Contents

Published: Tuesday 5 March 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 4 March 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

454Dundee Fairtrade City 20th anniversary

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 1

Chris Law

That this House celebrates the 20th anniversary of Dundee becoming a Fairtrade City; recognises that Dundee and Aberdeen were declared Scotland’s first Fairtrade Cities in March 2004, following their fulfilment of five primary goals; notes that these primary goals were designed to support the promotion of Fairtrade products locally; thanks all those involved over the past two decades with the Dundee Fair Trade Forum for their work to initially secure and then later retain Dundee’s status as a Fairtrade City; and wishes all involved all the best for the future.

455Future defence spending

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 1

Giles Watling

That this House calls on the Government to bring forward legislative proposals to require that a minimum of 3% of GDP be allocated to defence spending; recognises that defence spending is at a three-year high but should be protected to prevent economic downturns from impacting the defence budget adversely; believes that this budget increase must be directly linked to force readiness; notes that, at a time where the world is in turmoil due to the ambitions of Russia, Iran, Hamas and others, we need the strongest British military capability possible; accepts that weakness is provocative and makes aggressors more aggressive; further believes that we need a better-funded British Armed Forces to support our men and women in uniform and promote armed forces careers as careers of choice; further notes that the starting salary for service personnel, after training, will be £23,496 from April 2023, whereas the mean average salary for all workers in the UK is £33,402; also believes that this disparity needs redress, as does support for post-service life; recognises that the Government has taken laudable steps to support allies in the world and support veterans at home; understands that there is a historic temptation to undermine defence of the Realm in favour of domestic spending; and views the peace dividend as the height of short-term thinking.

456Greenwood House 60th anniversary

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 1

Gavin Robinson

That this House warmly congratulates Greenwood House Assessment Centre on reaching its 60th anniversary; acknowledges that since its establishment in 1964, Greenwood House has been an integral part of the community, providing a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for children with additional needs; pays tribute to the work of principal Lorraine Thompson and expresses sincere thanks to the staff and governors past and present for their hard work and invaluable contributions to the school; further acknowledges the unique provision they offer, assessing children from nursery to Primary 2; and wishes the school every success in the years to come.

457Brent Centre Highlands

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 1

Drew Hendry

That this House congratulates Brent Centre Highlands on the recent opening of their clinic in Inverness; recognises that they provide accessible mental health support, through psychotherapy and practical support, to young people aged 14 to 21 in the Scottish Highlands free of charge; pays thanks to all those involved in successfully setting up this initiative; and wishes them continued success for the future.

45810th anniversary of Alzheimer Scotland’s Mind That Song in East Dunbartonshire

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 1

Amy Callaghan

That this House celebrates the 10th anniversary of Alzheimer Scotland’s ‘Mind that Song’ service in East Dunbartonshire; notes that on Friday 14th March 2014 Bearsden Cross Church hosted its first venture with Alzheimer Scotland called Mind that Song to provide hospitality and an opportunity for a sing song for people living with Alzheimer's, dementia and those affected by isolation and loneliness; commends the success of this initiative in East Dunbartonshire and welcomes their triumph to bring people in the community together in a friendly and stimulating environment; thanks Alzheimer Scotland and Bearsden Cross Church for pioneering this invaluable service; and recognises the outstanding work and dedication of the Communities Activities Organiser, Anne O’Donnell, for her tireless work and dedication to the community; and wishes everyone involved the very best in the years to come.

459Laura Young, Scottish Influencer of the Year

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House congratulates Laura Young, also known as Less Waste Laura, for being crowned the Scottish Influencer of the Year in recognition of her online campaigning on environmental and climate issues; notes that Laura, aged 27 from East Renfrewshire, is currently studying at the University of Dundee for a PhD on the topic of Scotland’s Resilience to Climate Change; commends Laura’s use of social media as an effective campaigning tool; understands Laura played a leading role in the successful campaign to ban disposable vapes across the United Kingdom; further notes that being crowned Scottish Influencer of the Year is not the first time Laura has been recognised for her brilliant work as last year she was named one of the world’s 20 leading climate creators and was also honoured at the Holyrood Climate Action Awards where she was named Holyrood’s 2023 Circular Champion; and wishes Laura all the very best for her future campaigns in bringing about positive change in the environmental and climate fields.

460Fracture liaison services and osteoporosis

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 1

Margaret Greenwood

That this House notes 50% of women and 20% of men over 50 will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis; further notes 81,000 people of working age suffer fractures every year and that a third of sufferers will have to leave their jobs as a result; highlights the invaluable work of fracture liaison services (FLS) in identifying osteoporosis; expresses concern that, according to the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS), only 51% of NHS trusts in England have FLS and that many people who break bones will therefore attend A&E and be seen without their underlying osteoporosis being diagnosed and treated, leaving a massive risk that they will suffer further, more serious fractures; expresses further concern that the postcode lottery in the coverage of FLS means that annually around 90,000 people of all ages are missing out on vital osteoporosis treatment and are therefore at risk of further fractures; notes the cost of this to both the individual and the state; notes the Better Bones campaign which is led by the ROS and the Sunday Express, and supported by a range of charities, royal medical colleges and unions; supports the asks of the campaign that everyone over the age of 50 should be covered by a quality FLS, £30 million per year of additional investment in FLS to fill the gaps in population coverage and quality, and the appointment of a national clinical director for fractures in each UK nation; and calls on the Government to fund universal fracture liaison services.

461Leanne Maiden and the World's Toughest Row

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 1

Amy Callaghan

That this House congratulates Leanne Maiden on conquering the World’s Toughest Row; notes that Leanne set off on her solo voyage across the Atlantic on 13 December 2023 rowing 3,000 miles from La Gomera to Antigua to raise money for the Polar Academy, Women’s Fund for Scotland and the Mabel Foundation; understands Leanne rowed up to 70 nautical miles each day through all weather conditions and navigated 20ft waves, a capsized boat as well as sleep deprivation and salt sores; recognises the physical and psychological effort of rowing across the Atlantic ocean as well as the extreme isolation when being at sea alone; understands that only 34 females have attempted this journey across the Atlantic and Leanne is the first South African woman to achieve this feat; applauds Leanne’s determination and personal endeavour to complete this challenge in 66 days, beating an estimate of 85 days; congratulates Leanne’s inspirational achievement and success; and wishes her well for the future.

462Women Against Pit Closures

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 3

Mary Kelly Foy

Ian Lavery

Ian Mearns

That this House commends Women Against Pit Closures on the 40th anniversary of the miners’ strike for their fortitude, resilience and solidarity during the 1984-85 strike and beyond; believes that the 1984-85 strike would not have lasted as long without the support of women; notes that women’s groups, like those in the North East of England, were feeding up to 1000 people a day, five days a week, as well as providing assistance with household bills; further notes that women’s groups provided childcare, and, during school holidays, provided food, holidays, presents and toys for the children of striking workers; highlights that this heroic work was all done on a shoestring, all done in the spirit of working-class solidarity; further highlights that many of those women went onto provide similar support during the covid-19 pandemic; further believes that women were increasingly involved in the politics of the strike and the politics of the community; pays tribute to Heather Wood and the lifesaving women of County Durham; thanks all those who were involved in the 40th anniversary march in City of Durham; pays further tribute to women involved in industrial disputes and strikes in their attempt to create a better world; and pays tribute to the women of the working-class all over the world.

46340th anniversary of the 1984-85 Miners' Strike (No. 2)

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 20

Ian Lavery

Jon Trickett

Grahame Morris

Ian Mearns

Mary Kelly Foy

Andy McDonald

That this House notes the 40th anniversary of the start of the Miners’ Strike of 1984-1985 on 5 March 2024; further notes that, four decades on, many mining communities are still struggling as a result of the industrial vandalism and are still awaiting a just transition to the industries of the future; highlights the weaponisation of the state, including the police, judiciary and civil service, orchestrated by those at the highest level against ordinary men and women in mining communities; demands a full inquiry into the policing of the strike; also notes the working class solidarity of the trade union movement nationally and internationally, of the LGBTQ+ community and of people of colour throughout Britain, who all knew the only hope of success was to be united; and pays tribute to the men and women across the coalfield who were thrust to the fore by circumstance to become some of the finest orators, organisers and activists anyone could care to meet.

464Ronnie Campbell

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 20

Ian Lavery

Jon Trickett

Grahame Morris

Ian Mearns

Mary Kelly Foy

Andy McDonald

That this House notes with great sadness the passing of Ronnie Campbell, who represented the constituency of Blyth Valley between 1987 and 2019; notes Ronnie’s great public service to the people of his constituency and his tireless advocacy for Blyth Valley which has resulted in so many good quality jobs and technologies locating there; further notes his uncompromising and unconventional approach to representing his constituency and his great sense of humour in doing so; observes, on the 40th anniversary of the 1984-85 Miners strike, Ronnie's role in that dispute, representing as Chair of the Bates' branch of the NUM with great distinction; and expresses its heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at the sad news.

465Rochdale revival and Rochdale Town Hall

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 1

George Galloway

That this House celebrates the grand restoration of Rochdale's Town Hall, the finest municipal building in the country, as the beginning of the Rochdale Revival; and thanks the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their funding toward restoring this jewel of a building, as well as the vast teams of specialists, and more than 500 volunteers, who have spent the last four years transforming the space and restoring it to its former glory.

466Lancaster Men's Hub

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 1

Cat Smith

That this House congratulates Lancaster Men’s Hub; thanks them for striving to reach out to local men that may be vulnerable to mental health issues and suicide; recognises their achievements in being shortlisted for the Suicide Prevention Grant 2023-25; pays tribute to incredible local volunteers, Chairman David Mace and the board of trustees; and praises Lancaster Men’s club for being a local driving force in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health amongst men, providing enriching opportunities and a safe, welcoming environment for men across Lancaster and the surrounding areas.

46720th Anniversary of Lancaster, Morecambe & District Fairtrade Group

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 1

Cat Smith

That this House congratulates Lancaster, Morecambe and District Fairtrade Group on their 20th Anniversary; thanks them for their dedication and ambition in promoting Fairtrade across our community as one of the most effective ways of combatting poverty across the globe; recognises their achievements over the last twenty years, bringing communities together through regular Fairtrade events, notably Fairtrade Fortnight and raising awareness surrounding the injustices that exist in international trading and promoting ethical trading standards locally; pays tribute to amazing volunteers and organisers; praises Lancaster, Morecambe and District Fairtrade Group for twenty years of hard-work and commitment; and wishes them continued success and longevity.

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.

391Cash payments and Avanti West Coast catering services

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 26

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.

398Transport for London and London Underground maintenance workers

Tabled: 19/02/24 Signatories: 21

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.

412No confidence in the Speaker

Tabled: 21/02/24 Signatories: 94

Mr William Wragg

Gary Sambrook

Jill Mortimer

John Stevenson

Dr Kieran Mullan

Anthony Mangnall

That this House has no confidence in Mr Speaker.

419Jim Carswell, Scotland cap

Tabled: 22/02/24 Signatories: 9

Gavin Newlands

Steven Bonnar

Allan Dorans

Douglas Chapman

Alison Thewliss

Jim Shannon

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.

42420th anniversary of opening of Auchenback Resource Centre

Tabled: 23/02/24 Signatories: 6

Kirsten Oswald

Steven Bonnar

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Peter Grant

Chris Law

That this House notes that the Auchenback Resource Centre (ARC), Aurs Drive, Barrhead, the home of local charity Auchenback Active Limited, was opened 20 years ago on 27 February 2004; applauds the significant work undertaken then and now by dedicated volunteers to making this fantastic community resource the great success that it is; appreciates the variety of groups, activities and events which take place in the ARC; understands the particular place the Tuesday and Thursday community cafe has in the hearts of local residents; acknowledges that the community came together on 23 February 2024 to mark 20 years of the ARC at the heart of the Auchenback Community; appreciates the hard work of all the directors and appreciates their efforts; further notes that Chair, Brian Connelly, has described the ARC as a striking tribute to the Auchenback community; warmly welcomes the beautiful commemorative benches in the names of Rita Connelly and Irene Simpson, who gave so much to the local community and who are very fondly remembered; and wishes all involved at the ARC every good wish for many more years making a difference at the heart of the Barrhead community.

426Mikeysline Hive on the Road project

Tabled: 26/02/24 Signatories: 7

Drew Hendry

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Peter Grant

Ian Blackford

Dr Philippa Whitford

That this House commends Mikeysline for their continued work in suicide prevention and providing mental health support across the Scottish Highlands; notes their most recent project Hive on the Road offers mental health support via a fully equipped mobile unit across the Highlands and Islands; recognises that this mobile unit is the first of its kind in Scotland; and pays thanks to all those involved in the successful running of this initiative.

433West Lothian College LGBT Charter Gold Accreditation

Tabled: 27/02/24 Signatories: 5

Hannah Bardell

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Anne McLaughlin

Chris Law

That this House commends West Lothian College on becoming the first college in Scotland to achieve the LGBT Charter Gold Accreditation; understands that the college was presented with the award in February which is LGBT History Month; recognises that achieving the accreditation involved significant work by both students and staff including training over 100 college staff in LGBT and Trans Awareness training and creating new initiatives such as Ask Ally that offers support for transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse staff and students; believes that the award demonstrates the college’s commitment to creating a campus that supports LGBT people in every aspect of their study; notes that West Lothian college was previously awarded Silver status in their first attempt at the accreditation when most institutions only receive Bronze status; congratulates the college on taking steps to ensure that West Lothian College is a positive space for LGBT students; and encourages other education institutions to work towards the accreditation.

441Access to the countryside

Tabled: 27/02/24 Signatories: 7

Jon Trickett

Mary Kelly Foy

Ian Mearns

Caroline Lucas

Clive Lewis

Rachael Maskell

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.

443Coatbridge volunteers and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

Tabled: 28/02/24 Signatories: 5

Steven Bonnar

Jim Shannon

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

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.

445Wildlife area in Longford

Tabled: 28/02/24 Signatories: 4

John McDonnell

Ian Mearns

Rachael Maskell

Mary Kelly Foy

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.

446Serco contracts

Tabled: 29/02/24 Signatories: 10

Kate Osborne

Jon Trickett

Rachael Maskell

Ms Diane Abbott

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Kim Johnson

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.

448Dundee Contemporary Arts 25th Anniversary

Tabled: 1/03/24 Signatories: 4

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

George Galloway

That this House celebrates the twenty-fifth anniversary of the opening of Dundee Contemporary Arts; recognises that DCA has established a reputation as an internationally renowned centre for contemporary arts; notes that millions of people have visited the centre since its opening in March 1999, with hundreds of thousands estimated to visit every year; further notes that, to mark the occasion, DCA are hosting a special programme of events; believes that cultural institutions like DCA are more important than ever for our local communities; and wishes all at DCA all the best for the future.

450Democracy and human rights in Senegal

Tabled: 1/03/24 Signatories: 4

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Claudia Webbe

This House notes that President of Senegal, Macky Sall, has delayed the general election that was meant to take place in February 2024, which has been accompanied by a violent crackdown on subsequent protests by the Senegalese police and gendarmerie who have been witnessed using brutal and often lethal tactics; notes that four people have died amid protests over the announcement of the delay of the Presidential election; further notes the calls by the President of the African Union Commission and the US Department of State for the urgent reinstatement of the election and the rejection by the Senegalese constitutional council of the decision to suspend the elections which has led to Macky Sall agreeing to reschedule the election and to stand down; calls on the UK Government to back the calls for immediate fair and free elections and to call for the lifting of the suspension of political parties, the freeing of opposition party members who are currently political prisoners, the ending of the repression of media outlets and the shutting down of the internet, the arresting and assaulting of journalists and to condemn all anti-democratic measures and abuses of human rights.

451Funding for children's hospices

Tabled: 1/03/24 Signatories: 3

Sir George Howarth

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

That this House is concerned that children’s hospices are yet to receive written confirmation of how and when they will receive their NHS England Children’s Hospice Grant in the 2024-25 financial year, nor how much they are likely to receive; is concerned about the impact that this is having on children’s hospices’ ability to budget and plan their lifeline care and support to seriously ill children and families in 2024-25; is also concerned by the variation in integrated care board spending on children’s hospices across England, which varied by as much as £483 per child or young person in 2022-23, according to responses to freedom of information requests made by the charity Together for Short Lives; calls on the Government to urgently confirm how and when the £25 million NHS England Children’s Hospice Grant will be distributed in 2024-25; and further calls on the Government to direct NHS England to hold integrated care boards to greater account for the way in which they commission children and young people’s palliative and end of life care.

452110th anniversary of St Bede’s Catholic Primary School

Tabled: 1/03/24 Signatories: 3

Kate Osborne

Jim Shannon

Ian Mearns

That this House congratulates St Bede’s Catholic Primary School in Jarrow on its 110th anniversary; recognises the heritage and community that this school represents; further recognises the importance of schools across the country in celebrating their history; and notes that St Bede’s Catholic Primary School, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, was the first Catholic school in Jarrow, and is a source of pride for the constituency.

453Craig Bainbridge, Volunteer of the Year

Tabled: 1/03/24 Signatories: 4

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Mr Craig Bainbridge on winning the accolade, Volunteer of the Year by the Scottish Centre for Personal Safety; notes that this volunteer-run, Ardrossan based charity provides personal safety training to vulnerable individuals, organisations and businesses across Scotland; recognises that its empowerment-focussed and trauma-informed approach has helped increase participants’ self-esteem and confidence; further recognises that Scottish Centre for Personal Safety was honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020 in recognition of its commitment to empowering and lifesaving work; understands that Mr Bainbridge is an integral part of the charity’s instructor team through his provision of personal safety training on numerous courses, including personal safety for women, in the workplace, and for people with learning disabilities; notes that he also champions the charity’s Thursday night Krav Maga classes for women and children; commends Mr Bainbridge for his dedication and professionalism as a volunteer which is a credit to both the Scottish Centre for Personal Safety as well as the people of North Ayrshire; and wishes him every success in his ongoing efforts to support and empower vulnerable people.