Contents

Published: Friday 2 February 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 1 February 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

349Jay Abatan

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 10

Caroline Lucas

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Sir Peter Bottomley

Nadia Whittome

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House expresses concern that 25 years after Jay Abatan was killed in a racist attack in Brighton his murderers have still not been brought to justice; notes that Sussex police have apologised to Jay Abatan's family for the multiple failures in the way the investigation was conducted, as revealed by subsequent reports into his murder; further notes that a 2010 inquest into Jay’s death returned a verdict of unlawful killing; considers that not all the overarching issues raised in the Macpherson report appear to have been addressed; recognises that Michael Abatan has been campaigning since 1999 for justice for his brother and that there are countless other families of the victims of racially motivated murders who have been let down by the criminal justice system; calls on the IOPC to conduct an independent investigation into Sussex Police’s handling of Jay's death and for a different police force to take over the investigation; and further calls on the Secretary of State for the Home Department to establish and chair a Race Equality Steering Group to help ensure oversight of progress in addressing race equality across all police forces in England and Wales, as recommended by the Home Affairs Select Committee.

350Independent Panel Inquiry into the death of Zane Gbangbola

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 18

Ian Byrne

Richard Burgon

Liz Saville Roberts

Caroline Lucas

Chris Stephens

Apsana Begum

That this House notes that the Post Office Horizon scandal has reemphasised the need for a Hillsborough Law; acknowledges that more tragedies would benefit from a duty of candour on public servants and a parity of arms; supports the call for an independent panel inquiry with full powers to compel disclosure into the death of seven-year-old Zane Gbangbola, who died during floods in 2014 from poisoning by hydrogen cyanide detected by Fire Services HAZMAT; further notes that Zane’s family home was adjacent to likely contaminated landfill from which floodwater flowed and which necessitated the area being evacuated; notes that the coroner ruled Zane died after inhaling carbon monoxide from a petrol-powered pump hired by his parents to clear water from the basement, despite no carbon monoxide being detected; observes that Zane's father is paralysed from hydrogen cyanide poisoning; commends the family’s decade-long campaign following Zane’s death; is concerned that victims and bereaved in this case have been blamed, abused and scapegoated; reflects on the lack of proper investigation and the masses of evidence undisclosed or ignored and a flawed judicial outcome; notes that Zane’s family were refused legal aid for his inquest, whilst legal support for public officials was paid from the public purse and the coroner received legal aid; and calls on Government to urgently establish an independent panel inquiry so that all evidence can be reviewed by experts and the truth about what really happened to an innocent seven-year-old boy can finally be told, heard and recorded.

351Withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House notes the growing number of European countries withdrawing from the Energy Charter Treaty including France, Germany, Spain and Italy; is deeply concerned about the increasing number of legal cases from fossil fuel companies brought against countries introducing climate policy; notes with concern the impact these legal challenges have on the cost and speed of energy transition; further notes that attempts to modernise the Energy Charter Treaty have failed; recognises the need for a new global framework to incentivise global investment in the renewable energy sector to meet global targets to reduce emissions and reach net zero; and calls on the Government to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty and back a new framework replacement Renewables Treaty to drive innovation, cooperation and the greater adoption of renewable energy.

352Persecution of Christians

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 1

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House notes reports of continuing and increasing instances of intimidation, persecution and murder of Christians in many countries across the world; and expresses the demand that the UK takes the lead in highlighting these cases, continuing to raise with the relevant nation states and international bodies the need to act to prevent such attacks and where they occur to take robust action against the perpetrators.

353250th anniversary of Friends’ School Lisburn

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 4

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Gavin Robinson

Sammy Wilson

Carla Lockhart

That this House warmly congratulates Friends’ School Lisburn on reaching their 250th anniversary in 2024; notes the unveiling of their inspirational legacy projects, which include a new book about the school, its historic Quaker ethos and fantastic record of academic achievement, and the development of an amazing outdoor performance space and a legacy trail around their beautiful school grounds; and welcomes the exciting events and activities being held to celebrate this milestone in the life of the school, which will ensure their 250th anniversary is a truly memorable year for the entire Friends’ family.

354Scottish curlers gold at Winter Youth Olympics

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 1

Angela Crawley

That this House congratulates Logan Carson, Tia Laurie, Archie Hyslop and Holly Burke on winning gold in the mixed team curling at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea; understands that they came from behind to defeat Denmark 7-5 after an extra end in the gold medal match; further congratulates Callie Soutar and Ethan Brewster for winning gold in the mixed doubles curling completing a clean sweep of curling golds at the games; praises the curlers and their coaches for their collective efforts, hard work and determination to succeed throughout the competition; commends them for upholding the spirit of curling at the games; and wishes them well in their future sporting endeavours.

355Fuel poverty and the private rented sector

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 1

Caroline Lucas

That this House believes it is a national scandal that in 2022-23 almost 5,000 excess winter deaths were caused by people living in cold and damp homes; is deeply concerned that 6.5 million UK households are experiencing fuel poverty following the energy price cap rise in January 2024; urges the Government to provide emergency support for families struggling to pay their energy bills and to alleviate energy debt; notes that the private rented sector (PRS) has the least energy efficient homes of any tenure in the UK and that over a quarter of renting households live in fuel poverty; expresses alarm that the Government has scrapped the planned upgrade to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for the PRS which, according to the Climate Change Committee, would save tenants £255 per year, even under so-called normal energy prices; calls on the Government to reverse this decision and require private landlords to bring their properties up to EPC C by 2028; further notes that, according to National Energy Action, introducing effective regulation for landlords would lead to an £8 billion reduction in the central investment required to meet the target for all fuel poor households in England to reach EPC C by 2030; observes that 80% of landlords are in favour of stricter energy efficiency standards; and further believes that improving the UK’s leaky housing stock would create numerous benefits for public health, the economy and the climate, whilst delivering genuine energy security and ensuring that everyone has a warm, comfortable home.

356Crystal FM Radio

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 1

Owen Thompson

That this House celebrates the remarkable milestone of Crystal FM, a distinguished community radio broadcaster based in Penicuik, on completing its 11th year of operation, marking more than a decade of exceptional service in community radio broadcasting; acknowledges with great admiration the recent accolade bestowed upon the station as the Best Community Radio Broadcaster for the second consecutive year in the SME News, Scottish Enterprise Awards; commends the dedicated volunteers who are the backbone of Crystal FM Radio, whose tireless efforts and passion ensure the station's smooth operation, broadcasting across Midlothian, into Edinburgh and the Lothians, and globally via the internet; applauds Colin McCall, the station coordinator and a former primary school teacher, for his pioneering vision in founding Crystal FM Radio; further applauds his leadership, along with a group of enthusiasts, which has seen the station evolve from a modest venture to an award-winning community broadcaster; praises the diverse team of around 50 presenters and information providers who contribute to the station's 24/7 broadcasting schedule; and encourages continued support for community radio stations like Crystal FM Radio, which play such a vital role.

357Ninewells Hospital 50th anniversary

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 1

Chris Law

That this House celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of Ninewells Hospital in Dundee; notes that the first patients were admitted on 31 January 1974, with the official opening held later that year in October; thanks the thousands of current and former staff who have worked in the hospital, providing treatment to millions of patients from across Dundee, Tayside and beyond over the last 50 years; recognises that the medical and nursing schools at Ninewells Hospital have been and continue to be instrumental in bringing through generations of healthcare professionals; further recognises the important role that Ninewells Hospital has played in the advancement of medical science; and wishes all at the hospital well in their anniversary year and for the coming future.

358Allied Steel and Wire workers’ pensions

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 3

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House recognises the 22 year injustice experienced by Allied Steel and Wire (ASW) workers in relation to their pensions; notes that around 1000 ASW pensions were lost in 2002 despite decades of contributions because their employer went bankrupt; acknowledges that despite having paid for 100% of their pensions, ASW workers were only promised 90% of their value by the UK Government; further notes that the Government’s financial assistance scheme fails to protect money paid in before April 1997 from inflation, allowing their value to further erode over time; is concerned that some ASW workers are only receiving half of what is owed to them; welcomes retrospective action beginning to finally right the wrongs of the Horizon Post Office scandal; and calls for the UK Government to similarly address this injustice experienced by ASW pensioners without delay.

359LGBT History Month 2024

Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 12

Kate Osborne

Dawn Butler

Nadia Whittome

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Ian Byrne

John McDonnell

That this House recognises and celebrates February as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month 2024; welcomes this month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans history; notes that LGBTQ+ people have a long history of making incredible contributions to the UK; further notes that LGBTQ+ History month is much needed to challenge discrimination and educate; commemorates the progress we have made in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and related civil rights through the past decades; further celebrates the increasing freedoms and equality afforded to the LGBTQ+ community in recent years; notes that there is still a lot of work needed to challenge discriminatory rhetoric and attitudes in society; acknowledges that hate crime against the trans community is on the rise and the LGBT community is still discriminated against in many areas of society; and pledges to fight for full equality for all members of the LGBTQ+ community to allow LGBTQ+ people achieve their full potential and contribute fully to society.

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.

306Inheritance tax

Tabled: 22/01/24 Signatories: 9

Jon Trickett

Jonathan Edwards

Mary Kelly Foy

Jeremy Corbyn

Chris Stephens

Claudia Webbe

That this House objects to suggestions that the Government should cut or scrap inheritance tax in the forthcoming Budget; notes that inheritance tax revenues amount to around £7 billion a year; further notes that in the year 2020 to 2021 only 3.73% of UK deaths resulted in an inheritance tax charge; recognises that although only 27% of the UK population live in London and the South East, 42% of estates paying inheritance tax are located in these regions; also recognises that the larger the value of the estate the lower the rate of inheritance tax you tend to pay as a result of reliefs, exemptions and tax avoidance measures; understands that a cut to inheritance tax will financially benefit a small minority of UK citizens but the cost to the Exchequer will weaken the public finances on which all UK citizens rely in some form; believes that cutting or scrapping inheritance tax is the wrong priority for the upcoming Budget; calls on the Government to use the Budget to prioritise investing in our crumbling public services and to reduce the tax burden on those on low and middle incomes; and also calls on the Government to develop long-term proposals to reform the tax system to suit the modern economy so that wealth is taxed on parity with income.

312Dr Ofer Cassif

Tabled: 22/01/24 Signatories: 8

Jeremy Corbyn

Apsana Begum

Tommy Sheppard

Crispin Blunt

Chris Stephens

Claudia Webbe

That this House acknowledges the plight of Dr Ofer Cassif, Member of Israeli Knesset of the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash) who currently faces unconstitutional expulsion from the Israeli Knesset on the grounds of supporting armed struggle against the state following his signature on a petition supporting South Africa’s appeal to the International Court of Justice (ICJ); recognises that Dr Cassif simply insists upon an end to the bloodshed, death and destruction in Gaza and calls for the release of all hostages, as well as for a lasting just peace in the interest of both Israelis and Palestinians; applauds the courage it takes for Israelis to express sympathy and solidarity with innocent Palestinian victims and speak out against their Government’s actions particularly at this time amidst repression and harassment; and furthermore supports all calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

317Support for families of British Palestinians

Tabled: 24/01/24 Signatories: 21

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: 7

Cat Smith

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Jeremy Corbyn

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

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: 15

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: 16

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: 16

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.

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

Tabled: 26/01/24 Signatories: 27

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: 27

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.

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

Tabled: 26/01/24 Signatories: 6

John McDonnell

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

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.

334High Income Child Benefit Charge

Tabled: 29/01/24 Signatories: 9

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: 6

Liz Saville Roberts

Jonathan Edwards

Ben Lake

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

Hywel Williams

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: 3

Paul Girvan

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

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: 6

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Claudia Webbe

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Jon Trickett

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.

340Lothians Veterans Centre

Tabled: 31/01/24 Signatories: 3

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

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: 2

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

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: 2

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

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: 4

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Jon Trickett

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: 12

Christine Jardine

Jonathan Edwards

Wendy Chamberlain

David Mundell

Jamie Stone

Daisy Cooper

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: 2

Neale Hanvey

Kenny MacAskill

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: 4

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

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: 2

Carla Lockhart

Jim Shannon

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: 2

Carla Lockhart

Jim Shannon

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.