Contents
Published: Friday 19 May 2023
Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 18 May 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
1183Relocating Parliament
Tabled: 18/05/23 Signatories: 3
Hywel Williams
Liz Saville Roberts
Ben Lake
That this House is deeply concerned by a report by the Commons Public Accounts Committee which suggests that the Palace of Westminster it at risk of being destroyed by a catastrophic incident; notes that Members voted to move out the palace in 2018 to allow repair work to take place; further notes the report’s findings that under continued presence on the estate, the works may end up lasting as long as 76 years, and cost as much as £22 billion; is increasingly concerned by the exorbitant cost to the taxpayer as well as the serious risks involved for all those working on the estate; renews its calls for members, peers and staff to relocate for their own safety while the renewal of the historic building takes place; and suggests that this be an opportunity for the House to address the regional inequalities of the UK by relocating the UK Parliament to an area outside of the South East.
1184Zero hours contracts
Tabled: 18/05/23 Signatories: 18
Ian Lavery
Andy McDonald
Rebecca Long Bailey
Bell Ribeiro-Addy
Ian Byrne
John McDonnell
Zarah SultanaIan MearnsRichard BurgonApsana BegumMary Kelly FoyClive LewisKate OsborneNadia WhittomeKim JohnsonLiz Saville RobertsBen LakeHywel Williams
That this House notes the data released by The Office for National Statistics that shows that 1.1 million UK workers are employed on zero hours contracts, a ten fold increase since 2004; understands that in England 3.5 percent of those in work, have no set hours, meaning they are often unaware of how many shifts they will work each week or what they will be paid, this includes 33,000 workers in the North East; notes that the comparative figures for the rest of the UK are Northern Ireland 1.3 per cent, Wales 2.8 per cent and Scotland 3.9 per cent; believes that sectors such as food and accommodation, health and social care and elementary occupations use zero hours contracts the most and that young people, especially those working and in full time education and workers born outside of the UK are disproportionately affected by this form of precarious employment; and calls on the UK and devolved Governments, public bodies and businesses to take action to end the use of zero hours contracts across the economy.
1185Reopening of the West Boathouse on Glasgow Green
Tabled: 18/05/23 Signatories: 1
Alison Thewliss
That this House welcomes the grand reopening of the West Boathouse on Glasgow Green on Sunday, May 14; acknowledges that the boathouse acts as a central base for three Glasgow rowing clubs, Clyde Amateur Rowing Club, Clydesdale Amateur Rowing Club, and Strathclyde University Boat Club; notes that the reopening event, Up the Watter, was attended by more than 250 people and included a ceremony where a specially commissioned flag was carried on boat down the River Clyde where it was raised, as well as an afternoon of crafting activities, tours, rowing demonstrations and music; recognises that since its initial opening in 1905, the West Boathouse has played a central role in Glasgow's sporting and community life; congratulates ARPL Architects and Glasgow Building Preservation Trust on their successful restoration and futureproofing of the building, which has included improvements in accessibility, flexible multi-use spaces, and a bespoke pontoon for easier access to the river; appreciates the contributions of all of the building's funders, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, the Robertson Trust, Glasgow City Council and the William Grant Foundation; and wishes all involved the best in all future endeavours.
1186Conduct of the Rt hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip and legal funding
Tabled: 18/05/23 Signatories: 4
Karl Turner
Liz Saville Roberts
Ben Lake
Hywel Williams
That this House expresses deep concern over the decision to make taxpayers fund the legal bill of the Rt hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip for advice and assistance on the inquiry by the Committee on Privileges into the allegations that the Rt hon. Member misled the House in relation to social gatherings held in Downing Street during the covid-19 national lockdown; notes that the Treasury did not sign off this funding; considers that it is unacceptable that taxpayers are being forced to foot the bill, not least given that the Rt hon. Member has earned a reported £5 million since he stepped down as Prime Minister; also believes that it is particularly troubling that any other individual requiring legal advice and assistance through legal aid would not be eligible if their gross annual income exceeded £12,475; regrets that the legal bill has now passed £245,000; notes that this is a significant cost to the taxpayer; further considers that it is inappropriate for public funds to be used in this manner, not least during a cost of living crisis in which most families are struggling to manage; unequivocally condemns the Rt hon. Member’s decision to request taxpayer funding for his legal bill; calls on the Government to ensure that taxpayers’ money is not used in the future for such purposes; and urges the Rt hon. Member to pay his own legal fees and not to rely on the British taxpayer to foot the bill.
1187Northwich Victoria Football Club
Tabled: 18/05/23 Signatories: 1
Mike Amesbury
That this House expresses its disappointment with the Football Association decision to move Northwich Victoria Football Club to the Midlands League; notes that other grassroots football teams are being moved to the Midlands league; further notes that Northwich Victoria are a North West Club and now its 149 year history has been put in jeopardy; is concerned by the financial implications the move would have and that the player availability of the current squad could mean they may not be able to continue as a football club; notes the club regrets that there has been no correspondence or dialogue with the Football Association on the impact this will have with community clubs across the country and that the community clubs have over 20 plus junior teams and 400 children playing under the banner of Northwich Victoria; regrets that this move will have an immediate effect on its status as a community accredited football club as created by the Football Association; and believes if the move goes ahead it will be impossible for it to continue as a club and stay solvent due to the additional financial cost that will be incurred.
118890th anniversary of the Council for At-Risk Academics
Tabled: 18/05/23 Signatories: 19
Sir Julian Lewis
John Spellar
Sir Graham Brady
Sarah Green
Bob Blackman
Alan Brown
Sir Desmond SwayneMargaret FerrierChristine JardineAndrew SelousWera HobhouseAndrew RosindellValerie VazMr Virendra SharmaDr Philippa WhitfordGrahame MorrisLiz Saville RobertsBen LakeHywel Williams
That this House celebrates the 90th anniversary of the Council for At-Risk Academics (Cara), a charity founded – as the Academic Assistance Council – at the The Royal Society on 22 May 1933 by leading academics and scientists in the UK to rescue their counterparts in Nazi Germany who were being forced out of their posts; notes with approval the subsequent widening of Cara’s mission to rescue university academics and their families at risk from persecution, violence and conflict anywhere in the world; congratulates Cara for helping thousands of academics to find refuge and work in the UK and its universities, where they have greatly contributed to this country’s scientific, cultural and artistic life; applauds the vital role of UK universities and research institutes in working in partnership with Cara to provide places, funding and other essential support for those whom Cara rescues, as well as the generosity of the many foundations, other institutions and individuals who also support Cara’s work; commends the determination of many current Cara scholars, most recently from Ukraine, Afghanistan and the Middle East, to return home when they can safely do so, in order to help build better societies in their own countries; and encourages Cara to continue and redouble its life-changing efforts.
1189Promotion of Abercynon RFC, Aberdare RFC and Abercwmboi RFC
Tabled: 18/05/23 Signatories: 4
Beth Winter
Liz Saville Roberts
Ben Lake
Hywel Williams
That this House celebrates the promotion of Cynon Valley rugby clubs Abercynon RFC, Aberdare RFC and Abercwmboi RFC to Welsh Rugby Union League 1 East Central; notes the efforts the clubs have put into developing their own Mini, Junior and Youth sections; further notes they will join Mountain Ash RFC and Ynysybwl RFC in the same league; believes this is the first time five teams from Cynon Valley have been represented in that division; congratulates each club's officials, players volunteers and supporters; and commends the continued flourishing of rugby union in the valley and the role of local rugby clubs for providing a positive contribution and focal point for community life.
11902023 Cambuslang and Rutherglen Sports Council Awards
Tabled: 18/05/23 Signatories: 1
Margaret Ferrier
That this House celebrates each of the winners at the 2023 Cambuslang and Rutherglen Sports Council Awards: Burgh Primary School, Stonelaw High School, Cambuslang and Stonelaw Under 14s Rugby Club, Abbie Fountain, Sophia Martin, Katy Baird, Kai Hunter, Craig Burnett and Billy Hepburn; commends the commitment, hard work and talent displayed by each of the award recipients; acknowledges the important role sport plays in young people’s development; and thanks the Cambuslang and Rutherglen Sports Council for their work in recognising sporting ability in the community.
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.
1130Potential merits of a Sudanese Family Scheme visa
Tabled: 9/05/23 Signatories: 12
Hywel Williams
Liz Saville Roberts
Ben Lake
Jim Shannon
Sir Peter Bottomley
Chris Stephens
Chris Law
That this House calls for the creation of a Sudanese Family Scheme visa for Sudanese people affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan; notes civilians have become trapped in Khartoum without access to water, electricity, and access to food or medical care as the city is bombarded by rival factions; acknowledges the success of the Homes for Ukraine scheme as a viable means of helping people flee from war zones to join relatives and families in the UK; and calls on the UK Government to do its part to help the displaced families of Sudan and renew its efforts to help end the fighting.
1135World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day 2023
Tabled: 9/05/23 Signatories: 21
Mr Virendra Sharma
Jonathan Edwards
Jim Shannon
Dr Philippa Whitford
Chris Stephens
Christine Jardine
Patricia GibsonChris Law
That this House welcomes World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day on 19 May; understands that there are over 500,000 people in the UK living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, the two main forms of which are Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis; appreciates the work of Crohn’s & Colitis UK’s Early Diagnosis campaign, which puts a focus on the importance of early diagnosis of Crohn’s and Colitis; notes with concern that more than a quarter of people wait longer than one year for a diagnosis and that many people have to visit A&E departments for emergency treatment; further understands that delays in diagnosis can impact hugely on quality of life, disrupting education and work; regrets that patients who wait longest to be diagnosed with Crohn’s or Colitis are two to four times more likely to have complex disease that requires surgery; understands that reducing delays to diagnosis will improve the quality of life of patients, while reducing the wider costs to the NHS; and urges the Government to invest in a public campaign to raise awareness of digestive and bowel disease to improve diagnosis over the next five years.
1141Wellbeing economy
Tabled: 9/05/23 Signatories: 16
Caroline Lucas
Clive Lewis
Deidre Brock
Claire Hanna
Ben Lake
Ronnie Cowan
Anne McLaughlinConor McGinn
That this House welcomes the call made by President Michael D Higgins of Ireland on 28 April 2023 at a reception for the Think-Tank for Action on Social Change to look beyond the current obsession with economic growth and rebalance economy, ecology and ethics; notes that this call is well-aligned with the aims of the European Parliament’s examination of the Beyond Growth agenda; further notes that such a call has far-reaching implications for the teaching and practice of economics in which the obsession with perpetual growth has left society blinkered to the ecological catastrophe we now face; agrees with President Higgins that an alternative paradigm of social economy within ecological responsibility is already within reach; further agrees that this new paradigm must now find its way onto the curriculum where economics is taught and into the board rooms and government ministries where economics is practised; and calls on the Government to match the ambition and leadership shown by the Irish President and the European Parliament by supporting the development of a post growth economics, conducting a review of the growth dependency of the economy and developing a comprehensive strategy to transition to a wellbeing economy.
1152Food workers, prices and poverty
Tabled: 10/05/23 Signatories: 32
Ian Mearns [R]
Ian Byrne
Olivia Blake
Beth Winter
Jeremy Corbyn
Chris Stephens
Chris Law
That this House is shocked by the findings of the Foodworkers on the Breadline report published by the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union based on a recent survey of members working in food manufacturing and retail; notes that, alarmingly, four in ten respondents reported having to skip meals for financial reasons, whilst one in five report using food banks themselves; believes that it is utterly unacceptable that, at a time when food prices have hit levels not seen in the UK for decades, workers are left unable to afford the products of their own labour; calls for trade unions to be invited to participate in the forthcoming UK Food Summit; urges immediate Government action to raise pay throughout food supply chains, outlaw exploitative zero hours contracts, whilst also tackling the culture of rampant corporate profiteering, particularly by the big supermarkets; and supports the incorporation of a statutory Right to Food in UK legislation.
1154Uddingston Hockey Club
Tabled: 10/05/23 Signatories: 5
Angela Crawley
Chris Law
Allan Dorans
Chris Stephens
Alison Thewliss
That this House congratulates Uddingston Hockey Club following their success in the 2022-23 Women’s Scottish Plate; notes that Uddingston defeated Grange 2-1 in the final at the National Hockey Centre at Glasgow Green after defeating Perthshire, University of Strathclyde and Erskine Stewarts Melville to reach the final; acknowledges that Uddingston’s victory was achieved with an average squad of age 18, which signals a bright future for the club; recognises that their success comes just two years after their promotion to the Premiership; commends Lucy Hogarth and Amber Wade for scoring the goals in the final; praises their teammates, coach Connor Evans and the coaching staff for their collective efforts and determination to succeed; and further congratulates Uddingston on being named EuroHockey Club of the Year for large clubs this season.
115575th anniversary of the Nakba
Tabled: 11/05/23 Signatories: 16
Layla Moran [R]
Patrick Grady
Caroline Lucas
Jamie Stone
Julie Elliott
Munira Wilson
Conor McGinnChris Law
That this House notes that Monday 15 May 2023 marks 75 years since 750,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled from Palestine in what is now known as the Nakba; notes that there are now over five and a half million Palestinian refugees worldwide and supports these refugees' rights in line with international law; affirms the need for the Government to continue to fund UNRWA' which carries out important work with and for Palestinian refugees; further recalls the 800,000 Jews who fled or were expelled from Arab states from 1948 onwards; further notes the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories in the West Bank and Gaza by the Israeli authorities; calls on the Government to immediately recognise an independent Palestinian state which will help breathe new life into the peace process; and urges the Government to continue to pursue a two-state solution and a lasting peace in the region.
1156Remembering Leah Sharibu on the occasion of her 20th birthday
Tabled: 11/05/23 Signatories: 10
Brendan O'Hara
Hywel Williams
Ben Lake
Liz Saville Roberts
Patrick Grady
Chris Law
Patricia Gibson
That this House sends its sincere best wishes, as well as its renewed hopes for her speedy release from captivity, to Leah Sharibu on the occasion of her 20th birthday on 14 May; notes with deep regret that this will be the sixth birthday Leah has had to face since being kidnapped and held in sexual slavery by Islamic State West Africa Province following their 2018 attack a girl’s school in Dapchi, Yobe State, Nigeria, in which they killed five of the girls and abducted 104 others; recognises that of all the kidnapped girls, Leah is the only one who remains in captivity, reportedly because of her refusal to renounce her Christian faith and convert to Islam; understands that there is credible evidence to say that Leah is still alive; and therefore amplifies the oft repeated call for the government and the Nigerian authorities to do everything they can to secure Leah’s timely release and allow her to be reunited with her family.
1158Alzheimer Scotland and Dementia Awareness Week
Tabled: 11/05/23 Signatories: 15
Kirsten Oswald
Hywel Williams
Ben Lake
Liz Saville Roberts
Patrick Grady
Richard Burgon
Alison ThewlissPatricia Gibson
That this House recognsies Dementia Action Week in England and Wales which is taking place from 16 to 22 May and Dementia Awareness Week in Scotland which is taking place from 29 May to 4 June; understands this year’s Dementia Awareness Week in Scotland focuses on tackling the stigma faced by people living with dementia, particularly those who face it earlier in life; highlights the important work carried out by Alzheimer Scotland, Scotland’s national dementia charity, which provides support and information for people with dementia, their loved ones, and carers; notes the wide range of services offered by Alzheimer Scotland, including 25 Dementia Resource Centres across the country which provide safe and friendly environments for people with dementia to visit and take part in therapeutic activity groups, a 24-hour freephone Dementia Helpline which provides information and emotional support to those living with dementia, and a network of Dementia Advisors and Post Diagnostic Support Link Workers working in local communities to support people with a diagnosis; further understands the important campaign work also carried out by Alzheimer Scotland to improve the provision of services for people with dementia and to increase the funds available for vital dementia research and the number of people participating in dementia research; applauds the fantastic work of all those involved with Alzheimer Scotland who are supporting those living with dementia and their carers; and wishes everyone at Alzheimer Scotland well as they continue their important work.
1159Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
Tabled: 11/05/23 Signatories: 9
Wayne David
Rosie Duffield [R]
Jonathan Edwards
Christina Rees
Caroline Lucas
Sir Mike Penning
Allan Dorans
This House is concerned at the increasing number of dog attacks and is alarmed that 13 people have been killed as a result of a dog attack since the start of 2022 and more have been seriously injured; notes that the cost to the NHS of dog bites has been calculated at £777 million per year; recognises that an approach based on breed specific legislation has failed and that the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is woefully ineffective; looks forward to the publication of recommendations by the Government’s Responsible Dog Ownership working group and calls for this to take place before the summer recess; and further calls on the Government to introduce new legislation covering all aspects of the control of dangerous dogs that protects the public, promotes responsible dog ownership and improves animal welfare.
1162Jazzle Dazzle Studios, AllStar World Champions
Tabled: 15/05/23 Signatories: 6
Gavin Newlands
Chris Law
Allan Dorans
Stewart Malcolm McDonald
Chris Stephens
Alison Thewliss
That this House congratulates Jazzle Dazzle Studios in Renfrew on being crowned World Champions in three events, and winning the silver medal in another, in the AllStar Open World Championships in Orlando, Florida; applauds coaches Jackie Bryceland and Michelle Holmes, alongside senior dancers Eilidh, Ellie, Emma, Grace, Kayleigh, Layla, Megan and Rachel, and mini dancers Carly, Gabrielle, Indie, Lauren, Olivia, Orla, Rachel and Robyn; salutes Jazzle Dazzle Studios in Renfrew, who opened in 2012 with only twelve children, on their success and ability to continue to grow the studio year on year; commends their continual success competing and winning trophies in national, European and World events over the years; praises Jazzle Dazzle and their coaches for providing a positive, nurturing and sociable environment for local children and adults and their continued ambition to promote the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle; notes that, for some of the seniors who competed this year, this will be their last season competing; and wishes all the Jazzle Dazzle dancers and coaches the best of luck and all success in future competitions.
1163Anti-social behaviour on greenways
Tabled: 15/05/23 Signatories: 9
Mr Barry Sheerman
Margaret Ferrier
Douglas Chapman
Sir Peter Bottomley
Mike Amesbury
Chris Stephens
Allan DoransConor McGinnChris Law
That this House highlights the important value of green space to individuals and their wellbeing; consequently acknowledges the need to reserve greenways to ensure pedestrian and cyclist access to greenways as a means of leisure and safe pedestrian transportation; is concerned by the growing issue of illegal motorcycle use of greenways; is concerned by the safety and anti-social impact of such illegal activity; calls on the Government to provide all relevant organisations with sufficient financial and human resources to combat illegal use of greenways.
1164University and College Union marking boycott
Tabled: 15/05/23 Signatories: 21
Zarah Sultana
Apsana Begum
Kim Johnson
Cat Smith
Mary Kelly Foy
Richard Burgon
Mohammad Yasin
That this House notes that workers in higher education have endured over a decade of pay cuts, rising workloads, equality pay gaps and rampant casualisation; supports the recent industrial action that members of the University and College Union were forced to take in defence of pay and pensions; condemns plans by some vice chancellors, as instructed by the Universities and Colleges Employers' Association, to dock up to 100 per cent pay of staff that are working full-time but taking part in a legal marking boycott; calls on the Universities and Colleges Employers' Association to address the concerns of university workers, withdraw the instruction to vice chancellors to implement punitive pay deductions; and further calls on the Government to demand employers resolve the dispute.
1166Statutory Assessment Tests
Tabled: 15/05/23 Signatories: 12
Mike Amesbury
Mary Kelly Foy
Kate Hollern
Jon Trickett
Ian Mearns
Nadia Whittome
Mrs Emma Lewell-BuckSir George Howarth
This House notes that the Y6 SAT reading tests on 10 May were not acceptable; notes they had a negative impact on children, left many visibly upset and made many children feel like failures because they could not finish the tests; notes SATs have a negative impact on children’s mental health and well being; further notes that children are putting themselves under immense pressure to perform well in these tests; observes that research has shown that SATs can lead to increased anxiety, stress and even depression in children; believes that SATs can be detrimental to the overall learning experience of children; further notes that SATs have been criticised by the teaching profession and parents for placing undue pressure on our children; further believes that well-designed tests should inform parents and high schools how well children are doing but that unfortunately many teachers and parents believe the current Y6 SATs arrangement fails on both measures and place undue pressure on our children; further believes that there needs to be a review of the SAT tests; and concludes that we need to find a solution to the negative impact of SATs on the mental health and well being of children.
1167Foster Care Fortnight, 15-28 May 2023
Tabled: 15/05/23 Signatories: 21
Grahame Morris
Jonathan Edwards
Margaret Ferrier
Mary Kelly Foy
Kate Hollern
Jon Trickett
Conor McGinn
This House recognises the importance of foster care in providing loving and stable homes for children unable to live with their families; acknowledges the significant impact foster care has on the well-being and life opportunities of these children; supports Foster Care Fortnight between 15 and 28 May 2023, an initiative organised by The Fostering Network, a leading fostering charity; believes the campaign presents an invaluable opportunity to raise awareness about the urgent need for more foster families and to highlight the positive outcomes that can be achieved through foster care; welcomes the efforts of Foster Care Fortnight in encouraging individuals and families to consider becoming foster carers and highlights the crucial role that well-matched placements play in ensuring positive experiences and successful outcomes for children in foster care; furthermore, calls on Ministers to recognise and properly reward the exceptional contribution made by foster carers to our society, ensuring ongoing support, training and resources are accessible to allow foster carers to deliver the best possible care to children; urges the Government to invest in comprehensive support programs that address the unique needs and challenges faced by foster carers; and finally encourages all Members to actively promote Foster Care Fortnight within their constituencies and engage with local fostering services to raise awareness, recruit foster carers, and support the vital work they do.
1169Potential merits of new legislation on mandatory corporate due diligence
Tabled: 16/05/23 Signatories: 27
Tony Lloyd
Caroline Lucas
Ben Lake
Alison Thewliss
Wera Hobhouse
Sammy Wilson
Helen MorganMohammad YasinLiz Saville RobertsHywel Williams
This House welcomes the campaign for a new UK mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence law in connection with supply chains; notes that more than 100,000 people in the UK have signed a petition asking the Government to hold business, finance and the public sector to account when they fail to prevent supply chain human rights abuses and environmental harms; notes also that businesses and investors have backed such legislation to level the playing field, and that similar laws are being introduced in other countries; and calls on the Government to adopt such a law as soon as possible.
11702023 Welsh Disc Golf Open at Felin Geri
Tabled: 16/05/23 Signatories: 7
Ben Lake
Jonathan Edwards
Hywel Williams
Liz Saville Roberts
Patrick Grady
Chris Stephens
Chris Law
That this House congratulates the organisers of the 2023 Welsh Open held at Felin Geri, Cwm Cou, as part of both the Quaich Tour and the BDGA Pro Am Tour; commends the contestants for the high quality of play and the positivity of the event; notes that Disc Golf is growing in popularity; looks forward to the establishment of further Disc Golf courses in Wales and the UK; and encourages people to reach out to their local disc golf association to get involved with this fun, social, and accessible sport.
1171Kandy Bar Bakery
Tabled: 16/05/23 Signatories: 4
Patricia Gibson
Allan Dorans
Chris Stephens
Chris Law
That this House congratulates Kandy Bar of Saltcoats, West Kilbride and Kilwinning on adding to its already numerous accolades by winning awards at the Scottish Baker of the Year awards ceremony 2023; understands that this unique competition, organised by Scottish Bakers, receives over 630 submissions of baked goods from 70 bakeries, which are tasted by 50 industry experts who evaluate their appearance, baking quality and taste; recognises the achievements of the Kandy Bar in gaining national bronze awards and regional silver award for their Scotch morning rolls as well as a national bronze award for their potato scones and a regional bronze award for their party faced biscuits; acknowledges that this recognition comes in the wake of its previous wins at the 22nd World Championship Scotch Pie Awards of 2022; appreciates that the Scottish Baker of the Year awards recognise the excellence and creativity required to provide quality fresh produce, made from locally sourced ingredients; further understands that the Kandy Bar is a family business, which is well patronised by local residents; commends the owners Stephen and Rona McAllister who, with their dedicated and skilled staff, work so diligently in the bakery’s fast paced environment; is aware that Kandy Bar, established in 1929 by the McAllister family, has become an institution across North Ayrshire; and wishes the bakery and its staff continued success providing products and service to customers across North Ayrshire.
1172Christian Aid Week 2023
Tabled: 16/05/23 Signatories: 9
Jim Shannon
Patrick Grady
Neale Hanvey
Chris Stephens
Tim Farron
Sir Mike Penning
Conor McGinnPatricia GibsonChris Law
That this House celebrates Christian Aid Week 2023, marked from 14 to 20 May 2023; notes that for over 75 years, they have stood together in solidarity with some of the world's most marginalised global neighbours of all different faiths; further notes the tremendous work undertaken in helping those in poverty and that Christian Aid seeks to eradicate extreme poverty by tackling its root causes; highlights the importance of their four values of equality, dignity, justice and love, and how these are motivators in helping to achieve the best for other people who are less fortunate; further highlights hope being founded on God's promise of a world without poverty, where everyone has life in all its fullness, and that we can get to a place where the world can be restored and transformed; thanks them dearly for their work to those who are struggling globally; and wishes them all the best for another 10 years of success and dedication to others.
1177Derry Senior Men's Football Team, Ulster final victory
Tabled: 16/05/23 Signatories: 3
Colum Eastwood
Chris Stephens
Chris Law
That this House congratulates the Derry Senior Men's Football Team on their win over Armagh on Sunday 14 May 2023, winning back-to-back Ulster finals, with a 3-1 penalty shoot-out after an extra time draw of Derry 1-15 to Armagh’s 0-18; notes that this showcased their exceptional talent and determination; and applauds the players, coaching staff and support personnel for their tireless efforts in preparing for and executing a highly competitive and successful match, epitomising the positive role the Gaelic Athletic Association plays in communities across Ireland and Britain.
1177A1 [Amendment]
Tabled: 18/05/23 Signatories: 1
Conor McGinn
And further salutes the players and management of the Armagh team, noting the exceptional commitment, determination and skill they have displayed which has made everyone from the county proud, both at home and abroad; and wishes all Ulster teams well in All-Ireland Football Championship series and the Tailteann Cup.
1178Funding for the Pathway Fund in Northern Ireland
Tabled: 16/05/23 Signatories: 3
Colum Eastwood
Chris Stephens
Chris Law
That this House expresses deep concern and disappointment regarding the proposed termination of the Pathway Fund in Northern Ireland as announced by the Department of Education following cuts imposed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; notes the devastating impact this decision will have on the 13 registered providers of early years education and learning provision within Foyle constituency; further notes the significant positive outcomes achieved by these organisations in supporting children at risk of educational disadvantage; recognises the crucial role of early years investment in building a strong foundation for children's future development; acknowledges the importance of access to safe and nurturing environments for disadvantaged children and the severe consequences of job losses and reduced services resulting from the removal of the Pathway Fund; and urges the Department of Education and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to reverse the cuts and guarantee the continuation of the Pathway Fund beyond June 2023.
1179Derry Girls receipt of BAFTA TV Awards
Tabled: 16/05/23 Signatories: 11
Colum Eastwood
Mary Kelly Foy
Grahame Morris
Patrick Grady
Chris Stephens
Alison Thewliss
Patricia GibsonChris LawLiz Saville RobertsBen LakeHywel Williams
That this House congratulates the cast, crew and production team of Derry Girls for their outstanding achievements at the BAFTA TV Awards; commends Lisa McGee, the show’s writer, on receiving the BAFTA for scripted comedy, and Siobhán McSweeney for winning the award for best female performance in a comedy programme; acknowledges the significant impact of Derry Girls in capturing the spirit of teenage life during the Troubles in Northern Ireland; recognises the show’s ability to find humour in challenging circumstances and its universal appeal; and appreciates the dedication and talent displayed by the entire Derry Girls team in promoting a positive version of Derry City and its people.
1180150th anniversary of the death of David Livingstone
Tabled: 17/05/23 Signatories: 6
Chris Law
Alison Thewliss
Chris Stephens
Liz Saville Roberts
Ben Lake
Hywel Williams
That this House marks the 150th anniversary of the death of David Livingstone, who remains one of the UK’s most well-known historical figures; acknowledges Livingstone’s remarkable life as the son of a mill-worker from Blantyre, who was initially self-taught and qualified as a medical doctor at the University of Glasgow, before later leading mapping and exploration expeditions in Central and East Africa; recognises the stance he took against slavery and his continued remembrance in East Africa and particularly Malawi, where he spent much of his life; understands that, viewed through a modern lens, Livingstone’s legacy like many of his era can be challenging, however believes this offers us an opportunity to review our role and understanding of the UK’s connection with Africa through his life; notes that a major refurbishment has been completed at the The David Livingstone Birthplace Museum in Blantyre, a museum and centre for exploring historic and contemporary experiences of black history and colonisation; further notes that the David Livingstone Trust has begun exploring how Livingstone’s life and legacy retains relevance in a society that has, over the last century, radically re-evaluated many of the areas that his life touched on, including but not limited to spirituality and faith, colonialism and slavery, and the UK’s relationship with Africa; and commends the ambition of the David Livingstone Trust to use his legacy as the catalyst for the formation of a National Centre for the Study of the UK’s Colonial Legacy at Blantyre.
1181Extrajudicial executions in Iran (No. 2)
Tabled: 17/05/23 Signatories: 8
John McDonnell
Mary Kelly Foy
Alison Thewliss
Chris Law
Chris Stephens
Liz Saville Roberts
Ben LakeHywel Williams
This House is deeply concerned by the extrajudicial executions of Shademan Ahmadi, Atefeh Naami, Emad Heidari Nokish, Esmail Dezvar,Saman Ghaderpor, Matin Nasri, Samira Ebrahimi, Sarina Shiri, Mohamad Abdullahi, Esmail Dazvar, Mohamad Abdullahi, Ali Bani Asad by the Iranian state; sends condolences to the family and friends of the victims; condemns the actions of the Iranian regime in perpetrating these crimes; and urges the Government to call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to stop executing protestors and to stop violating women's and other citizen's rights and freedoms.
1182International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus
Tabled: 17/05/23 Signatories: 6
Tony Lloyd
Chris Stephens
Chris Law
Liz Saville Roberts
Ben Lake
Hywel Williams
That this House notes the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus on 21 May designated by the Viasna Human Rights Centre and further promoted by the Office of the National Leader of Belarus Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya; highlights that 21 May was chosen in memory of Vitold Ashurak, a political activist who died in a penal colony in Belarus on 21 May 2021; is aware that Viasna has now recognised nearly 1500 people as political prisoners in Belarus and has documented a daily average of 17 detentions; highlights the case of the founder of Viasna, Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski, himself now a political prisoner sentenced to a 10 year term; further highlights the case of journalist Raman Pratasevich, detained in 2021 after his flight from Athens to Vilnius was forced to land by the Belarusian authorities and sentenced to 8 years in prison; condemns the death in a penal colony on 7 May of Mikalai Klimovich, jailed for posting an online caricature of dictator Aliaksandr Lukashenka; expresses concern about the welfare of former presidential contender Viktar Babaryka, hospitalised in April after reportedly being beaten in prison; highlights several politically-motivated trials that are still ongoing, including that of Yana Pinchuk, whose trial began on 10 April and about which there has been no information since; and calls on the Lukashenka regime to release all political prisoners, respect human rights, and enable a transition to democracy.