Contents

Published: Friday 21 April 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 20 April 2023

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

1082Freedom of expression and use of counter-terrorism powers

Tabled: 20/04/23 Signatories: 2

Grahame Morris

John McDonnell

That this House is extremely concerned about Ernest Moret, foreign rights manager of French publisher La Fabrique who, whilst en route to the London Book Fair, was arrested by British police under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act on suspicion of having participated in recent protests against pension reforms in France; notes that whilst he has now been released from police custody on bail, his phone and work computer have been seized so data can be extracted, and he has been summoned to attend a further meeting with the anti-Terror unit in four weeks’ time under threat of legal sanctions; joins organisations such as the National Union of Journalists and PEN International in believing that this incident represents a dangerous precedent for anyone concerned to protect freedom of expression including press and academic freedom and the protection of confidential sources and material; and therefore calls for an urgent review to ensure that Schedule 7 powers are not being abused to suppress democratic and human rights and criminalise political dissent in the UK or overseas.

108310th anniversary of Rana Plaza collapse

Tabled: 20/04/23 Signatories: 1

Sir Stephen Timms

That this House marks the 10th anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster on 24 April 2013, which claimed the lives of 1,134 people, injured around 2,500, and impacted countless livelihoods; recognises and commends Bangladesh for its subsequent efforts to transform the safety and sustainability of its garment sector, with an emphasis on good working conditions; notes that Bangladesh has 187 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified green factories, including half the world's top 100 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified green factories; and urges all countries and fashion brands to raise standards for the environment and for workers.

1084Girlguiding East Renfrewshire 25th Anniversary

Tabled: 20/04/23 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House congratulates Girlguiding East Renfrewshire as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of their establishment; notes that East Renfrewshire Girlguiding came into being in 1998 having started out as a division of Renfrewshire county; highlights the opportunities provided by the Girlguiding movement for girls to have fun, adventure and discover their potential; appreciates the incredible dedication and hard work of the 275 volunteers who run weekly meetings across the county, providing opportunities for almost 1,300 girls who take part in events as members of the East Renfrewshire Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers; recognises that this significant anniversary will be marked with a ‘Friendship Day’ on Sunday 7 May in Rouken Glen Park with former members and supporters of the county coming together to mark the occasion alongside those currently involved; and wishes everyone involved with Girlguiding East Renfrewshire continued success for the next 25 years and beyond.

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.

1042International Dark Sky Week 2023

Tabled: 30/03/23 Signatories: 11

Caroline Lucas

Apsana Begum

Claire Hanna

John McDonnell

Stewart Hosie

David Mundell

That this House celebrates International Dark Sky Week 2023 between 15 and 22 April 2023 and the ongoing campaign to reduce levels of light pollution while promoting better quality, community-friendly lighting; recognises the impacts from poor lighting and increasing levels of light pollution on the natural world, human health, society and carbon emissions; is concerned that global levels of light pollution are increasing by 10 per cent every year, leading to a doubling of brightness of the night sky every eight years; therefore considers it necessary to take decisive action to reduce levels of light pollution; and urges the Government to recognise light as an environmental pollutant by setting light pollution targets as a measure to reduce levels and impact.

1044Aidan Martin and Mark Deans and The Scheme, Livingston

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 6

Hannah Bardell

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

John McDonnell

Chris Stephens

That this House celebrates the launch of The Scheme in Livingston, a free service offering people struggling with alcohol and drug addictions, and mental health issues, the chance to be creative in the world of music, writing, performance, filmmaking, and other arts that are often inaccessible to many people; congratulates its founders and local artists, Aidan Martin and Mark Deans, for their long-standing commitment and work over many years to make this service available; recognises their work and role, along with West Lothian College, that ensures a safe, accessible and inclusive space for people of all backgrounds and circumstances to be able to use; and further notes the importance of the The Scheme for people across Livingston and West Lothian in view of the drug death crisis and mental health crisis that are impacting our local communities.

1045Housing conditions in the private rented sector

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 13

Dan Carden

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

Grahame Morris

Rebecca Long Bailey

Claudia Webbe

That this House acknowledges the report by Citizen's Advice entitled Damp, cold and full of mould: The reality of housing in the private rented sector; is alarmed by the finding that 2.7 million renting households, including 1.6 million children, are currently living in cold, damp or mouldy homes; calls on the Government to implement the report's recommendations to strengthen minimum energy efficiency standards in legislation; and further calls for Awaab’s Law, which will place strict timelines on landlords to deal with issues such as damp and mould, to be extended to the private sector.

1046Friends of Strathaven Castle

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 7

Dr Lisa Cameron

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Margaret Ferrier

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

That this House commends the great progress and achievement of the Friends of Strathaven Castle group; recognises the historical value of the 15th-century monument, with the last resident being Anne, Duchess of Hamilton, who lived there until her death in 1716; applauds founder of the Group, Jan Dawson, who started the group on 27 January 2022 in order to galvanise the community of Strathaven to promote sustainable and necessary repairs and renewed access to the Castle; notes the quick growth of the group to over 750 members already; congratulates them on the progress made so far in their campaign for repairs to the Castle; and wishes them the very best in this and all their other endeavours.

1055Ben Gentil, East Lothian Young Musician of the Year

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 4

Kenny MacAskill

Jim Shannon

Margaret Ferrier

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Ben Gentil on being crowned East Lothian's Young Musician of the Year in a countywide competition in March 2023; understands that 25 soloists from seven different schools performed in recitals at St Mary's Parish Church in Haddington, and that 13 of those were asked to return for the final, where drummer Ben was announced as the winner by adjudicators; recognises that Ben has also been offered a place at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts; and wishes Ben and all the runners-up the very best of luck with the future.

1056Retirement of Malcolm Quinn after 50 years at Henderson Grass Machinery

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 4

Kenny MacAskill

Jim Shannon

Margaret Ferrier

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Malcolm Quinn on his retirement after working for 50 years at Henderson Grass Machinery in Haddington, East Lothian; recognises that Malcolm joined the company as a teenager and worked as a parts assistant; understands that Malcolm is a keen runner and will likely be spending his new-found spare time running, having already completed more that 50 marathons and over 200 half marathons; and wishes Malcolm the very best of luck with his retirement and all the best for the future.

1058East Kilbride Rugby Football Club

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 6

Dr Lisa Cameron

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Margaret Ferrier

Chris Stephens

That this House commends East Kilbride Rugby Football Club on its recent qualification for the Scottish Rugby National Shield Final; notes that this is its fifth national final appearance in the 55 years of the club’s history; recognises, in particular, the hard work and achievement of Head Coach, Craig Brown, in his first season successfully leading the team; pays tribute to the strong links with the local East Kilbride community that have been forged and strengthened by the club; and wishes them all the best in this important match at Murrayfield Stadium, the home of Scottish rugby, recognising that the club has already made East Kilbride proud.

1060TransPennine Express

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 31

Mike Amesbury

Ian Mearns

Rachael Maskell

Grahame Morris

Jim Shannon

Tony Lloyd

That this House calls for the contract for TransPennine Express to be terminated; notes that TransPennine Express has been providing unacceptable levels of service to the north for years and that they are at truly now dire levels; also notes that TransPennine Express recently cancelled almost a quarter of all trains between 5 February and 4 March and recorded one of the worst punctuality rates in the country between October and December last year with less than half of services running on time; recognises that people in the north deserve a reliable train service for work, school, college and leisure; and calls on the Government to bring TransPennine Express under the operator of last resort and back into public ownership.

1062gal-dem magazine

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 22

Nadia Whittome

Ms Diane Abbott

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Dawn Butler

Apsana Begum

Zarah Sultana

That this House celebrates the achievements and legacy of gal-dem magazine, an online and print publication that was produced by and centred women and non-binary people of colour; notes that it gave life-changing opportunities to journalists from marginalised backgrounds; further notes its importance in platforming underrepresented issues, experiences and points of view; mourns its recent closure after eight years; recognises the need for a greater diversity of voices and perspectives in UK media; believes that independent media is an important component of the media landscape that is in need of greater support during the cost of living crisis; and wishes all those whose jobs have been affected by gal-dem’s closure every success for the future.

1063Mr Jim Bett, Fife Alcohol Support Service

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 4

Neale Hanvey

Jim Shannon

Margaret Ferrier

Chris Stephens

That this House commends and congratulates Mr Jim Bett on his retirement from Fife Alcohol Support Service after 28 years of exceptional service; notes that Jim has worked in a variety of roles, most recently as Service Manager for the charity, which has served the people of Fife since 1977 by providing services designed to meet the needs of Fifers affected by alcohol and substance misuse; recognises Jim’s efforts to ensure accessible counselling services are available to thousands of vulnerable people, whilst embodying an ethos of ethical practice, responsible management and securing ongoing funding for this vital service; and wishes him all the very best in his well-earned retirement.

106420th anniversary of shooting of Tom Hurndall

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 20

Andy McDonald

Ian Mearns

Grahame Morris

Jeremy Corbyn

Kate Osborne

Nadia Whittome

That this House notes that April 2023 marks twenty years since 22 year old British photojournalist, Tom Hurndall, was shot in the head by an Israeli army sniper as he tried to rescue Palestinian children from the line of gunfire in Gaza; further notes that he died in January 2004 after being in a coma for nine months and that his killer was released after serving just six years in prison; notes that the lenient sentence and the cursory nature of the military investigation which preceded were examples of a culture of impunity in the State of Israel’s use of illegal extra-judicial killings; notes that this culture of impunity remains evident in the actions of illegal settlers and the Israeli army in the Occupied Territories today; and urges the Government to uphold the principle of accountability for war crimes committed in Israel and Palestine no less diligently than it does in relation to those committed elsewhere by reversing its opposition to the International Criminal Court’s investigation into those crimes.

1065Larne Football Club

Tabled: 18/04/23 Signatories: 6

Sammy Wilson

Mr Gregory Campbell

Margaret Ferrier

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

That this House congratulates Larne FC on its amazing achievement of moving from the bottom of the second tier division of the football league in 2017-18 to becoming the First Division champions in 2022-23; notes that this is the first time in its 134 year history that the club has had such success which builds on three successive victories in the County Antrim Shield; further notes the civic pride which the club’s successes have generated in the town of Larne; welcomes the way in which sport has been transformed in the town through the sporting academy for young players; and thanks Kenny Brucea, local businessman, who wanted to give something back to the town he was brought up in and who invested resources from his successful business Purple Bricks to finance improvements at the club.

1066Red Ramp Events and the Golden Friendship Club

Tabled: 18/04/23 Signatories: 4

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Stephens

That this House notes the grand opening of Red Ramp Events by the Golden Friendship Club based in Clydebank, with members also from Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven and across the west of Scotland; understands that this opening may be the first community based wheelchair entertainment venue in the world which will be invaluable in breaking down barriers faced by wheelchair users allowing them equal access to entertainment without discrimination; believes this is another example of the exceptional work carried out by Jim McLaren and all at the Golden Friendship Club; and wishes them the very best for future endeavours.

1067Diplomatic relations between the UK and Vietnam

Tabled: 18/04/23 Signatories: 6

Wayne David

Sir Graham Brady

Sir Mark Hendrick

Jim Shannon

Sir George Howarth

Chris Stephens

That this House notes that 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UK and Vietnam; believes that over those years Vietnam and the UK have built a strong partnership; warmly thanks the current Vietnamese and UK Ambassadors, their staff and their predecessors for the work they have done in developing that partnership; appreciates the role played by the Vietnam-UK Network, the British Council and Chevening Scholarships in helping to develop business, cultural and educational ties between our two countries; welcomes co-operation across a range of issues, such as international security and tackling climate change; and looks forward to a continued and deepening relationship between our two countries for many years to come.

1068Increase in Education Maintenance Allowance in Wales

Tabled: 18/04/23 Signatories: 19

Beth Winter

Ian Mearns

Apsana Begum

Kim Johnson

Mohammad Yasin

Jonathan Edwards

That this House welcomes Welsh Government's decision to increase the education maintenance allowance payment above £30 to £40 a week; congratulates members of the Senedd, NUS Wales and NEU Cymru for championing the increase; recognises that more must be done to deal with the cost of living crisis and the need to encourage 16-19 educational attendance, including a regular increase in EMA; regrets the cancellation of education maintenance allowance in England in 2010; further welcomes the calls of NEU and NASUWT unions for the reinstatement of EMA in England; and calls on the Government to reintroduce the education maintenance allowance in England at the same rate as Wales at the earliest opportunity.

106970th anniversary of Dundonald Baptist Church

Tabled: 18/04/23 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Carla Lockhart

That this House celebrates the 70th Anniversary of Dundonald Baptist Church this year, founded in 1953; notes that Dundonald Baptist are a group of people who have faith in an extraordinary God and are seeking together to follow Jesus Christ as their Risen Saviour; notes how they connect the local community and provide a safe sanctuary to worship Jesus, enjoy fellowship together and learn from God's Word; and thanks them for their care and commitment to the people of Dundonald and surrounding areas and wishes them all the best for the future in their service to God and their community.

1070100th anniversary of Newtownards Baptist Church

Tabled: 18/04/23 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Carla Lockhart

That this House celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Newtownards Baptist Church; notes their celebrations through three special anniversary services, where they were joined by some of their former Pastors and relatives of past members and Elders; highlights that the current Pastor, Richard Donnan, presented a history of the Church and took members back through the years and highlighted significant memories, events, former missionaries and many who have come through the Church and went into full time ministry; further highlights the tremendous community spirit that has been shown in the Church over the years with their faith in action and faithful preaching of gospel every week; and prays God's richest blessing upon this wonderful wee community church.

1071South Shields Football Club

Tabled: 18/04/23 Signatories: 9

Kate Osborne

Margaret Ferrier

Jon Trickett

Jim Shannon

Grahame Morris

Mrs Sharon Hodgson

That this House congratulates South Shields Football Club on winning the Northern League Premier Division title and promotion to National League North; pays tribute to owner and Chairman Geoff Thompson, manager Kevin Phillips and the players for their role in helping the club to the Northern League Premier Division title; recognises the efforts of all the staff at the club and their contribution towards helping South Shields FC secure promotion; acknowledges the club’s significant growth and success since Geoff Thompson became involved in 2015, with three consecutive promotions achieved as well as a number of cup victories, including the FA Vase at Wembley in 2017; fully praises the progression of the club which plays an important community role in South Tyneside; and wishes everyone at South Shields FC every success in next season's National League North.

1072Anniversary of the Kinder Scout mass trespass

Tabled: 18/04/23 Signatories: 17

Caroline Lucas

Jon Trickett

Dan Carden

John McDonnell

Apsana Begum

Jim Shannon

That this House notes that 24 April marks the anniversary of the Kinder Scout mass trespass; acknowledges that this trespass united the campaign for access to the countryside and eventually contributed to the establishment of the UK’s first national parks through the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949; recognises the growing body of evidence demonstrating the importance of access to nature for physical and mental health; is concerned that people from ethnic minorities are less likely to live near green space and that one in three people in England cannot access nature near their home; is deeply concerned about nature’s decline, with 40 per cent of the UK’s species populations having declined since 1970, and believes that improving the public’s connection with the natural world is essential to its restoration; notes that the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 only provides access to eight per cent of English land and that the public can only access three per cent of rivers in England and Wales; acknowledges that legislation in Scotland provides a right of responsible access and that European countries including Norway and Sweden have a much greater right to roam; and calls on the Government to introduce legislation to extend the right to roam and to improve promotion of the countryside code, to deliver on the 25 Year Environment Plan goal to conserve and enhance the beauty of our natural environment, and make sure it can be enjoyed, used by and cared for by everyone.

1073Anniversary of the death of four Ulster Defence Regiment soldiers at Ballydugan

Tabled: 19/04/23 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

That this House notes the anniversary of the murder of the four Ulster Defence Regiment soldiers killed at Ballydugan on 9 April 1990, conveys enduring sympathies to the families of Private John Birch, Lance Corporal John Bradley, Private Michael Adams and Private Steven Smart, who live with pain everyday due to the slaughter of their loved ones and who have been denied justice for much too long; reiterates the belief that justice is owed to every community in Northern Ireland and to all those who grieve; and underlines once again the refusal to allow the despicable murder of these men, and others like them, by those claiming there was no alternative to this horrific and barbaric violence.

1074Crossroads Youth and Community Association, Glasgow

Tabled: 19/04/23 Signatories: 2

Alison Thewliss

Chris Stephens

That this House welcomes the publication of the Crossroads Youth and Community Association's paper entitled Resistance and Recreation: 55 years of Youth and Community Work in Glasgow; notes that it was commissioned to mark the 50th anniversary of Crossroads Youth and Community Association in 2018; congratulates Crossroads Youth and Community Association on the occasion of its 55th year of operation; recognises that Crossroads was set up by the Gorbals Group, founded in 1957 by three Church of Scotland Ministers, Geoff Shaw, John Harvey, and Walter Fyfe; acknowledges the paper's detailed exploration of the history of the organisation and its work in the Gorbals and Govanhill areas of Glasgow; and wishes Crossroads and its current manager, Dani Waddell, all the best in all their future endeavours.

1075Indefinite leave to remain for bereaved partners

Tabled: 19/04/23 Signatories: 5

Stuart C McDonald

Chris Stephens

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

Patrick Grady

That this House supports the Refugee and Migrants Forum of Essex and London’s call for a fee waiver to be introduced for bereaved partners applying for indefinite leave to remain; notes that the death of a loved one brings multiple emotional, practical and financial costs; believes that people whose leave to remain in the UK is tied to a partner who dies are in a particularly vulnerable situation; regrets that the spouses of deceased partners are required to pay £2,404 to access that concession despite the application costing just £491 to process; recognises that people whose leave was tied to a deceased partner may not qualify for any other form of leave such as limited leave to remain; further regrets that people who cannot afford this fee may be forced to leave the UK or face detention and removal after the death of their partner; further notes that victims of domestic violence who are able to apply for indefinite leave to remain under a different concession are rightly able to apply for a fee waiver for indefinite leave to remain applications; further recognises that the lack of a fee waiver discriminates against women who constitute almost 70 per cent of those on family visas; believes it is irrational for the Government to introduce a concession in recognition of the applicants’ vulnerability if it is combined with a fee that people cannot afford; and calls for a fee waiver to be introduced.

107650th anniversary of Andrew's Memorial Primary School

Tabled: 19/04/23 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

That this House notes the 50th anniversary of Andrew's Memorial Primary School, Comber; highlights the incredible success of the school over the last five decades, in terms of academic and teaching excellence, and also the creation of a close-knit community that strives for the best for their pupils; further notes the dedication of past and present teachers who have been an instrumental part of many children's lives and provides a safe space for pupils all over the local area; and wishes them every success in the future as they go from strength to strength.

107750th anniversary of the Ulster Defence Regiment's Greenfinches

Tabled: 19/04/23 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

That this House celebrates the 50th anniversary of the UDR Greenfinches; recognises that 50 years ago on 6 July 1973, the Ulster Defence Regiment Bill permitted the recruitment of women into the UDR; notes that women were given the codeword Greenfinch and defended Northern Ireland throughout the period of the troubles, and will forever be appreciated for their commitment and sacrifice; highlights their stellar example of bravery and selflessness and that their recruitment enabled female suspects to be searched; highlights the contribution the Greenfinches made to the UDR and the inspiration that their service offers to young women going into service today.

1079Rana Plaza in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Tabled: 19/04/23 Signatories: 16

Apsana Begum

Andy McDonald

Navendu Mishra

Rebecca Long Bailey

Nadia Whittome

John McDonnell

That this House marks that on 24 April it is 10 years since the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which killed at least 1,132 workers and injured more than 2,500, a large proportion of whom were women in what was one of the worst industrial accidents on record; is concerned at the ongoing poor labour conditions, low wages and unsafe work environments, with a high incidence of work-related accidents and deaths, faced by workers in the garment sector worldwide; is alarmed at the ongoing suppression of trade union and collective bargaining rights in the garment industry and that since the covid-19 pandemic there is evidence of worsening health and safety standards, increased gender discrimination and reports of concerning levels of workplace gender-based violence and harassment; recognises that without the ability to organise, workers are inhibited from fully securing improved working conditions and/or challenging abuse; and believes that all workers deserve a workplace that provides them with a living wage, decent working conditions and trade union rights including the right to refuse unsafe work, to take strike action and collectively bargain.

1080Centenary of Kirkintilloch Players amateur drama club

Tabled: 19/04/23 Signatories: 2

Amy Callaghan

Chris Stephens

That this House celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Kirkintilloch Players amateur drama club, which was first brought together by Alex Bain, David Sinclair, Bill St. Claire and Barbara Cassels in 1923 to stage a production of Our Boys; notes that this centenary makes them one of the oldest amateur drama clubs in Scotland; understands the occasion is to be marked by an exhibition from 12 April to 18 May 2023; further notes that the Kirkintilloch Players stage performances will include both adult and youth casts, including the eagerly anticipated production of children’s classic Matilda in June; appreciates the way the award-winning works of the Kirkintilloch Players enriches the culture of East Dunbartonshire and the wider nation; applauds the opportunities they create for people of all ages to practice teamwork, challenge themselves, enjoy art and entertain others; and wishes the players all the very best for a second successful century.

1081Leyton Orient

Tabled: 19/04/23 Signatories: 3

John Cryer

Chris Stephens

Apsana Begum

That this House offers its heartfelt congratulations to Leyton Orient FC on their promotion to League One; believes that the club's owners, management, players, supporters and staff have secured a remarkable achievement in delivering such a promotion only six years after the club almost ceased to exist; recalls that the club was founded in 1881 making it the second oldest football club in London; and looks forward to many more years of footballing achievements.