Published – Friday 30 October 2026

New EDMs

1074Reading spaces in Best Start Family Hubs

Tabled: 29/10/26 Signatories: 1

Gill Furniss

That this House welcomes the National Literacy Trust’s call for a reading space in every Best Start Family Hub; is concerned that not every child grows up with access to books, libraries or adults who feel confident reading with them; notes that the earliest years of a child’s life are the most important for language, learning and development; acknowledges that reading is one of the simplest, best and most cost-effective ways to support children’s development; recognises that the emerging network of up to 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs provide an opportunity to build reading into infrastructure that government is already investing in, bringing books, shared reading and practical support into places families already know and trust; further recognises that a £6.5 million national investment would provide a cost-effective means of establishing permanent reading spaces in every Best Start Family Hub; highlights that investing in early literacy is an investment in prevention, helping young people avoid falling out of education, employment or training later in life; believes that Reading Spaces in Best Start Family Hubs bring together the economic case for early intervention, the evidence on the benefits of reading and National Literacy Trust experience of delivering place based literacy programmes through local infrastructure; and urges the Government to invest in reading spaces in family hubs to make sure that every child, wherever they live, has the best start to life.

1075Diamond Jubilee of St Helen's RC Church

Tabled: 29/10/26 Signatories: 1

Gordon McKee

That this House congratulates St Helen's RC Church on its Diamond Jubilee; notes that a special celebratory mass is taking place on All Hallows' Eve 2026, led by Archbishop William Nolan; recognises the importance of the church to the people of Langside and Glasgow more widely; and wishes the church and its congregation every success in its jubilee year.

1076Microplastic filters for washing machines

Tabled: 29/10/26 Signatories: 2

Jess Brown-Fuller

Mr Will Forster

That this House notes that microplastics are increasingly prevalent in the environment and that microfibres shed from synthetic clothing during laundering are a common form of microplastic; further notes a recent study has estimated that up to 87,165 tonnes of microfibres are discharged from domestic washing machines in the UK each year, with large quantities passing through wastewater treatment works into rivers or being spread on agricultural land in sewage sludge; also notes that filters that capture microfibres before they enter wastewater are now available, either as retrofits or built into new machines; notes that while the Government has stated its support for research and engagement with stakeholders regarding microfibre release from textiles, including on the potential role of technologies such as microfibre filters, it has not yet committed to legislating on filters in washing machines; and therefore calls on the Government to work with industry to set out how it will reduce microplastic pollution from domestic washing machines reaching sensitive coastal habitats and National Landscapes such as Chichester Harbour.

1077Delivery of Budget 2026 through property tax systems

Tabled: 29/10/26 Signatories: 4

Daisy Cooper

Zöe Franklin

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Mr Will Forster

That this House notes that many announcements in Budget 2026 are predicated on out-of-date property tax systems and that the Government’s Household Energy Payment will be distributed through the outdated council tax system, resulting in 1.4 million low-income households being excluded while channelling payments to some high income individuals; further notes that the high value council tax surcharge is also based on the outdated council tax system and requires a new government-funded valuation exercise, which will likely result in disputes, delays and uncertainty relating to properties that fall near the banding limits; recognises that support for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses announced in the Budget is being delivered through the broken business rates system, which means that businesses of a similar size but with higher rateable values will miss out on the increase of the Small Business Rate Relief threshold, creating arbitrary and unfair outcomes; regrets that the Conservative party and Labour Party thus far have failed to implement their respective 2019 and 2024 manifesto commitments to replace the business rates system; supports the Government’s ambition to allow local authorities to retain more of their business rates revenue, but believes this should not become an excuse for delaying much needed reform of the underlying business rates system; believes that council tax, stamp duty and business rates need to be overhauled; and calls on the Government to establish a commission on property tax reform with a view to overhauling outdated taxes such as council tax, stamp duty and business rates.

1078Celebrating Scotland’s links with Malawi

Tabled: 29/10/26 Signatories: 1

Patricia Ferguson

That this House celebrates the longstanding historic, cultural and civic links between Scotland and Malawi; recognises the important contribution of the Scotland Malawi Partnership, based in Edinburgh, which works closely with its counterpart, the Malawi Scotland Partnership, to coordinate support and strengthen people-to-people connections between the two nations; notes that 3 November 2026 marks the 21st anniversary of the historic cooperation agreement between the Scottish Government and the Republic of Malawi, signed by Scotland’s then First Minister, The Rt Hon. Jack McConnell MSP, and Malawi’s then President, His Excellency Professor Bingu wa Mutharika; acknowledges the agreements role in strengthening cooperation between the two countries and welcomes the fact that today 109,000 Scots and 208,000 Malawians are actively involved in community-led partnerships between the two nations; further notes the cooperation that also exists between the two countries in the fields, of health, education and governance and reaffirms the enduring friendship and shared commitment to cooperation between Scotland and Malawi.

1079Congratulations to Fleetwood Town Football Club for beating Arsenal in the League Cup

Tabled: 29/10/26 Signatories: 1

Lorraine Beavers

That this House congratulates Fleetwood Town Football Club on their historic win against reigning Premier League champions Arsenal in the League Cup on Tuesday evening; commends the players, coaching staff, ground staff, and fans for producing one of the most memorable nights in the town’s history; acknowledges the 84-place gap between the two clubs at the time the fixture was played; further congratulates Conor Haughey for scoring the winning penalty; further congratulates Jay Lynch for his outstanding goalkeeping; and wishes Fleetwood Town the best of luck in their quarter-final and for the rest of the tournament.

1080Contribution and retirement of Rev Leslie Edge

Tabled: 29/10/26 Signatories: 1

Dr Zubir Ahmed

That this House celebrates the remarkable life and work of Rev Leslie Edge; recognises his 20 years of dedicated service as Minister of Mosspark Baptist Church and his subsequent service as Chaplain at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice since 2010; offers its sincerest thanks to Rev Edge for the compassion, comfort and support he has provided to people across Glasgow, including many within Glasgow South West, during some of the most difficult moments of their lives; commends the outstanding work of the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Dumbreck, and of hospices across Scotland and the wider United Kingdom, in providing compassionate care and support for those who need it most; further recognises the important role played by Baptist church in promoting the Christian values of compassion, service and warmth; understands these are values we should all endeavour to live our lives by; congratulates Rev Leslie Edge on his well-deserved retirement; and extends to him its profound gratitude and warmest wishes for the future.

Added Names

Below are EDMs tabled in the last two weeks to which names have been added. Only the first 6 names and any new names are included.

980Crab and Lobster Fish Shack’s national recognition

Tabled: 19/10/26 Signatories: 5

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Sarah Dyke

Clive Jones

That this House congratulates Crab and Lobster Fish Shack in South Queensferry on being named Scotland’s Best Fish and Chip Restaurant and recognised among the UK’s top ten at the National Fish and Chip Awards; celebrates owners Bryan and Jack Coghill achieving national recognition just over a year after opening; recognises their hard work, culinary talent and contribution to the local hospitality industry; and wishes them every success in reaching the final five and beyond.

981Craigies Farm named UK’s best farm shop

Tabled: 19/10/26 Signatories: 7

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Wendy Chamberlain

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Sarah Dyke

Clive Jones

That this House congratulates Craigies Farm, on being named the best farm shop in the United Kingdom by Cottages and Castles; recognises the hard work and dedication of the team in building the business from a one-table shop in 1988 into a popular farm shop and visitor attraction; welcomes its commitment to local produce, seasonal food and family friendly activities, including its annual pumpkin and tulip festivals; notes its recognition at the 2026 Farm Retail Awards as Pick Your Own Business of the Year; and celebrates the contribution Craigies Farm makes to the local economy and community, wishing the team continued success in the years ahead.

984Lake View Pond, Pagham

Tabled: 19/10/26 Signatories: 6

Jess Brown-Fuller

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Sarah Dyke

Dr Al Pinkerton

Clive Jones

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: 7

Lisa Smart

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Hannah Spencer

Sarah Dyke

Dr Roz Savage

Clive Jones

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: 6

Lisa Smart

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Sarah Dyke

Dr Roz Savage

Clive Jones

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: 7

Layla Moran

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Sarah Dyke

Dr Roz Savage

Rachael Maskell

Clive Jones

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.

990Newbury awards at Thames and Chiltern in Bloom 2026

Tabled: 19/10/26 Signatories: 4

Mr Lee Dillon

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Clive Jones

That this House congratulates Newbury on retaining the Silver Gilt and Best Large Town Trophy at the 2026 Thames and Chiltern in Bloom awards, achieving its highest-ever score; commends the skill and collective dedication of the volunteers, community groups, Council staff and ground maintenance teams who create and care for Newbury’s beautiful green spaces; recognises the lasting value these spaces bring to the town, providing cherished places that support residents’ wellbeing, improve air quality and reduce flood risk; further congratulates Friends of the Earth Newbury on winning the Biodiversity Award for its Newbury Nature Corridors Project; notes that through the planting of new woodlands and the restoration of ponds and gardens, its work has created a network of connected habitats across the town, allowing wildlife to thrive; and expresses gratitude to all community groups for their ongoing work to boost biodiversity and encourage greater appreciation of West Berkshire’s natural environment.

991E1 settlements

Tabled: 19/10/26 Signatories: 22

Calum Miller

Jess Brown-Fuller

Wera Hobhouse

Andrew George

Zöe Franklin

Brian Mathew

Clive Jones

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.

99460th anniversary of University of Bath receiving its Royal Charter

Tabled: 20/10/26 Signatories: 10

Wera Hobhouse

Jess Brown-Fuller

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Brian Mathew

Jim Shannon

Dr Ellie Chowns

Clive Jones

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.

99610th anniversary of the Co-op Local Community Fund

Tabled: 20/10/26 Signatories: 10

Sarah Gibson

Wera Hobhouse

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Mr Will Forster

Sarah Dyke

Clive Jones

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.

1002The Enchanted Forest's 25th anniversary

Tabled: 20/10/26 Signatories: 3

Dave Doogan

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates The Enchanted Forest autumn sound and light show on reaching its 25th anniversary in 2026, marking a quarter of a century since their first event was held; recognises the Enchanted Forest Community Trust’s achievement in developing Scotland’s premier sound and light show into a nationally acclaimed event, attracting more than 80,000 visitors each autumn and contributing over £7.5 million to the local economy; commends the Trust for reinvesting event surpluses into local charities, community groups and projects across Highland Perthshire; acknowledges the contribution this funding makes to children and young people, health and wellbeing, arts and culture, sport, environmental sustainability and community resilience in the area; and applauds the volunteers, trustees, organisers, local businesses and the community partners whose dedication has helped make The Enchanted Forest such a successful Scottish institution.

1003Oil and chemical spills at sea

Tabled: 20/10/26 Signatories: 21

Wera Hobhouse

Andrew George

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Wendy Chamberlain

Mr Will Forster

Adrian Ramsay

Clive Jones

That this House expresses concern that between 2011 and 2025 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.

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

Tabled: 21/10/26 Signatories: 4

Sarah Dyke

Jim Shannon

Dr Roz Savage

Clive Jones

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.

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

Tabled: 21/10/26 Signatories: 5

Sarah Gibson

Jim Shannon

Sarah Dyke

Dr Roz Savage

Clive Jones

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: 4

Mr Lee Dillon

Jim Shannon

Dr Roz Savage

Clive Jones

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.

1019Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026

Tabled: 22/10/26 Signatories: 22

Tim Farron

Ian Roome

Mr Lee Dillon

Alex Brewer

Brian Mathew

Steff Aquarone

Clive Jones

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: 7

Wendy Chamberlain

Brian Mathew

Sarah Dyke

Dr Roz Savage

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

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: 14

Sarah Olney

Brian Mathew

Sarah Dyke

Wera Hobhouse

Dr Roz Savage

Victoria Collins

Clive Jones

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.

1026Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards and Shetland businesses

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 3

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

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: 4

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jess Brown-Fuller

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

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.

1029Anne Jago

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 3

Tim Farron

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

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: 31

Ian Byrne

Ian Lavery

Kim Johnson

John McDonnell

Richard Burgon

Rebecca Long Bailey

Andy McDonald

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.

1033Andy Anderson fundraising challenge

Tabled: 26/10/26 Signatories: 3

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

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: 3

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

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: 3

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

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: 3

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

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: 3

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

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: 4

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Clive Jones

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: 4

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Clive Jones

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.

1040Funding for Olivia’s Steps Foundation

Tabled: 27/10/26 Signatories: 3

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House congratulates the Olivia’s Steps Foundation on securing a £7,500 National Lottery Community Fund grant to deliver Olivia’s Steps Mobility and Independence Week; recognises the importance of intensive therapy in helping children with physical disabilities develop mobility, confidence and independence; welcomes the support this programme will provide to children and their families in Edinburgh West; and commends the foundation’s commitment to improving opportunities for young people with disabilities.

1041National Lottery funding for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Tabled: 27/10/26 Signatories: 4

Christine Jardine

Steve Darling

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House welcomes the award of an £8,000 National Lottery Community Fund grant to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People; recognises the importance of its Community Drop-in sessions in providing support, advice and connection for deaf people; celebrates the role of community organisations in tackling isolation and improving accessibility; and commends the continued work of the group in supporting deaf people across Edinburgh West.

1042Ninetieth anniversary of Ferry Fair

Tabled: 27/10/26 Signatories: 3

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House congratulates the Ferry Fair Festival Committee on receiving a £10,000 National Lottery Community Fund grant to deliver Ferry Fair in its ninetieth year; celebrates the festival’s longstanding place in South Queensferry’s community life; recognises the importance of local festivals in supporting community spirit and preserving local traditions; and wishes the committee every success in delivering this year's celebration.

1043Longman’s Whey-Cream Butter wins Silver at the 2026 Great British Food Awards

Tabled: 27/10/26 Signatories: 3

Sarah Dyke

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House congratulates Longman’s Cheese of North Cadbury, Somerset, on winning Silver for its Salted Whey-Cream Butter at the 2026 Great British Food Awards, in a year when the awards received a record number of entries; notes that the butter is made from whey cream that retains living cultures and owes its natural golden colour to the carotene in milk from grass-fed cows; recognises the skill and care that go into producing a distinctive, high-quality butter that showcases the very best of Somerset dairy; celebrates Longman’s as a champion of local food and of the farmers who supply it; wishes the business continued success; and calls on the Government to strengthen fairness throughout the dairy supply chain, protect UK dairy farmers in trade negotiations, introduce mandatory country-of-origin labelling so that consumers can make informed choices about where their food comes from and its environmental impact, and strengthen the Groceries Code Adjudicator to support producers and protect consumers from unfair price rises.

1044Somerset Sumo Club in Glastonbury

Tabled: 27/10/26 Signatories: 4

Sarah Dyke

Jess Brown-Fuller

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House congratulates Joe Andrews, a sumo wrestler and personal trainer, on founding Somerset Sumo Club, believed to be the first sumo club in the South West of England, based at Average Joe Fitness Studio in Glastonbury and affiliated to the British Combat Association; commends Mr Andrews’s work to raise the profile of the sport across the region and to challenge the misconception that only heavyweights can compete, opening sumo up to people of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds; recognises the vital role community sports clubs play in bringing people together and improving physical and mental health; wishes Mr Andrews and Somerset Sumo Club every success in growing the sport locally; and calls on the Government to boost participation in sport and physical activity by investing in leisure centres, swimming pools and other grassroots facilities, and by backing the community sports clubs that keep them thriving.

1045Glastonbury Abbey Yard and St Dunstan’s House at the Royal Town Planning Institute Awards for Planning Excellence 2026

Tabled: 27/10/26 Signatories: 4

Sarah Dyke

Jess Brown-Fuller

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House celebrates the Glastonbury Abbey Yard project, creating a welcoming and accessible new entrance to the internationally renowned abbey, and the St Dunstan’s House project, bringing a prominent town-centre building back into use as an accessible hub for community and well-being services, supported by the Glastonbury Town Deal programme; notes that both projects were jointly named best project and best in region at the Royal Town Planning Institute South West Awards for Planning Excellence 2026 and will now go forward at the national awards; wishes all the projects involved continued success, congratulates Somerset Council, together with the Glastonbury Town Deal Board, Glastonbury Town Council and their local partners, on this achievement through their hard work and collaboration; further notes that the winner of the Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture category will be announced in London on 3 December 2026; recognises the valuable contribution such projects make to rural communities by revitalising high streets, supporting local enterprise and preserving local heritage; and calls on the Government to build on this work through the creation of a High Streets Back Home scheme, providing a clear route for people to invest in their communities by restoring heritage buildings, supporting local businesses and securing assets for community use.

1046Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or

Tabled: 27/10/26 Signatories: 15

Anna Sabine

Mr Will Forster

Wera Hobhouse

Steve Darling

Victoria Collins

Jess Brown-Fuller

Clive Jones

That this House celebrates the outstanding efforts of Harry Kane, captain of the England men’s football team; recognises him as one of this country’s greatest footballers; further celebrates him being awarded the 2026 Ballon d’Or, the first British footballer for 25 years, making him officially the world’s best footballer; also celebrates him as England’s all-time leading World Cup goal scorer; further recognises that his dedication and leadership have given the nation a shared moment of pride; thanks him for the example he sets to young people who dream of following in his footsteps; and believes that Harry Kane should be recognised with a knighthood for his services to football and to the nation.

1048Harry Kane wins the 2026 Ballon d'Or

Tabled: 27/10/26 Signatories: 10

Liz Jarvis

Wera Hobhouse

Steve Darling

Jess Brown-Fuller

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Brian Mathew

Clive Jones

That this House congratulates Harry Kane, captain of the England men’s football team, on being named winner of the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or; recognises that he is the first English player to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001; celebrates his outstanding achievements for England and his contribution to British sport over many years; notes that the award recognises the 2025-26 season, in which he helped Bayern Munich retain the Bundesliga title; further notes the pride the award brings to the whole country, particularly as it was presented in London for the first time; commends the dedication and professionalism he has shown throughout his career and the example he sets for young people and aspiring sportsmen and women across Britain; and expresses the hope that his success will inspire the next generation of British footballing talent.

1053Phil Simms' contribution to Henley Standard

Tabled: 27/10/26 Signatories: 4

Freddie van Mierlo

Mr Will Forster

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House recognises the outstanding contribution of Phil Simms, Editor of the Henley Standard, dedicating 19 years of service to the local newspaper, having joined the publication as a reporter in 2008; notes his leadership in championing local journalism and holding public bodies to account; commends his successful Save Our Station campaign, which helped save Henley's fire station from proposed closures; further notes the Henley Standard’s commitment to protecting the local environment and the River Thames; and acknowledges him for his dedication to serving the people of Henley-on-Thames and the surrounding area through independent, community-focused journalism.

1054Rural fuel duty relief

Tabled: 27/10/26 Signatories: 12

Tim Farron

Mr Will Forster

Jess Brown-Fuller

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Sarah Dyke

Claire Young

Clive Jones

That this House recognises the disproportionately high fuel costs faced by rural communities, where reliance on cars is often unavoidable due to limited public transport; supports the Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme in reducing prices at the pump; notes that only one postcode in the whole of Cumbria currently qualifies for the Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme; believes that relief should be available to many more rural communities in Cumbria and nationwide; and calls on the Government to enact the Liberal Democrat Emergency Transport Package, cutting fuel duty by 10p (cutting prices by 12p per litre), slashing all bus fares to £1, cutting rail fares by 10%, and cutting VAT on public EV charging from 20% to 5%.

1055Sue Beer of Shetland Citizens Advice Bureau

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 4

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jim Shannon

Steve Darling

Clive Jones

That this House expresses condolences following the death of Sue Beer, long-serving Chair of Shetland Citizens Advice Bureau; recognises her 28 years of dedicated service to the bureau, including her work as a trustee of Citizens Advice Scotland; pays tribute to her commitment to supporting people in Shetland and strengthening the wider Citizens Advice network; and extends its deepest sympathies to her family, friends and colleagues.

1056Dunlop Primary School 150th anniversary

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 2

Lillian Jones

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Dunlop Primary School on the occasion of its 150th anniversary; recognises the significant contribution the school has made to the education and development of generations of children over the past 150 years; pays tribute to the dedication and commitment of its teachers, staff, pupils, parents and former pupils, past and present, as well as the wider community who have contributed to its success; acknowledges the important role the school has played in village life in Dunlop; and wishes the whole school community every success as it celebrates this remarkable milestone and looks forward to the next chapter in its proud history.

1057LGBT+ rights in the Commonwealth

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 7

Ben Maguire

Zöe Franklin

Wera Hobhouse

Clive Jones

Jess Brown-Fuller

Marie Goldman

Mr Will Forster

That this House notes that the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is set to take place in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, from 1 to 4 November 2026; recognises the value of the Commonwealth to the United Kingdom through its diplomatic, educational, sporting, cultural and family ties; further notes that the Commonwealth Charter commits all 56 member states to equality, human dignity, tolerance and respect for human rights; expresses deep concern that 29 member states, more than half of the Commonwealth, still criminalise consensual same-sex relations between adults; further recognises that LGBT+ people in many of these countries face imprisonment, violence and societal exclusion, and that anti-LGBT laws are being extended in some states; welcomes the progress made in countries such as India, Botswana and Saint Lucia; and calls on the Government to use the upcoming meeting to secure a clear commitment from member states to repeal laws criminalising same-sex relations, to uphold the rights of transgender people, and to work alongside local civil society to end discrimination against LGBT+ people across the Commonwealth.

1058Safeguarding of young recruits at the Army Foundation College Harrogate

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 3

Sarah Dyke

Andrew George

Clive Jones

That this House is deeply concerned by allegations of rape, sexual assault and harassment made by former recruits at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, many of whom were girls aged 16 and 17 at the time; is further concerned that survivors have expressed a lack of confidence in the processes intended to protect them; welcomes the Armed Forces Commissioner’s independent investigation, but insists it must lead to lasting change rather than recommendations on paper; believes that no young person joining the Armed Forces should ever fear sexual violence or harassment, or feel unable to report abuse; and calls on the Government to legislate so that rape and other serious sexual offences involving service personnel are always investigated by civilian police and tried in civilian courts, to take complaints of sexual harassment out of the chain of command and place them with a fully independent body, and to introduce independent safeguarding oversight for every recruit under the age of 18, so that those who step forward to serve their country can be confident that their country will protect them.

1059Brian Smith and the Kirkwall post office

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 3

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House recognises the efforts of Shetland postmaster Brian Smith in taking on the temporary management of Kirkwall Post Office following its unexpected closure in September; commends his work to restore the service, improve efficiency and prepare for the busy Christmas period; welcomes the support provided by former members of staff; and further recognises the importance of maintaining an accessible and reliable postal service for the people of Orkney.

1060Gregor Corse wins Pride of Britain Award

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 3

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House congratulates Gregor Corse of Orkney on winning the Pride of Britain Awards' Young Fundraiser of the Year award; recognises his remarkable achievement in raising £73,000 for Inclusive Orkney at just four years old through his determination to walk 30 laps of his home each day for 30 days; commends his efforts to support young people with additional needs; and praises Gregor, his family and everyone who supported his inspiring fundraising campaign.

1061J. & S. Hay of Orkney named Scotland’s contractor of the year

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 3

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House congratulates J. & S. Hay, an agricultural contracting business based in Birsay, on winning Contractor of the Year at the Scottish Agriculture Awards 2026; recognises this achievement as a testament to the skill and dedication of the business and its team; and celebrates the contribution of Orkney's agricultural businesses to Scotland's farming industry.

1062Kirkwall named runner-up in Scotland's Town of the Year

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 3

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House congratulates Kirkwall on being named a runner-up in the 2026 Scotland Town of the Year competition, part of the Scotland Loves Local Awards; recognises the work of Kirkwall Business Improvement District in supporting local businesses, promoting the high street and improving the experience of residents and visitors; and commends everyone working to strengthen Kirkwall as a thriving place to live, work and visit.

1063Sheila Fleet Jewellery wins two major store design awards

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 3

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House congratulates Sheila Fleet Jewellery on winning Store Design of the Year at both the 2026 National Association of Jewellers Awards and the UK Jewellery Awards for its Edinburgh premises; recognises the creativity of a design inspired by Scotland's landscapes, geology and natural environment; and commends the business and its wider team for showcasing Orkney's jewellery-making heritage and craftsmanship on a national stage.

1064Shetland Relay for Life raises over £110,000

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 3

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House congratulates Shetland’s Relay for Life on raising over £110,000 for Cancer Research UK in 2026; recognises the dedication of the organisers, volunteers, sponsors and participants whose efforts have brought the total raised by the event to almost £2 million; pays tribute to the late Olive Macleod, whose ambition was to see the £2 million milestone achieved; and wishes the committee every success in reaching this goal in her memory.

1065Somerset Prostate Support Association and rural access to PSA testing

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 5

Sarah Dyke

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

Jess Brown-Fuller

That this House congratulates the Somerset Prostate Support Association, chaired by Peter Hopwood, on running free PSA testing events across Somerset, ten of which have taken place in 2026, giving men the chance to be tested close to home without needing a GP appointment or travelling miles to be seen, which is vital in rural communities; notes that although the tests are free to those attending, the events depend wholly on fundraising; commends David Grindley of the Cross Keys Inn in Lydford-on-Fosse for raising £6,300 for the Association’s testing events through a summer beer festival; believes that early detection of the UK’s most common cancer should be the responsibility of the NHS, not left entirely to the generosity of local charities and communities; wishes the Somerset Prostate Support Association every success in its work to detect prostate cancer earlier and save lives; and calls on the Government to ensure that its targeted prostate cancer screening programme, due to begin in 2027, is fully accessible to men in rural communities, to keep the case for wider screening under urgent review, and to introduce a legal guarantee, backed by investment, that every cancer patient starts treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral.

1066Arrests of Friends of Standing Together and British nationals in the West Bank

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 13

Dr Simon Opher

Andrew George

Ms Diane Abbott

Cat Eccles

Chris Hinchliff

Nadia Whittome

Kim JohnsonNeil Duncan-JordanSeamus LoganBell Ribeiro-AddyApsana BegumJeremy CorbynChris Law

That this House condemns the arrest on 21 October by Israeli forces of approximately 80 volunteers accompanying Palestinian farmers to obstruct and document settler attacks in the West Bank, nine of whom were British nationals, and the Israeli government’s wider obstruction and deportation of such volunteers; notes that the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has documented over 1600 instances of settler terrorism leading to casualties or property damage this year; further notes that Israeli forces have systematically failed to arrest the settlers responsible, and armed and funded settler militias; warns that the settler movement’s influence on state policy and

infiltration of the security forces is already achieving the movement’s aims of displacing Palestinians and denying them self-determination, and will not be stopped by a change of government alone; and commends the courageous work of those supporting Palestinians against settler violence, including the umbrella ‘Protect the Harvest’ initiative, Standing Together, Rabbis for Human Rights, and British nationals and groups supporting them.

1067Basingstoke Hospital rebuild

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 5

Alex Brewer

Jim Shannon

Steve Darling

Clive Jones

Mr Will Forster

That this House notes the pressure on the current site of Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital caused by delays to its rebuild; further notes that the cost of maintaining the ageing estate continues to rise, with the repair backlog now standing at £52,931,195 and construction of the new hospital not scheduled to begin until between 2037 and 2039; recognises that maintaining the existing hospital is projected to cost as much as building a new one, thereby representing poor value for taxpayers; regrets the previous Conservative Government's delays to the New Hospital Programme and its broken promise to rebuild Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital by 2030; further recognises the impact that continued delays are having on patients, healthcare staff and local health services; pays tribute to the staff of Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital for their dedication and professionalism despite these challenges; and calls on the Government to bring forward the timetable for the new hospital so that construction begins by 2030.

1068Surrey devolution agreement and the Budget

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 4

Mr Will Forster

Zöe Franklin

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House is concerned to read in the Autumn Budget 2026 that the Government is in the final stages of agreeing a new devolution agreement with Surrey, before hon. Members have been consulted and any local authority has voted on any devolution agreement; notes the Government previously said they would never force an area to to have a Mayor; and calls on the Government to ensure that West Surrey Council starts in a financial sustainable position, rather than be overwhelmed by historic debt, cuts of Government grants and underfunding of support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

1069Frances Park

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 2

Katrina Murray

Jim Shannon

That this House conveys its gratitude to Frances Park for her dedication in the evolution of Cumbernauld and Carbrain Community Hub, growing from a small women’s group in Carbrain Primary School with the vision of a community space for all the community bringing people together, reducing poverty and isolation, and creating a sense of community; celebrates that The Hub is now well established as a community led meeting space in a former bank in Cumbernauld Town Centre where Frances’s persistence, resilience, encouragement and ability to engage individuals, families as well as funders and partners in statutory and voluntary sectors to bring services and support closer to the people who need them; congratulates Frances on her service and dedication to the Carbrain and Cumbernauld communities and wishes her every success in the next chapter of her life; and wishes all staff, volunteers and users of Cumbernauld and Carbrain Community Hub continued success building upon the legacy that Frances has left.

107070 years of Cumbernauld and new production at Cumbernauld Theatre

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 2

Katrina Murray

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Cumbernauld Theatre at Lanternhouse on their recent production of A Town For Tomorrow, written and directed by Lawrence Crawford and showcasing the talents of Cumbernauld People’s Theatre Company, with members of Cumbernauld Senior and Junior Youth Theatre and Adult Dance Group; notes that the production demonstrated that there is so much more to Cumbernauld than the slogan, What’s it called?, this production celebrated the town’s 70th anniversary with stories from the people who know it best, a town in the clouds, built on concrete dreams, with stories of love, protest, identity; recognises this production of A Town for Tomorrow is a celebration of Cumbernauld, created by the community, for the community; and wishes Cumbernauld Theatre at Lanternhouse continued success in bringing and creating productions and showcasing the talents of local people and that of those from further afield recognising too the importance of Cumbernauld Theatre at Lanternhouse as an important regional theatre.

1071Castle Cary in Bloom at the South West in Bloom Awards 2026

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 3

Sarah Dyke

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

That this House congratulates Castle Cary on its outstanding results at the South West in Bloom Awards 2026, including Gold in the Champion of Champions category; further congratulates three local projects that each received Gold and Outstanding awards EatCary, a shared community growing space where residents of all ages work together and share what they grow, Castle Cary Community Primary School and the community garden at the railway station, created in partnership with The Newt; celebrates Paint the Town Yellow winning the Serco Cup for the best community initiative in the South West, and the Woodland Garden being recognised as a promising Improving Project; thanks the Town Council for its support of this inclusive community effort; commends everyone who has given their time, energy and enthusiasm, reflecting the very best of rural community spirit in Somerset; wishes Cary in Bloom continued success; and calls on the Government to provide incentives, including a long-term fund for local authorities and public bodies to turn disused land to local communities for community gardens, allotments, ponds and green spaces, and to give community groups the resources they need to improve access to nature.

1072Gillingham Town Council Gold Award from the National Association of Local Councils' Award Scheme

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 2

Simon Hoare

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Gillingham Town Council on achieving the prestigious Gold Award from the National Association of Local Councils’ Award Scheme and notes that this is the highest level of accreditation available; notes that the award recognises councils at the forefront of best practice, demonstrating excellence in governance, community leadership and council development; recognises that this achievement reflects the professionalism and hard work of the Town Council's elected members and staff in serving the residents of Gillingham; and commends Gillingham Town Council for setting an excellent example to local councils across Dorset and beyond.

1073Epsom Symphony Orchestra 75th anniversary

Tabled: 28/10/26 Signatories: 4

Helen Maguire

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

Mr Will Forster

That this House congratulates Epsom Symphony Orchestra on its 75th anniversary; celebrates their long history of being committed to delivering a high-standard and diverse variety of music for their audience; thanks all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, both past and present, including the instrumentalists, musical directors, conductors, and audience members; and acknowledges their important work to make music enjoyable and accessible to all as they begin their 75th season.