Contents
Published: Tuesday 16 January 2024
Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 15 January 2024
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
274Winter food collection in Midlothian
Tabled: 15/01/24 Signatories: 1
Owen Thompson
That this House recognises the Tesco winter food collection project between November and December 2023; applauds the generosity of customers in Midlothian who donated 5,394 meals; acknowledges that two million meals’ worth of long-life food items were donated in stores across the country; further recognises that donations to the Trussell Trust help food banks provide emergency food parcels, while donations to FareShare support thousands of frontline local charities; thanks people in Midlothian for their immense generosity and support; and wishes the scheme every success in the future.
275Vaughan Hughes
Tabled: 15/01/24 Signatories: 3
Hywel Williams
Ben Lake
Liz Saville Roberts
That this House pays tribute to Vaughan Hughes, the prominent broadcaster, journalist and Welsh literary figure who died suddenly on January 6th at the age of 76; recognises his outstanding career in Welsh television presenting groundbreaking and influential current affairs programmes, including Y Dydd, Y Byd yn Ei Le, and O Vaughan i Fynwy; commends his service to his community of Llanbedrgoch and to Ynys Môn as a councillor; values his contribution as a co-editor of the Welsh literary magazine Barn for ten years up to his death; and sends its deepest condolences to his family and many friends.
27634th anniversary of the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits from Jammu and Kashmir in India
Tabled: 15/01/24 Signatories: 1
Bob Blackman
That this House commemorates with deep sadness and disappointment the 34th anniversary of the co-ordinated attacks in January 1990 by cross-border Islamic terrorists and their supporters on the innocent population of Jammu and Kashmir; expresses its condolences to the families and friends of all those killed, raped, injured and displaced by force in this planned massacre; condemns the desecration of holy sites in Jammu and Kashmir; is concerned that Kashmiris who fled persecution have still not seen justice or recognition of the atrocities committed against them; deplores those sponsoring such cross-border terrorist attacks and demands that such attacks cease immediately; condemns the continued targeted killings of Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir; further notes that the international principle of responsibility to protect obliges individual States and the international community to take effective measures to prevent the commission of genocide and crimes against humanity as suffered by Kashmiri Hindus; highlights that properties belonging to minority Hindu community continue to be occupied; urges the Government of India to fulfil its long-standing international commitment to recognise and acknowledge the worst form of genocide of Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir and enact the proposed Panun Kashmir Genocide Crime Punishment and Atrocities Prevention Bill in the Indian Parliament, thereby delivering much-awaited justice to the Kashmiri Pandit community; and further urges the UK Government to extend the UK’s longstanding commitment to protect and demand justice for the victims of this genocide.
27710th anniversary of Creatovators
Tabled: 15/01/24 Signatories: 1
Amy Callaghan
That this House celebrates the 10th anniversary of Creatovators in East Dunbartonshire; thanks the organisation for a decade of unwavering commitments to supporting children on the autistic spectrum and their families; commends Creatovators for their invaluable work that has significantly enhanced the lives of so many by fostering a brighter and more inclusive future; acknowledges the profound impact the organisation has had over the past 10 years in shaping a path towards a better quality of life for those it serves; thanks Creatovators for their tireless work and dedication to create positive and transformative experiences for children living with autism; notes that promoting a better quality of life for primary-aged children on the autistic spectrum and their families is both commendable and essential; and wishes Creatovators all the very best in the years to come.
278Mhairi Valentine
Tabled: 15/01/24 Signatories: 1
Amy Callaghan
That this House commends the outstanding dedication and fundraising efforts of Mhairi Valentine, a remarkable individual who, following her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, organised a heart-warming Christmas light turn-on at her home in Westerton, raising over £1,500 for the MS Society; recognises Mhairi’s exceptional commitment to raising awareness of MS and her determination to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by the condition; applauds the creativity and community spirit demonstrated in the organisation of the Christmas light display, which not only brought joy to the local community but also successfully raised vital funds for ongoing research and support for MS patients; extends heartfelt appreciation to Mhairi Valentine for embodying the spirit of compassion, resilience, and generosity in the face of personal challenges; encourages the continued support and awareness-building efforts for MS, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity in the fight against this debilitating condition; and calls on hon. and Rt hon. Members to join in congratulating Mhairi Valentine for her selfless contributions to the wider community and the MS cause.
279150th Anniversary of St. Ninian's High School, Kirkintilloch
Tabled: 15/01/24 Signatories: 1
Amy Callaghan
That this House warmly congratulates St. Ninian’s High School Kirkintilloch on reaching its remarkable milestone of 150 years of excellence in education and service to the community; notes that, founded in 1974, St. Ninian’s High School has been a beacon of education, enlightenment and community service in East Dunbartonshire; celebrates the school’s rich history, unwavering commitment to academic excellence and integral role in shaping the lives of generations of students in East Dunbartonshire; recognises St. Ninian’s High School’s outstanding achievement in being honoured with the Scottish Education Award in 2017 which underscores the school’s dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and high standards; also notes that St. Ninian’s High School demonstrated exemplary commitment to creating a positive learning environment, fostering community engagement, and achieving excellence in education; commends St Ninian’s High School and wishes staff and pupils well on its next chapter; expresses optimism for its continued success; and hopes that the school community continues to thrive and inspire for many more years to come.
280British Council international school award accreditation and Belmont Community School, County Durham
Tabled: 15/01/24 Signatories: 1
Mary Kelly Foy
That this House congratulates Belmont Community School in County Durham for their recent accreditation with the British Council’s International School Award; notes that Belmont Community School received the award for fostering an international ethos throughout the school and embedding it within the curriculum; and celebrates the hard work of pupils and staff.
281Platinum award for outdoor play and learning and Esh Winning Primary School, County Durham
Tabled: 15/01/24 Signatories: 1
Mary Kelly Foy
That this House congratulates Esh Winning Primary School in County Durham for winning the platinum award for Outdoor Play and Learning; notes that this is the third time that Esh Winning Primary School has receive the award; further notes that Esh Winning Primary School is the only primary school in the region to be graded as an honours school for outdoor play; and congratulates the hard work of pupils and staff.
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.
242Compensation for Equitable Life policyholders
Tabled: 8/01/24 Signatories: 34
Dr Philippa Whitford
Ronnie Cowan
Patricia Gibson
Kirsten Oswald
Deidre Brock
Martyn Day
Alison ThewlissBell Ribeiro-Addy
That this House recognises the financial, personal and social impact on policy holders following the collapse of Equitable Life Assurance Society; calls on the Treasury to ensure that all of the 1.5 billion pounds set aside for the Equitable Life Payments Scheme, is distributed to Equitable Life policyholders who suffered financial loss due to regulatory maladministration; and further calls on the Treasury to establish a fair distribution of payments following detailed consultation with policyholders and their representatives. Tabled: 8/01/24 Signatories: 6 Tim Farron Richard Foord Jim Shannon Sarah Dyke Rachael Maskell Helen Morgan That this House acknowledges the Government’s consultation on introducing a different category of planning use for short-term lets; notes that this consultation ended last June; recognises the urgency and importance of action to introduce a separate category of planning use for short term lets as the government has promised; further recognises that this is in order to maintain housing stock that is affordable and available for local people, particularly in communities in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, the West Country, coastal communities and other popular tourist destinations; and urges the Government to proceed with introducing a different class of planning use of short-term lets. Tabled: 8/01/24 Signatories: 86 Kate Osborne Ian Byrne Ian Mearns Richard Burgon John McDonnell Clive Efford Martyn DayAlison Thewliss
That this House notes the increased awareness of the life-changing injustices experienced by sub-postmasters throughout the Horizon scandal; further notes it is now known as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British history; notes with concern that sub-postmasters have served custodial sentences, suffered bankruptcy for offences they did not commit and many have died before seeing justice; expresses concern that the actions of the Post Office and the Government have prolonged this crisis and added barriers to justice being achieved; further notes that the Post Office has repeatedly been exposed for having given out false and misleading information throughout this scandal and should play no part in determining who is entitled to compensation or how much they should get; and strongly urges the Government to take action to ensure full compensation is paid, the remaining convictions are looked at en masse, that justice prevail for all postmasters and that those responsible for this gross miscarriage of justice are held accountable. Tabled: 8/01/24 Signatories: 32 John McDonnell Claudia Webbe Claire Hanna Jonathan Edwards Mick Whitley Cat Smith Nadia WhittomeAngus Brendan MacNeilKate Hollern
That this House welcomes the work of Saving Gaza's Children, an NGO dedicated to supporting the children of Gaza to receive life-saving and time-critical, emergency medical care required as a result of the Israel-Gaza conflict by identifying children in dire need of medical evacuation and securing their evacuation to host states which are currently better equipped to manage their complex and often life-threatening medical needs, liaising directly with Gazan medical teams and the Palestinian Ministry of Health, and working closely with the child's legal guardian to monitor his or her diagnosis, progress, and prognosis whilst remaining sensitive to the fact that Palestinians feel strongly that their children should return to Palestine and paying special attention to ensuring that children are evacuated through documented safe passages and that all necessary protocols are followed to ensure a child's safe return with a focus on supporting injured children back into Palestinian society ensuring that they receive all the support they need to live as normal a life as possible; and urges the Government urgently to liaise with the Egyptian and Palestinian Health Ministries to assist NGOs such as Saving Gaza’s Children to create a short-term medical evacuation programme from Gaza to the UK much like the scheme that worked effectively to support Ukrainian children. Tabled: 8/01/24 Signatories: 26 Jon Trickett Claudia Webbe Mick Whitley Mary Kelly Foy Kim Johnson Richard Burgon Olivia Blake That this House understands that questions have been raised internationally about the legality of the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza; recognises that in November 2023 UN experts raised the alarm about the risk of genocide in Gaza; highlights the UN General Secretary’s reasons for invoking Article 99 that there is a high risk of total collapse of the humanitarian support system in Gaza, which would have devastating consequences; further highlights his comments to the Security Council that international humanitarian law includes the duty to protect civilians and to comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution and that the laws of war also demand that civilians’ essential needs must be met, including by facilitating the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian relief; notes the Spanish Prime Minister’s comments that he has serious doubts that Israel is complying with international humanitarian law; further notes the letter signed by prominent Israeli public figures to the Attorney General in December 2023 which said there have been explicit calls to commit atrocious crimes against millions of civilians, providing evidence of the discourse of annihilation, expulsion and revenge; acknowledges the case South Africa has brought to the International Court of Justice claiming Israel’s treatment of Palestinians is tantamount to genocidal actions; and calls on the Government to publish in full the legal advice it has received from its law officers regarding the situation in Gaza, particularly in the run up to UN votes, and the legality of the UK export licensing of arms to the Israel. Tabled: 8/01/24 Signatories: 23 Douglas Chapman Jonathan Edwards Chris Law Ronnie Cowan Anne McLaughlin Stewart Hosie Alison Thewliss That this House recognises the UK's low growth, poor productivity and high debt economy which has been a feature of the UK's economic demise over many decades; now welcomes the recent statement by Scotland's First Minister to establish an industrial strategy to help reverse the most negative impacts of UK economic policy on the people of Scotland, while rejecting the mantra of the Governor of the Bank of England which warned the people across the UK to prepare to be poorer; supports the First Minister of Scotland's statement on the Scottish economy which would focus on (a) joining the EU to have unfettered access to the world's largest single market, (b) creating a dynamic government ministry to drive industrial policy and build consensus across sectors and institutions and (c) committing to large scale public investment in key areas of comparative advantage; and further recognises that Scotland, as an independent country, would have all the ingredients, skills and valuable resources to be a successful, high growth, high wage, modern economy and a member of the EU where the national mantra would be prepare to be prosperous. Tabled: 9/01/24 Signatories: 4 Kirsten Oswald Jim Shannon Angela Crawley Alison Thewliss That this House congratulates NellyBoxes CIC based in East Renfrewshire on their award of two grants from the National Lottery Community Fund; understands that NellyBoxes was founded in 2019 by Nicola McGowan who unfortunately experienced nine miscarriages over a period of six years; highlights that NellyBoxes provides a range of self-care boxes to parents who have experienced baby loss to support them at this most difficult time; notes the first National Lottery Community Fund grant of £10,000 will be used to continue the delivery of NellyBoxes’ hugely important baby bank, distributing basic goods such as baby clothes, toiletries, nappies, and milk with no need for referral; notes that this service operates from the Auchenback Resource Centre in Barrhead; further appreciates that the second grant of £9,998 will be used by NellyBoxes to engage young people in and around the Barrhead area in an entrepreneurship project, encouraging the young people to design, produce and market retails goods which will be sold at local shops; applauds the commitment of all involved with NellyBoxes and commends the fantastic work they do; and wishes NellyBoxes CIC the best with all its future endeavours. Tabled: 10/01/24 Signatories: 3 Douglas Chapman Alison Thewliss Jonathan Edwards That this House calls on the Government to support, via local councils in England and the administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, a special fund which would assist local communities to create safe and engaging fanzones for the UEFA European Football Championship matches being held in Germany between 14 June and 14 July 2024; congratulates both Scotland and England who have qualified for the finals; wishes Wales good luck as they are involved in the playoffs which could still see them qualify for the finals; recognises that, due to the cost of living crisis, some football fans may not be able to afford to travel to Germany and many others will be unsuccessful in obtaining tickets for any of the matches as they will be in high demand; and encourages the Government to evaluate this proposal for stay at home fans and to begin discussions with local government in England and other governments with devolved powers to explore how such an initiative might be best delivered. Tabled: 11/01/24 Signatories: 4 Bob Blackman Sir Mike Penning Alison Thewliss Jonathan Edwards That this House notes that on 27 January 2024 the UK will observe Holocaust Memorial Day on the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau; further notes that the UK will come together to remember the 6 million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution; pays tribute to the Holocaust survivors, including many who share their testimony day in, day out, to ensure the horrors of the past are never forgotten; thanks the Holocaust Educational Trust for its work to educate every person from every background in the UK about the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance; pays tribute to the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust for organising the national Holocaust Memorial Day event; and urges all Right hon. and hon. Members to observe this day and to pledge to speak out against antisemitism, which in recent months has risen exponentially and which needs to be tackled head on. Tabled: 11/01/24 Signatories: 10 Hywel Williams Liz Saville Roberts Ben Lake Dr Philippa Whitford Claire Hanna Caroline Lucas Colum EastwoodAlison ThewlissJohn McDonnellJonathan Edwards
That this House recognises the continuing violence in Gaza which has resulted in over 23,000 deaths; welcomes South Africa’s request for provisional measures by the International Court of Justice to prevent acts of genocide; urges the Government to carefully consider the application as it upholds its duty to prevent genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention and actively avoid complicity; continues to support those in the UK calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners and an end to the siege; and calls upon Israel to observe any resulting binding provisional measures aimed at protecting the human rights of Palestinians, including the cessation of fire.
249Short-term lets
253Sub-postmasters
254Short-term medical evacuation of children from Gaza
255Government legal advice on Gaza
256Scottish Government's industrial strategy
260NellyBoxes CIC
266UEFA European Football Championship 2024 fanzones
269Holocaust Memorial Day
271Proceedings instituted by South Africa against the State of Israel at the International Court of Justice