Commons business papers

Contents

Published: Thursday 1 February 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 31 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

340Lothians Veterans Centre

Tabled: 31/01/24 Signatories: 1

Owen Thompson

That this House notes the invaluable contribution of the Lothians Veterans Centre, a small independent charity dedicated to supporting military veterans and their families in Midlothian; further notes that the centre operates a vital drop-in facility in Dalkeith, staffed by a committed team ready to address a variety of challenges faced by veterans and their families; commends the safe, welcoming environment provided by the Lothians Veterans Centre which is crucial in offering instant assistance, support and advice on a wide range of services; acknowledges the comprehensive support offered by the Centre including, but not limited to, health and wellbeing, housing, employment, benefits, pensions, further education and training, access to health services, welfare, comradeship and activities; appreciates the importance of the informal support provided by the Centre such as the opportunity for veterans to drop in for a brew and a chat which plays a vital role in building community and offering emotional support; applauds the exceptional dedication and commitment of staff at the Lothians Veterans Centre; highlights the importance of such organisations in supporting those who have served our country; and wishes the staff and veterans there good health and success in the future.

341Energy Training Academy's Net Zero Home

Tabled: 31/01/24 Signatories: 1

Owen Thompson

That this House acknowledges the commendable efforts of the Energy Training Academy in opening its Net Zero Home, a pioneering initiative that is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow; recognises that the 12,000 sq ft. training centre in Dalkeith, Midlothian, a fully functioning one-bedroom bungalow, represents a significant step forward in addressing the pressing challenges of the modern built environment while nurturing future talent in the renewable energy sector; commends the Energy Training Academy's Net Zero Home as a testament to sustainable possibilities by showcasing innovative technologies such as solar energy, smart heating and efficient design showing how an eco-friendly living space can be created; applauds the project for not only fostering skill development but also inspiring a step towards a greener future; and wishes the project and its staff every success in the future.

342Bonnyrigg Rose FC and the Scottish Cup

Tabled: 31/01/24 Signatories: 1

Owen Thompson

That this House extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bonnyrigg Rose FC for their outstanding achievement in reaching the fifth round of the Scottish Cup football tournament; applauds their remarkable journey through the competition which has captured the hearts of fans and the wider community in Midlothian; acknowledges the club’s unwavering determination and exceptional teamwork; further acknowledges that their success is a testament to the spirit of local football and the resilience of clubs that continue to make a significant impact in the national arena; recognises the supreme dedication of Bonnyrigg Rose FC's supporters, volunteers and all those who have contributed to the club's success; and wishes the side success in the forthcoming fifth round of the Scottish Cup where they face Aberdeen FC.

343Barnet mental health union dispute

Tabled: 31/01/24 Signatories: 1

John McDonnell

That this House notes with grave concern the ongoing industrial dispute over recruitment and retention payments with Barnet Council and UNISON in relation to the deeply disturbing endemic staffing crisis that exists within frontline mental health services in Barnet; further notes that this dispute is now the longest-running mental health social worker dispute in UNISON’s history; observes that Barnet Council has refused to negotiate since they were first notified of the strike dates on 1 September 2023; believes that Barnet Council has a duty to its staff and mental health service users to try to expedite a resolution that will ensure a safe service with no waiting lists; and calls on Barnet Council to enter into meaningful negotiations with Barnet UNISON, the local trade union, to try and resolve this dispute constructively in order to allow mental health social workers to feel safe and secure in their workplace.

344LGBT+ History Month

Tabled: 31/01/24 Signatories: 1

Christine Jardine

That this House recognises February 2024 as LGBT+ History Month; notes this year’s theme of UnderTheScope, which aims to recognise the work of LGBT+ people in healthcare and medicine; celebrates the amazing contributions the LGBT+ community make to British society, including staff in the NHS, social care, research and other sectors across the UK; notes with concern the challenges which many LGBT+ people face in accessing healthcare, including specialist mental health services, unequal HIV testing and prevention, and long waiting times for gender identity clinics; acknowledges the progress made for LGBT+ rights in the UK, but notes that many inequalities still persist; regrets the reports that anti-LGBT hate crime is on the rise in the UK; further regrets the impact this has on the LGBT+ community; and calls on all Rt hon. and hon. Members of this House to work together to tackle discrimination and achieve equality for all LGBT+ people.

345Letter from American rabbis to President Biden

Tabled: 31/01/24 Signatories: 1

Neale Hanvey

That this House welcomes the powerful and moving open letter entitled Sorrow and fury: a letter from American rabbis to President Biden, which was sent by the Jewish Voice for Peace Rabbinical Council; recognises the importance of the voice of moderate Jewish people across the world in opposing the actions of the Israeli Government; expresses concern that such voices are largely being ignored by the mainstream media to balance the narrative set by the Israeli Government, the UK Government and the US administration; reaffirms its sorrow over the more than 26,000 lives lost in Gaza; notes the mounting case that war crimes are being perpetrated in Gaza, as set out in the recent ICJ ruling; expresses its concern over risks to the UK Government of culpability with regard to acts of war crime, facilitating or enabling acts of war crime, and omissions to intervene to prevent the execution of war crimes; and further notes the Jewish Voice for Peace Rabbinical Council’s call to end U.S. complicity in Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people and their assertion that, for the words never again to have any meaning, they must mean never again for anyone.

346Hope Robertson, Clydebank Asbestos Group

Tabled: 31/01/24 Signatories: 1

Martin Docherty-Hughes

That this House pays tribute to Hope Robertson, the prominent campaigner against the use of asbestos, and champion for people suffering at home and abroad due to exposure to asbestos, who died on Saturday 27 January 2024; recognises that, as the former Secretary, stalwart supporter and contributor to the work of Clydebank Asbestos Group, Hope ensured that, across the political and health spectrum, the campaign to end the ongoing exposure of people to asbestos remains a key commitment for many; and sends its deepest condolences to Hope's family, friends and fellow campaigners.

347Gateway Theatre Group Portadown

Tabled: 31/01/24 Signatories: 1

Carla Lockhart

That this House congratulates Gateway Theatre Group Portadown as they mark 40 years of producing a pantomime in Portadown; recognises the positive role of amateur dramatics on community cohesion and the arts; thanks all those involved in Gateway Theatre Group Portadown for their commitment to entertaining those of all ages who attend their pantomime; and applauds the group for their recent performance of Cinderella, to mark this important anniversary.

3481st Bluestone Methodist Boys Brigade

Tabled: 31/01/24 Signatories: 1

Carla Lockhart

That this House congratulates 1st Bluestone Methodist Boys Brigade on reaching their 40th anniversary year; recognises the positive impact of the Boys Brigade on the lives of young men and boys and on wider society; thanks those volunteers who have led the company throughout its 40 years for their dedication and commitment to the Boys Brigade; and wishes the company well for their 40th anniversary year and 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.

303Access to medications

Tabled: 19/01/24 Signatories: 13

Jon Trickett

Kim Johnson

Mary Kelly Foy

Jonathan Edwards

Claudia Webbe

John McDonnell

That this House expresses its dismay at reports that there is a shortage of diabetes and other medication in the UK; notes that some GP surgeries are unable to prescribe the type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic at all due to shortages; further notes that this shortage has been linked with the drug being used off-prescription by people without diabetes for weight loss purposes; highlights the awful situation those with diabetes have been put in, including a constituent in Hemsworth who has been left without diabetes medication since September 2023; further highlights media reports that some medications will face shortages until the end of 2024; notes the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies statement which said the shortage of medication to treat the likes of epilepsy, ADHD and diabetes, as well as some cancer drugs and hormone replacement therapy was the worst that we have ever seen; also notes the National Pharmacy Association’s warning that this has led to community pharmacy teams being put under pressure with some patients rationing medication; highlights the fact that drugs such as Ozempic are being sold online for nearly £200, 1765% more than the cost of an NHS prescription; and ,whilst noting that a new “National Patient Safety Alert” has been issued by NHS England and the Department for Health and Social Care to address supply, urgently calls on the government to address the shortage and ensure the pharmaceuticals industry provides medication to those who need it.

316Poverty in the UK

Tabled: 24/01/24 Signatories: 5

Jon Trickett

Mary Kelly Foy

Caroline Lucas

Jonathan Edwards

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House notes with utter dismay the recent increase in poverty across Britain and the findings of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation report entitled UK Poverty 2024 that 22% or 14.4 million people in the UK were in poverty in 2021-22, of which 4.2 million were children and 2.1 million were pensioners; further notes the findings of that report that 64% of working-age adults in poverty lived in a household where at least one adult was in work; highlights the regional dimension to poverty with the highest rate of 27% in the West Midlands, followed by 25% in the North East and London and 23% in Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands and the North West; raises concerns that children are most at risk of poverty, especially those in larger families; notes that it has been 20 years since poverty in the UK fell; urgently calls on the Government to make tackling poverty a priority; and demands transformative economic change.

317Support for families of British Palestinians

Tabled: 24/01/24 Signatories: 18

Drew Hendry

Deidre Brock

Pete Wishart

Anne McLaughlin

Patrick Grady

Chris Law

That this House absolutely condemns the ongoing conflict in Gaza; further condemns the futile and tragic loss of life and the impact on all Palestinians; notes with specific concern the situation of Salim Ghayyda’s 40 immediate family members who have been forced to abandon their homes in Gaza City and move to a tent city in Rafah with limited access to basic necessities including food, water and sanitation; and urges the UK Government to take immediate action and create safe, viable routes for the family of British Palestinians to evacuate and seek safety in the UK.

318Postural Tachycardia Syndrome awareness

Tabled: 24/01/24 Signatories: 4

Cat Smith

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House notes that Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) is an autonomic nervous system abnormality where sitting, standing and exercise can cause symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, brain fog, dizziness, pain, fainting, vomiting and fatigue; recognises that many people suffer a combination of symptoms, which can be chronic and debilitating, in some cases, leaving people bed ridden; further notes that while there is currently no cure for PoTS, studies indicate that 90% of people with a diagnosis of PoTS have improved or managed symptoms due to medically guided treatments and lifestyle changes but awareness of the condition is still low which may explain why the average time from first presentation of symptoms to diagnosis is seven years; and recognises the need to both raise awareness of the condition amongst medical professionals, and increase the support offered to those who suffer from PoTS.

320Holocaust Memorial Day 2024

Tabled: 25/01/24 Signatories: 12

Christine Jardine

Mary Kelly Foy

Wendy Chamberlain

Helen Morgan

Munira Wilson

Sarah Dyke

That this House marks Holocaust Memorial Day, occurring on 27th January 2024; acknowledges that the date coincides with the 79th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp; commemorates every victim of Nazi persecution, including the 6 million Jewish people who were murdered during the Holocaust; remembers the victims of the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur; notes this year’s theme of the ‘Fragility of Freedom’, which brings into focus that our freedom should never be taken for granted; commends the work of organisations like the Holocaust Educational Trust and the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust in raising awareness of the horrors of genocide; further notes with concern the record highs of antisemitism in the UK and around the world; supports the Community Security Trust in their efforts to tackle antisemitism and to protect the Jewish community; welcomes the creation of a permanent National Holocaust Memorial in central London; acknowledges that prejudice and hatred persists in the UK today, including a disturbing rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, and we all must work together to stamp it out; and calls on all Members of the House to work together to ensure that the horrors of the Holocaust are always understood and never repeated.

321Children's Mental Health Week 2024

Tabled: 25/01/24 Signatories: 13

Munira Wilson

Mary Kelly Foy

Wendy Chamberlain

Sarah Dyke

Gavin Robinson

Jamie Stone

That this House commemorates Children's Mental Health Week 2024 which runs from 5 to 11 February; notes with concern that one in five children between the ages of seven and sixteen have a probable mental health disorder; acknowledges the negative impacts that poor mental health can have on children's present and future wellbeing; further acknowledges the impact poor mental health is having on persistent absence in schools; recognises that this year's theme is My Voice Matters reflecting the importance of listening to children and young people; and further recognises the urgent need to provide early intervention and universal mental health support to children and young people.

323Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem

Tabled: 26/01/24 Signatories: 12

Chris Law

Jon Trickett

Dr Philippa Whitford

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Stephen Farry

That this House is deeply alarmed by the attempted take-over of the Cows’ Garden in the Armenian Quarter of occupied Jerusalem by illegal Israeli settler organisations; notes that, despite the cancellation of a lease agreement, Israeli settlers have used violence, threats and bulldozers against the Armenians at this site; recognises that settlements in the Old City of Jerusalem are a method of permanent land acquisition and theft of territory, and needs the same robust international response as elsewhere in occupied Palestinian territory; acknowledges the severe and critical threat to the Armenian community of Jerusalem, which has had a presence in the Old City for almost two millennia; further recognises that the destruction within the Cows’ Garden in the Armenian Quarter wounds the local fabric and relations between communities; highlights the particular vulnerability of the small yet vibrant Armenian community of Jerusalem; and calls on the Government to take effective measures in response including supporting all legal and accountability mechanisms to resolve this crisis.

324Michael Dunlop

Tabled: 26/01/24 Signatories: 3

Ian Paisley

Sir Mike Penning

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Michael Dunlop winning the King Of The Roads racing award at the Irish motorbike awards ceremony in Belfast; further congratulates Michael on his victories in a record number of road racing championships and as holder of one of the highest number of victories in the Isle of Man TT races; and wishes him continued success.

326Miners’ Strike 1984: The Battle For Britain documentary series

Tabled: 26/01/24 Signatories: 24

Owen Thompson

Jon Trickett

Drew Hendry

Alison Thewliss

Richard Thomson

Kirsten Oswald

That this House applauds the Miners’ Strike 1984: The Battle For Britain documentary series for shining a much needed light on events that irrevocably changed our country; thanks Channel 4 and Swan Films for their continued commitment to hard-hitting factual programmes; commends the miners and their families for taking part in the programme to share their traumatic experiences; acknowledges the massive impact of the strikes and the repression of the time on the social fabric of Midlothian, Scotland and other communities across the UK; further acknowledges that this legacy continues to the present day, with former mining communities suffering unacceptable levels of deprivation including unemployment, ill health and social disadvantage; and calls for justice, a pardon and compensation for all miners and their families.

327Health workers in Gaza and the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize

Tabled: 26/01/24 Signatories: 25

Richard Burgon

Caroline Lucas

Liz Saville Roberts

Claire Hanna

Chris Stephens

Stephen Farry

That this House congratulates the more than 250,000 people who have signed a petition to support the nomination of health care workers in Gaza for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize; believes that health workers in Gaza have sought to save lives in the most difficult of circumstances and mourns the loss of the more than 300 health workers so far killed in Israel’s assault on Gaza; notes that the prize can be awarded to an organisation as well as up to three individuals; and encourages as many of those as possible who qualify to nominate for the Nobel Peace Prize, including parliamentarians, government ministers, professors and members of the Institute of International Law to do so ahead of the 31 January deadline.

328Nicholas Allan and WordSkills UK Medal

Tabled: 26/01/24 Signatories: 5

Marion Fellows

Dr Philippa Whitford

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Nicholas Allan on his silver medal at the WorldSkills UK National Competition this past November in Manchester; recognises Nicholas’ impressive and innovative fire detection and alarm system; wishes Team UK great success at WorldSkills Lyon 2024; further recognises the value of benchmarking UK skills through international skills competitions; supports the work of WorldSkills UK to raise standards and participation in apprenticeships and technical education; and notes the importance of world-class skills to young people, employers and the UK economy.

32970th Anniversary of St Mirin's Primary School

Tabled: 26/01/24 Signatories: 6

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Carol Monaghan

Dr Philippa Whitford

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates St Mirin's Primary School on reaching its 70th anniversary; recognises the dedication and commitment of the school staff, past and present, for their tireless efforts in; acknowledges the pivotal role St Mirin's Primary School has played in fostering a strong sense of community and promoting educational excellence in Glasgow South over the past seven decades; celebrates the countless achievements and accomplishments of the school's students, both academically and in their contributions to society; wishes St Mirin's Primary School continued success and growth for the future.

330National Supported Internship Day 2024

Tabled: 26/01/24 Signatories: 5

Marion Fellows

Dr Philippa Whitford

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises 27 March 2024 as National Supported Internship Day, which is an initiative founded by charity DFN Project SEARCH to raise awareness and understanding of supported internships; acknowledges that supported internships are for those aged 16-24 and give young adults the opportunity to learn in a workplace setting; further acknowledges that these internships include continuous feedback and enable young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to learn while gaining real employability and competitive work skills; further recognises the work of Wishaw General Hospital in providing excellent internship opportunities; applauds charities such as NDTI and Base for their efforts in strengthening high quality supported internship provision across the UK; and urges colleagues across to house to visit their local supported internship site and advocate for further provision in an effort to reduce the disability employment gap nationally.

331Appeal of the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine for humanitarian and military aid

Tabled: 26/01/24 Signatories: 3

John McDonnell

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

That this House expresses its support for the appeal of the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine to the Trade Unions, Parliaments, and Governments of democratic countries, which notes the new year in Ukraine began with horrific massive Russian missile attacks on the cities of Ukraine, that every day, residents of peaceful cities die and are injured at the hands of Russia, that Ukrainians are forced to live and work in a state of permanent stress and anxiety and that Ukrainians are paying a high price for freedom and peace in Europe; notes that the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine, as the voice of Ukrainian workers, draws attention to the need to take decisive measures to protect Ukraine and appeals to the international community to speed up the provision of military aid to Ukraine, to continue providing economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, to strengthen sanctions against the terrorist regime of Russia, that can significantly limit the financial resources and export of technology necessary for the continuation of the war, to ensure the possibility of using frozen Russian assets to direct them to help Ukraine, and to isolate and remove from work in international organisations Russian political, public, and trade union figures, as representatives of a country that carries out terrorist activities against Ukraine and its citizens; and recognises that joint efforts will help stop Russian aggression, which is not only destroying Ukraine, but also undermining economic, energy, ecological, and food stability in Europe.

333Retirement of Northern Ireland and Rangers footballer Steven Davis

Tabled: 29/01/24 Signatories: 3

Mr Gregory Campbell

Paul Girvan

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the announcement of Steven Davis to retire from playing professional football; acknowledges the outstanding achievements of Steven, who at 39 years old holds the UK men's international caps record with 140 appearances for Northern Ireland as well as 742 club appearances for top flight clubs in England and Scotland, having played for his beloved Glasgow Rangers in two separate spells using the term, it's such a special football club, in his retirement statement; and wishes him and his family every blessing and good wish as he decides on his post playing career.

334High Income Child Benefit Charge

Tabled: 29/01/24 Signatories: 6

Douglas Chapman

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Dr Philippa Whitford

Paul Girvan

Jim Shannon

That this House expresses deep concern that the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) continues to create unfairness and anomalies such as discriminating against a family with one earner who earns in excess of £50,000 compared with a family whose joint earnings may exceed the £50,000 threshold; remains concerned that it has not been increased to reflect pay inflation from 2013 and discourages claims to child benefit through the need for higher earners to undertake a self-assessment tax return and potentially negatively impacts on National Insurance Contributions; and calls on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to review the HICBC at the first opportunity with a view to removing the anomalies or make arrangements to devolve responsibility and related funding for Child Benefit to the Scottish and Welsh governments and the Northern Ireland administration.

335Royal Welsh Agricultural Society's 120th anniversary

Tabled: 29/01/24 Signatories: 4

Liz Saville Roberts

Jonathan Edwards

Ben Lake

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s 120th anniversary; further celebrates the Society’s work in showcasing and promoting Welsh farming and agriculture and highlighting the important contribution it makes economically, culturally and environmentally to both Wales and the rest of the UK; notes the Society’s work involves hosting various annual shows including the Royal Welsh Show which is Europe’s largest agricultural show; and looks forward to the upcoming calendar year of events to mark the Society’s 120th anniversary.

336NHS dental services in Northern Ireland

Tabled: 30/01/24 Signatories: 2

Paul Girvan

Jonathan Edwards

That this House expresses alarm that NHS dental services in Northern Ireland are changing how they operate, resulting in patients either remaining with the practice as a private patient or having to seek to register with a practice which will provide NHS treatment; and calls on the Government to ensure that adequate NHS provision is provided throughout local communities to meet the need.

337Childhood cancer

Tabled: 30/01/24 Signatories: 3

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Claudia Webbe

Jonathan Edwards

That this House notes that over 4,000 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK every year; further notes that cancer is still the biggest killer by disease of children and young people in the UK; recognises the unique medical and psychosocial impacts of cancer on children and young people as compared to cancer in adults; expresses concern that the Major Conditions Strategy is being driven by adult-focused conditions and will be insufficient to address these unique impacts; highlights the Children and Young People’s Cancer Plan proposed by the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group and Young Lives vs Cancer; and urges the Government to adopt the provisions of the Plan to comprehensively address the needs of children and young people with cancer.

339Rural Support for Farmers

Tabled: 30/01/24 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

That this House expresses concern that Rural Support says calls and referrals to its service have increased by 40% due to the current pressures being faced by the industry; notes the significant pressures that farmers have been under especially due to rising interest rates, input costs, long hours and market uncertainty; highlights the stellar contribution farmers offer to our local economy and that 70,001 people are employed within the sector in Northern Ireland, based on 49,575 farmers; encourages all those suffering with the stresses of the job to seek help and discuss these issues; thanks every farmer across the United Kingdom for their efforts to our local economy; and wishes them all the best for their futures in farming.