Contents

Published: Thursday 13 July 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 12 July 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

1463Mileage Allowance Payments

Tabled: 12/07/23 Signatories: 3

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

That this House recognises that Mileage Allowance Payments require urgent review; is concerned about the impact on those who rely on their cars and personal vehicles for work; acknowledges that the Competition and Markets Authority has found that average supermarket fuel margins increased by six pence a litre between 2019 and 2022, which resulted in an additional cost of around £900m for customers of the four supermarket fuel retailers in 2022 alone; notes that research by Unison found that one in five frontline public service workers are required to drive to do their job and that they are paid significantly lower than average wages, especially those working in social care; highlights that those with the highest mileage can be left thousands of pounds out of pocket with many forced to use foodbanks and to take out loans to make ends meet; further recognises that the failure to raise mileage rates is particularly detrimental to those in the voluntary sector, which is making it difficult for charities to recruit new volunteer drivers; is concerned that this is excluding many people from the benefits which volunteering brings both to individuals and their communities; and calls on the Government to ensure that rates are regularly updated in order to better reflect the cost of using a vehicle for work and volunteering, and to abolish the cap which sees drivers receive a reduced rate if they drive over 10,000 miles in the tax year.

1464Scottish Government paper on drug reform

Tabled: 12/07/23 Signatories: 4

Ronnie Cowan

Martyn Day

Caroline Lucas

Alison Thewliss

That this House notes the publication of the recent paper on drug reform from the Scottish Government entitled A Caring, Compassionate and Human Rights Informed Drug Policy for Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s public health approach to problematic drug use; further notes that the paper calls on the UK Government to implement the decriminalisation of all drugs for personal supply, progressed as part of a wider review of drug laws; believes that these are ambitious, evidence-based proposals; agrees that this approach would allow people found in possession of drugs to be treated and supported rather than criminalised and that people in recovery would have a better chance of employment without a criminal record; and calls on Ministers to give serious consideration to this paper and to engage with the Scottish Government on its proposals.

1465Bank closures in Scotland

Tabled: 12/07/23 Signatories: 1

Chris Stephens

That this House notes that Lloyds Banking Group, which operates the Bank of Scotland, has announced that it plans to close all branches in Aberfoyle, Aviemore, Ballater, Braemar, Crieff, Cumnock, Cupar, Dunbar, Dunkeld, Duns, Eyemouth, Falkland, Fort Augustus, Girvan, Jedburgh, Newcastleton and Ullapool; further notes that, with the exception of those in Cupar and Ullapool, these are the last banks in the community; considers that this places several communities' access to cash at risk; is aware of the importance of access to cash for services and business in communities throughout Scotland especially in rural areas where the distance between communities with and without bank branches is often as much as 30 miles; regrets the announced closures; acknowledges the limitations that the devolution settlement places on the Scottish Government's ability to act in this area; and therefore calls on the Secretary of State to work with the Scottish Government to prevent closures and protect communities' access to banking services and cash.

1466Taylor MacKenzie, Special Olympics World Games 2023 champion

Tabled: 12/07/23 Signatories: 1

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Dundee’s Taylor MacKenzie on her success at the Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin, Germany; celebrates Taylor’s gold medal success in both the 200m freestyle and 400m freestyle races, finishing with World Games records of 02:33.07 and 05:26.63 respectively; notes that Taylor was the only Scottish swimmer to compete for the Great Britain team; recognises Taylor’s supporters who have helped her reach this stage, including her parents Richard and Lisa, her club Monifieth Swimming Club and the Fife firm T&N Gilmartin, who helped sponsor Taylor’s participation in the Games; and wishes Taylor all the success in her future competitions.

1467Senior Courts

Tabled: 12/07/23 Signatories: 2

Sir Robert Neill

Karl Turner

That the Civil Procedure (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2023 (S.I., 2023, No. 572), dated 22 May 2023, a copy of which was laid before this House on 24 May 2023, be revoked.

1468Eggs and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership

Tabled: 12/07/23 Signatories: 1

Helen Morgan

That this House notes the concerning reports that the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will exclude eggs as a sensitive sector; expresses concern at the concept of eggs being imported from countries who are CPTPP members, but where egg production relies heavily on battery caged eggs; acknowledges that these types of imports will undercut British egg producers who operate to higher standards of animal welfare and food safety standards under the British Lion Codes of Practice; and calls on the Government to maintain the high levels of hen welfare and food safety the British public expect by listing it as a sensitive sector within the CPTPP agreement.

1469Campbeltown Courier 150th anniversary

Tabled: 12/07/23 Signatories: 1

Brendan O'Hara

That this House sends its warmest congratulates to everyone at the Campbeltown Courier as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first edition of the newspaper which was printed in July 1873; sincerely thanks all of the staff and owners, past and present, for their unwavering commitment to their community by providing a weekly printed newspaper for the past century and a half; believes that the Campbeltown Courier’s longevity and continued strong readership reflect the integral role the paper has played, and continues to play, in the lives of people and communities, not just in Campbeltown but right across Kintyre and the islands as well; recognises the positive impact that good, local journalism and a quality local newspaper can have on a community; and wishes the staff and owners continued success.

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.

1390Baldernock Primary School

Tabled: 28/06/23 Signatories: 6

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Margaret Ferrier

Martin Docherty-Hughes

That this House celebrates the 150th anniversary of Baldernock Primary School; thanks its teachers, staff and parents for the work they do to educate the children of East Dunbartonshire; notes their work has enabled Baldernock Primary to consistently achieve outstanding standards of pupil performance; applauds the children of Baldernock Primary for the history presentation and percussion performance with which they entertained guests at the anniversary celebration; recognises that Baldernock Primary is part of an unbroken lineage of formal education in the parish going back over four hundred years; credits this fine and ancient school as a testament to Scotland’s proud and unique history of world-class formal education; and wishes the school all good luck for another successful century.

1392Father Paul Lee

Tabled: 28/06/23 Signatories: 8

Peter Grant [R]

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Tim Farron

Conor McGinn

Margaret Ferrier

That this House congratulates Father Paul Lee of St Agatha’s RC Church in Methil and St Giles’ RC Church in Kennoway on the 10th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood; notes that shortly after his ordination he accepted the responsibility of being the sole priest covering these two geographically large church communities and that he was subsequently given the formal role of parish priest; thanks Father Paul for the energy and dedication with which he has served both the spiritual and corporeal needs of the people of Levenmouth and beyond; and wishes him many more years of devoted and fulfilling service.

1395Bishopbriggs Acro Gymnastics Club 40th anniversary

Tabled: 28/06/23 Signatories: 6

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Alison Thewliss

Martin Docherty-Hughes

That this House celebrates the 40th anniversary of Bishopbriggs Acro Gymnastics Club in East Dunbartonshire; acknowledges the work BAGC has done over the decades to promote and encourage Acro Gymnastics as both a competitive and a recreational sport; thanks the club for creating opportunities for young people to engage in healthy and rewarding activities for so many years; applauds the spirit that the club's founders showed by starting such a positive social institution; applauds the resilience that the club has shown by remaining active and relevant through the good times and the bad; and congratulates BAGC and all its members on the fantastic success of its 40th anniversary celebration and wishes them good luck for another fantastic 40 years.

1410Prescribing of cannabis medicines by general medical practitioners

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 12

Crispin Blunt [R]

Jon Trickett

Jonathan Edwards

Charlotte Nichols

John McDonnell

Caroline Lucas

That this House notes that the Government allowed specialist medical practitioners to be able to prescribe cannabis medicines in 2018, but excluded general medical practitioners, despite their core role in supporting patients in their communities; further notes that, annually, around 20,000 patients obtain private prescriptions for medical cannabis, but just 1,000 have NHS prescriptions and that there are many more who access the illicit market to obtain cannabis for medical reasons; and calls on the Government to take the necessary steps to allow general medical practitioners to have the same medical cannabis prescribing rights as specialist medical practitioners.

1414Alcohol treatment services: Public Accounts Committee Report

Tabled: 4/07/23 Signatories: 14

Grahame Morris

Ian Mearns

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

John McDonnell

Claudia Webbe

That this House welcomes the Public Accounts Committee's report on Alcohol treatment services and shares its concerns; is dismayed that the Department for Health and Social Care appears to lack sufficient understanding of the total cost of alcohol harm; suggests that, in establishing its evidence base, the Department should take account of the widely supported Alcohol Charter of 2018 and comprehensive report by the Commission on Alcohol Harm 2020; is alarmed that alcohol-related hospital admissions and alcohol deaths have been rising while access to treatment has been falling and addiction psychiatry has all but disappeared; recognises that treatment services for alcohol dependency show success rates of around 60 per cent and deliver an estimated £3 benefit immediately for every £1 invested; and calls on the Government to respond to the Committee in a timely fashion and to direct the Department for Health and Social Care to enact swiftly the six recommendations in the Report before many more lives are needlessly blighted and lost.

1415Palestinians facing persecution

Tabled: 4/07/23 Signatories: 33

Andy McDonald

Crispin Blunt [R]

Tommy Sheppard

Beth Winter

Mary Kelly Foy

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House recognises that the Palestinian people are under unprecedented attack; notes that the Israeli Government, one of the most right-wing in its history, has launched its biggest military incursion in the West Bank in two decades, is announcing thousands of new illegal settlements on a regular basis, continuing with its expulsions of Palestinians from East Jerusalem and Masafer Yatta and its school and home demolitions, and failing to prevent armed settlers from rampaging through Palestinian villages killing, maiming, and attacking Palestinians and destroying homes, mosques, and agricultural lands; is horrified to note that this year in the West Bank alone the Israeli military has killed more than 170 Palestinians, nearly one per day; further notes that the US Administration has publicly criticised the plans for illegal settlement expansion; is dismayed that instead of taking concrete steps to uphold human rights and international law, the British Government seems determined to shield Israel from accountability, as well as companies complicit in its occupation, by legislating to silence those trying to achieve change through peaceful and democratic means; believes that any suggestion that, alone among peoples facing oppression around the world, Palestinians should be singled out and denied the right to appeal to people of conscience for support is not only wrong but runs counter to the UK’s legal obligations and must be rejected; and insists that the ability of public authorities to divest from companies proven to be complicit or responsible for violations of human rights should be defended.

1419Sky lanterns and balloon releases

Tabled: 5/07/23 Signatories: 8

Mohammad Yasin

Sir Mike Penning

Chris Stephens

John McDonnell

Jonathan Edwards

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

That this House is concerned about the potential environmental impact of sky lantern and balloon releases, particularly in relation to marine wildlife such as dolphins, whales, turtles and seabirds; notes the particular fire hazard associated with sky lanterns and recognises the important work of the Marine Conservation Society in campaigning for a ban on sky lantern and balloon releases; further notes those local authorities which have implemented a regional ban and calls upon the UK Government to ban sky lanterns and balloon releases.

1428Profits and inflation

Tabled: 6/07/23 Signatories: 24

Debbie Abrahams

Jon Trickett

Dan Carden

John McDonnell

Richard Burgon

Olivia Blake

That this House notes the Bank of England’s decision in June to increase interest rates to five per cent, the 13th consecutive rise; believes that while inflation must be reduced and contained, ordinary British people are not the drivers of inflation, including core inflation, and that there is evidence of profiteering by some banks and businesses; and resolves to ask the Financial Conduct Authority as the regulator of the banking industry to investigate (a) potential profiteering by some banks, for example, an extra £7 billion in profits directly from interest rate rises was reported in March from the big four banks: Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and Nat West, (b) the guidance banks will be required to issue to borrowers, for example, temporary switches to interest only mortgage payments and lengthening the term of their mortgage period, (c) actions taken by banks under the Mortgage Charter to ameliorate repayment increases and (d) actions taken by banks to compensate savers after interest rate increases.

1429Support for Sporting Heritage

Tabled: 6/07/23 Signatories: 8

Alyn Smith

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Richard Burgon

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

That this House believes that the preservation of sporting heritage is a vitally important strand of cultural work in the public, private and third-sector; also believes that the collection, maintenance and presentation of photographs, documents, records and memorabilia relating to sporting achievements, participants and institutions form a key part of a local community’s story; and welcomes the efforts of the Sporting Heritage organisation, who take forward campaigns and efforts to promote local, regional and national collaboration in this sector.

143130th anniversary of the Mitsubishi Electric in Livingston

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 5

Hannah Bardell

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Allan Dorans

This House celebrates the 30th anniversary of Mitsubishi Electric in Livingston; recognises the company's track record of supporting and bolstering the local economy by employing over 1,800 people and through major projects like its new Ecodan heat pump; applauds the company’s commitment to not only the local economy but the local people through events like the Pump It Up Challenge Day, which encourages secondary school pupils to use their STEM knowledge to create sustainable solutions to the climate crisis; congratulates the factory on producing its five millionth product; thanks the Mitsubishi team, staff and supporters that continue to work on their pioneering work and the successful running of the Livingston factory over the last 30 years; and wishes them all the best for their next 30 years and beyond.

1442Your Good Home magazine and lived experience co-production

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 11

Rebecca Long Bailey

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Kim Johnson

Mick Whitley

Rachael Maskell

Nadia Whittome

This House commends the recently-launched Your Good Home magazine, which is the outcome from a lived experience co-production project produced by young Salfordians who have experienced the housing system and temporary accommodation and are trying to make a safe and happy home for the first time, facilitated by the social enterprise Unlimited Potential and Salford City Council; and calls on the Government, local authorities and other policy makers to fund and utilise co-production projects as powerful resources for learning from those with lived experience, as a source of proposed effective, locally driven and creative solutions that work for the benefit of their local constituents and communities.

1444OSI Renewables and Scotland's energy potential

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 8

Martyn Day

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Margaret Ferrier

Patrick Grady

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates OSI Renewables, an engineering business headquartered in West Lothian, that has received four Spotlight on New Technology® awards from the offshore Technology Conference in Houston Texas, which span O&G, Deepsea Minerals and Floating Wind, a Hart Energy award, and Scottish Engineering’s Innovation Excellence Award 2023; commends its over forty years' experience in delivering solutions to the offshore energy market; further commends its accomplishment in designing an offshore wind turbine foundation named F-TLP, which targets the Floating Wind market sector; welcomes the foundation’s unique design that could generate a revenue of between 1.2 and 1.5 billion pounds per year; and celebrates its investment in harnessing Scotland's renewable energy potential.

1445Treatment of slave monkeys in Thailand

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 8

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Margaret Ferrier

Patrick Grady

Alison Thewliss

Chris Stephens

That this House unequivocally condemns animal cruelty in Thailand, where pig-tailed macaques are forced to labour as coconut-picking machines, harvesting hundreds of coconuts every day; notes that the macaques are tied to ropes which their handlers yank to control them; is concerned that the macaques suffer a range of barbaric and cruel treatments, as documented by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals; deplores the fact that many of the young macaques have their teeth removed to prevent them from biting their abusers; acknowledges that these curious, highly intelligent animals are denied psychological stimulation, companionship and freedom, which leads to depression and trauma; is deeply concerned that the two breeds of pig-tailed macaques used in coconut farms are registered as vulnerable and endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list; approves of the decision by British retailers to join a boycott of all Thai-made coconut products, which has led Waitrose, Co-op, Boots, Ocado and Morrisons to remove or to vow to remove products using monkey labour in the supply chain; applauds the fact that 45,000 stores operated by leading international retail chains across the United States and Europe have halted all sales of coconut milk from certain suppliers, with HelloFresh the latest international business to drop Thai coconut milk completely; and urges the Government to condemn the exploitation and abuse of these vulnerable and endangered creatures and to work with industry and international partners to consign the use of cruel monkey labour to the history books.

1446Thistle Du Florist, Darvel

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 5

Alan Brown

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

This House congratulates Thistle Du Florist, an exceptional family business in Darvel, for their outstanding accomplishment as the prestigious Wedding Florist of the Year 2023/2024 in the Prestige Awards; acknowledges their commitment to delivering customer service; celebrates their dedication to excellence, creativity, and positive impact on the local community; commends Thistle Du for their support for and involvement in many wider community events and initiatives; and wishes Heather Martin and Thistle Du every success going forward as an embedded community business.

1448Royal British Legion Credit their Service campaign

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 7

Patricia Gibson

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Alison Thewliss

Chris Stephens

That this House recognises that veterans are an asset to society and deserve the best possible care and support in recognition of the service they have given and the sacrifices they have made; considers that those veterans and their families who have experienced pain and loss as a result of their or a loved ones' service in HM Armed Forces are rightly compensated; notes that under the current system, compensation has been awarded to 150,000 Armed Forces veterans and their families for the pain and loss they endured in service, 12,000 of whom live in Scotland; believes it is unfair and unreasonable that this compensation is regarded as income when undergoing welfare benefits means testing; understands that this contrasts with Civil Service awards, such as personal injury compensation, which are typically exempt from such welfare benefits means testing; acknowledges that this has led to the most financially vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the Armed Forces community being denied the support enjoyed by their civilian counterparts, causing those affected significant financial loss each year; commends the Royal British Legion and Poppy Scotland for their campaign Credit their Service for highlighting this injustice; and calls on the Government to amend benefit regulations to ensure that no member of the Armed Forces community has their compensation treated as income when undergoing welfare benefits means testing.

1449Pay in the North East

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 21

Kate Osborne

Jonathan Edwards

Grahame Morris

Claudia Webbe

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

That this House notes the Trades Union Congress (TUC) analysis which shows that the North East still has the lowest average weekly earnings of any region in the UK; notes the analysis reveals workers in the North East region earn 7% less, on average, than the UK median wage; further notes that, in some parts of the North East this pay gap is even wider; agrees that the findings show the devastating impact that years of wage stagnation have had on workers in the North East; further agrees with the statement that workers are facing a real pay emergency with real wages worth less in the North East than they were in 2010; and welcomes the TUC's call to tax wealth and the wealthy, not workers.

1452Holodomor in Ukraine, 1932-1933

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 3

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Jonathan Edwards

That this House recognises the Holodomor of 1932-33 in Ukraine as a genocide of the Ukrainian people; considers that the Holodomor, literally meaning extermination by hunger, was a deliberate campaign of starvation and violence carried out by the Soviet regime against the people of Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of millions; understands that Holodomor was part of Joseph Stalin’s revolution from above which, from 1932 to 1933, inflicted a terror famine on the collectivised peasants of the Ukraine, Kuban and other areas of high Ukrainian ethnicity; notes that Stalin raised Ukraine’s grain procurement quotas by 44%, meaning there was not enough food to feed the peasants, as the law required that no grain from a collective farm could be given to members until the regime’s quota had been met; understands that, due to the secrecy imposed by the former Soviet Union, it is difficult to know how many perished during the Holodomor of 1932-33; further notes, however, research suggesting up to seven and a half million innocent people may have died as a direct result of the Soviet-imposed famine; further understands that, during the height of the famine, international offers of aid and support were turned down by the regime, while vital food stores were allowed to rot in warehouses under armed guard; is aware that many members of the Ukrainian community in Scotland lost relatives during the Holodomor; and calls on the Russian Federation, as the primary successor of the Soviet Union, to apologise for perpetrating genocide on the Ukrainian people.

1453Derry Minor Footballers, winners of the All-Ireland Minor Football Championship

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 4

Colum Eastwood

Conor McGinn

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Jonathan Edwards

That this House wholeheartedly congratulates the Derry Minor Footballers on their outstanding victory over Monaghan in the All-Ireland Minor Football Championship final, securing their second title within the last four years; recognises and commends the exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship demonstrated by the Derry team throughout the match, setting a commendable example for young athletes across the nation; applauds the coaching staff, management and supporters for their unwavering dedication, guidance, and passionate support, which played a vital role in the team's success; celebrates the talented young men who represent Derry, acting as role models for aspiring footballers and inspiring future generations to pursue their sporting dreams; wishes Derry Minor Footballers continued success in their sporting pursuits and encourages them to build upon this achievement; commends the players which were instrumental in Derry's victory; notes the exemplary sportsmanship demonstrated by both Derry and Monaghan throughout the match, further enhancing the reputation of Gaelic football as a sport rooted in fair play and respect; and wishes them the best of luck in their future endeavours, both individually and as a team.

1454Archdiocese of Liverpool and the Lourdes centenary year

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 4

Conor McGinn

Mike Amesbury

Ms Marie Rimmer

Martin Docherty-Hughes

This House notes the centenary of the first pilgrimage from the Archdiocese of Liverpool to Lourdes; sends warm good wishes to all those from parishes across the Archdiocese taking part in this year’s 100th anniversary pilgrimage; remembers those hundreds of thousands of faithful who have visited the shrine at Lourdes in devotion to Our Lady and Saint Bernadette over the last century; acknowledges the leadership of the Most Reverend Archbishop Malcolm McMahon and thanks him, the Catholic clergy, religious and laity of the Archdiocese for their faith and witness; and hopes for the continued closeness and co-operation between the Christian Churches in Liverpool and strong relations between all faith communities in the city and region.

1455Democratic governance and transitional justice in The Gambia

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 2

Anne McLaughlin

Allan Dorans

That this House notes with concern reports that President Adama Barrow in The Gambia may stand for a third Presidential term; further notes that in 2017 when he defeated the incumbent Yahya Jammeh, who had ruled for 22 years, he had promised to step down after three years in office; highlights the importance of the implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission’s recommendations to hold perpetrators of crimes against humanity and serious human rights violations committed during Yahya Jammeh’s Presidency to account and enable victims to receive reparations; commends the EU’s recent commitment of €9 million to support, inter alia, The Gambia’s transitional justice process, in partnership with the United Nations and The Gambian Government; urges The Gambian Government to move forward with the creation of a Special Prosecutor's Office and hybrid or internationalised court with the Economic Community of West African States, as well as institutional and constitutional reform to foster democratic governance; and calls on the UK Government, with others in the international community, to provide the necessary financial and technical assistance for a comprehensive and effective justice process and to strengthen democracy in The Gambia.

1456Mr Tom Hubbard

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 2

Neale Hanvey

Margaret Ferrier

That this House commends and applauds the dynamism of Mr Tom Hubbard, the inaugural post-holder of librarian of the Scottish Poetry Library, academic, author and poet, for his broad range of authorship exploring and demonstrating his love for Scotland, Scottish issues and Scottish literature; appreciates that although now retired, Mr Hubbard continues in his efforts to pay homage to the arts across the Langtoun o' Kirkcaldy where he resides; recognises that as an active member of the community he attends local events to perform his poetry encouraging upcoming and seasoned artists, and lovers of the arts, to embrace their passion for creative expression, storytelling and technical proficiency; and celebrates his efforts to encourage citizens across diverse communities to engage in the dynamic sphere of Scottish arts and literature.

1457MPH Group Kirkcaldy, Navien UK and the late Rose Duncan

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 2

Neale Hanvey

Margaret Ferrier

That this House commends Mr Ewan Mclean and Mr Ewan Mclean Jnr of Kirkcaldy-based MPH Group for their Heat 2 Eat charitable initiative; applauds their resourcefulness in seeking the partnership of boiler manufacturer Navien UK to help amplify the impact they have in the local community; recognises the input of Mr Jason Davies, Sales Director Navien UK, and well-loved charity worker the late Rose Duncan in the process of securing this charitable arrangement; appreciates the commitment of both companies in continuing their pledge to donate £100 for every Navien Combi-Crossover boiler installed in Fife for the coming year; and notes that donations from the Heat 2 Eat partnership already exceeds £17,000, helping their nominated charity, Brighter Futures Health Hub, the local area food banks and vulnerable people from across our communities access vital community support.

1458Launch of the Our Story Is One campaign

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 4

Daisy Cooper

Sir Mike Penning

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Nadia Whittome

That this House notes the launch of the Our Story Is One campaign; recalls that in 1983 10 Baha’i women were executed for their religious beliefs; observes that this campaign links the 40th anniversary of this infamous event with the increasing loss of life of women and girls in Iran since the killing of Mahsa Amini in September 2022; and affirms the goals of the campaign to support gender equality, ending violence against women and freedom of religion or belief in Iran.

145950th anniversary of Meirionnydd Special Riding Group

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 3

Liz Saville Roberts

Jon Trickett

Martin Docherty-Hughes

That this House congratulates Grwp Marchogaeth Arbennig Meirionnydd, Meirionnydd Special Riding Group, who recently celebrated their 50th anniversary with a fun day; notes that the riding group was founded in 1973 by Joan Veevers, a member of the Dolgellau Red Cross Group; celebrates that in 2011 the charity was awarded the Disability Sport Wales club mark; recognises that the charity is run entirely by volunteers which offers horse riding, care and horse therapy to those with additional needs in the Meirionnydd area; further recognises the many benefits of spending time outside for the wellbeing of the young people who attend; and once again congratulates the volunteers and the riders for everything they do and wishes them well with the next 50 years.

1460St Helens Mobile Community Food Pantry

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 3

Conor McGinn

Ms Marie Rimmer

Jonathan Edwards

That this House congratulates the team behind the creation of the St Helens Mobile Community Food Pantry; notes that the pantry now has over 2,500 members across the borough; pays tribute to Jim Housley, Paul Cooper and those who run the project and worked alongside Mission in the Economy, St Helens Council and Halton and St Helens Voluntary and Community Action to secure funding; pays particular attention to the innovative collaboration with Fans Supporting FoodBanks and the Saints Foundation to collect for local foodbanks at rugby league games in St Helens; welcomes such community based efforts rooted in social justice and activism; and encourages support for such initiatives and a commitment to eradicating food poverty in Britain.

1461New all-weather lifeboat at New Quay, Ceredigion

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 5

Ben Lake

Margaret Ferrier

Jonathan Edwards

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

That this House celebrates the 159 years of continuous service that has been provided by the RNLI Lifeboats at New Quay Ceredigion; notes with gratitude the 238 lives saved at sea as a result of the bravery and skill of the crew since 1970, and most recently the three lives rescued from the sea during Storm Arwen in 2021, for which all six members of the crew received letters of thanks from the RNLI chairman; acknowledges the invaluable service of the station’s Mersey Class Lifeboat, RNLB Frank and Lena Clifford of Stourbridge; celebrates the arrival of the station’s new Shannon Class Lifeboat, RNLB Roy Barker V; commends the dedication and selflessness of the station’s crew and volunteers; and wishes New Quay RNLI and its volunteers continued success for the future.

1462Welfare organisation for people in Pakistan

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 3

Mr Gregory Campbell

Sir Mike Penning

Margaret Ferrier

That this House notes the numbers of people who have settled in the UK, working and continuing to contribute to society here while not forgetting much less fortunate people in the land of their birth; recognises medical professionals from Pakistan, such as Dr Farman Khan, who have made their home in Northern Ireland working for the NHS in Causeway Hospital that have established and helped run charitable enterprises such as the Khan Welfare Organisation which offers free food, free education and health to underprivileged and orphans; and commends their endeavours and wishes them continuing success in the future.