Commons business papers

Contents

Published: Friday 23 September 2022

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 22 September 2022

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

401Pay for civil servants

Tabled: 22/09/22 Signatories: 6

Chris Stephens

Caroline Lucas

John McDonnell

Liz Saville Roberts

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Grahame Morris

That this House supports the Public and Commercial Services union’s demand for a fair pay rise for civil servants; expresses concern that, with general inflation at a 40-year high of around ten per cent, the Government’s proposal to give its workers just a two per cent increase is nowhere enough, especially as it comes after over a decade of pay restraint; is alarmed that, according to a recent Public and Commercial Services union survey, 85 per cent of members say the cost-of-living crisis has affected their physical or mental health, 35 per cent say they have skipped meals because they have no food, and almost one in five admit to missing work because they can’t afford transport or fuel to get there; believes that a workforce that helped keep the country running during the covid-19 pandemic deserve to be treated fairly and to be properly rewarded for their efforts; and calls on the Government to come back with an offer that reflects the rising cost of living and the dedication that workers have shown.

40221st anniversary of the arrest and disappearance of Aster Fissehatsion

Tabled: 22/09/22 Signatories: 1

Carol Monaghan

That this House acknowledges the 21st anniversary, on 18th September, of the arrest and disappearance in Eritrea of Aster Fissehatsion and ten other prisoners of conscience who had written an open letter to the President calling for democratic reforms and the peaceful rule of law; also notes the arrest and disappearance, on 21st September 2001, of Dawit Isaak and ten other leading journalists and the banning of all non-State media; puts on record that the 'disappeared' individuals have never been put on trial or charged with any offence and that no official word about their whereabouts or physical condition has ever been given to family members or friends; further notes that several thousands of Eritrean citizens have disappeared over the past twenty-one years; and calls on the Government to work with the international community to address ongoing abuses of human rights in Eritrea.

403Bereavement support

Tabled: 22/09/22 Signatories: 1

Wera Hobhouse

That this House supports the need to identify a support payment for parents who are full-time carers of children with life-limiting conditions or lifelong illnesses if the child dies; notes that typically such a parent will not be in employment and will solely rely on income from Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Carers’ Allowance and Universal Credit top ups that include Child Benefit and Child Disability Allowance; expresses concern that when a child dies when one parent is the full time carer, families will take a substantial financial hit through the child’s DLA, two bedroom allowance, and Personal Care Budget stopping immediately, leaving some families having to cover costs without support; acknowledges that the lack of support provided by the Government leaves families who are already in distress financially strained; notes that this subsequently places the parent, whom was the full time carer, with the burden of having to work or prove they are not fit for work or work related activity in a Work Capability Assessment, potentially within the first six months of the bereavement; and urges the Government to consider a proposal where parents who are full-time carers for their child, in the case of the bereavement of that child, automatically receive Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity support for the first 12 months if they are in receipt of Universal Credit.

404UK Embassy in Israel

Tabled: 22/09/22 Signatories: 1

Alyn Smith

That this House expresses its deep concern regarding the Government's review into moving the UK Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem; notes that, on 21st September 2022, the Prime Minister told her Israeli counterpart about her review of the current location of the British embassy in Israel during a meeting in New York City; maintains that Jerusalem holds a unique position under international law; reminds the Government that, when the Israeli Government passed its 1980 basic law unilaterally naming Jerusalem the united capital of Israel, the UN Security Council declared this policy a violation of international law; reminds the UK Government of UN Security Council Resolution 478 (1980), calling upon UN Member States that have established diplomatic missions at Jerusalem to withdraw such missions from the Holy City; reiterates that any country which recognises exclusive Israeli jurisdiction and political legitimacy over Jerusalem without a mutually agreed peace settlement between Israelis and Palestinians is in violation of Resolution 478 (1980); asserts that a comprehensive peace settlement between Israelis and Palestinians is a pre-requisite for any change in the international community’s position towards Jerusalem; reminds the Government that then-President Donald Trump’s decision in 2017 to move the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem sparked international condemnation; reasserts that if the UK is truly an arbiter for peace-building and reconciliation, it cannot consider moving the UK Embassy in Israel; and demands an urgent statement on the floor of the House on this issue.

405Public ownership campaign for local pub

Tabled: 22/09/22 Signatories: 1

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House congratulates the residents of Pennal, near Machynlleth, for their efforts to raise money to take public ownership of their village pub; acknowledges that Glan yr Afon is a Grade II listed building housing a well-regarded pub and restaurant; commends residents for their efforts to secure the business as a hospitality location and to develop the business further to offer community facilities such as a shop and a café; commends the community for raising 80 per cent of the £450,000 target and for drawing wide support for the scheme, including the support of renowned actor Matthew Rhys; and wishes the fundraisers well with their continued efforts to safeguard the pub and historic building for future generations.

406Ban on fracking

Tabled: 22/09/22 Signatories: 1

Jon Trickett

That this House expresses its concern at the Government’s decision to lift the ban on fracking; notes that fracking for shale gas poses a serious threat to the environment including damage to air and water quality; further notes that fracking increases the risk of earthquakes and that in areas where fracking has taken place there have been unusual Earth tremors; believes that the Government should prioritise investment in renewable energy over dangerous shale gas extraction; further believes that fracking must not be imposed on local communities against their will; calls on the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to release the report by the British Geological Survey into the possible effects of fracking in the UK, including the danger of Earth tremors; and calls on the Government to keep the ban on fracking.

407Café at the Station Ayshire

Tabled: 22/09/22 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House congratulates the Café at the Station at Saltcoats Railway Station on winning the impressive accolade of Best Café in Ayrshire at the Ayrshire Business Awards; applauds this well-deserved tribute to owner Susan Barbour, her daughter, Amy Barbour and cook, Helen Crawford for their incredible determination and drive, making their café not just a place for a good cup of coffee, but also as a hub for the local community in Saltcoats; notes that the Café at the Station is more than just a café, with its support for the local community through sponsorship of football teams, delivering shopping or opening the café to serve Christmas dinner free of charge to those who would otherwise spend Christmas Day alone; and recognises that community involvement is very important to the team in this cafe and understands they will continue to seek to improve the lives of local people with their kindness and commitment to the good people of Saltcoats.

408Fibre broadband in Brithdir

Tabled: 22/09/22 Signatories: 1

Liz Saville Roberts

That this house notes its concern over Openreach’s failure to complete a fibre broadband scheme for the rural community of Brithdir near Dolgellau; notes that despite a promising start, the work has ground to a halt with around 34 properties left to struggle with slow connection speeds and regular network dropouts, leaving only half the households in the area connected; further notes that those in rural areas are already at a significant disadvantage in terms of accessing fast and reliable broadband, with rural businesses and those working from home finding the slow pace of fibre broadband delivery extremely frustrating; and urges Openreach to provide those remaining households and businesses with a realistic and reliable timescale for completion of works and honour their commitment to help rural communities achieve faster broadband.

409Kinship Care Week

Tabled: 22/09/22 Signatories: 6

Munira Wilson

Ed Davey

Robert Halfon

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Sarah Olney

Layla Moran

That this House notes that Monday 3 October to Friday 7 October 2022 is Kinship Care Week; acknowledges the thousands of grandparents, aunts, uncles and other friends and family members who step up to support children in crisis whose parents are unable to care for them; recognises that becoming a kinship carer often involves huge personal sacrifices, with many carers giving up careers or pension savings to look after a child; notes that placing a child in kinship care is significantly cheaper than placing them in local authority care, yet delivers equal or better health, educational and employment outcomes; and calls on the Government to step up for kinship carers by implementing the proposals contained within the Kinship Care Bill, including the introduction of a statutory definition of kinship care, weekly allowances for kinship carers, paid time off work for kinship carers when a child starts living with them, and the extension of Pupil Premium Plus to all children in kinship care.

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.

374Loss and Damage Action Day 2022

Tabled: 8/09/22 Signatories: 17

Wera Hobhouse

Jonathan Edwards

John McDonnell

Caroline Lucas

Dr Rupa Huq

Rachael Maskell

That this House acknowledges Loss and Damage Action Day, which is taking place on 22 September 2022, to highlight the severe impacts of climate change already affecting communities around the world; notes that climate change induced loss and damage is projected to cost between $290bn and $580bn a year by 2030 in developing countries alone, and that at present this cost is set to fall on the communities affected, who have done little or nothing to cause the problem; further notes that communities in the UK are also increasingly affected by the escalating impacts of climate change, including this summer’s wildfires; believes that the UK and other developed countries have a responsibility to provide financial support to developing countries experiencing loss and damage; calls on the Government to pledge its support for a loss and damage finance facility ahead of COP27 in November; and further calls on the Government to prioritise this issue in its diplomatic efforts during the remainder of the UK’s COP26 Presidency.

375Fracking ban

Tabled: 8/09/22 Signatories: 14

Wera Hobhouse

Jonathan Edwards

John McDonnell

Caroline Lucas

Kim Johnson

Rachael Maskell

That this House deeply regrets the Government’s announcement to lift the ban on fracking; notes with concern how extracting new fossil fuels distracts from investing in renewable projects and decarbonising heating systems; recognises the importance of reducing the demand for gas to heat homes in order to lower heating bills, create warmer homes and cut emissions; regrets the lack of support from the Government to help people improve the energy efficiency of their homes; further recognises that fracking would hinder the UK from achieving net-zero emissions; further notes with concern the importance of keeping energy bills low for consumers; notes with concern the lack of evidence that fracking in the UK would lower bills for consumers; and calls on the Government to publish the British Geological Survey report it commissioned earlier this year into fracking.

376Netflix and the Royal National Institute of the Blind's open audio description screening of The Gray Man

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 4

Dr Lisa Cameron

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates Netflix and the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) for the first ever open audio-description screening of a film in the UK; acknowledges that audio description enables blind and partially sighted people to access entertainment at the same time as their peers without sight loss; notes Netflix provided an open audio description screening of The Gray Man, directed by the Russo Brothers, so everyone in the room experienced how audio description helps blind and partially sighted viewers; thanks all staff at Netflix and the RNIB involved for their hard work on arranging this; further acknowledges the contributions and talents of audio-describers across the UK; recognises that Netflix has built accessibility into its service; further notes Netflix has diversity best practice guidelines for its UK scripted productions, understands that these guidelines are intended to raise standards both in front of and behind the camera including around disability; and calls on the Government to ensure that all entertainment is accessible to blind and partially sighted people and supports RNIB’s mission to do so.

377Retirement of Patrick McGrath, Southside Housing

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 4

Chris Stephens

Anne McLaughlin

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates Patrick McGrath on his retirement as Senior Officer of Southside Housing Association after over two decades in the post; recognises Patrick’s academic achievements in the housing field from University College Dublin, Herriot Watt University and the University of Glasgow; further recognises that Patrick has been involved with housing and urban regeneration for many years with Renfrew District Council, Whiteinch & Scotstoun Housing Association and as Senior Housing Consultant with DTZ Pieda; notes that Mr McGrath came to the role as Senior Officer 1998, then dedicated 24 years to Southside Housing Association; applauds the leadership that Mr McGrath has shown in his time as Senior Officer and his management of the growth of Southside Housing Association during his tenure; thanks Mr McGrath for his outstanding service over the years; and wishes him the best in retirement and future endeavours.

378Mr Eddie Butler 1957-2022

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 3

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House mourns the loss of former Welsh rugby captain, Eddie Butler; notes that Mr Butler was a formidable number 8 and a key part of the famous Pontypool forwards pack of the 1970s and 1980s; further notes that Mr Butler was capped by Wales on 16 occasions, captained the national side and toured with the Lions in 1983 to New Zealand; respects Mr Butler's contribution as a journalist for the Guardian newspaper and the BBC, a brilliant wordsmith who became the voice of the beautiful game of rugby, transforming moments of high sporting drama into poetry; notes that Mr Butler was a passionate campaigner for Welsh independence and delivered one of the greatest speeches in the history of the national cause at the Yes Cymru rally in Merthyr on 7 September 2019; pays tribute to Mr Butler for his charitable work; and further notes that he died whilst raising money for Prostate Cymru in Peru.

379Recording English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh nationalities when registering to vote

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 3

Jonathan Edwards

Alison Thewliss

Chris Stephens

That this House notes that when citizens register to vote they are unable to record their chosen nationality as English, Irish, Scottish or Welsh; further notes that for the 2021 Census, citizens were able to record their chosen nationality, including British; recognises that current nationality and immigration laws do not recognise English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh as distinct nationalities; further recognises that electoral law is determined by nationality and immigration legislation; and calls for changes to electoral, nationality and immigration legislation to enable citizens to record their chosen nationality when registering to vote.

380Azerbaijan attacks on Armenian territory

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 5

Chris Law

Anne McLaughlin

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Alison Thewliss

That this House expresses deep concern following reports of new attacks by Azerbaijan on Armenian territory; expresses further concern on the scale of these unprovoked attacks, which are not only targeted on the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region but also on provinces within Armenia’s international recognised sovereign boundaries; conveys its sympathy to all victims and their families who have affected; notes that this follows years of attacks on the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, for which the Government of Azerbaijan have never been held to proper account; calls on the Government to condemn the unjustified actions taken by the Government of Azerbaijan; and further calls on the Government to join other nations around the world in demanding an immediate end to any aggression.

381David Stallard and his retirement from Befrienders Highland

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 7

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

Anne McLaughlin

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates David Stallard on his retirement from Befrienders Highland after 30 years; recognises the kindness and leadership displayed in his role as long-term convener; notes his commitment to the Befrienders Highland group, assisting them in providing mental health and wellbeing support to those in need across the Highlands; and wishes David the best of luck for his future.

382Fire Safety and Rescue Support for Ukraine

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 2

Bob Blackman

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises and commends the joint efforts of UK Fire and Rescue services to assist Ukraine with fire engines and other vehicles, as well as critical equipment to protect communities at risk from Russian aggression; applauds the role of the National Fire Chiefs council and the Home Office as well as Fire Aid; and calls upon Government to continue these efforts as well as providing Fire Aid with critical funding to allow it to play its coordinating role in the Ukraine, and provide ongoing life saving training and equipment to other countries in need.

383Impact of Universal Credit deductions on demand for food aid

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 9

Chris Stephens

Caroline Lucas

Allan Dorans

Anne McLaughlin

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

This House notes the high proportion of people seeking help from food aid projects across Good Food Scotland, and the wider Feeding Britain network, who are having sums deducted from their Universal Credit payments; notes also that those deductions arise from the repayment of advances required to cover the five-week waiting period at the beginning of a Universal Credit claim, and historic debts and overpayments; notes also that the Government has acted before to reduce the rate of deductions by lowering the cap and extending repayment periods; calls on the Government immediately to reduce the rate of deductions still further, by lowering the cap to 10 per cent and extending repayment periods by a further 12 months; and calls on the Government to reconsider its decision not to reform the five-week waiting period or replace advances with grants.

384Rollout of written warnings in place of benefit sanctions

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 8

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Anne McLaughlin

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Jim Shannon

This House notes the growing number of people seeking help from food aid projects across Good Food Scotland, and the wider Feeding Britain network, following a benefit sanction; notes that the UK Government is running a proof of concept to give claimants a Yellow Card written warning, instead of a sanction; and calls on the Government to expedite this process as part of a rapid national rollout of the scheme.

385Tackling air pollution

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 13

Mr Barry Sheerman

Steven Bonnar

Christine Jardine

Kenny MacAskill

Douglas Chapman

Ben Lake

That this House recognises the urgent action needed to improve hazardous air pollution in the UK and the benefits of satellite data in monitoring and tracking the sources, extent and make-up of the hazard to ultimately mitigate the threat to human life; acknowledges that air pollution represents the largest environmental risk to public health as between 28,000 to 36,000 deaths can be attributed to air pollution in the UK every year; notes that the level of air pollutants in more than 97% of UK homes exceeds the World Health Organization’s guidelines; recognises the potential of remote sensing satellites to collect regular and accurate data on air pollution to help find solutions for cleaner air; and calls on the Government to support the development of new technologies that can mitigate and end dangerous levels of air pollution and ensure that all citizens have the inalienable right to breathe clean air.

386Dr Wright Memorial Pipe Band, 100th Anniversary

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 5

Jim Shannon

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Gavin Robinson

Ben Lake

Claire Hanna

That this House notes and celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Dr Wright Memorial Pipe Band which was formally founded in 1922 in Newtownards, Strangford; underlines that the founding members and Committees of Trustees of James Napier, Sam McAuley, Robert J McMillan, James Anderson and W J Barbour have all passed away; highlights the sad death of greatly respected Newtownards man Rev. Dr William Wright, Minister of the Newtownards First Presbyterian Church and further highlights permission given by the Wright family to name the band in his honour; praises the practice and hard work of the band members in raising the money to purchase their first uniforms in 1925, with the delivery of sixteen traditional Scottish uniforms, complete with Gordon tartan kilts which the band still proudly wears to this day; and wishes the Dr Wright Memorial Pipe Band success for the future as they continue to work hard together to keep this tradition alive in Newtownards.

387Challenges with allergies

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 4

Jim Shannon

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Chris Stephens

Alison Thewliss

That this House shows support to patients suffering from multiple allergies, such as asthma and eczema; acknowledges the current challenges affecting them; and urges Government to inquire whether patients have access to a multidisciplinary team who can consider the best care across their conditions, and ensure patients are being referred to specialist care for the best possible evidence based treatment, if appropriate, as recommended in the Allergy UK Patient charter for people who live with allergic disease.

388World Championship Kildoag Pipe Band

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 3

Mr Gregory Campbell

Gavin Robinson

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the achievement of Kildoag Pipe Band in winning the Grade 4A World Championship in Glasgow held in August 2022; heartily congratulates the members and all associated with the Band which is based in a small rural area of Londonderry on an outstanding achievement given they have only reformed within the past ten years; and wishes them, and all others involved in the award winning pipe band fraternity in Northern Ireland, every success in the future.

389Scottish Emergency Rescue Association and humanitarian efforts

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 8

Richard Thomson

Allan Dorans

Anne McLaughlin

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the humanitarian efforts of the Scottish Emergency Rescue Association (SERA) in delivering over 70 fully equipped fire appliances and ambulances to countries including Ukraine, Moldova, Romania and Burundi over the past 14 years; notes SERA has trained hundreds of local firefighters in each of the host countries in order that they may safely use and maintain the equipment and vehicles provided; understands that SERA recycles and refurbishes second-hand emergency equipment, allowing it to be put to good use overseas; and commends the volunteers who work so hard arranging this and personally driving the equipment to its new home.

390Scottish footballer Zander Murray

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 7

John Nicolson

Allan Dorans

Anne McLaughlin

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Chris Stephens

That this House applauds Scottish footballer Zander Murray for his courage in coming out, making him the first active senior men's player in Scotland to do so and making him a role model; notes the support Zander has received from his club, Gala Fairydean Rovers FC, his teammates, match officials and opposition players; and praises the leadership role played by women's football on LGBT+ issues within Scottish and UK football culture, a role acknowledged by Zander as inspirational.

391Urology awareness month

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 14

Dr Philippa Whitford

Allan Dorans

Anne McLaughlin

Patricia Gibson

Ian Blackford

Amy Callaghan

That this House notes that September is Urology Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness, knowledge and understanding of urological diseases and their symptoms; observes the devastating impact that conditions such as incontinence can have on quality of life; further notes that an estimated 6 million people in the UK, on average over 9,000 in each parliamentary constituency, are affected by continence problems with many relying on urology appliances every day to enable them to enjoy independence and avoid repeated medical consultation; and supports the joint Urology Trade Association / Urology Foundation commitment which recognises that patient safety and outcomes should remain of primary importance to industry and Government, that every patient is unique in their own right, that patients have a right to be involved in decisions about their care or treatment and that shared decision making between the clinician and patient should be promoted, with patients and clinicians able to choose from a wide range of products and services to suit their individual needs so as to effectively manage their condition and help them to maintain independence and a good quality of life.

392Kingdom Theatre Company's Kelty Clippie

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 3

Neale Hanvey

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House recognises the exceptional accomplishments of Kingdom Theatre Company; notes that the company was founded by John Murray and Lorraine Brown who recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary; acknowledges the sold-out performances and five-star reviews of Kelty Clippie The Musical at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe and its subsequent performances in Fife; congratulates the embodiment of the Kelty Clippie, Jacqueline Hannan, on her powerhouse performances which vividly bring to life a local Fife legend; and wishes everyone at Kingdom Theatre Company every success in their future creative endeavours.

393Prepayment meter energy customers and self-disconnection

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 14

Anne McLaughlin

Allan Dorans

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Jim Shannon

That this House acknowledges the rising cost of energy for households; notes that prepayment meter customers pay more in standing charges and unit rates for energy; recognises that prepayment meter customers are not afforded the same rights when in energy debt as direct debit customers; understands that a prepayment meter customer can only get into limited amounts of debt, currently ten pounds, before self-disconnection is the only option available; acknowledges that self-disconnection could see the most vulnerable in our society left without heat, light and facilities to cook and wash over the coming winter; and strongly urges the Government to outlaw self-disconnection to ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable customers are not left without basic energy provision this winter.

394Effect of rising energy costs on small and medium-sized businesses, public sector organisations and charities

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 14

Anne McLaughlin

Allan Dorans

Owen Thompson

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

That this House recognises the impending cost of the energy crisis facing small businesses, public sector organisations and charities; is dismayed at the delays in offering support and the lack of planning to mitigate against this foreseeable crisis for these sectors; considers the lasting impact of covid-19 and soaring inflation on businesses, public sector organisations and charities to be significant; welcomes moves towards an energy price cap for business, public sector organisations and charities but believes six months is nowhere near long enough; recognises that many of the public sector organisations and charities exist primarily to tackle the reality of poverty and the cost of living and therefore must be supported to continue doing that; urges the Government to recognise the wider impact mass closures of small businesses, public sector organisations and charities would have on our communities and our economy; and implores the Government to extend the length of the energy price cap from six months to two years in line with individual households.

395Pension Credit and the cost of living payment eligibility period

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 14

Anne McLaughlin

Allan Dorans

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Jim Shannon

That this House understands that the eligibility period for the £650 cost of living payment for anyone receiving Pension Credit has passed; recognises that the uptake of Pension Credit is low; understands that Pension Credit and the associated benefits, including the £650 cost of living payment, provide vital support to some of the most vulnerable pensioners; understands that hundreds of thousands of vulnerable pensioners could move out of poverty if uptake was greatly increased; expresses urgency to the UK Government to ensure that the billions of pounds of Pension Credit do not go unclaimed and that thousands of pensioners do not fall into poverty particularly during this cost of living crisis; urges the UK Government to view extending the eligibility period for the £650 cost of living payment as a unique opportunity to promote Pension Credit; notes the petition from residents of Glasgow North East to extend the eligibility period for the £650 cost of living payment for those on Pension Credit to the end of the fiscal year and subsequent refusal from the DWP; and strongly urges the Government to support our pensioners by supporting this campaign and reconsidering extending this eligibility period.

396Peter McLagan MP

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 12

Martyn Day

Hannah Bardell

Sir Peter Bottomley

Alison Thewliss

Anne McLaughlin

Christine Jardine

That this House commemorates Peter McLagan, MP for the Constituency of Linlithgowshire from 1865 to 1893; applauds that, as Scotland’s first mixed-race MP, he withstood negative campaigning and became Parliament’s longest serving Scottish Member until his resignation; acknowledges his progressive contributions on matters of the day such as animal rights, universal free education, and women’s suffrage that led him to be known as a suffragette in trousers; further acknowledges his advocacy for the establishment of a Government Department dedicated to agricultural issues; commends his goal of increasing the number of elected Members for Scotland and his support for a Bill to better prevent the pollution of rivers; and appreciates the contemporary relevance of his ambitions.

397Three Dads Walking campaign and suicide-awareness and mental health first aid in educational settings

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 23

Dr Neil Hudson

Rosie Duffield

Dr Liam Fox

Kirsty Blackman

Tracey Crouch

Ben Lake

That this House expresses its support for the brave, tireless and selfless campaigning of the Three Dads Walking, Andy Airey, Tim Owen, and Mike Palmer, who with their UK walk are raising awareness of young suicide and boosting charity funds following the tragic losses of their daughters, Sophie, Emily and Beth to suicide; notes that suicide is the biggest killer of under-35s in the UK, with more than 200 school-aged children taking their own lives each year; and asks the Government to embed age-appropriate suicide awareness and prevention in the school curriculum and to expand mental health first aid training for staff in educational settings.

398Caernarfon Amateur Boxing Club

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 5

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House warmly congratulates Caernarfon Amateur Boxing Club for their recent success in the prestigious Monkstown International Boxing Tournament, securing two silver and three bronze medals; commends the club for raising £2,000 to enable six of their junior boxers to compete in the tournament; notes the club, which was established in 1993, depends on the generosity of volunteers and support from the local community and businesses; pays tribute to all the coaches and parents for their commitment and support; and wishes the club all the best for the future as it turns its attention to the Welsh amateur boxing championships next year.

399Sittings of the House and Conference recess

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 5

Wera Hobhouse

Stephen Farry

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Claire Hanna

That this House does not wish to enter recess at this time of national crisis; notes with concern that the House would be entering recess before considering the necessary legislation to reassure British businesses of their future; notes with further concern that the House will enter a recess before either Northern Irish or rural communities have been given legislative reassurance about what energy support they will receive; notes with great concern that the House enters recess before the Government’s legislative strategy on the economy can face real Parliamentary scrutiny; welcomes the Government’s motion to reduce recess but considers it not enough; notes that the House has been in session for only five days since the 21 July 2022, five of sixty-one working days, and that it will not consider primary legislation to tackle the present crisis until at least October; and calls for the action hon. Members' constituents expect, not further delay.

400Conduct of the Right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip

Tabled: 21/09/22 Signatories: 7

Sir Stephen Timms

Caroline Lucas

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Alison Thewliss

That this House notes that the Right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip stated incorrectly in the House on twelve occasions between 24 November 2021 and 20 July 2022 that total employment was higher than before the pandemic; further notes that he accepted at the Liaison Committee on 30 March and in his follow-up letter of 26 April that this claim was incorrect; notes that he answered a parliamentary written question on 23 June acknowledging that the total UK employment was lower that before the pandemic; regrets that he made the incorrect claim on three further occasions after the Liaison Committee meeting, including when he last answered questions as Prime Minister on 20 July, stating We have more people in paid employment that at any time in the history of this country; and calls on the Right hon. Member to correct the record at the earliest opportunity.