime against humanity; notes that Russians are looting art and culture on an industrial scale including from three Ukrainian State Archives; further notes that treasured Ukrainian documents have been turned into toilet paper; recognises that Dimitri Petrovich Bak is using his extensive knowledge of Ukrainian culture to rewrite history helping Putin justify his war of aggression; and urges the government to consider sanctions against the individuals named in the exhibition.

966Support for outsourced gatesolutions catering workers at LNER

Tabled: 15/10/26 Signatories: 21

Grahame Morris

Luke Akehurst

John McDonnell

Cat Eccles

Rebecca Long Bailey

Ian Byrne

That this House commends the work of outsourced catering workers who supply LNER trains with food along the route between London and Edinburgh; notes that providing a high quality catering offer will be vital to ensuring that Great British Railways is able to provide an attractive offer to passengers; further notes with concern that catering staff who supply LNER trains are currently outsourced to gatesolutions, an arm of Swiss multinational Gate Group, whose turnover last year was £4.7 billion; is disturbed to learn that the management of gatesolutions are now refusing to honour the Real Living Wage, having previously paid it; is dismayed that some of these workers, who are disproportionately from BME backgrounds and work unsocial hours, will now face rates barely above the statutory minimum; believes that this undermines the Government’s aspiration that Great British Railways be one railway, one team, a champion of diversity and an employer of choice; calls on publicly owned LNER to bring its contractor into line and ensure that a pay offer is made that resolves the dispute; and further calls on the Government to direct LNER to begin discussions with the RMT over insourcing this contract.

967World Menopause Day 2026

Tabled: 15/10/26 Signatories: 30

Helen Maguire

Victoria Collins

Ian Roome

Gideon Amos

Alex Brewer

Claire Young

That this House notes that 18 October 2026 marks Menopause Awareness Day; acknowledges the profound impact menopause can have on women's physical health, mental wellbeing and ability to participate fully in society and the workforce; highlights the ongoing barriers many women face in accessing timely diagnoses, appropriate treatment and affordable hormone replacement therapy; raises concern over regional inequalities in access to menopause-related healthcare; welcomes the increased public and parliamentary recognition of menopause as a significant health and equality issue; supports initiatives to raise public awareness, challenge stigma and improve understanding of the menopause; and pays tribute to the organisations, healthcare professionals and campaigners working tirelessly to ensure that every woman can access the advice, treatment and support she needs throughout every stage of her life.

970Arrest of Leicester journalists

Tabled: 15/10/26 Signatories: 19

John McDonnell

Siân Berry

Carla Denyer

Hannah Spencer

Dr Ellie Chowns

Adrian Ramsay

This House expresses its alarm at the arrest of journalists under the Terrorism Act, including two Leicester Gazette reporters and two union-accredited freelancers, who were covering a demonstration outside UAV Tactical Systems in Leicester, a subsidiary of the Israeli arms manufacturer, Elbit Systems on 8 October 2026; notes that the journalists had been blanket arrested under Section 13 and detained by police for three hours before they were de-arrested after handing over their personal information, despite the reporters having already identified themselves with their press credentials to multiple officers; and considers this police overreach to be a deeply concerning threat to the basic right of journalists to undertake the vital role they play in UK democracy.

971Pope Leo XIV

Tabled: 15/10/26 Signatories: 10

Mary Glindon

Valerie Vaz

Dr Scott Arthur

Luke Akehurst

Ian Roome

Dave Doogan

That this House is deeply saddened that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with Lung Adenocarcinoma; and hopes and prays that he recovers swiftly from his recent surgery and thrives for many more years to come.

974BBC Northern Ireland’s Give My Head Peace and The Blame Game

Tabled: 16/10/26 Signatories: 4

Robin Swann

Colum Eastwood

Jim Shannon

Alex Easton

That this House regrets the decision by BBC Northern Ireland to cancel the long-running and iconic programmes Give My Head Peace and The Blame Game; recognises their contribution to Northern Ireland’s cultural identity, homegrown comedy and creative industries; notes their enduring popularity with audiences; and calls on BBC Northern Ireland to reconsider its decision and reinstate both programmes.

975UK Disability History Month

Tabled: 16/10/26 Signatories: 29

John McDonnell

Kim Johnson

Peter Lamb

Wera Hobhouse

Andrew George

Neil Duncan-Jordan

That this House welcomes the 17th UK Disability History Month which runs from 19 November to 19 December; calls on hon. Members, the media and the public to devote some time to developing their understanding of disability as a social oppression, which is created by the barriers of prejudice and attitude; is aware of inaccessible environments, communications and organisational practices within education, workplaces, transport and services, sport and leisure, that create problems for the 16 million disabled people in the United Kingdom with either long term physical or mental impairments; and calls on the Government to put in place measures to combat these barriers.

976Wishes for a full and speedy recovery for Pope Leo XIV

Tabled: 16/10/26 Signatories: 15

Ian Byrne

John McDonnell

Sorcha Eastwood

Rebecca Long Bailey

Brian Leishman

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

That this House sends its warmest wishes to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV following his recent surgery and wishes him a full and speedy recovery; recognises the comfort, compassion and hope he brings to millions of people across the world; acknowledges his commitment to peace, human dignity and standing alongside the poorest and most vulnerable; thanks the medical staff caring for him; joins people of all faiths and none in expressing solidarity and goodwill; and wishes His Holiness strength, peace and good health throughout his recovery and in the years ahead.

97765th anniversary of Songs of Praise

Tabled: 19/10/26 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Andrew George

Rachael Maskell

That this House celebrates the 65th anniversary of the BBC’s long-running religious programme, Songs of Praise; recognises the significance of the programme which has produced more than 3,240 episodes and recorded hymns and worship songs in over 2,000 churches, chapels and cathedrals across the United Kingdom; highlights the contributions of Aled Jones and Pam Rhodes, who hosted the special 65th anniversary programme which aired on Sunday 27 September; looks forward to the future of the programme as it seeks to engage new and younger audiences; further recognises that the programme has been able to take congregational singing beyond traditional church settings, through large-scale gatherings at venues such as Old Trafford, the Millennium Stadium and Wimbledon’s No. 1 Court; commends the programme for its representation of all four nations of the United Kingdom and a wide range of Christian worship traditions, enabling audiences across the country to engage with and participate in its episodes; further highlights the importance the programme holds for many people, particularly through its presentation of hymns, which people often turn to during times of difficulty, to reflect; further commends the programme for creating a sense of fellowship between those singing on screen and those singing along at home, united in worship of God; and wishes the BBC and everyone involved in Songs of Praise continued success for the future.

978International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Tabled: 19/10/26 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Mr Gregory Campbell

Rachael Maskell

That this House highlights the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, taking place on 1 and 8 November this year; commends the work of the World Evangelical Alliance in organising this annual event, which seeks to unite Christians across the world in prayer for persecuted brothers and sisters; recognises the importance of setting aside dedicated days to pray for Christians who face discrimination and violence because of their faith; remembers the plight of millions of Christians who face persecution, including those in countries such as North Korea, Iraq and Syria, where Christians face imprisonment and execution because of their faith; emphasises the devastating scale of Christian persecution globally, with estimates suggesting that one in seven Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution; further highlights the testimonies of Christians living in persecution who speak of the strength and peace that prayer from the global Church brings to their daily lives in the midst of suffering; further recognises the importance of strengthening the bonds of the worldwide Christian community and standing in solidarity with those who are persecuted; notes with gratitude the freedom of religion and belief enjoyed in the United Kingdom; and calls on the Government to continue to strengthen its support for persecuted Christians and freedom of religion or belief overseas.

979Student finance

Tabled: 19/10/26 Signatories: 14

Abtisam Mohamed

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Gideon Amos

Gill Furniss

Dr Simon Opher

That this House recognises the vital role of financial support in enabling students from all backgrounds to access and succeed in higher education; welcomes the commitment to increase maintenance loans in line with inflation; notes the continuing pressures that rising living costs place on students and their families; further recognises the challenges faced by estranged students and by families supporting multiple children through higher education at the same time; believes that student support should be fair, accessible and reflective of individual circumstances; further believes that the Consumer Prices Index provides a more appropriate measure of inflation for student finance calculations than the generally higher Retail Prices Index; calls on the Government to keep under review the adequacy of maintenance support, the use of parental income in determining entitlement, access to student finance for estranged students, and the eligibility criteria for future maintenance grants; and urges the Government to ensure that all students facing financial hardship are able to access the support they need to participate fully in higher education.

984Lake View Pond, Pagham

Tabled: 19/10/26 Signatories: 5

Jess Brown-Fuller

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Sarah Dyke

Dr Al Pinkerton

That this House welcomes the completion of improvement works to the pond at Lake View, Pagham; notes the pond's importance to the local community and as a valued environmental asset, including its role as nesting space for swans and other wildlife; further welcomes the upcoming transfer of responsibility for the pond from Persimmon Homes to Pagham Parish Council; thanks Jan Behr, Chair of Highways and Amenities at Pagham Parish Council, for her work in securing this outcome; and calls on the Government to provide greater support to parish councils in the maintenance of community assets, and to empower parish councils more broadly to take on the management of such assets within their communities.

986National Special Olympics Summer Games

Tabled: 19/10/26 Signatories: 6

Lisa Smart

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Hannah Spencer

Sarah Dyke

Dr Roz Savage

That this House recognises the resounding success of athletes from Stockport who picked up gold, silver and bronze medals at the National Special Olympics Summer Games, specifically Luke Brady, 100m, long-jump, Ethan Buxton, 800m, 1,500m, Daniel Cotton, 100m, standing long-jump, Jake Moore, 100m, 200m, Barnaby Moran, 100m, 200m, Bradley Parker, 100m, softball throw, Nathan Scallon, 100m, softball throw and Ryan Scallon, 50m, softball throw; and recognises their superb achievements in representing the borough so well.

987National Fish and Chip Awards and Taylors Fish and Chips

Tabled: 19/10/26 Signatories: 5

Lisa Smart

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Sarah Dyke

Dr Roz Savage

That this House recognises the brilliant work of Taylors Fish and Chips in Woodley precinct, which has been shortlisted at the 2027 National Fish and Chip awards in the Takeaway of the Year category for the second year running; further recognises that it is the only takeaway in Greater Manchester, the home of the chippy, to have made the list; celebrates the difference that it makes to the community in Woodley, and customers from further afield; and wishes continued success for the future.

988Children Heard and Seen

Tabled: 19/10/26 Signatories: 6

Layla Moran

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Sarah Dyke

Dr Roz Savage

Rachael Maskell

That this House congratulates Children Heard and Seen for winning the Lorraine Trailblazer Women of the Year award; celebrates the work they do for families across the United Kingdom, in particular providing support for children with a parent in prison; acknowledges how difficult it can be for children’s mental health whilst having a parent in prison; recognises the work of volunteers in holding specialist 1-1 support sessions to meet children’s needs whilst impacted by parental imprisonment; further recognises the need to raise awareness of children’s experiences; and calls on the Government to implement a formal process to identify and support children experiencing a parent in prison.

991E1 settlements

Tabled: 19/10/26 Signatories: 20

Calum Miller

Jess Brown-Fuller

Wera Hobhouse

Andrew George

Zöe Franklin

Brian Mathew

That this House notes with grave concern that on 19 October 2026 the first round of bidding for construction tenders covering 1,234 housing units in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank will close, with bidding for the remaining 2,167 units running from 25 October to 21 December 2026; states its resolute opposition to settlement development in E1 which would cut the West Bank into two separate geographic zones, preventing the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state; further notes with alarm Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s stated intention to bury hopes for a Palestinian state through this construction; welcomes the Government’s announcements of a goods and services trade ban with illegal Israeli settlements, but notes the bulk of these measures are yet to be implemented; and calls on the Government to identity, where possible, all companies and financial institutions which have submitted bids to provide goods or services for the construction or maintenance of illegal settlements in the E1, to clarify the specific sanctions regime that will apply to all such companies and financial institutions, and to accelerate the legislative process to ensure that the goods and services trade ban announced in September 2026 is implemented as swiftly as possible.

993Neurodivergent educators

Tabled: 19/10/26 Signatories: 13

Chris Bloore

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Gideon Amos

Richard Burgon

Ian Lavery

That this House recognises that many neurodivergent educators bring both professional expertise and lived experience to the education system; notes that this dual perspective provides valuable insight into the realities of inclusion, accessibility and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision; expresses concern that the perspectives of neurodivergent professionals have too often been absent from national debates on SEND reform; believes that policy affecting children and young people with SEND should be informed by those with direct lived experience of navigating educational systems as learners, educators and professionals; further believes that neurodivergent educators represent an underutilised source of expertise capable of strengthening inclusive practice and improving educational outcomes; calls for greater visibility and recognition of neurodivergent educators within the education workforce; and urges the Government to embed the voices of neurodivergent educators within all future SEND reviews, consultations and reform programmes in order to ensure that policy development is informed by a diverse range of professional and lived experiences.

99460th anniversary of University of Bath receiving its Royal Charter

Tabled: 20/10/26 Signatories: 9

Wera Hobhouse

Jess Brown-Fuller

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Brian Mathew

Jim Shannon

Dr Ellie Chowns

That this House celebrates the 60th anniversary of the University of Bath receiving its Royal Charter; recognises its contribution to education, research and innovation; notes that its founding commitment to advancing learning and knowledge in close association with industry and commerce remains as relevant today as when first established; commends its pioneering placement programme, helping generations of students become skilled, work-ready graduates; further recognises its global network of more than 150,000 alumni across 170 countries; acknowledges its contribution to enterprise, jobs and economic growth in Bath, the South West and the UK; and wishes the University continued success in its seventh decade.

995Temporary accommodation subsidy freeze

Tabled: 20/10/26 Signatories: 9

Siân Berry

Andrew George

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Dr Ellie Chowns

Adrian Ramsay

Hannah Spencer

That this House notes that a record 135,580 households are stuck in temporary accommodation due to the homelessness crisis and a severe shortage of council homes; further notes that the rate at which local authorities are able to claim back the costs from the Government for temporary accommodation has been frozen since 2011, resulting in a detrimental funding gap of hundreds of millions of pounds for local councils across England and Wales every year; also notes that private landlords are charging local authorities as much as £100 per night for a single nightly paid dwelling; recognises that council taxpayers expect their Council Tax to fund clean streets, safe homes, and effective public services, not private landlords profiteering from a broken housing system; notes that the Local Government Association has said that uprating council reimbursement to 90 per cent of the current Local Housing Allowance rate would save councils in England £1.5 billion by 2030; and calls on the Government to lift this freeze as soon as possible.

99610th anniversary of the Co-op Local Community Fund

Tabled: 20/10/26 Signatories: 8

Sarah Gibson

Wera Hobhouse

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Mr Will Forster

Sarah Dyke

That this House congratulates the Co-op Local Community Fund on its 10th anniversary; recognises the important contribution that the Fund has made to community organisations and local causes over the past decade; commends the thousands of Co-op members who have chosen to support local causes through their membership; celebrates the volunteers, supporters, donors and community champions whose time and commitment enable those organisations to make a difference in their communities; welcomes the event being held at the Chippenham Community Hub on 28 October 2026 to bring together past and present Local Community Fund causes, Co-op members and supporters to mark this milestone; further recognises the valuable work of community organisations across Wiltshire; and thanks everyone involved in the Co-op Local Community Fund for helping local organisations and communities to thrive.

997Celebrating Black History Month

Tabled: 20/10/26 Signatories: 23

Shockat Adam

Andrew George

Richard Burgon

Jim Shannon

Apsana Begum

Ayoub Khan

That this House recognises October as Black History Month under the theme of Honouring Our Communities and celebrates the exceptional contributions that people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Asian descent have made to the culture, science, economy and civic life of the UK; acknowledges that honouring communities means confronting inequalities as well as celebrating achievements, and notes with concern that Black women continue to experience significantly poorer maternity outcomes and inequalities in care; believes that research, education and practice must be informed by diverse perspectives and lived experiences if these disparities are to be addressed; appreciates the vital work of grassroots organisations, community groups, researchers, educators and health professionals who work throughout the year to ensure these contributions and challenges are visible and acted upon; further believes that Black History Month should be recognised not just in October but throughout the year; and calls on the Government to embed the history and achievements of people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Asian descent in the national curriculum, address health inequalities facing Black communities, and sustain investment in the organisations that carry this work forward.

998Vaping and smoking among young people

Tabled: 20/10/26 Signatories: 3

Peter Lamb

Jim Shannon

Rachael Maskell

That this House expresses concerns regarding the issue of vaping and smoking among young people, its negative wider impact and the detrimental health implications; and acknowledges previously implemented legislation regarding this issue, but notes that the problem of purchasing vapes and cigarettes persists, in part due to increased visibility of vape shops on high streets across the United Kingdom.

1003Oil and chemical spills at sea

Tabled: 20/10/26 Signatories: 20

Wera Hobhouse

Andrew George

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Wendy Chamberlain

Mr Will Forster

Adrian Ramsay

That this House expresses concern that between 2011 and 2015 over 2,200 tonnes of oil and over 7,000 tonnes of chemicals were polluted into our seas by UK oil and gas operations; recognises the harms caused to a wide range of marine life from commercial fish stocks to threatened harbour porpoises; notes that water companies have for many years pumped sewage into our seas with few consequences and oil and gas companies are now doing the same with oil and chemicals; further notes that civil penalties for illegal oil pollution events are capped at £50,000, which is a level far below any meaningful deterrent, with the cap introduced to align with regulations on land, yet the cap on land was lifted in 2023; also notes that a one tonne spill on land in England could therefore bring an unlimited penalty, but a 1,000 tonne spill at sea would be capped at £50,000, and the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning, or OPRED, must be satisfied to a disproportionately high bar that there is enough evidence for a criminal prosecution before issuing a civil penalty; and calls on the Government to tackle this pollution by bringing forward a ban on all new exploration licences for oil and gas as soon as possible and strengthen regulation at sea with OPRED empowered to be satisfied only on the ‘balance of probabilities’ to impose uncapped penalties for this unacceptable ocean pollution.

1004Drilling at Jackdaw

Tabled: 21/10/26 Signatories: 8

Carla Denyer

Hannah Spencer

Adrian Ramsay

Siân Berry

Dr Ellie Chowns

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House notes that the UK Government’s decision to license new drilling at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea is at odds with their 2024 manifesto commitment not to issue licences to explore new fields because they will not take a penny off bills and cannot make us energy secure; believes that this decision ignores the climate science consensus and the UN’s warning that immediate and sustained cuts to greenhouse gas emissions are crucial to avoid the worst impacts of climate breakdown; further notes that Jackdaw is projected to contribute just 2% of UK gas demand at most over its lifetime, will only create 27 direct full-time jobs and, according to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, does not solve the problem of affordability; further believes that the only way to achieve genuine energy sovereignty is to get the UK off fossil fuels as fast as possible; recognises the ongoing and extensive public support for action to protect against the impacts of climate breakdown; and therefore calls on the Government to keep all new fossil fuels in the ground, including at Rosebank oil field in the North Sea, and instead focus on measures that would bring down bills and create secure jobs, like scaling up cheaper home-grown renewables, rolling out a fully-funded national home insulation programme, fully decoupling the price of gas from electricity, and ending rampant profiteering by energy companies.

1006Industrial action at The Lancet

Tabled: 21/10/26 Signatories: 9

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Kate Osborne

Adrian Ramsay

Carla Denyer

Siân Berry

That this House supports members of the National Union of Journalists taking strike action at the prestigious medical journal The Lancet, in a dispute which has seen members walk out for the first time in two hundred years over pay; believes that the rise of AI-generated research submissions makes the need for retaining qualified and experienced human workers to weed out slop and fabricated studies greater than ever; notes that the work of journalists at The Lancet Group, which comprises 29 monthly specialty titles and a weekly journal, plays an integral role in countering misinformation on public health and supporting medical research; further notes that the ownership group Elsevier reported an adjusted operating profit of £1.035 billion in 2025, which translates to a 7% underlying profit increase and a 38% profit margin, yet failed to bring forward a pay offer which addresses sustained low staff remuneration; and therefore calls on the employer to enter urgent pay negotiations to address the concerns of NUJ members.

1007Opening of the eco-roundhouse at St Brigid’s Chapel and Field, Glastonbury

Tabled: 21/10/26 Signatories: 3

Sarah Dyke

Jim Shannon

Dr Roz Savage

That this House welcomes the opening of the eco-roundhouse at the St Brigid’s Chapel and Field project in Beckery, Glastonbury; congratulates the Friends of Bride’s Mound, Somerset Wildlife Trust and South West Heritage Trust, alongside volunteers and the wider community, on their work to protect and celebrate the site’s rich heritage and natural environment; notes that the project forms part of the Glastonbury Town Deal and encompasses 33 acres of historic landscape and wildlife habitats; further welcomes the provision of a new space for meetings and educational activities, alongside improved access for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility; recognises the project’s contribution to enhancing biodiversity, supporting health and wellbeing and bringing the stories of this ancient place of pilgrimage to a wider audience; wishes all involved continued success in developing the site for residents and visitors alike; and calls on the Government to invest in the protection and conservation of historic sites, support community-led heritage projects, and improve public access to the UK’s cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations.

1008Cleaning and catering workers on Transpennine Express

Tabled: 21/10/26 Signatories: 19

Rebecca Long Bailey

John McDonnell

Grahame Morris

Apsana Begum

Ian Lavery

Jim Shannon

That this House commends the work of cleaning and catering staff who work to make travelling on Transpennine Express a hygienic, safe and pleasurable experience; notes that cleaning and catering are essential services and will be a crucial part of Great British Railways’ offer to passengers; further notes with concern that cleaning is outsourced to Bidvest Noonan while catering is outsourced to Rail Gourmet as legacies of the failed experiment with privatisation; is disturbed that workers in both these companies on Transpennine services have been driven to take strike action as a consequence of low pay offers while Bidvest Noonan paid out a dividend of £37 million last year and Rail Gourmet’s parent company SSP paid out £29.6 million; believes that this behaviour by outsourcing companies undermines the Government’s aspiration that Great British Railways be one railway, one team, a champion of diversity and an employer of choice; supports the RMT’s Better Jobs, Better Services campaign, which aims to end outsourcing on the railways; further believes that this aligns with the Government’s long-stated aim of overseeing the biggest wave of insourcing for a generation; and calls on the Government to direct publicly-owned Transpennine Express to insource its contracts now to create better jobs and services.

1009Abbeyfield School’s success in the International Youth Rocketry Challenge

Tabled: 21/10/26 Signatories: 4

Sarah Gibson

Jim Shannon

Sarah Dyke

Dr Roz Savage

That this House congratulates the students of Abbeyfield School in Chippenham on winning the 2026 UK Youth Rocketry Challenge and subsequently achieving victory in the international final at the Farnborough International Airshow on 24 July 2026; celebrates their success in representing the United Kingdom alongside teams from the United States, Japan, Ukraine and France; commends the scientific knowledge, engineering skill, creativity and teamwork demonstrated in designing, building and launching a model rocket and returning its fragile payload safely to the ground; pays tribute to the teachers, school staff and families who supported the team; recognises the contribution of ADS and the competition’s organisers and supporters in providing practical opportunities for young people to develop their skills; highlights the importance of access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and enrichment activities; and wishes the students every success in their future studies and careers.

1011Home-Start West Berkshire’s long-serving volunteers

Tabled: 21/10/26 Signatories: 3

Mr Lee Dillon

Jim Shannon

Dr Roz Savage

That this House pays tribute to Gill Foster, Lynne Taylor, Sarah New, Pat Gooch, Deirdre Carr and Erica Barker for their exceptional long-standing service to Home-Start West Berkshire; recognises their collective contribution of more than 100 years of volunteering in support of families during challenging and sometimes overwhelming periods of parenthood; praises the wider Home-Start West Berkshire team for its compassionate and empowering work through peer support groups, home-visiting guidance, fundraising events and its Baby Bank; acknowledges the importance of its confidential and reassuring approach, particularly for those in rural and isolated communities, providing a network of care and companionship that helps parents regain confidence and build stable home environments in which children can thrive; and thanks the charity’s volunteers, staff and supporters for their lasting impact on families across West Berkshire.

1016Cleaners on Merseyrail

Tabled: 21/10/26 Signatories: 22

Kim Johnson

John McDonnell

Ian Lavery

Apsana Begum

Grahame Morris

Ian Byrne

That this House commends the work of station cleaners who work to ensure that Merseyrail services are hygienic, safe and pleasurable to travel on; further commends the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Steve Rotheram for his decision to bring Merseyrail services into public ownership in 2028; notes with concern that cleaning on Merseyrail services is outsourced to Churchill Contract Services; is disturbed to learn that cleaners employed by Churchill on Merseyrail are now in dispute with their employer after the company refused to maintain current pay rates that sustain a 20p differential over the Living Wage; further notes with dismay that Churchill has paid out £57 million in dividends in the last two years; supports the Government’s promise to oversee the biggest wave of insourcing for a generation and agrees that the age of outsourcing is over; welcomes Mayor Rotheram’s support for insourcing the Churchill cleaners and believes that creating a single integrated Merseyrail workforce will be better for passengers, taxpayers and workers alike; and calls on Merseyrail to direct its contractor to resolve the dispute by agreeing to pay the 20p differential and to sit down with the RMT to agree a timetable for insourcing the cleaners at the earliest opportunity.

1018Needle and syringe programmes

Tabled: 21/10/26 Signatories: 13

Grahame Morris

Ian Lavery

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Kate Osborne

Adrian Ramsay

That this House welcomes the Out of Reach report, published by the Hepatitis C Trust, alerting us to the declining access to needle and syringe programmes (NSPs) and the threat to public health; notes that NSPs are an evidence-based public health intervention which help prevent the transmission of hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV and provide an important point of contact with wider health and support services; notes with concern that only 26% of responding local authorities showed a strong understanding of NSP provision in their area; further notes that, of pharmacies identified through local sources as providing NSP services, only 47% were confirmed as doing so; is further concerned that one third of pharmacies contacted in both the 2023 and 2025 mapping exercises reported that they had stopped providing NSP services; further notes significant variation in the accessibility and quality of NSP provision, including restrictions on the amount of injecting equipment available; recognises the vital role of community pharmacies, drug and alcohol services, outreach services and peer-led organisations in providing high-quality, accessible harm reduction services; believes that accurate and comprehensive information on NSP availability and quality is essential to effective public health planning and the prevention of blood-borne viruses; and calls on the Government to undertake a national evaluation of NSP provision and take action to ensure that NSP provision is adequately monitored, commissioned and resourced across England.

1019Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026

Tabled: 22/10/26 Signatories: 17

Tim Farron

Ian Roome

Mr Lee Dillon

Alex Brewer

Brian Mathew

Steff Aquarone

That this House expresses deep concern over the chaotic opening of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 application window on 22 September 2026; notes that the budget was exhausted within hours; recognises that the window followed 18 months without new schemes and coincided with expiring 2023 SFI, Mid Tier and Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship agreements, leaving thousands of farmers unable to apply despite months of preparation; further notes repeated rule changes, removed actions and reduced payment rates; believes farm businesses already under pressure cannot wait until 2027 for funding; and calls on the Government to increase the budget for environmental land management schemes, publish opening dates well in advance, introduce year-round or quarterly windows, lengthen agreement terms, stop annual rule changes, and consult farmers with direct experience of the broken system.

1020Max Langland Top 8 of Drywite Young Fish Frier category

Tabled: 22/10/26 Signatories: 5

Wendy Chamberlain

Brian Mathew

Sarah Dyke

Dr Roz Savage

Mr Joshua Reynolds

That this House congratulates Max Langlands of Anstruther Fish Bar, Anstruther, on reaching the Top 8 of the Drywite Young Fish Frier category in the 2027 National Fish and Chip Awards; recognises this outstanding achievement in one of the fish and chip industry's most prestigious competitions; commends Max for the dedication, skill and professionalism that have earned him national recognition; acknowledges the important contribution made by Anstruther Fish Bar to the local economy, tourism sector and community life in North East Fife; further recognises the vital role that fish and chip shops and other independent hospitality businesses play in providing employment, supporting local supply chains and sustaining high streets across the United Kingdom; and wishes Max every success as the competition progresses into the fourth round.

1021Application of Extended Producer Responsibility

Tabled: 22/10/26 Signatories: 11

Sarah Olney

Brian Mathew

Sarah Dyke

Wera Hobhouse

Dr Roz Savage

Victoria Collins

That this House recognises the importance of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in reducing packaging waste, tackling plastic pollution and increasing recycling rates; supports the principle that producers should pay for the packaging they place on the market; notes, however, that many businesses are not complying with their responsibilities; underlines that this creates an unfair playing field which advantages non-compliant businesses; highlights that the shortage of Packaging Recovery Notes has led to businesses having to pay even more to comply with EPR; and calls on the Government to level the playing field to ensure that businesses do not feel punished for being compliant.

1022Independent cinemas

Tabled: 22/10/26 Signatories: 7

Dr Peter Prinsley

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Ann Davies

Llinos Medi

Andrew George

That this House recognises the vital role of independent cinemas in enriching cultural life, supporting local economies and bringing communities together; celebrates the contribution of independent cinemas in championing diverse storytelling, showcasing independent films and providing accessible cultural experiences; congratulates Abbeygate Cinema in Bury St Edmunds on being named one of the UK's 15 best cinemas in the 2026 British Independent Film Awards' Cinema of the Year competition, following nearly 50,000 public votes nationwide; commends Gareth Boggis and his team for their outstanding commitment to community engagement, charitable initiatives and independent film; further recognises Abbeygate Cinema as an excellent example of the positive impact independent cinemas have on their local communities; and calls on the Government to continue supporting independent cinemas as valued cultural and community assets.