Contents

Published: Friday 23 February 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 22 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

416SRUC awarded Queen's Anniversary Prize

Tabled: 22/02/24 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this house celebrates Scotland’s Rural University Campus’ (SRUC) being awarded with the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize; acknowledges that this is the highest form of national recognition open to educational institutions in the UK; commends that the award recognises SRUC’s contribution to animal welfare, veterinary science, education, research and the economy through its world-class Veterinary Services network; appreciates the vital role SRUC plays in the local communities where they have campuses in North East Fife, Edinburgh, Ayrs, Dumfries, Aberdeen, West Lothian and Glasgow; recognises that the campuses’ contributions support 7,300 farmers and livestock keeper members across the UK; and welcomes SRUC growing the UK’s first tertiary model of veterinary teaching and learning to address the critical shortage of vets in this sector.

417Shropshire Day 2024

Tabled: 22/02/24 Signatories: 1

Helen Morgan

That this House welcomes Shropshire Day which falls on 23 February and celebrates the county’s magnificent heritage; praises the natural beauty of the area from the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to the expanses of glorious farmland and the meres and the mosses, all of which host an abundance of varied wildlife; commemorates the county’s rich history of Iron Age hillforts, Roman ruins, medieval castles, heritage railways and canals; pays tribute to the farmers who care for the outstanding natural environment across the county, fuel the local economy, and put quality Shropshire produce on our plates; applauds the local businesses who keep market towns and highstreets bustling with trade; and comes together to admire the strong community spirit which is characteristic of Salopians.

418Political reform

Tabled: 22/02/24 Signatories: 1

Jon Trickett

That this House acknowledges the perception amongst many people in Britain that key decision making structures are dominated by an unrepresentative social group whose concerns often fail to understand the wishes of British working people; understands that we need to renew our democracy as a result of the growing alienation in many communities from Westminster’s political processes; recognises that Britain is one of the most centralised countries in Europe; thinks that democratic renewal must ensure our political institutions are fully connected to the electorate and that we urgently need a new deal for our regions and nations to decentralise decision-making and strengthen local democracy; believes the hereditary principle in the House of Lords should be ended and the House of Lords should be abolished in favour of an elected Senate of the Nations and Regions; further believes there should be a ban on paid second jobs for MPs; believes that we need more elected representatives drawn from a wider social milieu, and especially regrets the decline in working class representation as well as that of other disadvantaged groups; further understands that democratic renewal requires legitimacy and therefore believes we ought to consider establishing a UK-wide constitutional convention to examine how power is distributed in the UK today; and, finally, insists that the intrusive and damaging role of private sources of big money is eliminated from our political system.

419Jim Carswell, Scotland cap

Tabled: 22/02/24 Signatories: 1

Gavin Newlands

That this House congratulates Jim Carswell, formerly of Paisley, Grammarians, Rugby Club, Jordanhill RFC and Glasgow on receiving his Scotland rugby cap 47 years after playing for his country against Japan in 1974; acknowledges this award makes him Paisley Rugby Club’s first player to go on and win full international honours; notes that a Mr D Lang who played for Paisley Football Club, an early and shortlived rugby club in the town, played for Scotland in 1876 and 1877; believes that acknowledging the contributions of previously overlooked players such as Mr Carswell enriches the history of Scottish Rugby and serves as an inspiration to current and future generations; further congratulates the 74 other recipients of retrospective caps recently awarded by the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU); welcomes the SRU’s initiative in righting the historical record and ensuring all those eligible for national caps are given them; and looks forward to further caps being awarded to Scotland Women’s internationals and international referees as part of this initiative.

420Retirement of Rt Revd Paul Butler

Tabled: 22/02/24 Signatories: 1

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House gives its best wishes to the Rt Revd Paul Butler, the 79th Bishop of Durham, in his retirement; notes that Bishop Butler has served as Bishop of Durham for ten years; further notes the rich history of the diocese of Durham, a diocese that stretches back into the medieval world; acknowledges his advocacy of the poor and for refugees in the diocese and in the Other Place; commends Bishop Butler for his advocacy of the North East; recalls that Bishop Butler’s first sermon was rooted in the Parable of the Mustard Seed; thanks Bishop Paul for his role in the Durham miners’ service; and extends its best wishes to Rosemary and Bishop Paul’s entire family.

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.

377International Court of Justice Ruling on Gaza and the UK’s duties under the Genocide Convention

Tabled: 7/02/24 Signatories: 39

Zarah Sultana

Apsana Begum

Richard Burgon

Imran Hussain

John McDonnell

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

That this House notes the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 26 January 2024, which found that it is plausible that Israel’s ongoing attacks on the Palestinian people in Gaza are in breach of the Genocide Convention; further notes that the ICJ issued provisional measures, including ordering Israel and its military to prevent acts against Palestinians in Gaza prohibited by Article II of the Genocide Convention, such as killings of Palestinians in Gaza, as well as ordering Israel to prevent and punish incitement to genocide and to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza; supports the ICJ call for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages; notes that as a signatory to the Genocide Convention the UK has a duty to prevent genocide and to ensure that the Convention is not breached; believes the UK has a responsibility to act to ensure this ruling is upheld, and not to undermine it; therefore calls on the UK Government to support the ICJ’s provisional measures; further believes that it is not possible for Israel to fulfil the ICJ’s order without an immediate end to its military assault on Gaza; and therefore, in light of plausible breaches of the Genocide Convention, further calls on the UK Government to demand an immediate ceasefire and suspend all arms exports to Israel.

378Gellings Riding School

Tabled: 7/02/24 Signatories: 21

Ian Byrne

Mary Kelly Foy

Kim Johnson

Peter Dowd

Mick Whitley

John McDonnell

That this House supports Gellings Riding School in its efforts to acquire the land it is situated upon in order to secure its existence for future generations; notes that the school is a vital community asset which has been an integral part of the West Derby community for 30 years, providing inclusive opportunities for education, health and wellbeing to residents in the entire Liverpool City Region; specifically notes its provision of visually impaired riding facilities and the use of its stables for neurodiverse young adults and those experiencing poor mental health; reflects on a recent devastating report on inequality in public health in Liverpool from the city’s Director of Public Health which revealed that people living in the poorest areas of the city, including many in West Derby, live an average of 15 years less than those in the most affluent areas and live with poor health for 18 years longer; further reflects that residents in the most deprived areas of the city are also living with major illness from around 10-15 years earlier than those in the most affluent areas, that around 1,900 residents die young - under the age of 75 - and that 1,100 of these deaths are preventable; supports the view that against this backdrop access to outdoor spaces and sporting facilities for Liverpool City Region residents is vital; and further notes that Gellings supports the mental and physical health, education and social and environmental development of people across the entire Liverpool City Region.

395100th birthday of Holocaust survivor Henry Wuga

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 10

Kirsten Oswald

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Dr Philippa Whitford

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

That this House congratulates Holocaust survivor, Giffnock resident, Henry Wuga on his 100th birthday; notes that Henry was born in Nuremberg on 23 February 1924 and arrived on the Kindertransport in 1939; understands he was sent to Glasgow, then Perth following the outbreak of war; recognises Henry met his wife, Ingrid Wolff, who also arrived on the Kinderstransport, at the German and Austrian refugee centre in Glasgow; further notes Henry and Ingrid married on 27 December 1944 and ran a kosher catering business; further understands they spent considerable time sharing their testimony and educating others about the Holocaust; acknowledges Henry and Ingrid devoted 20 years of their lives to fundraising for the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice; further notes Henry worked as a ski instructor with the British Limbless Ex-Serviceman’s Association; further recognises Henry was awarded an MBE in 1999 for services to sport for disabled people and Ingrid received a British Empire Medal in 2019 for services to Holocaust education; further acknowledges Henry is a great admirer of Robert Burns, his writings on themes of liberty and freedom meaning a great deal to him with Burns Night celebrated just two days before Holocaust Memorial Day annually; understands Ingrid sadly passed away in October 2020 but the couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in 2019; recognises Henry and Ingrid have two children, four grandchildren and three great grand-children; and reflects that on reaching his 100th birthday, Henry is a truly remarkable individual and offers warm wishes to him.

396Lisa Mason

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 3

Patricia Gibson

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Ms Lisa Mason, this year’s vocational category winner for Scotland at the fifth annual British Education Awards; notes that the vocational category recognises those who have achieved excellence in their apprenticeship, BTEC, or NVQ equivalent qualification; further notes that these awards were established to promote excellence in education and highlight the success of students from diverse backgrounds and abilities from across the UK; understands that the British Education Awards is distinct in its focus in recognising individual students rather than educational establishments and institutions; acknowledges that these awards celebrate students’ commitment and personal endeavour to develop and realise their potential through education; commends Lisa’s dedication to her education and personal development; applauds her as the pride of Kilwinning and North Ayrshire; and wishes her continued success in all her future endeavours.

397Ardamata and Masalit massacres

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 6

Patricia Gibson

Dr Philippa Whitford

Zarah Sultana

Patrick Grady

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

That this House condemns the horrors currently being inflicted on the Masalit community of West Darfur at the hands of paramilitary groups, the Rapid Support Forces and Janjaweed, in light of reports that these groups massacred between 800 and 1,300 unarmed people on 8 November 2023; considers that an ethnic cleansing of dark-skinned non-Arab people is taking place in West Darfur now, with other massacres having taken place; acknowledges that these massacres have been described by the Economist, Genocide Watch, and the West Darfur Governor, Khamis Abakar, as a genocide; believes that Sudan has been in chaos since civil war erupted on 15 April 2023, with at least 9,000 deaths since then, with 1.3 million Sudanese people having fled the country, and with almost five million people being internally displaced; recognises that the world’s focus now is primarily on Gaza; and further believes that the United Nations must show leadership in trying to address the Sudanese civil war and what it sees as many other ongoing, seemingly endless, conflicts across the world, from Libya and Congo to Syria and Yemen, Myanmar and Ukraine.

398Transport for London and London Underground maintenance workers

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 17

John McDonnell

Apsana Begum

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Jeremy Corbyn

Ian Mearns

Grahame Morris

That this House is dismayed to learn that Transport for London (TfL) is re-tendering essential track maintenance work on the Underground to private companies as part of its Track Labour Framework, rather than bringing this work in-house; expresses concern that, under existing sub-contracting arrangements, three-quarters of these sub-contracted workers reported that they struggle to make ends meet, and two-thirds would be worried about reporting safety concerns in case they jeopardise their chances of future work; is further concerned that there are no guarantees of protection for the earnings and working hours of these workers as part of the new tendering process, leaving TfL open to accept low bids that seek to cut costs and extract profits by driving down workers’ living standards; and calls on TfL to ensure that these contracts are funded sufficiently and structured to ensure that track workers’ earnings and hours of work are protected so they suffer no detriment as a consequence of the tendering process, and to review its overall approach to sub-contracting.

399Midlothian View

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 6

Owen Thompson

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Law

Christine Jardine

Douglas Chapman

Jim Shannon

That this House applauds Midlothian View, a local digital news brand, for being nominated twice in the Business Awards 2024 organised by Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce; recognises that the awards are a highlight of the business calendar and offer Midlothian businesses the opportunity to promote major achievements and celebrate success; notes that Midlothian View have been nominated for the Best Commitment to Youth Development and Best Community Impact awards; further acknowledges Midlothian View's vital contributions to local journalism and its pivotal role in fostering community engagement through its in-depth coverage of news, events and issues pertinent to the Midlothian area; applauds this brand’s journalistic excellence, integrity, and dedication to truth; further applauds its commitment to providing timely, accurate and engaging content which has made it an indispensable resource for the local community, bridging gaps and bringing people closer together; and wishes Midlothian View continued success for the future and good luck at the awards dinner ceremony on 7 March 2024.

401VAT and the hospitality sector

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 11

Douglas Chapman

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Dr Philippa Whitford

John McNally

Jonathan Edwards

Hywel Williams

That this House recognises the continuing challenges facing the hospitality sector during the cost of living crisis; notes that the Government implemented a temporary cut of 5% on VAT for hospitality businesses during the pandemic; further notes that VAT is not devolved and can therefore only be set by the UK Government; notes that the UK is an outlier for having a higher rate of VAT for the hospitality sector compared to other European economies; further notes that organisations such as the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Scottish Beer and Pub Association and Scottish Hospitality Group support a cut of 5% on VAT as the most straightforward and effective policy measure to help many small and local businesses; recognises businesses such as the Wee Restaurant in North Queensferry, whose team work hard everyday to serve their loyal customer base against the competing demands of inflation, higher energy costs and the cost and availability of raw materials; and calls on the Government to implement a permanent cut of 5% on VAT to help hospitality businesses meet the challenges of the cost of living crisis, to give them some financial breathing space after the covid-19 pandemic and to remain sustainable in the future so that they can continue to contribute to the wider economy.

402Alan Bates and the Freedom of the City of Liverpool

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 31

Ian Byrne

Kate Osborne

Mick Whitley

Margaret Greenwood

John McDonnell

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House supports the call for the Freedom of the City of Liverpool to be bestowed upon Liverpool-born Post Office Horizon campaigner Alan Bates; notes this is the highest civil award in the city and has previously been awarded to those who have left an indelible mark on the people of Liverpool, including the 97 Hillsborough victims; recognises that resilient and determined campaigning against injustice lies in the heart and DNA of this city’s daughters and sons; further recognises the need for a duty of candour and a Hillsborough Law now to prevent further miscarriages of justice; notes that the ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office has sparked renewed interest in the Post Office Horizon scandal which left hundreds of British sub-postmasters falsely accused of theft, fraud and false accounting because of a defective IT system; further notes Alan Bates’ vital role in bringing the Post Office Horizon scandal to light; recognises that, in 2009, Alan Bates joined forces with other sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal and went on to found the Justice for Sub-postmasters Alliance; reflects that, almost a decade later, Alan Bates and five others took the Post Office to the High Court, representing more than 500 sub-postmasters, and the Horizon computer system was ruled at fault; and further notes that Alan Bates continues to campaign today for all sub-postmasters affected and for a Government compensation scheme.

403Death of Alexei Navalny

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 9

Jim Shannon

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Jonathan Edwards

Mr Gregory Campbell

Sarah Dyke

Richard Foord

That this House deeply regrets the death of Alexei Navalny; notes that he was a Russian opposition leader, lawyer, anti-corruption activist and political prisoner; highlights the sad news that his family have been denied access to his body and expresses sincere condolences and sympathies to them at this time; urges the judicial system in Russia to ensure his body is returned to the family as soon as possible; and calls for a full investigation into this death to ensure justice is served.

405Durham Area Youth

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 4

Mary Kelly Foy

Ian Mearns

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

That this House recognises the vital work of Durham Area Youth and its service to young people aged 6-18 in the areas of Pittington, Shadforth, Sherburn Hill and West Rainton in City of Durham; notes that they reach up to 300 young people per week through the provision of direct support, including, but not limited to community outreach projects, travelling community support, wellbeing activities, a youth forum and youth work, as well as alternative and special educational needs support; further notes Durham Area Youth’s recent projects with Durham Pride and mental health in the region; praises Durham Area Youth for its work on feeding families in the region and campaigning against period poverty; congratulates those who won the hon. Member for the City of Durham's Christmas card competition; and sends Durham Area Youth our best wishes.

406International Mother Languages Day 2024

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 11

Apsana Begum

Claudia Webbe

Ian Mearns

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

Jonathan Edwards

That this House pays tribute to International Mother Language Day 2024, which was the initiative of Bangladesh and was approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference; notes that it has been observed on 21 February throughout the world since 2000 and commemorates the Bangladeshi university students martyred for the Bangla language in 1952; further notes 2024’s theme is “multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning”; and believes that valuing linguistic diversity helps provide people with an understanding of language and culture, raises educational attainment, and celebrates the plurality and richness of multicultural communities.

409Second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Tabled: 20/02/24 Signatories: 5

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Law

Dr Philippa Whitford

That this House acknowledges that two years after the unprovoked, brutal and illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the conflict still rages; notes that hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and maimed, with vast areas of Ukraine and many of its towns and cities devastated and millions displaced; believes that, as the world’s eyes have been averted elsewhere, Ukraine’s army is becoming increasingly exhausted and bloodied in a war against a numerically superior opponent with greater material resources; further notes that Russia is prepared to sacrifice tens of thousands of its citizens in an ongoing war of attrition; considers that the US and its allies from the start appear to have had an undeclared policy of stopping Ukraine losing while providing far too little of the materiel required to liberate the 18% of Ukraine under Russian occupation; is aware that Hungary’s veto in the EU and internal politics in the US have combined to starve Ukraine of critical munitions and financial support, forcing it on the defensive; recognises the UK’s £12 billion of military and financial assistance committed to Ukraine since the invasion; and further believes that only with the provision of EU and US funding and weaponry previously promised and more, can Ukraine hope to liberate its territory, ultimately end the conflict and secure a peaceful future for its people and Russia’s.

410Household Support Fund (No. 2)

Tabled: 20/02/24 Signatories: 12

Ian Byrne

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Sir Stephen Timms

Jon Trickett

Ian Mearns

That this House expresses deep concern that the UK Government has not committed to extending the Household Support Fund (HSF) beyond March 2024; notes that via this fund the Government has invested significantly in local crisis support as a response to the cost-of-living crisis; further notes that more than £2 billion has been invested in the fund since October 2021; acknowledges this represents the largest investment in local government in England to deliver local crisis support since the abolition of the Social Fund in 2013; notes that additional sums have also been provided to devolved administrations through the Barnett formula for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; expresses concern that almost two-thirds of councils responding to an Local Government Association survey said they could provide no additional discretionary funding to replace what is lost when the HSF ends and just under one-fifth said they would also be reducing their own local welfare discretionary funding due to financial pressures; further notes that demand for the HSF has never been higher, that foodbank usage is at record levels and one-in-four children live in poverty, and around three-quarters of councils told the LGA they expect financial hardship to increase in their area in the next 12 months; and notes a letter signed by more than 120 organisations including The Children’s Society, Trussell Trust and Barnardo’s who shared their fears that this will leave a large gap in support which neither local government, nor the voluntary sector, will be able to fill.

411Use of artificial intelligence in journalism

Tabled: 21/02/24 Signatories: 16

Grahame Morris

John McDonnell

Liz Saville Roberts

Chris Stephens

Kim Johnson

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House supports the National Union of Journalists' (NUJ) Artificial Intelligence (AI) campaign and its concerns over rapid advancements in AI technologies using journalistic content without consent or permission; recognises the risk of grave harm to journalism and the subsequent undermining of democracy should public trust in journalism erode; acknowledges that opportunities for AI within journalism must be approached with transparency and engagement with journalists and representative organisations; further recognises that the unique skillset, creativity and experience held by journalists cannot be replaced by algorithms and technology; and therefore supports the NUJ’s calls for Government action to require AI developers and firms to comply with laws regarding the intellectual property rights of journalists.

412No confidence in the Speaker

Tabled: 21/02/24 Signatories: 67

Mr William Wragg

Gary Sambrook

Jill Mortimer

John Stevenson

Dr Kieran Mullan

Anthony Mangnall

That this House has no confidence in Mr Speaker.

413Wigan Warriors and the World Club Challenge

Tabled: 21/02/24 Signatories: 2

Judith Cummins

Jim Shannon

That this House welcomes the upcoming World Club Challenge; supports British Super League Champions Wigan Warriors in their upcoming match against the Australian NRL champions the Penrith Panthers; congratulates both teams on their success in their respective leagues; and commends the success of the Super League in cultivating an internationally-competitive environment for British clubs.

41475th anniversary of Troon Art Club

Tabled: 21/02/24 Signatories: 8

Dr Philippa Whitford

Hannah Bardell

Patricia Gibson

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

Drew Hendry

This House congratulates Troon Art Club on their 75th anniversary and celebrates that the club, founded shortly after the second world war, has gone from strength to strength over the years, working to advance the arts in Ayrshire through their set programme of art demonstrations, professional appraisals, exhibitions and competitions, which allow participants to share knowledge, explore art and showcase their work; notes that the art club is open to anyone with an artistic streak to join the weekly drawing and painting sessions, which encourage members to compete in monthly challenges, including on a range of themes during the summer break and further; and celebrates how the art club actively brings the community together, especially through attendance at the immensely popular summer exhibition every year in Troon.

415Bus services

Tabled: 21/02/24 Signatories: 4

Sarah Dyke [R]

Richard Foord

Claudia Webbe

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the dire state of bus services throughout the country and is concerned that bus provision has decreased by 28% since 2011; understands the important role buses have to play in the fight against climate change; acknowledges the growing isolation of vulnerable and elderly people in rural areas due to cuts to bus services; realises the benefit buses have in providing young people with independence and mobility to enhance their opportunities, wellbeing and overall quality of life; supports the role buses have in creating an integrated and accessible public transport system; is alarmed by the behaviour of some bus companies holding local authorities to ransom over the continuation of routes; calls for additional funding to restore bus routes and create new ones; encourages local authorities to work collaboratively to provide bus services services across Council boundaries; and urges the Government to pass the Public Transport (Rural Areas) Bill, which would guarantee minimum levels of public transport to areas of education, employment and health services in rural areas.