Contents

Published: Wednesday 17 January 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 16 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

282Pastor Iain and Elizabeth of King's Church, Aberdeen

Tabled: 16/01/24 Signatories: 1

Kirsty Blackman

That this House honours Pastor Iain and Elizabeth of King's Church, Aberdeen for 20 years of leadership and dedication; recognises their work brought faith and enrichment to the community; and wishes them and their family the best for the future.

283Anniversary of the invasion of Baku

Tabled: 16/01/24 Signatories: 1

Bob Blackman

That this House notes that on 20 January 2024 the UK will observe the anniversary of the invasion of Baku by the Soviet troops in 1990 in response to the popular movement calling for independence of Azerbaijan; further notes that this House pays tribute to the 150 civilians who lost their lives during the invasion of the city of Baku in Azerbaijan; and urges all Right hon. and hon. Members to observe this day so that the events will always be remembered.

284Journalists in Gaza

Tabled: 16/01/24 Signatories: 17

Grahame Morris

John McDonnell

Claire Hanna

Chris Stephens

Liz Saville Roberts

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House is profoundly shocked and saddened by the deaths of over 85 journalists and other media workers in Gaza since the Hamas attacks of October 7, with many more critically injured, missing or in detention without trial; believes that journalists in Gaza are the only ones standing between the truth and a total media blackout and that, without their work, the world would not bear witness to these atrocities; is alarmed by reports from the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and the International Federation of Journalists that a further 80 press and media institutions were targeted by Israeli bombing, being totally or partially destroyed in Gaza; calls on the Government to urge the Israeli authorities to desist from targeting journalists or media organisations in these deadly attacks and accept the need to help de-escalate the cycle of violence which has resulted in the mass slaughter of civilians and a humanitarian catastrophe.

285Big Garden Bird Watch 2024

Tabled: 16/01/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the 2024 Big Garden Bird Watch, the world's largest garden survey, in which thousands of nature lovers take part to help build a picture of how garden birds are faring every year; highlights that across the UK over half a million people took part in the Garden Watch 2023, counting 9.1 million birds with house sparrows taking the top spot followed in second place by blue tits; further notes that in the last 60 years we have lost 38 million birds from UK skies and that song thrush numbers are down by 80% since the survey first started in 1979; and thanks the RSPCA for organising this survey and for encouraging people across the whole of the UK to do our part to learn more about the environment we live in.

286Burns celebrations 2024

Tabled: 16/01/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the upcoming Burns Celebrations run in partnership with the Ulster Scots Agency throughout Ulster; highlights the range of events being hosted including the evening in Portavogie on 27 January, hosted by Portavogie Culture and Heritage Society during which Portavogie Primary School children will sing, the Kirkistown Pipe Band will play well-known and loved Ulster Scots songs and the obligatory haggis tasting will take place; thanks the Ulster Scots Agency and all partners for being involved in providing avenues for people to enjoy a great event and celebrate their wonderful links and ties to the rich culture of Scotland; and encourages all those participating in Burns Celebrations to ‘hae a braw nicht’

287Water quality in Sri Lanka

Tabled: 16/01/24 Signatories: 1

Munira Wilson

That this House expresses concern regarding water quality in northern Sri Lanka; is concerned by reports stating that the Sri Lankan Government refused to allow independent assessments of water quality in the region; notes that the consumption or use of water contaminated by waste oil has been linked to many diseases and birth defects; calls for steps to be taken to allow all citizens in northern Sri Lanka, the majority of whom are Tamils, to have access to clean drinking water; calls for the area around the Chunnakam power plant complex to be subjected to a full independent investigation; believes that organisations responsible for pollution of ground water in Chunnakam should have a duty to carry out remedial works; and further believes that all citizens affected by water contamination should be provided with competent medical follow-up and be compensated adequately by the Sri Lankan Government.

288Deaths of journalists in Gaza

Tabled: 16/01/24 Signatories: 1

John McDonnell

That this House expressers its extreme concern at the mounting and unprecedented death toll of journalists in Gaza; notes that the independent Committee to Protect Journalists has recorded the death of 82 journalists in this conflict since October 2023; welcomes the support provided by the National Union of Journalists for the efforts of the International Federation of Journalists to promote the safety of journalists; and urges the International Criminal Court to expedite its investigation into the evidence submitted of the systematic targeted attacks on journalists by Israeli forces.

28950th anniversary of the Independent Methodist Church in Ireland

Tabled: 16/01/24 Signatories: 1

Carla Lockhart

That this House marks the 50th anniversary of the Independent Methodist Church in Ireland; recognises the important role churches play within our society; expresses gratitude for the role the Independent Methodist Church in Ireland has had and continues to have on the spiritual wellbeing of many people over the course of the last 50 years; and extends best wishes to all congregations as they mark this 50th anniversary year.

29050th anniversary of Blackskull Orange and Blue Flute Band

Tabled: 16/01/24 Signatories: 1

Carla Lockhart

That this House congratulates Blackskull Orange and Blue Flute Band on reaching its 50th anniversary year; recognises the importance of marching bands to cultural expression in Northern Ireland; applauds the dedication of members of Blackskull Orange and Blue Flute Band throughout its 50 year existence to the bands development, and to making a positive impact on the local community through volunteering; and wishes the band well for its 50th year celebrations, and for the upcoming marching season.

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: 35

Dr Philippa Whitford

Ronnie Cowan

Patricia Gibson

Kirsten Oswald

Deidre Brock

Martyn Day

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.

243Pension restitution for women born in the 1950s

Tabled: 8/01/24 Signatories: 50

Kim Johnson

Claudia Webbe

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Claire Hanna

Jim Shannon

Mick Whitley

That this House welcomes the positive interventions from so many hon. Members from across the House on behalf of women born in the 1950s who have suffered pensions loss through the targeting of their pension rights; pays tribute to constituents and campaigners in their ongoing fight for justice; recalls that women born in the 1950s were subject to discriminatory laws; and encourages the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to join mediation, noting there are no impediments to doing so.

248Scotch whisky industry

Tabled: 8/01/24 Signatories: 8

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jamie Stone

Christine Jardine

Sarah Dyke

That this House welcomes the £7.1 billion per year contributed in added value to the UK economy by the Scotch whisky industry producing high-quality and internationally successful brands sold to 180 markets around the world; recognises that 75% of the Scotch whisky industry's gross value added is generated in Scotland, supporting 41,000 jobs and a further 25,000 across the UK; further welcomes the over £2 billion of investments made by the industry over the last five years; believes the Scotch whisky industry plays a crucial role in Scotland’s ambition to grow its exports, in attracting visitors from overseas to its world-leading visitor experiences, and in decarbonising operations and reaching net zero by 2045; and wishes everyone involved in Scotland’s iconic Scotch whisky industry continued success as they continue to play an integral role in communities throughout Scotland.

254Short-term medical evacuation of children from Gaza

Tabled: 8/01/24 Signatories: 33

John McDonnell

Claudia Webbe

Claire Hanna

Jonathan Edwards

Mick Whitley

Cat Smith

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.

261Anniversary of the Kegworth air disaster

Tabled: 9/01/24 Signatories: 5

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Sir Mike Penning

Carla Lockhart

That this House notes that 8 January 2023 marked the 35th anniversary of the Kegworth air disaster when 47 people were killed and 74 seriously injured as British Midland flight 92 from Heathrow to Belfast suffered engine trouble and came down near Kegworth in Leicestershire; recognises that following the tragedy airlines across the world began providing cockpit resource management training to their staff and significant improvements to safety ensued; and expresses the hope that never again in air travel will it take such a tragic event to ensure improved and effective safety measures are implemented as standard practice.

263Gerry Kelly MLA

Tabled: 10/01/24 Signatories: 2

Ian Paisley

Carla Lockhart

That this House welcomes the judgment of 8 January 2024 of the High Court in Belfast in the case of Gerry Kelly MLA versus Malachi O'Doherty, throwing out a libel case brought by Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly in which he sought to prevent a journalist from stating that Mr Kelly had shot a prison officer during the Maze Prison escape in 1983; welcomes the description by the judge of Mr Kelly's case as scandalous, frivolous and vexatious; notes that the judgment found there was no damage to Mr Kelly's reputation, as he had served prison sentences for the 1973 Old Bailey bombings, is someone publicly identified as a former IRA member and has included material in his books which makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for him to rebut the argument that he was not a joint tortfeasor in respect of the battery; further notes the judge's conclusion that even if one accepts Mr Kelly has not explicitly admitted pulling the trigger, the content of his books appears to make Mr Kelly civilly liable, on the balance of probabilities, for the shooting of Mr Adams; and acknowledges the positive impact such a judgement will have on freedom of expression for both the public and the press.

265Gaza

Tabled: 10/01/24 Signatories: 4

Angus Brendan MacNeil

Neale Hanvey

Dr Philippa Whitford

Kenny MacAskill

That this House believes there should be a weekly vote in the Commons calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, until there is a ceasefire, given the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.

266UEFA European Football Championship 2024 fanzones

Tabled: 10/01/24 Signatories: 5

Douglas Chapman

Alison Thewliss

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

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.

269Holocaust Memorial Day

Tabled: 11/01/24 Signatories: 7

Bob Blackman

Sir Mike Penning

Alison Thewliss

Jonathan Edwards

Dr Lisa Cameron

Jim Shannon

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.

270Martin Slumbers

Tabled: 11/01/24 Signatories: 2

Wendy Chamberlain

Sarah Dyke

That this House commends the work of Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A and the Secretary of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, as he steps down; recognises the extensive global business and passion for golf which he has brought to the organisation; congratulates him on overseeing the 152nd Open at Royal Troon, the return of the AIG Women’s Open to St Andrews and the 43rd Curtis Cup match at the Sunningdale before relinquishing his role at the end of the year; welcomes the modernisation of The R&A’s activities, which Mr Slumbers led through a merger with the LGU and its subsequent integration, to enable The R&A to represent golf for all at the elite level, with a greater emphasis on representing women and girls in golf; and wishes him all the best for the future.

271Proceedings instituted by South Africa against the State of Israel at the International Court of Justice

Tabled: 11/01/24 Signatories: 15

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Dr Philippa Whitford

Claire Hanna

Caroline Lucas

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.

272Joe Preece

Tabled: 11/01/24 Signatories: 2

Wendy Chamberlain

Sarah Dyke

That this House recognises the hard work of Joe Preece who ran the Cupar Foodbank which provided over 2000 people in North East Fife with a three day food package since 1 April 2022; commends the lifesaving provisions that Mr Preece has provided through the Foodbank, with over 60% of recipients being children, handing out 25,936 kilograms of food and actioning 840 referrals from over 40 health and social care organisations; appreciates the Foodbank providing Christmas meals to 268 people as well as having a large selection of toys available to ensure children had a present to open on Christmas Day; supports the initiatives run by the Foodbank, for example the Concessionary Travel Scheme, the Foodbank Laundry, Fuel Bank and CARF; celebrates that Mr Preece is truly a pillar of the Cupar community; and wishes him all the best for the future.

274Winter food collection in Midlothian

Tabled: 15/01/24 Signatories: 3

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

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: 5

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

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: 2

Bob Blackman

Jim Shannon

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: 3

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

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: 2

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

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: 2

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

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: 4

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

Kim Johnson

Apsana Begum

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: 4

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

Kim Johnson

Apsana Begum

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.