Contents

Published: Friday 1 March 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 29 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

446Serco contracts

Tabled: 29/02/24 Signatories: 1

Kate Osborne

That this House condemns the Ministry of Justice's plans to hand a further £200m of public money to Serco; notes Serco's extensive record of failures, monitoring people with GPS technology; further notes that this contract replaces a prior contract with Capita; notes that since 2020 the Home Office has been dramatically expanding the number of people without British citizenship including people seeking asylum, and people born or raised in the UK who are forced into wearing electronic tags; notes the wide range of physical and mental harms caused by this practice; is concerned about dangers that targeting groups for sweeping surveillance powers poses; notes the complete lack of evidence of surveillance effectiveness as acknowledged in the Home Office's own documents; and demands that resources go to assisting people in need rather than paying profiteers to run mass surveillance programmes under the hostile environment immigration policy.

447Withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty (No. 2)

Tabled: 29/02/24 Signatories: 1

Wera Hobhouse

That this House welcomes the UK’s withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty; regrets that the UK has lagged behind nine EU member states including France, Germany, Spain and Italy in withdrawing; 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 back a new framework replacement Renewables Treaty to drive innovation, cooperation and the greater adoption of renewable energy.

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.

388Women and girls in global conflict zones

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 5

Sarah Dyke

Jonathan Edwards

Richard Foord

Christine Jardine

Mohammad Yasin

That this House notes with concern that the number of women and girls living in conflict zones worldwide reached 614 million in 2022; recognises the gendered risks conflict poses to women and girls through sexual violence, lack of healthcare, food insecurity, disruption to education and trafficking; acknowledges that women in conflict-prone areas may also experience climate instability; further recognises other difficulties faced by women with disabilities and civilians who identify as LGBTQ+; concurs with the UN statement that misogyny is a common thread in the spread of conflict and violent extremism; further notes the upcoming 25th anniversary of UN Resolution 1325; expresses support for women and girls affected by global conflict, including Israeli and Palestinian women targeted with sexual violence by Hamas, Gazan and Ukrainian women taking on healthcare responsibilities amidst failing infrastructure, and women and girls displaced in Sudan; calls for the UK's aid budget to be restored to 0.7% of gross national income; further calls for the UK Government to sign the Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action; calls for civilian access to health to be prioritised during conflict; also calls for women and girls to have their rights and access to justice preserved and defended; and further calls for women and girls to be integral to peace-building processes all over the world.

391Cash payments and Avanti West Coast catering services

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 25

Cat Smith

Chris Stephens

Kim Johnson

Dan Carden

Zarah Sultana

Charlotte Nichols

That this House notes with concern reports that rail operator Avanti West Coast is proposing to withdraw cash as an accepted payment method for its catering services from March 2024; expresses concern about the impact of this decision on people who rely on, or prefer to use, cash; further notes that over one million people in the UK do not have access to a bank account and that people on lower incomes are disproportionately more likely to be unbanked; also notes reports from the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers that withdrawing cash from catering services could put jobs involving cash handling at risk; understands that, since Avanti took on the franchise, net staff numbers have reduced by 200; believes that the withdrawal of cash sales from the catering service would further worsen the travel experience for Avanti passengers, who continue to be faced with delays, cancellations and disruption; and therefore calls on the Department for Transport, which manages the franchise, to instruct Avanti West Coast to scrap its proposals to withdraw cash from catering services.

395100th birthday of Holocaust survivor Henry Wuga

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 18

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.

406International Mother Languages Day 2024

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 12

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.

410Household Support Fund (No. 2)

Tabled: 20/02/24 Signatories: 34

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.

421Sanctions against Russia

Tabled: 23/02/24 Signatories: 13

Caroline Lucas

Dame Margaret Hodge

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Alison Thewliss

This House notes that it has been two years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and welcomes the existing sanctions against Russia, including those in relation to the sale of oil; further notes that, under the existing sanctions regime, the legal country-of-origin for a refined oil product, namely diesel, jet fuel or petrol, is considered to be the country in which it was refined from crude oil to a refined product; is concerned that this loophole means it remains legal to import fuels made using Russian crude, provided they have been refined elsewhere; is further concerned that in the 12 months since 5 December 2022 when the crude oil embargo was enforced, the loophole was worth £141 million to the Kremlin in direct tax revenues and that, in the summer of 2023, one in every 20 UK flights ran on jet fuel derived from Russian oil; welcomes moves in the US to close a similar refining loophole; supports the Government’s policy of imposing measures to weaken Russia’s economic and financial ability to wage war against the people of Ukraine; and therefore calls on the Government to take immediate steps to extend the current import ban to include refined petroleum products from any refinery that has processed Russian crude oil.

422Closure of the Inter Faith Network

Tabled: 23/02/24 Signatories: 11

Wera Hobhouse

Sarah Dyke

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Helen Morgan

Christine Jardine

That this House deeply regrets the Government’s announcement that it will cut off funding to the Inter Faith Network; further regrets that this decision came despite new Government funding having been promised; notes with concern that islamophobia is rising and antisemitism in the UK is at the highest level on record; recognises the importance of inter faith dialogue at a time of heightened community tensions; further recognises the valuable work done by the Inter Faith Network and its branches around the country to bring communities together and nurture tolerance and understanding; further notes with concern that there is no organisation to take the Inter Faith Network’s place; and urges the Government to reinstate funding to the Inter Faith Network.

423Administration of SSB Law

Tabled: 23/02/24 Signatories: 18

Imran Hussain

Ian Mearns

Tahir Ali

Claudia Webbe

Ian Lavery

Kate Osborne

That this House notes with concern the collapse of SSB Law that has left hundreds across the country facing demands for payment stretching into thousands of pounds; stresses that a number of those affected by SSB Law’s collapse cannot meet the large demands for payment and will face significant consequences, including the repossession of their home; urges the Government to ensure that all demands for payment and court orders resulting from the collapse of SSB Law are dropped immediately; calls on Ministers to meet with those affected by the SSB Law’s collapse; declares that an independent investigation into the circumstances leading to the collapse of SSB Law and the issue of demands for payment and court orders must be conducted as soon as possible; and requests that the Solicitors Regulation Authority publish all information that they received which identified SSB Law as a potential regulatory risk, along with the full findings of their investigation which concluded there was no need for regulatory action.

425Defective cavity wall insulation

Tabled: 23/02/24 Signatories: 23

Imran Hussain

Kate Osborne

Ian Mearns

Tahir Ali

Claudia Webbe

Jonathan Edwards

That this House expresses serious concern about widespread reports of defective installation of cavity wall insulation leading to mould, damp and structural damage to homes which leads to those affected taking legal action for damages caused; reaffirms that properly installed cavity wall insulation remains one of the best ways to improve a home’s energy efficiency and reduce energy bills in the cost-of-living crisis; and demands that the Government undertake a thorough review of all Government-funded home insulation schemes and identifies the number affected by defective cavity wall insulation.

428Islamophobia

Tabled: 26/02/24 Signatories: 16

Christine Jardine

Sarah Dyke

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Jamie Stone

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House condemns the recent rise in Islamophobic and antisemitic incidents across the UK; regrets that leading charity TellMAMA recorded more than 2,000 anti-Muslim hate cases since Hamas’s terror attacks on 7 October 2023; notes with concern that this represents a 335% increase on the same period last year; further notes with the concern the gendered aspect of these attacks, as women were the target of 65% of these cases; acknowledges that there have been similarly concerning increases in anti-Semitism across the UK in the same time period; condemns the Government’s decision not to bring forward an official definition of Islamophobia; emphasises the importance of standing up to religious hatred in all its forms; and urges the Government to appoint an independent adviser on Islamophobia to help tackle anti-Muslim prejudice in our communities.

430Conduct of the hon. Member for Ashfield

Tabled: 26/02/24 Signatories: 21

Christine Jardine

Sarah Dyke

Wendy Chamberlain

Jamie Stone

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

That this House censures the hon. Member for Ashfield for his comments on 23 February 2024 regarding the Mayor of London, which were Islamophobic, damaging, divisive and risk bringing the House collectively into disrepute; and calls on the hon. Member for Ashfield to come to the House and apologise for these remarks.

431Conduct of the hon. Member for Ashfield and the Rt hon. Members for Fareham and South West Norfolk

Tabled: 26/02/24 Signatories: 24

Dawn Butler

Kate Osborne

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

That this House is shocked and appalled by the recent conduct of certain Members in respect of their remarks relating to Muslims; believes that the recent remarks made by the hon. Member for Ashfield and the Rt hon. Members for Fareham and South West Norfolk are Islamophobic and constitute a breach of the Nolan Principles of Leadership; condemns the reported 365% rise in reports of Islamophobia; notes with concern the Prime Minister's reluctance to use the word Islamophobia in the House of Commons; calls for the Prime Minister to withdraw the Whip from the aforementioned Members and any other found to use anti-Muslim remarks; and further calls for increased effort and funding towards tackling the scourge of Islamophobia including the appointment of an independent adviser.

434Great Daffodil Appeal 2024

Tabled: 27/02/24 Signatories: 5

Jim Shannon

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jonathan Edwards

Patricia Gibson

That this House notes with pride the Great Daffodil Appeal 2024, which is Marie Curie's Biggest Annual Fundraising Campaign, held every March, when millions of people wear their daffodil badge to show support and awareness for those battling terminal illness; highlights that currently one in four people in the UK don't get the care they need at the end of life and that the appeal raises money to ensure that Marie Curie can be there for more people at the end of their lives, in their homes and in hospices; and urges people to consider taking part in fundraising or to go yellow, to make or wear something yellow to help ensure people can get the help that they need.

435Rare Disease Day 2024

Tabled: 27/02/24 Signatories: 7

Jim Shannon

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jonathan Edwards

Ian Mearns

That this House notes Rare Disease Day, celebrated on 29 February, which raises awareness on rare diseases that are not commonly known, such as Primary Biliary Cholangitis, Cushings Disease, Sickle Cell and Huntingdon Disease; underlines that there are on average 1 in 2,000 people that suffer with rare diseases, which is around 3.5 million in the UK and 110,000 individuals in Northern Ireland; highlights that there are currently around 7,000 known rare diseases in the world and that the general public is still not educated on most of them; further notes that Rare Disease Day was created by the European Organisation for Rare Diseases on 29 February 2008 and that it is celebrated on 29 February as it is rare day, only occurring once every four years; and urges Government to allocate additional funding into the research of rare diseases and work with the devolved nations to ensure we can take a joint approach to raising awareness.

436Diversity of London

Tabled: 27/02/24 Signatories: 13

Dawn Butler

Claudia Webbe

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Barry Gardiner

John McDonnell

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House states its admiration for London; celebrates the diversity of the capital city and believes this diversity is its strength; acknowledges the rich contributions of people from all backgrounds; expresses concern about recent statements made by hon. and Rt hon. Members; believes the aforementioned statements are contrary to the values of the vast majority of Londoners; further believes that hon. Members should stand united against hatred and division; and calls upon all hon. and Rt hon. Members to behave responsibly at a time of high tensions.

441Access to the countryside

Tabled: 27/02/24 Signatories: 5

Jon Trickett

Mary Kelly Foy

Ian Mearns

Caroline Lucas

Clive Lewis

That this House acknowledges the outstanding beauty of our nation’s countryside; understands that public access to the countryside has considerable benefits to both physical and mental health; believes that footpaths, cycle tracks and bridleways are essential infrastructure that facilitates walkers, cyclists and equestrians safe access to the countryside; notes BBC reports that walkers are being shut out of 2,500 landscapes and beauty spots in England where there is a right to roam but no legal right to access them; further notes the BBC investigation which found that footpaths across countryside are being blocked or obstructed in nearly 32,000 places across England and Wales; and calls on the government to bring forward proposals for the expansion of the network of footpaths, cycle tracks and bridleways to ensure there is equitable access to the countryside for everyone.

442School minibus safety

Tabled: 28/02/24 Signatories: 2

Sarah Edwards

Jim Shannon

That this House notes that 18 November 2023 was the 30th anniversary of the Hagley M40 minibus disaster, where twelve children and their teacher died; further notes that there is still no legislation to ensure best practice in the use of school minibuses, and a repeat of the tragedy is a distinct possibility; notes the inequality enshrined in current legislation and regulation whereby private schools are required to operate to a higher standard of safety than state schools by being required to have a full public service vehicle operator’s licence, whereas state schools can operate transport services for hire or reward with a permit under Section 19 of the Transport Act 1985, a much lower standard of safety management; notes that the existing legislative framework is confusing for school managers and enforcement officers alike; and calls on the Government to ensure that all schools with minibuses are required to have a full public service vehicle operator’s licence, hence operating to best practice and aiming to ensure that all pupils and staff come home safe.

443Coatbridge volunteers and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

Tabled: 28/02/24 Signatories: 3

Steven Bonnar

Jim Shannon

Patricia Gibson

That this House commends five volunteers of the Friends Together Club of St Patrick's RC Church in Coatbridge, who were recognised for their charity work by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta on 5 February 2024 at their headquarters in Rome; congratulates Ena Marie Hamill on receiving a Silver Medal of Merit, as well as Elain McDermott, Patrick Allen, Yvonne Cawley and Elizabeth Locke on their Bronze Medals of Merit; thank them for their dedication to community service and work in organising celebrations and outings for marginalised people with special needs who would not otherwise have the opportunity to do so; and encourages them to not only continue their fantastic work, but to act as role models for others to do so as well.

444Contingency plans for the potential collapse of Thames Water

Tabled: 28/02/24 Signatories: 4

Sarah Olney

Jim Shannon

Sarah Dyke

Clive Lewis

That this House considers that a motion for an humble address should be debated that gives directions that there will be laid before this House a report detailing the contingency plans of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for the potential event of the collapse of Thames Water.

445Wildlife area in Longford

Tabled: 28/02/24 Signatories: 2

John McDonnell

Ian Mearns

That this House condemns the appalling destruction of the wildlife area in the heart of the traditional Middlesex village of Longford by the new owners of the land, Yasar Nawaz and Kamaljit Singh Gill, contrary to the assurances they gave to the local villagers; notes that in addition to the ripping up of the natural fauna and flora on the site, the riverside tree, in which the kingfishers have perched for years, has now been uprooted; further notes that despite appeals for action the Environment Agency has significantly failed to protect this waterside area; expresses fear that there is a strong possibility there will now be an attempt to use this site for off airport car parking that has blighted the local area; and consequently urges Hillingdon Council to be vigilant in enforcing its planning policies against such misuse of this site.