Contents
Published: Wednesday 7 February 2024
Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 6 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
370Provision of council homes at social and living rents
Tabled: 6/02/24 Signatories: 1
Lloyd Russell-Moyle
That this House notes that providing grants to enable councils to deliver much-needed homes at social and living rents would save the exchequer money in the medium and long-term; recognises that, under the self-financing settlement package for council housing introduced in 2012, councils were made to take on over £8 billion of national debt through tenants' rents based on the assessment at the time that councils did not need the money; further notes that due to the current housing crisis the money is urgently needed by councils and that the original £8 billion has inflated to the equivalent of over £11.7 billion by 2023; and urges the Government to commit to return the money through £11.7 billion in social housing grants to councils which would enable approximately 120,000 additional homes to be provided at social and living rents, help tackle the housing crisis and save public money through reduced housing income support in the medium and long-term.
371Local government services
Tabled: 6/02/24 Signatories: 1
Helen Morgan
That this House notes with concern that the funding provided in the 2024/25 Local Government Finance Settlement has decreased by over £5,575 million since 2016 in real terms; understands that councils are facing a funding gap of £4bn over the next three years; notes that the 2024/25 Settlement reduces the Services Grant by £406 million despite councils already being forced to make cuts to local services such as closing libraries and leisure centres; further notes that the Settlement fails to recognise the unprecedented levels of inflation and demand for services which has driven up council outgoings; understands that in order to pass balanced budgets many councils will be forced to charge higher council tax for reduced services; is concerned that almost one in five council leaders in England say they are likely to issue a S114 notice in the next 15 months; and urges the Government to provide adequate funding to local government to ensure councils have the means to deliver both statutory services and economic and cultural enrichment for their residents.
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.
317Support for families of British Palestinians
Tabled: 24/01/24 Signatories: 22
Drew Hendry
Deidre Brock
Pete Wishart
Anne McLaughlin
Patrick Grady
Chris Law
Douglas Chapman
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: 10
Cat Smith
Jonathan Edwards
Jim Shannon
Jeremy Corbyn
Hywel Williams
Ben Lake
Mr Alistair Carmichael
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.
321Children's Mental Health Week 2024
Tabled: 25/01/24 Signatories: 22
Munira Wilson
Mary Kelly Foy
Wendy Chamberlain
Sarah Dyke
Gavin Robinson
Jamie Stone
Wera HobhouseClaudia Webbe
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.
326Miners’ Strike 1984: The Battle For Britain documentary series
Tabled: 26/01/24 Signatories: 32
Owen Thompson
Jon Trickett
Drew Hendry
Alison Thewliss
Richard Thomson
Kirsten Oswald
Douglas Chapman
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.
334High Income Child Benefit Charge
Tabled: 29/01/24 Signatories: 12
Douglas Chapman
Jonathan Edwards
Allan Dorans
Dr Philippa Whitford
Paul Girvan
Jim Shannon
Mr Gregory Campbell
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.
336NHS dental services in Northern Ireland
Tabled: 30/01/24 Signatories: 5
Paul Girvan
Jonathan Edwards
Jim Shannon
Carla Lockhart
Mr Gregory Campbell
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.
338Woodland Trust MOREwoods scheme
Tabled: 30/01/24 Signatories: 3
Jim Shannon
Carla Lockhart
Mr Gregory Campbell
That this House notes the Woodland Trust MOREwoods scheme, which is available to anyone wanting to plant woodland of at least 500 trees on at least half a hectare of land; highlights that the scheme includes saplings, advice and funding for new hedging projects and that all trees and shrubs supplied by the Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland are native broadleaved species that are UK-sourced and grown, which will help local landscapes become more diverse and, therefore, more resilient to future threats, such as pests and diseases; and encourages people with the necessary facilities to get in touch with the Woodland Trust to put forward an application and to do their bit to preserve nature and tackle nature emergencies.
339Rural Support for Farmers
Tabled: 30/01/24 Signatories: 5
Jim Shannon
Jonathan Edwards
Sarah Dyke
Carla Lockhart
Mr Gregory Campbell
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.
343Barnet mental health union dispute
Tabled: 31/01/24 Signatories: 10
John McDonnell
Jim Shannon
Mary Kelly Foy
Jon Trickett
Dawn Butler
Beth Winter
Claudia Webbe
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.
350Independent Panel Inquiry into the death of Zane Gbangbola
Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 25
Ian Byrne
Richard Burgon
Liz Saville Roberts
Caroline Lucas
Chris Stephens
Apsana Begum
Valerie VazKate Hollern
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: 5
Wendy Chamberlain
Richard Foord
Sarah Dyke
Jonathan Edwards
Christine Jardine
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: 7
Mr Gregory Campbell
Sir Mike Penning [R]
Jonathan Edwards
Jim Shannon
Carla Lockhart
Gavin Robinson
Paul Girvan
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: 7
Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson
Gavin Robinson
Sammy Wilson
Carla Lockhart
Jim Shannon
Mr Gregory Campbell
Paul Girvan
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: 14
Angela Crawley
Wendy Chamberlain
Allan Dorans
Jonathan Edwards
Ian Blackford
Drew Hendry
Marion Fellows
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: 9
Caroline Lucas
Claire Hanna
Jonathan Edwards
Richard Burgon
Dr Philippa Whitford
Mick Whitley
Ben LakeClaudia Webbe
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.
359LGBT History Month 2024
Tabled: 1/02/24 Signatories: 38
Kate Osborne
Dawn Butler
Nadia Whittome
Bell Ribeiro-Addy
Ian Byrne
John McDonnell
Lloyd Russell-MoyleZarah SultanaMartyn DayWera HobhouseCrispin BluntPeter DowdStewart Malcolm McDonaldRebecca Long BaileyAllan Dorans
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.
360200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Tabled: 2/02/24 Signatories: 18
Mr Alistair Carmichael
Sarah Dyke
Jonathan Edwards
Kim Johnson
Ben Lake
Liz Saville Roberts
Jamie StoneRichard Foord
That this House celebrates the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), formed on 4 March 1824; recognises that as a charity, the RNLI has throughout its history worked in the most challenging situations to protect lives at sea; notes that the RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations with thousands of lifeboat and shore crew, has lifeguards watching over 200 beaches across the UK, and relies upon thousands of hardworking fundraisers; understands that the RNLI has saved more than 144,000 lives over the course of its work since its founding; further recognises that more than 600 people have died in the RNLI's service; further notes that the RNLI maintains a close relationship with coastal communities around the United Kingdom; believes that the RNLI represents some of the best of this country’s charitable principles; and wishes the organisation the very best for its future.
361Support for bereaved children
Tabled: 5/02/24 Signatories: 10
Christine Jardine
Hywel Williams
Ben Lake
Liz Saville Roberts
Jonathan Edwards
Jamie Stone
Sarah DykeJim ShannonMunira WilsonRichard Foord
That this House notes with sadness that, on average, a child loses a parent every 20 minutes in the UK; further notes with concern that support services have no way of knowing exactly how many children suffer a bereavement each year, or where they live; recognises the work of charities in providing specialist support for children who lose a loved one; applauds the wide range of services they provide including support groups, hotlines, online chats and email support; commends charities including Winston’s Wish, Childhood Bereavement Network and Child Bereavement UK for collecting over 11,000 signatures on their petition calling for better recognition of bereaved children; and calls on the Government to introduce a new protocol for authorities and public bodies to inform children of local, national and online support services available to children following a bereavement.
362Mortgage prisoners
Tabled: 5/02/24 Signatories: 6
Martin Docherty-Hughes
Hywel Williams
Ben Lake
Liz Saville Roberts
Jonathan Edwards
Jim Shannon
That this House notes the new campaign launched by the UK Mortgage Prisoners Action Group which calls for urgent and sweeping legislative reforms to mortgages to avert further homeowner crises and go some way to righting the current wrongs; understands that there are nearly 200,000 mortgage prisoners who are still suffering severe financial hardship due to decisions made by the Government and regulator in the course of bailing out the banks following the 2008 global financial crash; and believes urgent action must be taken to address the injustice that so many have suffered through no fault of their own and rather as a consequence of sales of mortgages to non lenders, repeated securitisation and regulatory changes further trapping many thousands of historic interest only customers.
363Barry John, 1945 to 2024
Tabled: 5/02/24 Signatories: 6
Jonathan Edwards
Hywel Williams
Ben Lake
Liz Saville Roberts
Sir Mike Penning
Jim Shannon
That this House mourns the sad passing of the great Welsh rugby union outside half Barry John, born and raised in the Gwendraeth Valley village of Cefneithin in Carmarthenshire; notes that Mr John played his club rugby with Llanelli and Cardiff, was capped for Wales for the first time in 1966 and represented his country on 25 occasions before retiring in 1972 aged 27; acknowledges that he is recognised as the greatest Welsh outside half; further notes that Mr John toured with the British and Irish Lions to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, winning five test caps; also notes that during the momentous 1971 Tour, Mr John scored 30 of the 48 points scored by the Lions in the series, the only time the Lions have won a series in New Zealand; remembers that during the tour Mr John was labelled the King by the New Zealand media and supporters; and recalls that Mr John is immortalised in the Max Boyce poem named the Outside Half Factory – Disaster struck this morning, when fitters mate Ron, cracked the mould of solid gold, that once made Barry John.
364The Pioneers display and Peter McLagan
Tabled: 5/02/24 Signatories: 5
Martyn Day
Hywel Williams
Ben Lake
Liz Saville Roberts
Jim Shannon
That this House commends the temporary display entitled The Pioneers: The First Asian and Black MPs, which is being transferred to form part of the permanent hang in Admissions Order Office Corridor; reflects on the protracted process of permanently acknowledging our groundbreaking Asian and Black MPs; notes with dismay the exclusion of Scotland’s first mixed-race MP, Peter McLagan, who served the Linlithgowshire constituency from 1865 to 1893; further notes that Peter was the longest-serving Scottish Member during the reign of Queen Victoria; and calls on the Parliamentary authorities to rectify the omission of Peter McLagan from The Pioneers display at the earliest opportunity.
365Fetcha Chocolates
Tabled: 5/02/24 Signatories: 3
Brendan O'Hara
Jonathan Edwards
Jim Shannon
That this House congratulates Fiona McArthur, owner and creator of Fetcha Chocolates from Campbeltown in Argyll and Bute on being selected to provide dairy-free, vegan chocolates which will be included the 2024 Academy Awards ceremony gift bag; understands that Fiona who started the business from her mum’s kitchen in 2019 will create boxes of 24 handmade chocolates which will feature six different flavours inspired by six of the Oscar nominated movies, Barbie, Oppenheimer, Killers Of The Flower Moon, Poor Things, The Holdovers and Maestro; recognises that Fetcha Chocolates have been chosen for inclusion at the Oscars because in addition to being handmade and being free of dairy products, Fiona’s chocolates contain no egg, gluten, soy or palm oil, are alcohol-free, and come in packaging that has no plastic content; and sends Fiona McArthur and Fetcha Chocolates very best wishes for the future.
366Vanity Hair Salon, City of Durham’s Small Business of the Year
Tabled: 5/02/24 Signatories: 3
Mary Kelly Foy
Grahame Morris
Jim Shannon
That this House congratulates Vanity Hair Salon in Gilesgate, County Durham, on winning the City of Durham’s Small Business of the Year 2023; commends Katie, Courtney, Georgia and Lynsey for their cosmetology; values their contribution to the local community and the local economy; and wishes them every success for the future.
36750th anniversary of the loss with all hands of the trawler fishing vessel Gaul
Tabled: 5/02/24 Signatories: 5
Emma Hardy
Jonathan Edwards
Sir Mike Penning
Jim Shannon
Mary Kelly Foy
That this House notes with solemnity and sadness the 50th anniversary of the loss of the fishing vessel Gaul, with all hands, on the night of 8-9 February 1974 in storm conditions in the Barents Sea, north of Norway; remembers the 36 crew who lost their lives; further notes that this remains the worst peacetime disaster to befall the British commercial fishing industry; offers its sincere condolences to their families, friends, relatives and the fishing community of Hull; deeply regrets the failure of the Government to locate the wreck following the sinking; notes that it took a further 23 years for the wreck to be located; recognises the distress and suffering of all those affected by the tragedy in the intervening years of uncertainty; further recognises the determination of all those who continued to campaign for answers to the tragedy; thanks the Dispatches team led by the late documentary filmmaker Roger Fenton whose work resulted in the discovery of its final resting place; further notes the series of events taking place in Hull between 8 and 11 February to commemorate the anniversary; acknowledges the eternal debt of gratitude owed by the nation to the generations who risked their lives at sea as part of the British fishing fleet; and honours the memory of all those who did not return.
368Apprenticeships
Tabled: 5/02/24 Signatories: 4
Jim Shannon
Jonathan Edwards
Carla Lockhart
Paul Girvan
That this House notes the importance of apprenticeships throughout the UK in helping young people achieve their full potential through employment; highlights that in the 2021 calendar year apprenticeship uptakes were sitting at 1,640,300 and in the most recent financial year increased to 1,719,600 across the UK; further notes that in Northern Ireland specifically 57% of people doing apprenticeships achieved a level 2 qualification and 38% achieved a level 3; underlines the important role apprenticeships play in holding up our economy and in giving young students the opportunity to explore the world of work throughout all industries, such as agriculture, engineering, manufacturing, accounting, business and so much more; encourages all young people to take advantage of these opportunities offered to them; and thanks local businesses and industries for giving young people a chance through apprenticeships.
3692,000th edition of Sound Around Ards
Tabled: 5/02/24 Signatories: 2
Jim Shannon
Carla Lockhart
That this House notes the important milestone for Sound Around Ards, a talking newspaper service for the Ards peninsula in Strangford constituency, which last week recorded its 2,000th edition since its launch in 1980; highlights that each week, volunteers record 40 minutes of the highlights from local newspapers onto CDs, as it aims to assist those within the sight impairment community but now serves for all those who feel they would benefit from the service; further highlights the incredible work of the volunteers and the secretary Alison Coyle who go above and beyond to provide this service for so many who depend on it; and wishes the team all the best for the future and many more episodes to come.