Contents

Published: Friday 8 December 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 7 December 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

169Migrants and domestic abuse

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 1

Apsana Begum

That this House notes that domestic abuse can have profound long-term effects on survivors and is concerned that it is very difficult to speak out about domestic abuse and often those that do are subject to further silencing tactics; is concerned that police forces potentially sharing migrant data with Immigration Enforcement could prevent migrants experiencing domestic abuse from reporting to the police and others due to the fear that they will be treated as an offender themselves and face potential criminalisation, detention and deportation; is further concerned that many migrants experiencing domestic abuse are left without support due to the No Recourse to Public Funds policy; believes that everyone experiencing domestic abuse must feel able to report abuse and access justice and safety, and that perpetrators should not be allowed evade justice by using immigration status in order to silence, abuse and control; and calls on the Government to introduce a firewall between all public services and the Home Office and to scrap the No Recourse to Public Funds policy.

170Two child benefit cap

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 1

Jon Trickett

That this House strongly opposes the continuation of the cruel and unnecessary two child limit for benefits, introduced by the Government in 2017; notes that recent research shows that one in 10 children live in households affected by the two-child limit, that is 1.5 million children; highlights the University of York and Nuffield Trust report which states that the two child limit along with the benefit cap have contributed to the rising levels of child poverty and that they are poverty-producing policies; strongly advocates scrapping the two child limit, noting the House of Commons Library data that shows if the cap was removed it would lift 270,000 households out of poverty at a cost of just £1.4 billion, far less than the Government’s £5 billion claim; and finally notes that the current Government has overseen a huge increase in child poverty since 2010, with a majority of children living in poverty in households where at least one adult is in work.

171British Council International School Award accreditation for Hedworth Lane Primary School

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 1

Kate Osborne

That this House congratulates Hedworth Lane Primary School for their recent accreditation with the British Council International School Award; and notes that this is a brilliant achievement for all pupils and staff involved and applauds them for all their hard work with this accreditation and in the local community.

172Sewage discharges by United Utilities

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 1

Tony Lloyd

That this House condemns the regular and large-scale dumping of sewage by United Utilities across the North West of England; notes that recent Freedom of Information requests show that since 2018 raw sewage has been pumped into the North West’s natural environment for a total of 2,219,418 hours; highlights that in 2021 United Utilities recorded the highest number of sewage spillages in English rivers of any water company; believes that United Utilities clearly needs to act to greatly reduce its level of sewage-dumping; is concerned by the suggestion by United Utilities that they will increase customers’ bills as part of a plan to reduce sewage-dumping; and calls on United Utilities to first look to raise any funds required to reduce sewage-dumping by cutting expenditures such as the more than £300 million paid as dividends to shareholders earlier this year.

173Clothing poverty awareness

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 2

Apsana Begum

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House notes with concern that rising numbers of people are unable to afford adequate clothing in the United Kingdom, that the demand for clothing banks has increased dramatically and is particularly acute during winter months and that even despite the best efforts of clothing banks clothing deprivation is an hidden aspect of poverty in the United Kingdom; further notes that whilst other deprivations, notably food deprivations, are highly publicised and visible in the United Kingdom’s public consciousness the same is not true of clothing deprivation; acknowledges that through its voluntarily ratification of a range of treaties the United Kingdom has recognised and assumed obligations in international law to work towards the realisation of the right to adequate clothing; recognises the right to adequate clothing; calls on the Government to acknowledge the growing issue of clothing deprivation; further calls on the Government to publish a clothing strategy to ensure that nobody is excluded from accessing adequate clothing as well as address concerns regarding the environmental damage caused by fast fashion and the exploitation faced by garment workers in this country and in global supply chains; and also calls on the the Government to begin work towards addressing these issues through policy and law.

174Funding domestic abuse services

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 1

Apsana Begum

That this House notes that domestic abuse has wide ranging effects, including mental, emotional, physical, social and financial, on all areas of life for the individual survivor and those around them; recognises that community-based domestic abuse services provide holistic, specialist support to women and children experiencing domestic abuse on both a short and long-term basis; further recognises that access to support at all stages - whether still living with the abuser, planning to flee, or having already left to rebuild their lives – is absolutely critical; is alarmed that many such services are chronically underfunded and working to short-term contracts, creating a postcode lottery of provision across the country; and calls on the Government to ensure that domestic abuse services, including specialist services for disabled, LGBTQ+ and Black and Asian survivors, are properly funded so that every survivor can access the support they need.

175Domestic abuse and the workplace

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 1

Apsana Begum

That this House notes that domestic abuse can have profound long-term effects on survivors and is concerned that is very difficult to speak out about domestic abuse and often those that do are subject to further silencing tactics; recognises that domestic violence is a workplace issue and that it can affect employment performance and in some cases even mean the abuse is carried out in the workplace; believes that domestic abuse policies form an essential part of a strategy to achieve equal opportunities in the workplace; recognises trade unions are key in holding employers to account and have an important role to play in bargaining for better workplace conditions; calls on all employers to ensure workplaces are places of safety for survivors of domestic abuse with measures in place for their protection and an environment fostered where individuals experiencing domestic abuse feel confident that they will be believed, listened to and treated supportively; and calls on the Government to ensure a nationally funded network of domestic violence and abuse support services.

176East Renfrewshire Christmas card competition

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House applauds the fantastic artistic endeavours of the many hundreds of artistic East Renfrewshire primary school children, from schools all across the local area, who took part in the 2023 Christmas picture competition organised by the hon. Member for East Renfrewshire; notes that children produced beautifully festive and creative artwork, designed to share good cheer; appreciates the efforts and participation of all of those who took part; acknowledges the very high standard of all entries received; heartily congratulates all winners; recognises that the overall winner was Connie McCloy of Carolside Primary School; with runners up Callum O’Donnell, Caskie Kennedy, David Oliphant, and Nuala Riley of Isobel Mair School who worked together on their design; understands that the winner in the P1-P2 category was Martha McLaughlin of Eaglesham Primary School; notes that the winner in the P3-P5 category was Thom Bull of Hillview Primary School; appreciates that the winner in the P6-P7 category was Lilly-Rose Robertson of St Mark’s Primary School; thanks the outstanding school teams across East Renfrewshire for all their efforts supporting pupils throughout the year; and wishes teachers, families and children a peaceful and happy Christmas.

177Arms to Israel

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 6

Chris Law

Afzal Khan

Tommy Sheppard

Imran Hussain

Zarah Sultana

Kim Johnson

That this House notes with deep concern that UK-made military equipment and technology is being used by Israel, including in its most recent bombardment of the occupied Gaza Strip which has resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries; expresses alarm at reports by the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and others of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law by Israel, including apparently unlawful attacks that may amount to war crimes; further notes that Israel uses military technology and weaponry, including surveillance technology, in the broader repression of Palestinians across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory; is therefore alarmed by the granting of and continuation of extant UK licences for export to the Israeli military of arms and arms components including for aircrafts, helicopters, drones, missiles, military technology, armoured vehicles, tanks, ammunition, and small arms; reminds the Government that under international and domestic law, the UK is required to prevent the transfer of military equipment where there is a clear or overriding risk that such exports might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law or international human rights law, as affirmed by Articles 6 and 7 of the Arms Trade Treaty, and criteria one and two of the UK’s Strategic Export Licensing Criteria; and therefore calls for the Government to immediately halt all transfers of military equipment and technology, including components, to Israel, and to suspend the issuing of new licences.

178Welsh devolution

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 1

Mr Rob Roberts

That this House recognises that devolution in Wales was established by a 50.3% Yes vote based on a 50.2% turnout in the 1997 referendum; notes that the subsequent 25 years of devolution has brought no tangible benefits to the people of Wales; further notes that the most recent PISA scores show that Wales has the worst educational standards of the nations of the United Kingdom; notes that the health service in Wales is the poorest-performing in the United Kingdom; notes that in 1997 the average salaries in Wales and Scotland were almost identical but in 2023 the average salaries in Wales are 20% lower than in Scotland; notes that economic development in Wales has stalled due to the Welsh Government's refusal to build more roads or carry out improvements to existing ones; notes that economic development is further hampered by the damaging 20 miles per hour default speed limit imposed on the people of Wales leading to anger and frustration among the population; notes that more people have signed a petition to repeal the 20 miles per hour law than voted for the Welsh Government in its entirety in the last Senedd elections; and calls on the UK Government to schedule a referendum so that the people of Wales can have their say on whether they want to keep this failing institution in place or scrap devolution in Wales entirely.

179Alpino’s Fish and Chips, Barrhead

Tabled: 7/12/23 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House congratulates Alpino’s Fish and Chips in Barrhead for being named the Best Dine in Restaurant and the Best Family Business at the 2023 Scottish Fish and Chips Awards; understands that across East Renfrewshire there were several other fish and chip shops noted for their excellence, including Kadir’s Fish and Chips who were shortlisted for the Best Chippy Award, L’arco Takeaway who were shortlisted for Best Family Business and Best Delivery Service, and CATCH Fish and Chips Giffnock who won in the Best Chippy West category; appreciates that the awards were decided by a public vote; notes the Scottish Fish and Chips Awards celebrate culinary expertise, commitment to traditional cooking, and exemplary customer service; welcomes the contribution that fish and chip shops have across communities in East Renfrewshire; and wishes all the staff at Alpino’s Fish and Chips the very best for the future.

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.

113COP28

Tabled: 27/11/23 Signatories: 32

Caroline Lucas

Alex Sobel

Claire Hanna

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

That this House notes that COP28 in Dubai marks a critical moment in efforts to secure a liveable future; expresses profound alarm that, according to the UN, governments plan to produce double the amount of fossil fuels in 2030 than is consistent with limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees and that current pledges under the Paris Agreement would lead to a 2.5-2.9°C temperature rise this century; welcomes the Prime Minister's attendance at COP28 in person and calls on him to work with other leaders to deliver an agreement on the urgent and just phase-out of all fossil fuels in recognition of the end of the fossil fuel era; calls on the UK to back an ambitious political deal in response to the Global Stocktake; further notes the damaging impact of the delayed delivery of the $100bn climate finance pledge and the UK’s changes to its climate finance definitions on trust between countries and efforts to achieve the Paris Agreement goals; urges the Government to deliver its existing climate finance commitments in full, ensure funding is new and additional and support efforts to increase climate finance at COP28, laying the ground work for agreement of the New Collective Quantified Goal; notes that the full operationalisation of a properly resourced Loss and Damage Finance Fund will be the litmus test of success at COP28; and further urges the UK to support this goal and to contribute by providing grant-based funds which are additional to existing ODA and climate finance commitments.

114Dogs

Tabled: 27/11/23 Signatories: 12

Sir Christopher Chope

Sir Julian Lewis

Paul Bristow

Philip Davies

Sir Edward Leigh

Ian Lavery

That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) (England and Wales) Order 2023 (S.I., 2023, No. 1164), dated 31 October 2023, a copy of which was laid before this House on 31 October 2023, be annulled.

121Anniversary of the Bhopal gas leak

Tabled: 28/11/23 Signatories: 17

Mr Virendra Sharma

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

John McDonnell

Kim Johnson

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

That this House remembers 2 and 3 December 1984, when a Union Carbide factory leaked ultra-toxic chemical methyl isocyanate across sixteen square miles of the city of Bhopal, India, exposing 573,000 people to poison gases; deplores the continuing suffering in Bhopal 39 years after the world's worst industrial disaster; recognises a 2023 study of the university of San Diego that finds eight times higher rates of cancer among those in utero in 1984; notes that 200,000 people now live in areas in which persistent organic pollutants such as organochlorines, solvents and heavy metals contaminate drinking water due to thousands of tons of toxic wastes dumped around the factory being left uncleaned, despite Carbide knowing of the threats to health since the 1980’s; notes Carbide’s owner Dow Inc refuses India’s criminal jurisdiction, in violation of international law, in a manslaughter case concerning the deaths of over 23,000 people; commends the work of Indian civil society groups, the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal, the Trades Union Congress, UNISON and Action for Bhopal in campaigning on this issue; further commends UK charity the Bhopal Medical Appeal for providing free care to Bhopal’s damaged children; and calls for justice and dignity for the victims, who have been waiting 39 years to finally receive closure.

128BBC investigative journalism

Tabled: 29/11/23 Signatories: 25

John McDonnell

Grahame Morris

Rachael Maskell

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

Ian Lavery

That this House deplores the announcement by the BBC that more than half the jobs on flagship weekday evening programme Newsnight will be lost as part of the latest misguided Digital First savings strategy; regrets that Newsnight will no longer screen investigative reporting and will be truncated to just thirty minutes; is further concerned by proposed reductions to the budget of Panaroma; welcomes investment into the creation of digital news content but remains deeply sceptical of claims that this will compensate for cuts to flagship investigative news programmes; and calls on BBC management to work constructively with the National Union of Journalists to avoid compulsory redundancies and retain the key skills and expertise of its investigative journalists.

131Verification of gestational age for at-home abortions

Tabled: 29/11/23 Signatories: 12

Carla Lockhart

Jim Shannon

Paul Girvan

Martin Vickers

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Ian Paisley

That this House welcomes the introduction of the At Home Early Medical Abortion (Review) Bill [HL] that seeks a review into the risks to women of at-home abortion under current law; expresses its support for the Bill; calls on the Government to reinstate in-person medical appointments before abortion pills may be prescribed to determine the gestational age of a baby and to ensure women seeking abortion are not facing coercion; notes that recent illegal late-term abortions of viable unborn babies would not have been able to occur had in-person appointments to accurately assess gestational age been required; further notes that self-performing a late-term medical abortion away from a clinical environment without in-person medical supervision puts the lives of women at considerable risk; and calls on the House to reject proposals that would likely lead to a worsening of the situation and the lives of many more women being endangered, by removing offences that make it illegal to perform a self-abortion right through to birth.

136Glencore’s mining activities in Colombia and Peru (No. 3)

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 11

Tony Lloyd

Jonathan Edwards

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Brendan O'Hara

That this House expresses its concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of the Carbones de Cerrejón open-pit coalmine in Colombia and the Antapaccay-Coroccohuayco mine in Espinar in Peru, both owned by British-registered multinational Glencore Plc; notes that eight UN Special Rapporteurs called for a halt to Cerrejón’s mining operations because of health and environmental concerns; highlights the specific concerns of the Colombian Wayuu indigenous peoples and the UN Special Rapporteurs regarding contamination of the air, water and vegetation, irreversible biodiversity loss and damage to the globally important dry forest ecosystem; expresses its concern regarding documented child malnutrition in communities near the Cerrejón mine; further highlights indigenous peoples’ concerns regarding the beyond permissible levels of heavy metals in Espinar; highlights reports that the information needed to comply with informed consent under ILO Convention 169 for the Espinar mine’s expansion is not available to communities; notes that Glencore is suing the Colombian government pursuant to the investor–state dispute settlement mechanism clause within an applicable trade agreement challenging a Colombian High Court decision upholding the fundamental rights of indigenous peoples in relation to the Bruno Stream, Arroyo Bruno; calls on the UK Government to join other governments which do not include an investor state dispute settlement mechanism provision in their trade agreements, thereby preventing companies from suing governments over climate policies; and further calls on the UK to adopt a business, human rights and environment act to protect communities harmed by mining linked to UK companies and their supply chains.

14070th anniversary of Ayr Hospital Radio

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 8

Allan Dorans

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Alison Thewliss

That this House recognises, celebrates and congratulates Ayr Hospital Radio, one of Scotland’s oldest hospital radio stations on their 70th anniversary; notes that Ayr Hospital Radio was initially established in 1953 to provide patients in Ayr Hospital with live commentary of Ayr United Football Club match days; further notes that it has developed over the years as a charity and is now based at the University Hospital Ayr, with a team of currently about twenty five volunteers; observes that it is a live, seven days a week radio service, broadcasting an eclectic range of music and entertainment for patients in local hospitals and available on the world wide web for the local community; highlights that it provides the opportunity for patients requests and for relatives and friends to request dedication for patients, contributing to their recovery and wellbeing; further highlights that it provides training, skills and experience for volunteers in broadcasting; notes especially the contribution on Mr Mike Manley, one of the original founders and longest serving volunteer, the volunteer Management Committee; and gives thanks to all the volunteers over the last 70 years for their contribution to the community.

141Perth Racecourse and the Racecourse Association Showcase Awards 2023

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 6

Pete Wishart

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Chris Law

Stewart Hosie

That this House congratulates Perth Racecourse on its victory in the Diversity and Inclusion category of the Racecourse Association's 2023 Showcase Awards; understands that this award was in recognition of Perth Racecourse's Pride Raceday event, the first-headline billed Pride Raceday in British racing, which attracted thousands of new racegoers to Perth for the first time; and commends Perth Racecourse on its commitment to creating an unrivalled racing experience that offers a blend of tradition and innovation for racing enthusiasts, business and the local community.

14375th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 15

Tony Lloyd

Jonathan Edwards

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Patrick Grady

That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; notes that its adoption in 1948 was a watershed moment reflecting the collective determination of world leaders to prevent a repetition of the horrors inflicted during World War Two and to champion the inherent dignity of every individual; recognises the Declaration’s continued importance in empowering and protecting many globally; regrets that millions continue to suffer appalling violations of the rights set out in the Declaration; expresses its solidarity with human rights defenders, particularly those working at great risk to themselves and their communities, and governmental and non-governmental organisations focused on the realisation of human rights; calls on the Government to ensure that the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights is a key plank of its foreign policy, including in its bilateral and multilateral trading and security arrangements, and to do more to support human rights and environmental defenders; and further calls on the Government to bring forward legislative proposals on mandatory supply chain due diligence to protect human rights and the environment, modelled on the Bribery Act 2010.

14440th anniversary of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 14

Deidre Brock

Patrick Grady

David Linden

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

That this House congratulates the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, which has been celebrating its 40th anniversary throughout 2023; notes that the Society was founded in 1983 by a group of friends in Edinburgh, led by Pip Hills, who had previously jointly purchased a cask of single malt Scotch whisky and wanted to share the experience of sampling single cask whisky with the wider public; further notes that the founding of the society led to the opening of dedicated society tasting rooms at the Vaults in Leith, with later venues opening in London, Queen Street in Edinburgh and most recently in Glasgow; recognises the growth in membership across the UK and around the world over the past four decades, and the expansion of the Society’s bottlings into a range of different spirits, while still maintaining an enthusiasm for rare and unique flavours and a sense of adventure and exploration across their output; notes that events and activities to mark the anniversary have included a refurbishment of the original Vaults venue and a record-breaking online whisky tasting event recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records; and wishes all those involved with the Society every success in the years to come.

145Erin Boothman

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 5

Kirsten Oswald

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

Dr Philippa Whitford

That this House congratulates Erin Boothman, a pupil from Williamwood High School, East Renfrewshire, on her recent cycling successes; notes that Erin achieved a fantastic result at the British Youth Track Cycling Championships in 2022, placing 2nd in the under-16 women’s category; further notes that in July 2023 Erin was crowned champion at the National Youth Omnium Championship at the Lee Valley VeloPark; understands that Erin represented Team GB at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Slovenia where she won a silver medal in the time trial despite some very tough competition from other participants; further understands that Erin was awarded a place on the Scottish Cycling Junior Training Programme; notes that Erin is working towards her goal of representing Scotland at the next Commonwealth Games; and wishes Erin all the very best as she continues in her cycling career.

146Monkton Milers' santa dash for Ayrshire Parkinson's Group

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 14

Dr Philippa Whitford

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Patricia Gibson

Alan Brown

That this House congratulates the Monkton Milers on organising their highly successful Santa Dash in Troon to raise funds for the Ayrshire Parkinson's Group; notes that Rachel Cox, Chairperson of the Milers, won the JogScotland Jog Leader of the Year in 2022, and acknowledges the valuable contribution such volunteer-led running groups make towards keeping people active and healthy as well as raising funds to support local community projects.

14985th anniversary of the return of the British and Irish volunteers in the International Brigades

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 24

Beth Winter

Richard Burgon

Chris Stephens

Jeremy Corbyn

Ian Byrne

Claire Hanna

That this House notes that 7 December 2023 marks the 85th anniversary of the return to Britain of the British and Irish volunteer members of the International Brigades who fought on the side of the Republican Government against fascism of Franco, Mussolini and Hitler in the Spanish Civil War; recalls that 304 volunteers of around 2500 who served from Britain, Ireland and the Commonwealth were met at Victoria Station by Labour Party leader Clement Attlee MP; regrets the 530 deaths the British and Irish volunteers suffered; notes there are now over 100 memorials to volunteers across Britain and that they continue to increase in number; and celebrates the ongoing work of the International Brigade Memorial Trust, including through its work in schools, and through its close relationship with official governmental and civic society sister organisations in Spain, to keep the volunteers memory alive.

151Medical support for children in Gaza

Tabled: 4/12/23 Signatories: 10

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Jonathan Edwards

Mary Kelly Foy

Caroline Lucas

That this House notes that the United Nations Children’s Fund has warned that Gaza is the most dangerous place in the world to be a child, following the end of the temporary pause in hostilities between Israel and Hamas on 1 December 2023; mourns the fact that at least 6,150 children have been killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023; further notes that hundreds of children are suffering severe injuries such as burns, amputations and complex fractures due to the conflict; applauds the offer of countries such as France to make arrangements to treat wounded and sick children from Gaza in hospitals in France; and calls on the United Kingdom to offer similar support to the children of Gaza.

15340 years of Street Life Newtownards

Tabled: 5/12/23 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Kirsten Oswald

That this House celebrates 40 years of men's clothing store Street Life in the town of Newtownards; notes their first store which was initially opened in Bangor and now their transformation to their current store in Newtownards where they have doubled in size, with a brand new suit lounge; highlights the ten members of staff who have unique in store and online shopping experience, and who always go the extra mile in terms of customer service; thanks them for their contribution to the local economy in Newtownards and wishes them all the best for the future.

155Pay for Royal Fleet Auxiliary Seafarers

Tabled: 5/12/23 Signatories: 14

Ian Mearns

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Ian Lavery

John McDonnell

Andy McDonald

Richard Burgon

That this House pays tribute to the commitment and dedication of the 1,700 civilian seafarers, including trainees, at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA); is concerned that nearly fifteen years of pay restraint is having a negative effect on recruitment, retention, training and industrial relations in the RFA; notes that inflation and pay restraint have effectively cut the value of RFA seafarers' pay by over thirty per cent since 2009-10; further notes that the number of RFA seafarers has fallen by twenty eight per cent since 2015 which compromises full and safe deployment of the RFA fleet; notes that RFA's thirteen ships support, re-supply and re-fuel the Royal Navy fleet on international deployment, combat drug trafficking and discharge the UK's humanitarian responsibilities following natural disasters; recognises the integral role that RFA crew play in maintaining the security and international interests of the UK and its maritime allies; highlights the RMT union's finding that nearly sixty per cent of RFA seafarers have worked for the RFA for over ten years; and calls on the Government to convene a forum with the recognised trade unions in the RFA to agree a fair pay award and wider reforms to prevent a crewing crisis at the RFA.

156Volunteering by Swifts FC Girls u-12s, 9s and 7s

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 7

Douglas Chapman

Kirsten Oswald

Dr Philippa Whitford

Stewart Hosie

Brendan O'Hara

Stuart C McDonald

That this House commends Izzy Breach, Robyn Clarkson, Lucy Final, Amy Innes, Erin Lane, Sophia Hanlin, Erin Milne, Ellie Breach, Ava Morris, Olivia Morris and Keira Moffat from Swifts FC, based in Inverkeithing, Fife for volunteering as ball girls at the European Nations League qualifiers for amputee football; notes that over two days, during terrible weather, they ensured games finished on time and were full of action without delay; recognises the girls' conscientiousness which helped raise the profile of amputee football in Scotland and across Europe; commends them for being a fantastic credit to their parents and ambassadors for the club; and thanks them for giving up their time to help others.

15710th anniversary of the 2013 Glasgow helicopter crash

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 6

Alison Thewliss

Kirsten Oswald

Dr Philippa Whitford

Stewart Hosie

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Law

That this House recognises that 29 November 2023 was the 10 year anniversary of the tragic helicopter crash at the Clutha Bar in Glasgow city centre; recalls that on 29 November 2013, a police helicopter with three crew members on board crashed into the Clutha Bar on Stockwell Street, killing all three crew members and seven patrons of the bar and injuring a further 31; commends the dedication and bravery of Glasgow's emergency services on the scene of the crash, including 125 firefighters, more than 25 ambulances, and two Special Operations Response Teams; understands that as a result of recommendations made by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch after the accident, the Civil Aviation Authority mandated that all police helicopters be fitted with Cockpit Voice Recorders and Flight Data Recorders; appreciates that the Clutha reopened its doors in July 2015, in a ceremony attended by then-First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon; and expresses its continued sympathy for all those impacted by the catastrophe, and its deepest regret for the casualties of the events of 29 November 2023.

158Zain Iqbal named Glasgow Young Sportsperson of the Year 2023

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 2

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Zain Iqbal of Southside Boxing Academy for being named Glasgow Young Sportsperson of the Year at the Glasgow Sport Awards 2023; notes that Zain received this award after winning the gold medal at the Scottish and GB School Championships, and the silver medal at the European School Championships in 2023; recognises the fantastic work of the Southside Boxing Academy, which has worked to provide a full range of boxing classes for boys, girls, men and women since its foundation in 2018; acknowledges the significance of this achievement; and wishes Zain and Southside Boxing Academy all the best in all future endeavours.

15933rd anniversary of Cathouse Glasgow rock club

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 4

Alison Thewliss

Kirsten Oswald

Stewart Hosie

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Cathouse Glasgow, Glasgow's oldest rock club, on the 33rd anniversary of its opening on 22 November 22 1990; acknowledges the contribution of Donald Macleod MBE in establishing the club; recognises the immense contribution of Cathouse to Glasgow's nightlife and cultural flourishing over the years; acknowledges that over the years Cathouse has played host to live performances from world-famous and commercially successful bands such as Anthrax, Black Stone Cherry, Halestorm, Pearl Jam, Fall Out Boy, Queens of the Stone Age, and many others; commits itself to supporting the continued flourishing of the Glasgow night-time economy sector, represented by such iconic institutions of the city as Cathouse; and wishes the staff and management of Cathouse all the best in all future endeavours.

160Raza Sadiq and the sportscotland Lifetime Contribution Award

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 3

Alison Thewliss

Dr Philippa Whitford

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Raza Sadiq, a founder and chairperson of Active Life Club, on his receipt of the sportscotland Lifetime Contribution Award; recognises that the award has been issued after 24 years of dedicated work with Active Life Club, which seeks to provide opportunities for kids, teens and adults to get involved in sports, art, dance and social events across the Southside of Glasgow; welcomes Mr Sadiq's immense contribution to providing opportunities for hundreds of young people in the local community to participate in sport, with a particular emphasis on his work to ensure the inclusion of Glasgow's BAME community; and wishes him well in all future endeavours.

161Recognition of Girvan in South Ayrshire as Most Dog Friendly Town in the UK

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 4

Allan Dorans

Kirsten Oswald

Stewart Hosie

Chris Law

That this House recognises and congratulates the town and people of Girvan, South Ayrshire on winning the prestigious Dog Friendly UK awards and recognition as the Most Dog Friendly Town in the United Kingdom, achieving the most public votes of the 122 entrants in the town or city category; notes especially the contribution of the Go Girvan Project, Trustees and local volunteers for their leadership, co-ordination of the project, and their involvement and partnership working with local businesses; further notes that the initiative included introducing a Go Girvan dog-friendly sticker scheme, highlighting over 30 local businesses in the scheme including cafes, shops, pubs, visitor attractions and accommodation providers, and promoting Girvan as a dog-friendly visitor destination by further highlighting the dog-friendly beach which extends to almost two miles, local dog-friendly walks and other dog-friendly activities; and notes the benefits to the local economy by attracting visitors to shop and spend time in the area and increasingly recognising the attractiveness of Girvan as a positive, thriving and welcoming tourist destination.

162Moroccan Paradise Golf and Beach Resort and Atlantic View Development

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 2

Kirsten Oswald

Chris Law

That this House understands that some 800 investors, 300 of whom were British, made investments in the Moroccan Paradise Golf and Beach Resort and Atlantic View Development which was first advertised in 2006; notes the development was subsequently promoted in 2010 as part of Morocco’s Vision 2020 tourism plan receiving some £35 million of foreign investment of which just £12 million appears able to be accounted for; further notes that the development was marketed as a luxurious five-star tourist resort near the city of Tangier but remains incomplete after construction halted in 2009; recognises the distress that this long-running dispute has caused investors who have failed to recoup their initial investments; further understands that UK government ministers have raised the issue of the incomplete resort at meetings with their Moroccan counterparts since 2016 which have been described as constructive but not conclusive; and calls on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to take all necessary actions to bring a about a swift resolution to this dispute, with investors being refunded in full.

163Sky lanterns

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 3

Sir Greg Knight

Sir Mike Penning

Jonathan Edwards

That this House is concerned that sky lanterns, also known as Chinese lanterns, continue to pose a serious fire safety hazard due to their uncontrolled and unpredictable flight paths, and are dangerous to livestock, wildlife, crops and the environment; notes that these hazards are exacerbated in rural areas in summer; further notes that the voluntary code on their use is not being universally respected; and calls on the Government to introduce an outright ban on flame-powered sky lanterns.

164Government Property Agency, ISS and outsourced workers

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 7

John McDonnell

Chris Stephens

Kate Osborne

Jon Trickett

Dan Carden

Beth Winter

That this House is extremely concerned about the Government Property Agency’s handling of the transfer of facilities management services from Mitie to ISS with respect to the implications for workers whose employment has transferred; notes that the pay arrangements for cleaners and caterers are being shifted from a monthly to a bi-weekly basis; believes that the shorter frequency will make it harder for workers to pay their monthly rent, mortgage and other essential bills, and that such regular fluctuation in pay dates and amounts can have serious detrimental consequences for workers claiming Universal Credit; notes that the changes represent a unilateral variation to the workers’ contracts of employment made without the agreement of the individual employees affected and their representatives in the Public and Commercial Services Union; fears that these changes are discriminatory as they have only been applied to a section of the workforce in which BAME women are more likely to be employed; and therefore calls on the Government Property Agency to require ISS to align pay arrangements for caterers and cleaners with those of their monthly salaried staff.

165Mearns Cycling Club

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 2

Kirsten Oswald

Chris Law

That this House commends Niaz Haq for setting up Mearns Cycling Club, whose members predominantly reside in Newton Mearns and Giffnock, and is open to riders of all abilities; notes that the club has grown rapidly since it was first founded and now has up to 60 riders attending sessions every week; applauds the club’s group charter which promotes camaraderie between members of the club, by ensuring the front rider of a group is alternated during a ride to lessen the impact of wind resistance for others; understands the club has organised special runs, including during Ramadan, in Gran Canaria, and across Scotland’s scenic countryside; acknowledges the wide range of benefits that cycling can have on the physical, mental, and social health of riders; and wishes all the riders at Mearns Cycling Club well as they continue to pursue their cycling hobby.

166Scots Trad Music Awards 2023 original work of the year

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 2

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Sarah Dyke

That this House congratulates Skipinnish for their song The Clearances Again winning original work of the year at the Scots Trad Music Awards; notes that the song was written in protest against plans by the Scottish Government to block fishing in 10 per cent of Scottish waters with the creation of highly protected marine areas (HPMAs); recognises that the popularity of The Clearances Again formed an important part of the local campaign against the imposition of HPMAs in the Highlands and Islands; welcomes the Scottish Government’s recent dropping of the controversial plans; and wishes Skipinnish success in their future creative work.

167Scots Trad Music Awards 2023

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 3

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Dr Philippa Whitford

Sarah Dyke

That this House congratulates all the nominees and winners in the Scots Trad Music Awards; recognises that 2023 marks the 20th year of the awards, having first been established in 2003; notes in particular that the Orkney Folk Festival was named event of the year, while long-time volunteer and committee member of the Shetland Folk Festival Mhari McLeman was named traditional music enabler of the year; believes that traditional folk music represents a vital part of the cultural heritage of the Highlands and Islands and Scotland as a whole; and wishes local musicians further success as Scottish folk music goes from strength to strength.

168Clarkston Chanukah celebration

Tabled: 6/12/23 Signatories: 2

Kirsten Oswald

Chris Law

That this House wishes all those celebrating a Happy Chanukah; notes that Chanukah 2023 begins on Thursday 7 December; appreciates the efforts made across communities to mark the miraculous festival of lights; recognises the tireless work undertaken by Debra Clapham to secure a Menorah, donated by East Renfrewshire Council which replaced a Menorah previously donated by Sholom Jacobs of the Lubavitch Foundation; welcomes the fact that the Menorah is displayed at Clarkston Toll, shining on the communities of East Renfrewshire; understands that the custom is to light one candle on the first night and then add a candle each subsequent night; appreciates the efforts of Clarkston Chanukah Celebration Association, working with local organisations including Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue, to bring people together from across the diverse communities of East Renfrewshire to celebrate together at this time of year; recognises the joy and appreciation felt by those joining these celebrations; and sends all those celebrating best wishes for Chanukah.