Contents

Published: Wednesday 6 March 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 5 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

468120th anniversary of Glasgow Pavilion Theatre

Tabled: 5/03/24 Signatories: 1

Alison Thewliss

That this House welcomes the 120th anniversary of the opening of the Glasgow Pavilion Theatre on 29 February 1904; recognises that in 120 years of operation the Pavilion has played host to many internationally-recognised artists, including Billy Connolly, Lulu, Charlie Chaplin, the Krankies, Stanley Baxter and more; notes that the building preserves much of its original architectural design, including the French Renaissance style exterior, the mahogany woodwork, marble mosaic floors, and a sliding roof; acknowledges the central role the theatre has played in the cultural history of Glasgow, in particular in its panto tradition, which was established in the 1930s and continues today; congratulates the staff and management of the Pavilion Theatre on this significant anniversary; and wishes them the best of luck in all future endeavours.

469YMCA campaign

Tabled: 5/03/24 Signatories: 1

Sir George Howarth

That this House welcomes the YMCA’s Now’s Our Chance campaign; notes with approval its manifesto for affordable, good quality, safe and secure housing and for young people’s access to youth services all year round in their area, financial support to allow them to meet their essential needs, help to build resilience and positive wellbeing, and good quality education and training to give them the best possible start in life; and thanks YMCA for the long-standing work to support young people.

470Meal card scheme

Tabled: 5/03/24 Signatories: 1

Martyn Day

That this House notes the campaign by the Real Meal Deal which calls for the introduction of a UK meal card scheme to provide a tax-free allowance for employees to spend on ready-to-eat food and non-alcoholic beverages; further notes that such a scheme could be implemented by updating HMRC's existing tax exemptions list for employee benefits and expenses, with a graduated tax treatment to ensure that support is targeted at those on the lowest incomes; understands that research from Ignite Economics on the economic impact of a UK meal voucher in 2023 showed that a new UK meal card scheme would cut household food bills by up to 58% for the most vulnerable households without requiring direct spending from the Government; acknowledges that economic analysis commissioned by the Real Meal Deal Campaign shows that as well as benefitting employees, rolling-out a meal card scheme would provide a major boost to the economy, creating 280,000 new jobs in the hospitality sector and adding £6.3 billion to UK GVA; notes that by boosting people’s food spending power, the scheme would drive an average 18% uplift in turnover for restaurants and food providers, unlocking additional tax revenue for the Treasury which would offset the scheme’s costs and create a £2.1 billion net-benefit for the public purse; and urges the Government to follow the lead of 35 other nations around the world in introducing an innovative tax-relief scheme which would provide vital support to workers, employers and businesses during this cost of living crisis.

471Heart of Wales line

Tabled: 5/03/24 Signatories: 1

Jonathan Edwards

That this House notes that the world-renowned travel guide Lonely Planet has designated the Heart of Wales line between Swansea and Shrewsbury as the fifth best rail line in Europe for 2024; further notes that the guide states expect a spectrum of scenery, alternating from the sand edged estuaries of South Wales, via bucolic farming towns, and tracts of forest and hill country you probably never knew existed, through to one of England’s prettiest medieval cities; congratulates the Settle to Carlisle line for being designated as Europe’s number one route; notes the huge potential of the Heart of Wales line as an attraction for travellers the world over as a result of its beauty providing a significant economic boost for towns along the route; calls on the Welsh Government to improve the service available on the line by Transport for Wales; and urges the UK Government to accept the proposal by transport expert Professor Stuart Cole of a £20 million investment in the line which would enable a two hourly service each way on the line as opposed to the current four daily service each way.

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.

407General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing

Tabled: 20/02/24 Signatories: 4

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Paul Girvan

Sir Mike Penning

That this House notes that, during the West Belfast festival in August 2023, Pat Cullen, the General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), is reported to have made a comment about reunification being the only hope for the NHS; setting aside the irony that there is no NHS in existence in the Irish Republic, recognises that the RCN has a membership in Northern Ireland that crosses religious and political boundaries and exists to improve working conditions for all nurses; is concerned that, six months later and after several requests made in writing, there has been no response from the union on the accuracy or otherwise of the comments nor any subsequent explanation; and expresses the hope that the RCN can publicly state that any controversial comments, such as those reported, do not reflect the professionalism and integrity of the RCN.

422Closure of the Inter Faith Network

Tabled: 23/02/24 Signatories: 14

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.

428Islamophobia

Tabled: 26/02/24 Signatories: 19

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.

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

Tabled: 26/02/24 Signatories: 26

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: 8

Jim Shannon

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jonathan Edwards

Patricia Gibson

Rachael Maskell

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: 10

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.

438PC Ryan Bunting

Tabled: 27/02/24 Signatories: 4

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

Sarah Dyke

Sir Mike Penning

This House acknowledges the courage displayed by Edinburgh police officer PC Ryan Bunting during a violent altercation with a suspect carrying a knife; and congratulates PC Bunting for receiving an award at the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards for 2023 at Police Scotland Headquarters in Tulliallan.

446Serco contracts

Tabled: 29/02/24 Signatories: 13

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.

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

Tabled: 29/02/24 Signatories: 5

Wera Hobhouse

Sarah Dyke

Jonathan Edwards

Rachael Maskell

Dr Philippa Whitford

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.

448Dundee Contemporary Arts 25th Anniversary

Tabled: 1/03/24 Signatories: 5

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

George Galloway

Alison Thewliss

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: 5

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Claudia Webbe

Alison Thewliss

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: 5

Sir George Howarth

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Kim Johnson

Cat Smith

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.

453Craig Bainbridge, Volunteer of the Year

Tabled: 1/03/24 Signatories: 5

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

Dr Philippa Whitford

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.

454Dundee Fairtrade City 20th anniversary

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 4

Chris Law

Alison Thewliss

Dr Philippa Whitford

Stewart Hosie

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.

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

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 3

Amy Callaghan

Alison Thewliss

Dr Philippa Whitford

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: 3

Kirsten Oswald

Alison Thewliss

Dr Philippa Whitford

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: 22

Margaret Greenwood

Claudia Webbe

Rachael Maskell

Dame Angela Eagle

Mick Whitley

Sir George Howarth

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: 2

Amy Callaghan

Dr Philippa Whitford

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: 21

Mary Kelly Foy

Ian Lavery

Ian Mearns

Claudia Webbe

Allan Dorans

Rachael Maskell

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: 23

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: 22

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.

466Lancaster Men's Hub

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 2

Cat Smith

Mary Kelly Foy

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: 2

Cat Smith

Mary Kelly Foy

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.