Contents

Published: Tuesday 26 October 2021

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 25 October 2021

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

570Spiking in nightclubs

Tabled: 25/10/21 Signatories: 1

Wera Hobhouse

That this House supports the women in Bath taking part in the Bath Night In boycotts on 27 October 2021, linked to the national campaign to raise awareness of the increase in spiking incidents in nightclubs across the UK; expresses concern at reports of spiking by injection; believes women who report such incidents must be listened to and supported; and urges the Government to convene a conference of senior officers from police forces across the country as a matter of urgency, to draw up a national action plan to tackle spiking.

571Forced Conversions and Forced Marriages

Tabled: 25/10/21 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Sammy Wilson

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

That this House recalls that on 13 October 2021, a Pakistani parliamentary committee formed to consider the forced conversions and forced marriages of minor Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan rejected a draft Bill to protect the victims of such crimes, regrets that the concerns and evidence of such crimes were ignored; notes that forced conversion is not allowed in Islam and the proposed Bill would have been a tool to enforce that ban; is seriously alarmed that despite signing several human rights treaties to protect the rights of girls and children the Pakistani Government is failing to protect Hindu and Christian girls from the this crime; and calls on the Government to raise this specific issue at the UN Human Rights Council and other UN forums, to ensure justice for the victims and their families.

572Clean air action

Tabled: 25/10/21 Signatories: 1

Mr Barry Sheerman

That this House recognises the health impacts of poor road air quality; notes that long-term exposure to air pollution can cause chronic conditions, a reduced life expectancy and contributes to 40,000 early deaths in the UK each year; further notes that nine out of ten adults and children now breathe polluted air; believes that urgent action is required to reduce the proportion of particulate matter in the air due to vehicle emissions; and calls upon the Government to invest greater resources into improving road air quality and to consider making reference to the inalienable right to breathe clean air in future legislative proposals.

573Scottish Interfaith Week 2021 and COP26 vigil

Tabled: 25/10/21 Signatories: 3

Patrick Grady

Carol Monaghan

Kirsten Oswald

That this House welcomes the range of events and activities planned to mark Scottish Interfaith Week 2021, which takes place between 31 October and 7 November 2021; notes the decision to dedicate the week, under the theme of Together for Our Planet, during the COP26 Conference being held in Glasgow, as a significant moment for people of all faiths and none in Scotland to come together to take action to protect the planet; further notes that a key event in the week’s activities will be the COP26 vigil in the city’s George Square, organised by Interfaith Glasgow and Interfaith Scotland with the support of the Scottish Religious Leaders Forum; notes that the vigil aims to bring together people of all backgrounds in Glasgow, and via a livestream from around the world, in a powerful, symbolic act of unity and solidarity for the planet, and that the event will be attended by religious leaders and faith community members determined to demonstrate their common commitment to climate justice; and wishes the organisers and all who take part in the vigil and the week’s activities every success.

574Aviemore Ice Rink

Tabled: 25/10/21 Signatories: 1

Drew Hendry

That this House congratulates the Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust (AGCT) on their considerable efforts to re-open the Aviemore ice rink after 20 years; recognises the dedication and hard work of the community who have raised funds and assisted with the build of the 20x12 metre real ice rink; and looks forward to seeing the Aviemore Ice Rink grow in success, preserving Aviemore’s reputation as a first-class winter sports destination.

575Inverness Taxis providing a safe place for women

Tabled: 25/10/21 Signatories: 1

Drew Hendry

That this House recognises the team at Inverness Taxis for their ongoing commitment to the community they serve, in doing so congratulates them on their recent initiative to provide a safe place for women to wait while making their way home, welcomes this fantastic initiative which will no doubt be welcomed by women and all of those who need a safe place to wait.

576Inverness Creative Academy

Tabled: 25/10/21 Signatories: 1

Drew Hendry

That this House recognises the Inverness Creative Academy on their recent receipt of Digital Support Funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise; notes that the grant will help advance the digital capabilities of the Inverness Creative Academy which is currently being developed by the charity Wasps; and in doing so recognises the importance of connectivity and creativity across Inverness and the Highlands.

577Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett

Tabled: 25/10/21 Signatories: 1

Alison Thewliss

That this House extends its congratulations to Great Britain’s most successful ever tennis doubles partnership Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett, from Alexandria and Cantley, for becoming the first ever wheelchair tennis pair to complete the calendar Grand Slam in men’s doubles; acknowledges how Reid and Hewett’s commitment, athleticism and teamwork will have inspired so many people across the UK to pick up a racket and play tennis; and wishes both players all the best for the future.

578Over 100 days of Dr AlSingace’s hunger strike in Bahrain

Tabled: 25/10/21 Signatories: 1

Paula Barker

That this House is deeply concerned by the ongoing hunger strike of 59-year-old human rights defender and academic Dr Abduljalil AlSingace, in Bahrain; raises alarm that his hunger strike began on 8 July 2021 and has exceeded 100 days; expresses concern that Dr AlSingace has been hospitalised since 18 July 2021 and has lost at least 20kg; notes that AlSingace is protesting Jau Prison authorities’ ill-treatment and confiscation of four years’ worth of his apolitical research; decries Dr AlSingace’s life sentence for his peaceful leading role in Bahrain’s 2011 pro-democracy uprising; unreservedly condemns Dr AlSingace’s torture in 2011 by Bahraini officials, as documented by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry; further condemns that Dr AlSingace has spent over a decade unjustly imprisoned, throughout which mistreatment and medical negligence against him has been reported by UN experts; further recalls the Government’s 2012 expression of deep dismay at Dr AlSingace’s conviction; echoes calls from UN experts, the EU Parliament, 101 academics and 77 cross-party UK parliamentarians, trade unions, lawyers and rights groups for Dr AlSingace’s release; calls upon the Government to urgently secure the return of Dr AlSingace’s research, impose Magnitsky Act Sanctions on those responsible for his unlawful imprisonment; and to call for his immediate and unconditional release; and further calls upon the Government to urge for the release of all political prisoners in Bahrain, including Hassan Mushaima, Sheikh Ali Salman, Abdulhadi Alkhawaja and Ali Alhajee.

579Northern Ireland Book Week

Tabled: 25/10/21 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Sammy Wilson

That this House notes the passing of Northern Ireland Book Week; further notes the early years benefit of children being read to daily to their development; encourages parents to make the best of the free resources available in local libraries; highlights the benefit to mental health from taking time to read; and further encourages adults and children alike to find a new favourite book and relax and unwind whilst discovering new worlds or new ideas.

580Anniversary of the Shankill bombing

Tabled: 25/10/21 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Sammy Wilson

That this House notes the anniversary of the horrific Shankill Bombing which took place on 23 October 1993; remembers the atrocity which saw the murder of nine innocent people, including two children, and over 50 people injured on that horrific day by the disgraceful pre-meditated actions of IRA terrorists; highlights the evil intention of this attack which took place on the busiest day of the week in a fishmongers surrounded by women and children; and offers continued sympathy to those who were injured and left mentally and physically scarred and to those who still mourn the loss of their loved ones to this day.

58135th anniversary of Charlie Reid Travel, Kirkcaldy

Tabled: 25/10/21 Signatories: 1

Neale Hanvey

That this House pays tribute to Charlie Reid Travel based in Kirkcaldy and formed in 1985 providing holiday experiences to the community and beyond; recognises that they have established a reputation for offering a wide range of trips, tailoring holiday packages to suit individual needs; notes that the founders Charlie and Norma Reid who ran the business until their retirement in 2002 were successful in establishing an independent, local, family run business which was taken over by sons Gordon and Ian and daughter Julie and acknowledges the business continues to be viable despite the challenges of the covid-19 pandemic with the support of their loyal customers, friends and dedicated staff; celebrates their 35th anniversary, which took place in December 2020; and wishes them many years of success in the future.

582Persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh

Tabled: 25/10/21 Signatories: 1

Bob Blackman

That this House condemns the deeply concerning rise in attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh during the festival of Durga puja; is concerned by the violence that has seen at least seven Hindus killed by religious fundamentalists; urges the Government of Bangladesh to act to ensure religious minorities can live and worship safely and in peace; further condemns the desecration of Hindu temples and the torching of hundreds of houses and businesses of the Hindu minority; and urges the Government to encourage the Government of Bangladesh to put perpetrators of violence against religious minorities in that region on trial as soon as possible.

583Proscribing of Palestinian human rights organisations

Tabled: 25/10/21 Signatories: 2

Tommy Sheppard

Apsana Begum

That this House condemns the declaration of 22 October 2021 made by Israeli Minister of Defence, Benny Gantz, which designated six Palestinian civil society groups as terrorist organisations; notes that the Israeli authorities have not provided any evidence to substantiate their claims about the organisations; further notes that the targeted groups Al-Haq, Addameer, Bisan Center, Defence for Children International Palestine, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees, and the Union of Palestinian Women's Committees are organisations deeply committed to protecting the human rights of Palestinian communities, highlighting Israel's illegal policies and also those of the Palestinian Authority and Hamas; further notes the statement of 22 Israeli civil society groups based in Israel in support of the six NGOs; views this as a further direct assault on Palestinian civil society in an effort to isolate and suffocate Palestinian human rights defenders; recognises the significant impact this assault has on some of the most prominent Palestinian civil society organisations including on the local and international public's right to information about the reality of human rights violations in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories; calls on the Government to demand that the Israeli Government reveal any evidence against those organisations; and further calls on the Government to reaffirm its support for Palestinian and Israeli civil society and human rights organisations as a key foundation in building a just peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

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.

490Ban on trophy hunting imports (No. 2)

Tabled: 18/10/21 Signatories: 42

Andrew Rosindell

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Hywel Williams

Christina Rees

Dr Lisa Cameron

That this House express its great sadness at the tragic death of Sir David Amess MP while serving his constituents; pays tribute to his many years of tireless service to the people of Basildon and Southend and to the many causes of which he was a powerful champion, including the welfare of animals; recalls that Sir David was most recently campaigning for a ban on trophy hunting imports into the UK, including the tabling of EDM86 entitled Ban on trophy hunting imports; notes that the Government first set out its plans to introduce such a ban in the Queen’s Speech of October 2019; calls on the Government to now implement that ban as quickly as possible as a fitting tribute to Sir David; notes the strong support for such a ban among the general public, with opinion polls showing 85 per cent of voters wish to see a total ban on all trophy hunting imports; reiterates Sir David’s call in EDM86 for the Government to ensure that legislation covers all species whose trophies are imported into the UK; and urges the Government to ensure that the legislation includes an effective enforcement regime with tough punitive measures for offenders including custodial sentences.

492Baby Loss Awareness Week 2021

Tabled: 18/10/21 Signatories: 51

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Hannah Bardell

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Neale Hanvey

That this House recognises that Baby Loss Awareness Week took place from 9 to 15 October 2021; offers sincere sympathy to those families who have lost precious babies; acknowledges that stillbirth, miscarriage, and infant loss is a tragedy which governments across the UK must work to prevent; pays tribute to all the charities and organisations which support parents and families through the ordeal of losing a baby; and calls on the Government to ensure that greater support is offered to parents before, during and after the loss of their child.

493US-UK-Australia military pact

Tabled: 18/10/21 Signatories: 21

Richard Burgon

Caroline Lucas

Liz Saville Roberts

Apsana Begum

Ian Byrne

Kim Johnson

That this House notes with concern the Prime Minister’s announcement on 14 September 2021 of the AUKUS military pact; further notes that this is likely to escalate tension in the Far East and that military manoeuvres and sanctions in the Indo-Pacific region have already led to concerns about the threat of a new cold war with China; notes that this pact will enable Australia to develop, in collaboration with the UK and the US, a new capability of nuclear-powered submarines which will include the supply of weapons grade enriched uranium; notes that this is a dangerous move which contradicts the Prime Minister’s statement that this will promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region; notes that supplying weapons grade uranium to a non-nuclear weapons state to power military submarines is in breach of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty which stipulates that exchange of nuclear technology must be for peaceful purposes; regrets that this is a breach of international law by this government; further regrets that this agreement is likely to increase rather than diminish the threat of war and nuclear proliferation in the region; and urges the Prime Minister to reconsider this agreement, to take appropriate steps to bring UK actions in line with the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and to promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region through diplomatic rather than military means.

496Alcohol strategy

Tabled: 18/10/21 Signatories: 17

Grahame Morris

Dan Carden

Tommy Sheppard

Christian Wakeford

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

That this House notes that Public Health England data revealed there were 6,983 alcohol-specific deaths in 2020, an increase of 20 per cent from the previous year; further notes that National Records of Scotland statistics showed there were 1,190 alcohol-specific deaths registered in 2020, representing a 17 per cent increase; recalls that the Alcohol Charter was launched on 16 October 2018 by the Drugs, Alcohol and Justice Cross-Party Group and APPG on Alcohol Harm, providing a basis for an alcohol strategy; is concerned that three years have now passed without the publication of a strategy, during which time the situation has worsened significantly; and calls on the Government to issue an alcohol strategy without further delay.

498COP26 and the Glasgow Action Plan

Tabled: 18/10/21 Signatories: 30

Rebecca Long Bailey

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Kim Johnson

Dan Carden

Jonathan Edwards

That this House acknowledges that the COP26 conference is the important moment when countries that have signed the Paris Agreement on climate change must present new targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions; notes that this is critical for keeping temperature rises below 1.5 degrees Celcius and preventing the world’s poorest communities suffering even worse catastrophes as a result of the climate emergency; and urges the Government to commit to the Glasgow Action Plan proposed by more than 60 British charities including The Climate Coalition, Bond and CAFOD, in a letter to the Prime Minister of 27 February 2020, including the five steps of getting countries to set new and ambitious climate targets, further supporting communities affected by climate change, doing more to protect the natural world and biodiversity, ending support for fossil fuels helping people get access to renewable energy, and introducing the policies and investment to get the UK on track to net-zero as fast as possible, without the use of international offsets, and with the majority of works and actions completed before 2030 to ensure the substantial majority of the UK's emissions reductions are achieved by 2030.

505Sewage pollution in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Tabled: 18/10/21 Signatories: 9

Tim Farron

Jim Shannon

Layla Moran

Jonathan Edwards

John McDonnell

Dan Carden

That this House notes the appalling levels of raw sewage contaminating the UK’s inland waters; is particularly concerned that untreated sewage was pumped into Lake Windermere for 1,719 hours–or 71 days–in 2020; notes that approximately 19.8 million people visit the Lake District each year; urges the Government to categorise Windermere and the Rothay, Brathay, and Kent rivers as designated bathing sites; encourages the Government to introduce a registration scheme for septic tanks and to provide the new Office for Environmental Protection the power to regulate them; and asks the Government to confer power on the Environment Agency to ensure that water companies take all reasonable steps to avoid discharging untreated sewage into inland waters within National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

508South Western Railway timetable

Tabled: 18/10/21 Signatories: 7

Marsha De Cordova

Ian Mearns

Jim Shannon

Grahame Morris

John McDonnell

Andy McDonald

That this House notes the timetable proposed by South Western Railway, due to be implemented in December 2022, would cut hundreds of peak and off-peak suburban and mainline services; further notes that the passenger surveys on which the reduced timetable is based were conducted at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic and during national lockdowns, when passengers were warned against using the railway; expresses concern that the consultation fails to reference Network Rail’s South West Mainline Study in sufficient detail, which provided detailed scenario planning for the South West Mainline alongside detailed projection of passenger demand and which in every scenario proposed to increase service levels and the number of trains per hour; acknowledges that this country is facing a climate crisis, is hosting COP26 climate talks, and that railways are vital in reducing climate emissions; recognises the need for a massive investment in public transport; and calls upon the Government to intervene to protect, maintain and enhance rail services.

509Jenna Stewart, BBC’s Young Composer of the Year

Tabled: 18/10/21 Signatories: 6

Stephen Flynn

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Chris Law

Apsana Begum

That this House congratulates Jenna Stewart from Aberdeen on being named as the BBC’s Young Composer of the Year in a competition run by BBC Radio 3 and the BBC Concert Orchestra; further congratulates her on being one of two winners in the senior category out of 529 entrants; recognises Jenna’s creative talent using experimental soundscaping through the human voice to create an original composition; applauds Jenna for this very well-deserved recognition; and wishes her every success in her future career.

512Suppression of democratic opposition in Turkey

Tabled: 18/10/21 Signatories: 10

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Jim Shannon

Navendu Mishra

Kim Johnson

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

That this House calls on Turkey to end its attacks on democracy and democratically elected politicians, trade unions, human rights advocates, journalists, academics, and lawyers; notes the intensifying suppression and criminalisation of democratic opposition in Turkey by the AKP Government under President Erdogan; further notes that opposition MPs, particularly HDP representatives, trade unionists, and advocates for democracy are being imprisoned through dismantling the rule of law, removal of parliamentary protections and active intervention in the judicial decisions, the attacks on women’s rights and the violence used against women protestors; notes that former co-leader HDP Selahattin Demirtas and activist Osman Kavala remain in prison despite lack of evidence and successfully appealing the prosecution’s allegations; and further notes that the significant dismantling of democratic processes, freedom of speech and fundamental human rights must cease immediately.

513Delays in the administration of the State Pension

Tabled: 18/10/21 Signatories: 22

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Marion Fellows

Chris Law

That this House is deeply concerned about the delays being experienced by new pensioners in receiving State Pension payments to which they are entitled, with many still to receive their payments over a month after reaching State Pension age; notes that pensioner poverty has recently risen to a 15-year high of 18 per cent, meaning that around 2.1 million pensioners across the UK are now living in poverty; further notes that the State Pension is a lifeline for many and any delays in receiving payments have the potential to cause severe hardship; recognises that delays are particularly upsetting for women born in the 1950s who, after being forced to wait six years for their pension, finally reach State Pension age, only to find they face unacceptable delays due to poor service from the Department for Work and Pensions; and therefore calls on the Government to urgently investigate and address the ongoing delays in State Pension payments for new pensioners.

515Estrellas Brillantes language club award

Tabled: 18/10/21 Signatories: 6

Kirsten Oswald

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Chris Law

Apsana Begum

That this House congratulates Rachel Peebles of Eaglesham on the success of her Spanish Language Club, Estrellas Brilliantes, in achieving the prestigious Franchisee of the Year award at the Club Hub National Children’s Activity Awards 2021 which were independently judged by a panel of experts from the children’s activity field; notes that the award was attained because of the quality of her teaching, innovation, passion for her work, and growth of her business; recognises that Rachel and Estrellas Brilliantes teaches Spanish to children from babies and toddlers to teenagers using La Jolie Ronde programme; appreciates that Rachel moved her lessons to Zoom during the covid-19 pandemic period to ensure they remained accessible to the local community; understands that in addition to her language lessons, her charity work was also commended by award judges; applauds the support Rachel gives alongside other local volunteers to a Ugandan Charity called Change Tomorrow who support education with practical support including classrooms, uniforms and workbooks, and a Bolivian charity called Fundación Totaí which provides low cost, quality health care in the community, and sports and education programmes for children; and wishes Estrellas Brilliantes, Change Tomorrow and Fundación Totaí every continued success.

519Regulation of the online pornography industry

Tabled: 18/10/21 Signatories: 11

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Jim Shannon

John McDonnell

Patricia Gibson

Kate Hollern

Paula Barker

That this House is concerned by the lack of regulation of online pornography websites, which enable illegal and non-consensual videos to be uploaded as user-generated content and allows easy viewing access to children; notes that a recent representative survey by the Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation (CEASE) found that more than 80 per cent of the public want strict laws to ensure people featured in pornography have given their consent before videos can be uploaded; further notes that 86 per cent of the public would support laws to stop children viewing pornographic content online; is concerned that simulated abuse in pornography videos normalises sexual violence and misogyny; and calls for the Government to introduce age verification for accessing pornography websites, and to use the Online Safety Bill to introduce regulation to ensure that pornography sites stop hosting legal but harmful and extreme pornography, and ensure that anyone featured in an online pornography video has given their express permission.

532West Lothian Council opens new Calderwood Primary School and early years nursery

Tabled: 18/10/21 Signatories: 7

Hannah Bardell

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Chris Law

Patricia Gibson

That this House notes the opening of the new Calderwood Primary School and early years nursery by West Lothian Council; recognises that this facility will enhance the education provision in the area which is one of West Lothian's top three core development areas with a significant number of new homes being built over the next 10 years; further notes that the new facility will provide a non-denominational primary school with initial capacity of 462 pupil places, and an early years nursery with an initial capacity of 128 child places; congratulates them in completing this project on time; and wishes them every success in the future.

540Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Tabled: 19/10/21 Signatories: 18

Jim Shannon

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Sammy Wilson

Clive Lewis

Layla Moran

Sir Mike Penning

That this House notes Breast Cancer Awareness Month; further notes the symptoms and signs of breast cancer which everyone should be aware of; highlights the fact that breast cancer is also found in men and the first sign is usually a lump on the chest; highlights that early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment; and encourages men and women who have any concerns to make a face to face appointment with their GP to be checked out as a matter of urgency;

543Black History Month 2021

Tabled: 19/10/21 Signatories: 20

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Caroline Lucas

Clive Lewis

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

That this House notes that this month we celebrate Black History Month 2021 and welcomes the many events and initiatives across the UK that highlight the successes and contributions of Black British people to British history; gives special thanks to all teachers and education staff who are taking steps to put Black history on the curriculum this month and all-year round; notes the theme of this year’s Black History Month, Proud to Be; recognises the significance of such a theme and the importance of ensuring that Black and Brown people are made to feel proud of their ethnic heritage, cultural history and the language of their ancestors; and further notes that teaching about Black history is integral to this; and calls on the Government to take steps to ensure that Black history is acknowledged, taught and celebrated all year round and not restricted to just one month in the year.

544Green New Deal Bill

Tabled: 19/10/21 Signatories: 15

Caroline Lucas

Clive Lewis

Zarah Sultana

Wera Hobhouse

Claire Hanna

Stephen Farry

That this House notes the lack of a sufficient and comprehensive Government plan to decarbonise the UK economy in response to the climate and nature emergencies; recognises public support for bolder and faster action; and calls on the Government to support the Green New Deal Bill, formally known as the Decarbonisation and Economic Strategy Bill, which will introduce legally binding targets in line with the UK’s commitment to stay within 1.5 degrees of global heating, reverse inequality, protect and restore nature and the environment, implement new measures of progress that prioritise human and ecological wellbeing in line with the recommendations of the Treasury-commissioned Dasgupta Review, change the way Government manages the economy to enable unprecedented investment in the Green New Deal, end investment in fossil fuels and establish a comprehensive action plan to transform the UK's energy supply, transport system, farming, land management, homes, buildings, green spaces and the way of working, creating millions of good green jobs across the UK, involve communities, trade unions and workers in the development of the plan, ensuring a just transition by prioritising investment in communities excluded from full participation in the economy and those working in today's high-emissions sectors, enhance the democratic power and resources of devolved governments, local authorities and elected mayors, increase democratic ownership in key sectors including energy, water, transport and mail and advance global justice by ensuring finance and technology for the global South and by promoting the Green New Deal globally.

545DVLA waiting times

Tabled: 19/10/21 Signatories: 17

Sarah Olney

Layla Moran

Sir Mike Penning

Jim Shannon

John McDonnell

Kenny MacAskill

That this House is dismayed by the growing backlog of licence applications at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency; recognises that the ability to drive is vital to many people’s capacity to work and pursue the life of their choice; understands that the pandemic has caused unprecedented disruptions to the work of the DVLA; notes that over 125,000 paper licence applications are waiting to be processed, while 1.4 million items of correspondence by post remain unopened; further notes the sharp increase in the size of the backlog since the beginning of the pandemic; acknowledges that licence and licence renewal applicants are currently facing processing delays of up to 10 weeks; highlights with concern the unique burden placed on those with medical conditions who require their medical forms to be physically processed, whose processing times are up to six months; calls upon the Government to mobilise the resources necessary to clear the backlog at the DVLA, and supports the return of reliable, efficient, and covid-safe services to all British drivers.

548Motherland Spice, Saltcoats

Tabled: 20/10/21 Signatories: 4

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Mr and Mrs Madhav and Radha Bhandari and family on the official opening of their beautifully refurbished Motherland Spice Indian-Nepalese restaurant in Bradshaw Street in Saltcoats; applauds the fact that this award winning restaurant is a proven local favourite which has built up a loyal clientele in Saltcoats and across North Ayrshire since it was first established in 2012; appreciates that Madhav Bhandari’s business success is inspirational given his humble beginnings in Nepal, the son of a Gurkha soldier injured in the line of duty, who has through his hard work, diligence and determination earned the custom and respect of his clientele in his adopted home in Saltcoats; and wishes Motherland Spice, the Bhandari family and the dedicated restaurant staff continued success in providing delicious food for the people of Saltcoats, the Three Towns and beyond for many years to come.

550Attack on ISKCON temple

Tabled: 20/10/21 Signatories: 5

Bob Blackman

Patricia Gibson

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

That this House condemns the recent attacks and murders against religious minorities in Bangladesh, in particular the attack carried out on ISKCON temple in Noakhali; urges the Government of Bangladesh to take strong steps to tackle the increasing levels of violence against minority Hindu communities in that region and ensure their safety and security; and further urges the Government to call on the Government of Bangladesh to put perpetrators of violence against religious minorities in that region on trial as soon as possible.

551Categorising misogyny as a hate crime

Tabled: 20/10/21 Signatories: 23

Wera Hobhouse

Christine Jardine

Kim Johnson

Claire Hanna

Mohammad Yasin

Layla Moran

That this House expresses deep concern about the prevalence of violence against women and girls in our society; notes that, according to the 2021 UN Women UK YouGov survey, 71 per cent of women have experienced some form of sexual harassment in a public space and that this figure rises to 86 per cent among women aged 18 to 24; further notes that, although 59,000 women reported being raped to the police last year, only 1,439 rapists were convicted; deeply regrets that, on average, a woman is killed by a man every three days, according to data from the Femicide Census; recognises that preventing violence against women and girls requires a culture change within the police, the criminal justice service and society as a whole; believes that recording misogyny as a hate crime would help identify trends in crimes motivated by gender, and support survivors to report incidents of rape and sexual assault; and calls on the Government to send a strong message that it is taking violence against women and girls seriously, by making misogyny a hate crime.

552Protection of religious minorities in Bangladesh

Tabled: 20/10/21 Signatories: 3

Bob Blackman

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

That this House condemns the recent attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh; urges the Government of Bangladesh to take strong steps to tackle the increasing levels of violence against minority Hindu communities in that region and ensure their safety and security; and further urges the Government to encourage the Government of Bangladesh to put perpetrators of violence against religious minorities in that region on trial as soon as possible.

553Violence in Bangladesh

Tabled: 20/10/21 Signatories: 10

Mr Virendra Sharma

Mohammad Yasin

Navendu Mishra

Paula Barker

Stephen Timms

Bob Blackman

That this House notes the concerning rise in attacks on Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh during the festival of Durga puja; is concerned by the violence that has left at least seven dead of Muslim and Hindu faith; observes the deployment of paramilitary forces to 22 districts in Bangladesh; urges the Government of Bangladesh to act to ensure religious minorities can worship safely and in peace; and calls on the Government to support the safety of religious minorities and to work with regional allies and partners to support freedom of religion for all in South Asia and the world.

555The Mochrie brothers of Kilbirnie

Tabled: 21/10/21 Signatories: 2

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

That this House commemorates on 11 November 2021 the 103rd anniversary of the 1918 armistice, which ended the First World War; acknowledges the heavy sacrifice in that appalling conflict; recognises that every community across the UK and countless families suffered grievously; believes that few families endured as much as the Mochrie family of Kilbirnie, Ayrshire, which had five brothers serving in the British Army, three of whom, 19 year-old Private Robert Mochrie of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, 21-year-old Private Matthew Mochrie of the Cameronians, and 28 year-old Corporal James Mochrie of the Gordon Highlanders, were all tragically killed on the first day of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915, along with thousands of their compatriots; further notes that 36 year-old Private Andrew Mochrie, also of the Cameronians, was killed at the Battle of Arras on 9 June 1917; is aware that John Mochrie, of the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment, survived the conflict as did his sister, Euphemia, a nurse with Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps, whose son, William McKim, was killed serving on HMS Hood in the Second World War; understands that many of us are the descendants or relatives of those who have bravely fought and died for their country and/.or those lucky enough to return home, often maimed and traumatised, to an uncertain future; and recognises that it is the country's solemn duty both to remember them and to commemorate their sacrifices.

557Paul McNeill awarded for Outstanding Contribution to Education for Dyslexia

Tabled: 21/10/21 Signatories: 6

Amy Callaghan

Marion Fellows

Margaret Ferrier

Carol Monaghan

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates East Dunbartonshire resident, Paul McNeill, on winning the prestigious award of Outstanding Contribution to Education for Dyslexia at the Potential Unlock Awards 2021; understands that Mr McNeill, his wife, Julie McNeill, and author/illustrator Rossie Stone recently published the book Mission Dyslexia which aims to provide a fun, interactive way for families and children to develop their own strategies for learning; recognises that Mr McNeill draws on his own experiences growing up with dyslexia to help make a difference and serves as an inspiration to many; notes that Mission Dyslexia has been received as a high quality SEN resource by families and educational practitioners across the UK; thanks all those who have supported Mr and Mrs McNeill’s efforts with this project; and looks forward to seeing what they will continue to achieve through their activism and future publications.

558Commemoration of John Bateman

Tabled: 21/10/21 Signatories: 6

Amy Callaghan

Marion Fellows

Margaret Ferrier

Carol Monaghan

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

That this House commemorates the work of engineer John Bateman who revolutionised the Greater Glasgow Area’s water supply, ridding the city of typhoid and cholera in the 1850s; notes the campaign from East Dunbartonshire group Friends of Milngavie Reservoir and the Institution of Civil Engineers to have Mr Bateman commemorated; understands that a new plaque has been unveiled at Mugdock Reservoir in Milngavie to commemorate Mr Bateman; and thanks all those who continue to pay tribute to John Bateman and the significant contribution he made to the water industry and Greater Glasgow.

559Scottish Space Strategy

Tabled: 21/10/21 Signatories: 5

Douglas Chapman

Marion Fellows

Carol Monaghan

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

That this House welcomes the Scottish Space Strategy announcement made by the Scottish Government at Expo 2020 in Dubai to position Scotland as a global leader for commercial space developments and its intention to collaborate with enterprise agencies, industry group Space Scotland and the Scottish Space Academic Forum to create an ambitious space industry eco-system in Scotland; and further welcomes support for space-related exports, to create the largest launch capability in Europe and the intention to develop a world-leading environmental strategy for Scotland’s space industry, from reducing emissions to supporting the use of satellite data for environmental monitoring.

562John Ystymllun

Tabled: 21/10/21 Signatories: 7

Liz Saville Roberts

Paula Barker

Jonathan Edwards

Margaret Ferrier

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

That this House remembers the life and legacy of John Ystumllyn, the first recorded black person in North Wales following his abduction as a child from western Africa in the 18th century; also remembers his marriage to Margaret Gruffydd as the first recorded mixed marriage in Wales; celebrates the launch of a dedicated rose in his honour by Harkness Roses and We Too Built Britain; notes that this is the first rose to be dedicated to an ethnic minority person in the UK; encourages gardeners everywhere to plant the John Ystumllyn rose as a symbol of friendship and love, kindness and community; and further celebrates this fresh approach in sharing John Ystumllyn’s story to a global audience as part of Black History Month.

564Rutherglen’s Old Oak Inn

Tabled: 21/10/21 Signatories: 2

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates the Old Oak Inn in Rutherglen on its success at the National Pub and Bar Awards, earning the titles of best establishment in South Lanarkshire; recognises the contribution of their excellent retail experience, customer service, best practice and individual entrepreneurship in this success; further recognises the hard work of boss Craig Speirs, bar manager Danielle Boyle and all the staff in maintaining the businesses high standards; and wishes them all the best in their future endeavours.

566Covid-19 plan B measures

Tabled: 22/10/21 Signatories: 6

Ms Diane Abbott

Richard Burgon

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Claudia Webbe

Wera Hobhouse

Apsana Begum

That this House notes that there is once more a surge in new covid-19 cases and that both hospitalisations and deaths are rising; further notes that the UK's data is currently far in excess of comparable countries in Western Europe; believes that a failure to respond to this situation is reckless and unsustainable; notes that the increase in cases presents severe challenges to the NHS even before the winter flu season has begun; notes that the Government has developed a Plan B to put in place some preventative measures but has taken no new action in response to the current upsurge; and calls on the Government to introduce Plan B immediately.

567Forced conversions and forced marriages of minor Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan

Tabled: 22/10/21 Signatories: 6

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

Paula Barker

Margaret Ferrier

Bob Blackman

Carol Monaghan

That this House recalls that on 13 October 2021 a Pakistani parliamentary committee formed to consider the forced conversions and forced marriages of minor Christian and Hindus girl in Pakistan rejected a draft Bill to protect the victims of such crimes, regrets that the concerns and evidence of such crimes were ignored; notes that the forced conversion is not allowed in Islam and the proposed Bill would have been a tool to enforce that ban; is seriously alarmed that despite signing several human rights treaties to protect the rights of girls and children the Pakistani Government is failing to protect Hindu and Christian girls from that crime; and calls on the UK Government to raise that specific issue at the UN Human Rights Council and other UN forums to ensure justice for the victims and their families.

568Remembrance Day Bank Holiday

Tabled: 22/10/21 Signatories: 8

Jamie Stone

Paula Barker

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Layla Moran

Jim Shannon

Daisy Cooper

That this House remembers the sacrifice and service of all those personnel who have served and are serving in the British armed forces; acknowledges the huge sacrifices made by all those individuals and in particular those who were injured or lost their lives during the course of their service; and calls on the Government to commemorate UK service personnel by making the day after Remembrance Sunday a public holiday.

569Outsourced workers at City University, London

Tabled: 22/10/21 Signatories: 6

John McDonnell

Ian Lavery

Paula Barker

Dan Carden

Claudia Webbe

Apsana Begum

That this House believes that all workers in the UK’s universities and colleges deserve the real Living Wage as a minimum rate and to be treated with respect and dignity at work including having access to occupational sick pay and a decent pension scheme; regrets that people employed in ancillary roles such as cleaning and catering and outsourced to private contractors face a struggle to defend their basic pay, terms and conditions at work especially when compared to directly employed colleagues in the university sector; notes that such workers are far more likely to be female and/or to come from Black and Minority Ethnic and recent migrant backgrounds; further notes that support staff employed by the French-based multinational Sodexo and Julius Rutherfoord & Co at City University, London are currently eligible for limited statutory sick pay and an inferior pension scheme, while City University’s administration has indicated it will not insource those workers or ensure parity of such basic employment rights; and gives its full support and solidarity to the campaign by City University branch of the UNISON trade union to secure parity of terms and conditions with university employees and the transfer of those workers to direct employment by the university at the earliest opportunity.