Contents

Published: Thursday 7 March 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 6 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

472Retirement of Graham Curwen

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 1

Cat Smith

That this House congratulates Graham Curwen on 65 years of exceptional public service; thanks him for striving to always improve local health services, notably by innovating the first ever patient-based community system; recognises his achievements over the last 65 years and remarkable impact he has had delivering quality health services across Lancashire & Cumbria; pays tribute to his dedication to his work for the NHS and also the Alzheimer’s Society; praises Graham for the lasting impact his work will have for generations of health service users across this district, particularly his role in leading the modernisation of East Barn in Lancaster, home to the Community Mental Health Team, The Cove in Heysham, an inpatient unit for teenagers with mental health problems and Altham Meadows in Morecambe where currently children and young people’s psychological services are based; and wishes Graham a successful, relaxing and very well deserved retirement.

473St. Anthony's Football Club Ladies Team

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 1

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates St. Anthony’s Ladies Football Team, based in Glasgow South West constituency, on their award of a £5,880 grant from the National Lottery, Awards for All Fund; understands this funding will be used for players kit, training lets, coach education and associated costs for setting up a girls academy; notes that women’s football is gaining increasing popularity and participation, and welcomes this development, that the ladies team compliment the men’s team founded in 1902; and wishes St. Anthony’s well in developing the Ladies team and wish them every success in all its future endeavours.

474200th anniversary of Cadbury

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the 200th anniversary of Cadbury Chocolate; highlights the tremendous global brand that Cadbury has become and believes that it represents the best of British; thanks them for their partnership with Alzheimer’s UK which will see a donation of £200,000 being made to research into Alzheimer’s; remembers the foundation of this wonderful business began as a grocery shop that went to a factory, to the Cadbury we know today which is the story of a father and two sons, and how their generosity inspired generations to come; and wishes them every success in the continuation of the production of their chocolate and positive contribution to communities.

475200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (No. 2)

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution; highlights the phenomenal work that has been carried out and lives that have been saved over 200 years in communities throughout this UK; further highlights the promotional work that is being carried out during this 200th anniversary celebration which demonstrates that the life saving capacity can only be facilitated with donations; highlights that the Mayor of Ards and North Down has chosen RNLI as one of her charities for this year and encourages churches and local communities to carry out fundraising to secure the future of this vital emergency service; and thanks every member, past and present, for their service and dedication to their community.

476Pay transparency

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 12

Rebecca Long Bailey

Kate Osborne

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Grahame Morris

John McDonnell

Apsana Begum

That this House considers that the lack of pay transparency is one of the causes of gender, disability and ethnic pay gaps; notes that 75 per cent of job applicants would be more likely to apply for a role that included a salary range and 62 per cent of candidates believe they should not be asked about their current or past salary in an interview, with this figure increasing to 73 per cent amongst Asian workers and 75 per cent for black workers; and therefore calls on the Government to support calls from the National Union of Journalists and recruitment company Liberty Hive for the outlawing of employers asking for salary history during recruitment, and guidance to be provided on publishing salary ranges on job adverts.

477Supermarket listing for Perth restaurant owner

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 1

Pete Wishart

That this House congratulates Praveen Kumar, owner of Tabla restaurant in Perth, on securing his first ever supermarket listing to supply 11 new lines of authentic Indian ready meals into 56 Asda stores across Scotland; recognises Praveen’s esteemed career in hospitality, which has seen him work in some of the world’s most prestigious five-star establishments such as Gleaneagles and Turnberry, before opening Tabla Restaurant in 2009, which became the first Indian restaurant in Scotland to receive an AA Rosette; and further recognises Praveen’s outstanding commitment to helping the local community in Perth, which included handing out 600 free meals on Christmas Day.

478Public Accounts Committee report entitled Reducing the harm from illegal drugs

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 1

Grahame Morris

That this House welcomes the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report, Reducing the harm from illegal drugs, published in February 2024; notes that this acknowledges recent progress in workforce recruitment and countering county lines; heeds and highlights the PAC’s warning that, should the Joint Combating Drugs Unit, the Department of Health and Social Care and other Government departments fail to develop a compelling case for the sustained investment needed to reduce the growing harms from illegal drugs, then such progress will be wasted; endorses its recognition that, if the aims of Dame Carol Black’s independent review and the Government’s subsequent drugs strategy are to be realised and drug deaths can be reduced significantly, then further action is required urgently; further notes that, given the context of a significant erosion of councils’ capacity and capability to deliver, the report urges the Government to provide local authorities with more confidence over long-term funding to enable long-term planning; and calls upon the Government adopt the six recommendations of the PAC report and reaffirm its commitment to long-term funding of treatment services.

479Razor attacks in prisons

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 22

Grahame Morris

Gordon Henderson

Liz Saville Roberts

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House condemns the horrific and cowardly unprovoked razor attack on a prison officer at HMP Humber on 9 February 2024, which resulted in 53 stitches for a facial wound; notes with alarm the rising tide of prison violence since the end of pandemic lockdowns, with assaults against staff up 16% and the total number of assaults up 21% over the past 12 months; further notes with alarm the rise in weapon attacks, with knife and blade assault incidents up 16% in the most recent year reported compared with a 2% rise in assaults involving all types of weapons, which made up 25% of all prison assaults in 2022 compared with 10% in 2010; agrees with the Government’s 2021 Prison Strategy White Paper’s assessment that traditional wet-shave razors can be used by prisoners both as a weapon for assaults and to self-harm; expresses concern that, despite seven pilot projects on alternatives to wet-shave razors since the White Paper, no decision has yet been made about future shaving provision in prisons; agrees with the POA union that it is reckless and irrational to give prisoners access to wet-shave razors, especially in the current prison-violence crisis; further agrees with the POA that no more trials are needed to conclude that wet-shave razors are far more dangerous than electric razors; and calls on the Government to remove wet-shave razors from prisons immediately and to introduce electric-razor provision as a matter of urgency.

480Maternity and A&E services at Rochdale Infirmary

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 1

George Galloway

That this House calls upon the Department of Health and Social Care and the Mayor of Greater Manchester to restore maternity and A&E services at the Rochdale Infirmary without delay.

481First anniversary of Clyde Coast and Cumbraes Men’s Shed

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House congratulates Clyde Coast and Cumbraes Men’s Shed, based in Largs, on its first anniversary; understands that the Shed was opened at Brisbane Centre, Largs on 4 March 2023 by North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson and David Gardner, Chair of the Scottish Men's Shed Association; welcomes that the centre allows all men over 18 to create, relax, repair, pursue a hobby, access practical help, share and learn new skills; notes that the Shed, with the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers and the backing of North Ayrshire Council, has made tremendous progress over the last year, exemplified by a membership of 88 men aged 18 to 93 and visits from representatives of the Three Towns and Lochwinnoch Men’s Sheds; and wishes Cllr Ian Murdoch and the enthusiastic team of volunteers who have worked so hard to deliver such progress over only one year, all the best, confident that this important community facility will continue to grow and thrive for years to come.

482Cost of living payment at National Museums Liverpool

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 1

Kim Johnson

That this House fully supports the staff at National Museums Liverpool (NML) engaging in strike action in an ongoing dispute over pay; notes that last year 206 employers in the public sector agreed to pay each worker a one-off £1,500 payment to part-compensate for inflation rises and hardship caused by Covid yet shockingly, National Museums Liverpool is the only employer which has so far refused to pay its staff the additional money; regrets that across the seven museums in Liverpool, NML staff are grappling with financial hardship due to low wages; and calls on the Government to step in, engage with PCS Union members, seek to resolve any perceived funding issues at NML and ensure the outstanding cost of living payment is paid.

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.

419Jim Carswell, Scotland cap

Tabled: 22/02/24 Signatories: 10

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.

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

Tabled: 26/02/24 Signatories: 27

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.

438PC Ryan Bunting

Tabled: 27/02/24 Signatories: 5

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

Sarah Dyke

Sir Mike Penning

Mr George Galloway

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.

442School minibus safety

Tabled: 28/02/24 Signatories: 6

Sarah Edwards

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Rachael Maskell

Mrs Sharon Hodgson

Dawn Butler

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: 6

Steven Bonnar

Jim Shannon

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Mr George Galloway

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.

446Serco contracts

Tabled: 29/02/24 Signatories: 15

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: 8

Wera Hobhouse

Sarah Dyke

Jonathan Edwards

Rachael Maskell

Dr Philippa Whitford

Liz Saville Roberts

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.

450Democracy and human rights in Senegal

Tabled: 1/03/24 Signatories: 6

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Claudia Webbe

Alison Thewliss

George Galloway

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: 6

Sir George Howarth

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Kim Johnson

Cat Smith

Jonathan Edwards

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: 4

Kate Osborne

Jim Shannon

Ian Mearns

George Galloway

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.

454Dundee Fairtrade City 20th anniversary

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 6

Chris Law

Alison Thewliss

Dr Philippa Whitford

Stewart Hosie

Jim Shannon

George Galloway

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: 2

Giles Watling

Jim Shannon

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: 2

Gavin Robinson

Jim Shannon

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: 2

Drew Hendry

Jim Shannon

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: 4

Amy Callaghan

Alison Thewliss

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jim Shannon

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: 4

Kirsten Oswald

Alison Thewliss

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jim Shannon

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: 24

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: 3

Amy Callaghan

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jim Shannon

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: 25

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: 25

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: 25

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: 3

Cat Smith

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

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: 3

Cat Smith

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

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.

468120th anniversary of Glasgow Pavilion Theatre

Tabled: 5/03/24 Signatories: 3

Alison Thewliss

Jim Shannon

George Galloway

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: 3

Sir George Howarth

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

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: 3

Martyn Day

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

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: 2

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

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.