Contents
Published: Wednesday 20 March 2024
Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 19 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
524Scottish Seabird Centre awarded National Lottery Heritage Fund grant
Tabled: 19/03/24 Signatories: 1
Kenny MacAskill
That this House congratulates the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick, East Lothian, on being awarded £249,685 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund; understands that they aim to provide the capacity needed for the Scottish Seabird Centre with their project entitled A resilient future: for people, nature and our charity, which will explore opportunities to strengthen sources of income; notes that this will also provide an opportunity to address requirements for environmental sustainability; commends the work of over 20 years that the Scottish Seabird Centre have been doing to educate people on Scotland's marine wildlife, habitats and iconic seabirds; and wishes everyone involved the very best for this, and any future projects.
525North Berwick and the Sunday Times Best Place to Live Guide
Tabled: 19/03/24 Signatories: 1
Kenny MacAskill
That this House congratulates North Berwick, East Lothian, on being named the overall winner for best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times Best Place to Live Guide; acknowledges that North Berwick is the first Scottish town to be named winner by the Best Place to Live in the 12 year history of the survey; commends the work of the many independent shops on the town's thriving high street as a sign of the positive and welcomed effect that small businesses contribute to the community; further congratulates East Linton, East Lothian, on being selected as area winners in the survey; and wishes the communities of North Berwick and East Linton continued success with their futures.
526Countdown to the reopening of the Levenmouth Rail Link
Tabled: 19/03/24 Signatories: 1
Peter Grant
That this House welcomes the installation of countdown clocks at Edinburgh Waverley, Cameron Bridge and Leven railway stations to mark the final 100 days until the reopening of the Levenmouth rail link; eagerly anticipates the arrival on 2 June 2024 of the first passenger trains in Leven for 55 years; notes that providing low carbon transport options will make Levenmouth even more attractive for inward investment and will support growth in tourism and other industries, bringing both social and economic benefits to the whole of Levenmouth; commends the Scottish Government, Fife Council and Network Rail for their work in delivering the new rail link; commends in particular the volunteers from Levenmouth Rail Campaign who over more than two decades have worked to build support from the Levenmouth community and from Councillors, MSPs and MPs of all parties; and looks forward to long-awaited opportunities for creating employment, greater access to education, and improved connectivity for the area’s people and businesses.
527Auchmuty High School, Digital Schools Award
Tabled: 19/03/24 Signatories: 1
Peter Grant
That this House congratulates Auchmuty High School in Glenrothes on recently earning their Digital Schools Award from Education Scotland in recognition of the school’s excellence in integrating digital technology into learning and teaching; notes that the Digital Schools Award is a national awards scheme to promote, recognise and encourage a whole school approach to the use of digital technology in schools; highlights that the Digital Schools Award recognises best practice and builds on the progress already made, by providing a pathway and resources for schools seeking to do more with digital technology; further highlights that the programme also recognises those who achieve excellence and supports the efforts of schools, teachers and learners in making the best use of digital technology in the classroom; and thanks the partnership between Education Scotland, Hewlett Packard, Skills Development Scotland and AMD Processors for supporting this important initiative.
528Fife Young Carers 25th anniversary
Tabled: 19/03/24 Signatories: 1
Peter Grant
That this House congratulates Fife Young Carers on the 25th anniversary of the organisation; commends the work of the 30 staff and numerous volunteers in supporting Fife’s young carers in their caring roles and importantly in providing service users with a range of advice, support and opportunities in order to empower these amazing young people to reach their goals; highlights that more than 1000 young carers are supported in a variety of ways by Fife Young Carers whether through respite, one to one support, peer support, education support, advocacy and so much more; thanks all of the staff and volunteers for all the work that they do in supporting Fife’s Young Carers at this exceptional milestone; and wishes both the staff and service users all the best for the next 25 years of Fife Young Carers, and beyond.
529St Pauls RC Primary School Glee Choir heat winners
Tabled: 19/03/24 Signatories: 1
Peter Grant
That this House congratulates St Pauls RC Primary School Glee Choir on their fantastic win of their recent heat at the Scottish Primary School Glee Challenge 2024 held in the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline over two nights in March; highlights that St Pauls, of Glenrothes, rocked their way to the top spot to go forward to the Fife Regional Final; notes the importance of the event in highlighting the incredible talent of so many pupils in Scotland's schools, raising confidence and offering opportunities to shine; commends the Challenge, under the auspices of the Frisson Foundation, on being the largest most inclusive singing, dance, performance and choir initiative engaging with thousands of Scotland’s primary school children; gives thanks to all of the teachers, school staff and especially the children of each and every school for taking part and making the event so exceptional; and wishes St Pauls Glee Choir all the very best for the rest of the Glee Challenge.
530Treatment of Tibetan protesters in Dege County, Tibet
Tabled: 19/03/24 Signatories: 1
Chris Law
That this House strongly condemns the recent brutal crackdown on peaceful Tibetan protesters in Dege County, Tibet; calls for an immediate and irreversible halt to the construction of Kamtok Hydroelectric Dam, as well as the forced relocation of more than 2,000 local Tibetans from their ancestral lands; acknowledges the courage of local Tibetans who have shared evidence, including videos, depicting desperate appeals, mass arbitrary detentions and the deployment of People’s Armed Police, despite internet surveillance and the risk of detention and imprisonment for communication with Tibetans abroad, especially during protests; expresses deep concern over the police violence and ongoing restrictions on communication in Dege, as well as the looming threat of forced relocation and the destruction of six ancient monasteries with significant universal heritage value; recognises the lack of genuine and meaningful integration of Tibetans’ profound knowledge and reverence for local sacred mountains in land-use planning and political decision-making; and therefore strongly urges the Government to call on the Chinese government to immediately and unconditionally release all individuals detained in connection with these events, provide medical treatment for all those injured until full recovery, immediately and irreversibly halt construction of all hydropower dams in Tibet without the consent of the local population and consideration of Tibetans’ knowledge of social, cultural and ecological implications, and immediately end the security crackdown in Dege County.
531Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Tabled: 19/03/24 Signatories: 1
Drew Hendry
That this House recognises Neurodiversity Celebration Week and the significance of fostering inclusive work environments for neurodiverse individuals; acknowledges the barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals in accessing employment opportunities and obtaining assessments for conditions such as autism and ADHD; notes the need to support employers in creating inclusive workplaces by providing resources for neurodiversity training; recognises the value of partnerships between businesses and neurodiversity support groups to enhance support for neurodiverse employees; commends local organisations for their efforts in raising awareness and providing support to neurodivergent individuals; and in doing so promotes understanding and inclusivity to ensure all individuals, regardless of neurodiversity, can thrive in the workplace.
532Government legal advice on Israeli Government actions and international law
Tabled: 19/03/24 Signatories: 6
Richard Burgon
Imran Hussain
Claire Hanna
Caroline Lucas
Liz Saville Roberts
Chris Stephens
This House notes the remarks by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on 19 March 2024 that the Israeli Government’s restrictions on humanitarian aid for Gaza may amount to the use of starvation as a method of war, which is a war crime; is alarmed at the mounting evidence that the Israeli Government's actions in Gaza are in breach of international law; is deeply concerned by the UK Government’s continued and ongoing refusal to make available to all MPs the legal advice it has received relating to Israel’s conduct in Gaza and its implications for the UK’s fulfilment of its legal obligations under international law; and, given the importance of the UK Government, Ministers and MPs not being complicit in any violations of international law by the Israeli Government, calls on the UK Government to immediately make this legal advice available to MPs.
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.
488Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 8
John McDonnell
Jonathan Edwards
Kenny MacAskill
Rebecca Long Bailey
Zarah Sultana
Caroline Lucas
Ian ByrneKim Johnson
That the Protocol, done at Auckland and Bandar Seri Begawan on 16 July 2023, on the Accession of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CP 1107), a copy of which was laid before Parliament on 19 February 2024, should not be ratified.
504Detention of Palestinian human rights lawyer Diala Nader Ibrahim Eideh
Tabled: 13/03/24 Signatories: 8
Martyn Day
Allan Dorans
Dr Philippa Whitford
Jonathan Edwards
Claudia Webbe
Alison Thewliss
Colum EastwoodBell Ribeiro-Addy
That this House notes that, on 24 January 2024, the Israeli military issued an administrative detention order against Palestinian lawyer Diala Nader Ibrahim Eideh for a period of four months; condemns the degrading and humiliating treatment of Ms Eideh by Israeli soldiers throughout her initial ordeal; expresses grave concern at Israel's ongoing practice of administrative detention; believes that this practice is in breach of a number of international agreements and conventions, including the fourth Geneva Convention; further notes that Israel's use of administrative detention effectively circumvents due process and the principles of natural justice, using it as a tool of systematic persecution against Palestinians; also notes Israel's practice of deporting Palestinian prisoners from the Occupied Palestinian Territories to Israel and the subsequent isolation of detainees with denial of family visits and access to lawyers; expresses its view that extensive detention without charge or trial amounts to inhumane, degrading and punitive punishment of prisoners; acknowledges that the detention of Ms Eideh is solely because she is a human rights lawyer and an advocate for human rights; highlights that the frequency of administrative detentions has escalated recently, with the current number of administrative detainees reaching 3,558, the highest since the beginning of the occupation; regrets the Government's lack of any meaningful or substantive action against administrative detention; and calls on the Government to make urgent representations to the Israeli government to cancel this policy, restore rights to all Palestinian prisoners and to release all Palestinians being held without charge or trial.
507Economic impact of cancer research in the West of Scotland
Tabled: 13/03/24 Signatories: 8
Amy Callaghan
Christine Jardine
Stuart C McDonald
Jim Shannon
Allan Dorans
Patricia Gibson
Dr Philippa Whitford
That this House welcomes a report by London Economics which shows the total economic impact on the UK economy associated with the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scotland Institute and the University of Glasgow’s School of Cancer Sciences’ activities in 2021-22 was estimated at approximately £503 million; notes that for every £1 million of research income received, Glasgow’s research activities generate a total of £10.2 million in economic impact across the UK; recognises that the University of Glasgow’s Garscube Campus in East Dunbartonshire is home to the CRUK Scotland Institute (formerly Beatson Institute) and the University’s School of Cancer Sciences which support jobs and promote economic growth throughout the Scottish and UK economies, contributing to the growth of the region’s burgeoning life sciences sector; notes the report outlines how the size and composition of the 2.8 million patient base in the West of Scotland has influenced Glasgow’s approach to cancer research and commends the close collaboration between the core cancer research institutions, local hospitals, clinicians, academics, funders and patients in the region; congratulates the University of Glasgow and all its partners on their success so far; and wishes them well as they continue to co-create innovative new approaches to cancer research for the benefit of patients.
511Audio Light Systems and SME of the Year in Midlothian 2024 Award
Tabled: 14/03/24 Signatories: 4
Owen Thompson
Allan Dorans
Alison Thewliss
Jim Shannon
That this House congratulates Audio Light Systems in Dalkeith, Midlothian, for their recent success at the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Awards; recognises their award for SME of the Year 2024; acknowledges that this is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to the dedication and hard work put into the business; further acknowledges that this award is a well-deserved recognition of the Audio Light Systems team’s efforts and the continued use of technology that they use to enhance and grow the business; and wishes Audio Light Systems continued success and acclaim in the future.
512Clydebank Blitz 83rd anniversary
Tabled: 14/03/24 Signatories: 6
Martin Docherty-Hughes
Allan Dorans
Patricia Gibson
Alison Thewliss
Jim Shannon
Dr Philippa Whitford
That this House commemorates the 83rd anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz, which commenced on 13 March 1941 for two nights; notes that it was proportionally the heaviest aerial bombardment inflicted on any civilian population in the UK during World War II; recognises the official record of deaths caused by the two nights of bombing and those who died as a result of their injuries in the days, weeks and months that followed; further recognises the profound mental trauma inflicted on the population which remained untreated; salutes the courage of those in the fire, ambulance, military and civilian services who acted so bravely, including the miners of Scotland who travelled from far and wide to dig for survivors; and acknowledges the work of the people of Clydebank who through 83 yearly acts of remembrance have sought to remind the world of the horrors of war, the devastation of aerial bombardment and the need for peace and reconciliation between all nations.
513St Patrick's Day 2024
Tabled: 14/03/24 Signatories: 7
Martin Docherty-Hughes
Allan Dorans
Jonathan Edwards
Patricia Gibson
Alison Thewliss
Jim Shannon
Dr Philippa Whitford
That this House notes that 17 March each year marks St Patrick's Day; recognises that 17 March is an opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultures and heritage of the island of Ireland, as well as celebrating the contribution that Ireland and its diaspora has made in shaping nations across the globe; understands that the people of Scotland, England and Wales, and in particular those within the village of Old Kilpatrick, West Dunbartonshire, have a strong connection to St Patrick as Old Kilpatrick, the most westerly fort of the Roman Antonine Wall, is believed to be Patrick's birthplace as denoted by the county and subsequent local authorities’ use of the St Patrick's Saltire emblem, and that this represents just one of the many bonds that unite the people of these islands in friendship; and wishes all those in the isle of Ireland and the diaspora across the world health, happiness and peace as they celebrate St Patrick's Day.
515St Ninian’s Parish Church fundraising
Tabled: 14/03/24 Signatories: 4
Christine Jardine
Allan Dorans
Jamie Stone
Jim Shannon
That this House commends the congregation at St Ninian’s Parish Church, Corstorphine, for their fundraising for St Columba’s Hospice, Edinburgh; further commends the work of the Church in raising £3,703 this year, including at their most recent coffee morning on 9 March; notes that the Church has been running coffee mornings in support of the Hospice since 2000; congratulates them on raising over £50,000 for the Hospice since then; and wishes the congregation success with future fundraising efforts.
516National Mentoring Day 2023
Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 2
Dr Lisa Cameron
Jim Shannon
That this House notes the life changing work that mentoring organisations are undertaking across the UK to develop skills, resilience and agency of disadvantaged young people; further notes that mentoring interventions can contribute to enhanced social mobility; understands that the cost-of-living crisis is having a detrimental impact on recruitment and retention of volunteers which is particularly impacting availability of mentoring for young people; highlights that National Mentoring Day was marked by mentoring organisations across the UK and internationally; thanks the Diana Award for their support for the All Party Parliamentary Group on Mentoring; and further highlights the benefits for Members of Parliament in engaging in mentoring young people within their constituency.
51775th anniversary of the Strathaven Miniature Railway
Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 2
Dr Lisa Cameron
Jim Shannon
That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Strathaven Miniature Railway; notes the railway's exceptional achievements and acknowledges that this is the oldest miniature railway in Scotland, which has been running continuously through Strathaven Park since the 14th of May 1949; further acknowledges the 50th anniversary of the Strathaven Model Society, a group of dedicated volunteers who have operated the railway for the last 47 years; applauds and praises all of the volunteers dedication and hard work in carrying over 750,000 passengers since 1949, with special thanks to Eric Chandler, Jim Lennox and Martin Simpson, all of whom have devoted over forty years of volunteering to ensure the continuous operation of Strathaven’s ‘Wee Trains’; and wishes everyone involved in Strathaven's Miniature Railway the very best for the future.
518Volunteer Midlothian's Volunteer Recruitment Fair 2024
Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 3
Owen Thompson
Jim Shannon
Dr Philippa Whitford
That this House applauds the success of Volunteer Midlothian's Volunteer Recruitment Fair which recently attracted more than 120 attendees eager to explore volunteering opportunities; acknowledges the critical role played by Volunteer Midlothian in promoting and supporting volunteering in the region particularly in light of concerning trends indicating a decline in volunteering rates across Scotland; recognises the annual Volunteer Recruitment Fair as a pivotal event, providing a platform for organisations to showcase volunteer opportunities and directly engage with the local community fostering a culture of altruism and civic engagement; applauds Volunteer Midlothian for the success of this year's fair where attendees enthusiastically pledged their time and skills to various causes within Midlothian and beyond; notes with appreciation the surprise appearance of previous Midlothian Volunteer Awards mascots at the fair adding to the festive atmosphere and serving as a reminder of the upcoming Volunteers’ Week in June; commends Volunteer Midlothian's Chief Officer Lesley Kelly for announcing the opening of nominations for the 2024 Midlothian Volunteer Awards and encourages constituents to nominate deserving volunteers who have made significant contributions to the community; and expresses deep gratitude to Volunteer Midlothian, its staff, volunteers, and all participants for their dedication to making a positive impact on Midlothian.
519World Down Syndrome Day 2024
Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 3
Jim Shannon
Jonathan Edwards
Dr Philippa Whitford
That this House celebrates with pride, World Down Syndrome Day 2024, which is a global event that aims to raise awareness, and advocate for the rights of individuals with Down syndrome; marked each year on March 21st, this signifies the triplication of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome; highlights the lots of socks campaign which aims to get a conversation started on raising awareness for people with Down syndrome and the importance of inclusion within society; recalls that the Down Syndrome Act 2022 makes provision for the needs and rights of people in the U.K. with Down syndrome; notes the necessity of ending stereotypes and empowering those diagnosed with Down syndrome; and thanks charities such as Down Syndrome UK for providing resources, training and support to parents and professionals in maternity, health and education to enable society to learn more about supporting people with Down syndrome.
520100th anniversary of the Buddhist Society
Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 2
Jim Shannon
Jonathan Edwards
That this House notes the 100th anniversary of the Buddhist Society, one of the oldest Buddhist societies in Europe, founded in 1924 by Christmas Humphreys; further notes that the society presents the major authentic Buddhist schools and traditions holding lectures, classes, courses, and activities in the Therevada, Zen, Pure Land and Tibetan traditions; underlines the importance of religious self-governance for Buddhists; and urges the Government to raise this right at the United Nations and in its diplomatic relations with China.
521National Lottery funding for Kirkliston Children's Gala
Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 2
Christine Jardine
Jim Shannon
That this House congratulates Kirkliston Children's Gala Day Committee on their award of £8,500 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund; notes that the funding will be used to support an exhibition in the community centre to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Gala in 2024; further notes that this aims to document the history of the Gala and community through memorabilia including costumes, programmes, photographs, film, songs and activities; congratulates the festival on reaching its centenary; and wishes the organisers success with this year’s Gala on 8 June.
522Purple Day 2024
Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 4
Kirsten Oswald
Jonathan Edwards
Jim Shannon
Dr Philippa Whitford
That this House recognises that Purple Day, the international day for epilepsy, is taking place on Tuesday 26 March 2024; notes epilepsy is the most common neurological condition with an estimated 55,000 people living with the condition in Scotland; applauds the work of Epilepsy Scotland who fight to reduce the stigma experienced by people living with the condition and to influence public policy to ensure appropriate support is available; highlights the wide range of services provided by Epilepsy Scotland including a helpline, a check-in service, a youth service, a well-being service, and online support groups; understands that Purple Day is a time where thousands of people will come together across the world to raise awareness of epilepsy, dispel myths, and support those individuals living with the condition; acknowledges that Epilepsy Scotland is encouraging people to wear the colour purple and lighting buildings purple to mark the occasion and to take part in fundraising activities such as a sponsored run or hosting a quiz night or coffee morning; and wishes Epilepsy Scotland all the very best as they continue to advocate for people with epilepsy.
523Roger Daltrey’s 24 years of Royal Albert Hall shows for Teenage Cancer Trust
Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 3
Amy Callaghan
Jim Shannon
Dr Philippa Whitford
That this House celebrates 24 years of the Teenage Cancer Trust concerts at the Royal Albert Hall which have raised over £32 million, money that has helped fund specialist nurses, hospital units and support services right across the UK; applauds the work of Teenage Cancer Trust’s Honorary Patron and the concert’s founder and curator, Roger Daltrey, who for 24 years has persuaded some of the most well-known artists from across the world perform special, one-of-a-kind shows to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust; welcomes the unforgettable opportunity the shows also offer for young people being cared for at Teenage Cancer Trust units to experience going backstage at these concerts; and notes that every day seven young people aged 13-24 will receive a cancer diagnosis, that this number is rising, and that Teenage Cancer Trust provides specialist nursing care and support to get them through it.