Commons business papers

Contents

Published – Thursday 25 July 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 24 July 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

60All England Lawn Tennis Club proposal to develop Wimbledon Park

Tabled: 24/07/24 Signatories: 1

Mr Paul Kohler

That this House congratulates the All England Lawn Tennis Club on this year's successful Championships; acknowledges the Club's status as the host of the world’s premier tennis tournament; recognises their plans to build a 10 storey stadium, nine further outbuildings, 38 tennis courts and over 9km of roads on Capability Brown's historic parkland in Wimbledon Park; notes the impact the proposed expansion will have on both the local community and the environment; urges the Club to fully and constructively engage with residents and other stakeholders to reach a compromise that addresses the needs of all parties; and calls upon the All England Club to honour and abide by the solemn promises and legal undertakings they committed to when they originally purchased this environmentally significant area of Metropolitan Open Land.

61Southern Water, Havant Thicket Reservoir

Tabled: 24/07/24 Signatories: 1

Jess Brown-Fuller

That this House notes with concern that Southern Water proposes to introduce recycled waste water into the spring-fed drinking water supply at the Havant Thicket Reservoir; further notes that this method of reverse osmosis will be the first of its kind in the United Kingdom and is a system used primarily in countries with an insecure water supply; expresses concerned that this project does not fit within the articles of association for water companies to put the environment and customers at the heart of their objectives; asks why a capital investment of £1.2bn can be financed but no such investment is forthcoming in wastewater management; and requests that all proposed customers of this drinking water supply are consulted before this national infrastructure project creates a blueprint for all water companies to do the same.

62Contribution of lidos

Tabled: 24/07/24 Signatories: 1

Max Wilkinson

That this House celebrates the contribution to our country’s health, wellbeing and heritage made by lidos; notes with concern the significant financial challenges being faced by the sector, principally due to energy costs but also as a result of ongoing maintenance to heritage assets and required capital investment; notes that environmental sustainability for lidos can be achieved while lowering energy costs; recognises that lidos are run by a variety of organisations including local government and the third sector; and calls on the Government to explore options to secure the long-term financial and environmental sustainability of lidos.

63Zero carbon homes

Tabled: 24/07/24 Signatories: 1

Tim Farron

That this House believes that all new homes should be built to a zero carbon standard; urges the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to grant local councils and National Park authorities the powers to enforce the Future Home Standard for all new homes; calls for all new houses to be built to a minimum standard of producing 75-80% lower CO2 emissions than homes currently being built; further calls for all new homes to be built with solar panels; and recognises the need to cut energy bills and cut carbon emissions as a matter of great urgency.

64Flooding In the River Severn catchment area

Tabled: 24/07/24 Signatories: 1

Cameron Thomas [R]

That this House recognises the economic, environmental, logistical and humanitarian impact upon businesses and residents of, and commuters through Tewkesbury constituency, owing to consistent flooding from the River Severn; notes that the population centre of Tewkesbury and several rural communities all lie within the River Severn catchment area; and expresses concern that Tewkesbury is particularly vulnerable to flooding following periods of heavy rainfall.

65Tax on private jets

Tabled: 24/07/24 Signatories: 1

Neil Duncan-Jordan

That this House is concerned that private jets release 10 times more carbon per passenger than commercial flights, pay no VAT or fuel duty and most passengers pay the same low rate of air passenger duty as ordinary commercial flyers; recognises that the UK has more private flights and more pollution from private jets than any other country in Europe; and calls on the Government to tackle this issue by levying VAT, tax fuel and increase air passenger duty on private jets which would raise £700m a year.

66Dalmeny and Queensferry Parish Church

Tabled: 24/07/24 Signatories: 1

Christine Jardine

That this House congratulates the Dalmeny and Queensferry Parish Church on their award of £20,000 from the National Lottery Awards for All Scotland; understands that this will fund a two-year project to hold events for the community focusing on tackling loneliness, isolation and the cost-of-living crisis; notes the wider community work that the church and congregation undertake every week, including their regular church cafés; commends their approach to bringing together different groups in the community to tackle the issues caused by loneliness and social isolation; and wishes the church success with the new initiative.

67Drylaw Telford Community Association

Tabled: 24/07/24 Signatories: 1

Christine Jardine

That this House congratulates the Drylaw Telford Community Association on their award of £20,000 from the National Lottery Awards for All Scotland; understands the funding will be used to support the work of their 50 years+ Link Worker; notes that this is designed to connect people over the age of 50 across northern and western Edinburgh to tackle persistent loneliness; commends their focus on those at high risk of being socially isolated, which disproportionately affects older people; and wishes the Community Association success with their new initiative.

68Gyle Recreation Grounds Association

Tabled: 24/07/24 Signatories: 1

Christine Jardine

That this House congratulates the Gyle Recreation Grounds Association on their award of £19,000 from the National Lottery Awards for All Scotland; understands the funding will be used to support the refurbishment of the Gyle Community Centre; commends the work of dedicated volunteers in their commitment to improving a vital community space; and wishes the association success in bringing new life to the centre.

69Oxfordshire rowers and the Paris Olympics

Tabled: 24/07/24 Signatories: 1

Freddie van Mierlo

That this House wishes Olympic rowers from Oxfordshire, Sholto Carnegie, Annie Campbell-Orde, Eve Stewart, Graeme Thomas, Harry Brightmore, Hattie Taylor, Heidi Long, Imogen Grant, James Rudkin, Lauren Irwin, Lola Anderson, Matt Aldridge, Morgan Bolding, Oli Wilkes, Rebecca Edwards and Rebecca Wilde, the best of luck in Paris; further wishes the whole of Team GB luck at the Olympics; regrets that these athletes have had to train on the River Thames which had sewage dumped into it for 196,414 hours last year by Thames Water; calls on the Government to end sewage dumping by introducing a sewage tax on water company profits; notes that Team GB athletes are remarkable role models who show incredible dedication, self-discipline and passion in order to represent the nation at the games; and acknowledges the Olympic games as a fantastic opportunity for the whole nation to come together to support British athletes as they go for gold.

70Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex

Tabled: 24/07/24 Signatories: 1

Susan Murray

That this House celebrates the opening of Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex on Saturday 27 July 2024 following the granting of a 25 year lease by East Dunbartonshire Council to the Kirkintilloch Community Sports Club charity; thanks the charity and its volunteers for their sustained commitment to providing sports facilities in Kirkintilloch; acknowledges that this charity will improve health and wellbeing in East Dunbartonshire by providing junior football facilities; appreciates that this will bring a variety of activities for the community to take part in; welcomes the much loved Kirkintilloch Rob Roy Football Club coming home, an important part of the local heritage; and offers best wishes for their future plans so future generations can benefit.

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.

1Public ownership of water

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 16

Ellie Chowns

Adrian Ramsay

Siân Berry

Carla Denyer

Jeremy Corbyn

John McDonnell

That this House condemns the mismanagement and underinvestment which led to untreated sewage being discharged into English waterways for more than 3.6 million hours in 2023; notes that water companies in England have incurred debts of more than £64 billion and paid out £78 billion in dividends since they were privatised debt-free in 1989; further notes that water companies paid out £1.4 billion in dividends in 2022, even as 11 of them were fined in the same year for missing performance targets; objects to Ofwat's proposal to allow water companies to increase bills by an average of 21% despite overwhelming evidence of mismanagement; recognises that climate change is making flooding and droughts more frequent and more severe, necessitating changes to the way water systems are managed in order to build resilience; believes that private for-profit ownership is not an appropriate model for water, as an essential utility where no meaningful competition is possible; calls on the Government to rule out any bailout of Thames Water, which would send a dangerous signal to other utility companies that reckless decisions carry no private risk; further calls for Thames Water to be placed in special administration and for its assets and functions to be transferred to a publicly-owned company; and also calls for all water companies in England to be brought into public ownership so that the water network can be managed for the benefit of all citizens.

6Thames Water price rises

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 16

Layla Moran

Olly Glover

Calum Miller

Charlie Maynard

Freddie van Mierlo

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House expresses anger at Thames Water’s customers’ water bills increasing by an average 23% over the next five years; welcomes Ofwat’s decision to not allow Thames Water’s proposed price hike of £191 to go ahead wholescale; calls on Ofwat to go further and use its existing powers to crackdown on large water bill rises; condemns Thames Water for discharging sewage into waterways for 196,414 hours last year, a 160% increase on 2022; notes that Thames Water spent over £30 million across their network, in the last financial year, on tankers used to clean up sewage spills in roads, gardens, and homes; asks the Government to tackle sewage dumping by introducing a Sewage Tax on water company profits and setting legally binding targets to prevent sewage dumping into bathing waters and highly sensitive nature sites; further notes that Thames Water announced an increase in annual profits to £157.3 million in their annual report; urges Thames Water to prioritise public good over profit and environmental policy objectives in their day-to-day running; and implores the Government to implement a ban on water company executive bonuses until sewage discharges end.

7Consumer water bills

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 37

Sarah Olney

Steff Aquarone

Luke Taylor

Liz Jarvis

Alex Brewer

Pippa Heylings

That this House regrets the large increases that have been proposed to consumer water bills; notes that water companies continue to dump sewage into local waterways; believes, as a point of principle, that it is unfair for water companies to make consumers bear the brunt of the costs for improvements to infrastructure when companies have paid out millions to shareholders in profits and bonuses to directors and executives; and calls on water companies to ensure water bills make clear to customers where their money is being spent.

9Cumbria coal mine court appeal

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 31

Tim Farron

Christine Jardine

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Ellie Chowns

Carla Denyer

That this House welcomes the Government’s decision to withdraw support for plans for a new coal mine at Whitehaven in Cumbria; recognises that commissioning the coal mine contradicts the UK’s commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions; calls for urgent investment to be made in Cumbria for alternative sources of high skilled employment in green industries; and urges the new Secretary of State to reject planning permission if the court rules in favour of the appeal.

11Peace in Israel and Gaza

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 64

Layla Moran [R]

Caroline Voaden

Mr Lee Dillon

Bobby Dean

Freddie van Mierlo

Dr Danny Chambers

That this House expresses its devastation at the complete humanitarian disaster in Gaza with tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians killed, millions displaced and thousands of homes destroyed; urges Hamas to unconditionally and immediately release the hostages taken following the deplorable attacks on 7 October 2023; notes the unacceptable illegal settler violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories left unchecked by the Israeli Government; welcomes any sanctions by the Government against extremist Israeli settlers who have committed human rights abuses against Palestinian communities in the West Bank; further urges the Government to sanction all violent settlers and their connected entities; calls on the Government to uphold international law and the judgments of international courts under all circumstances; further notes that the only path to regional security is a two-state solution based on 1967 borders with Hamas not in power; condemns Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s repeated assertions that there is no future for a Palestinian state; urges the Government to immediately recognise the state of Palestine; and further urges the Government to call for an immediate bilateral ceasefire in Gaza, which will allow an end to the humanitarian devastation, get the hostages out and provide an opportunity for a political process leading to a two-state solution, providing security and dignity for all peoples in Palestine and Israel.

12200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 36

Helena Dollimore

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Llinos Medi

Christine Jardine

That this House congratulates the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) on its 200th anniversary of saving lives at sea; thanks all crew members who have risked their lives to save over 140,000 lives at sea; and pays tribute to all volunteers past and present who support this vital work.

14International Criminal Court, Gaza and the Rule of Law

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 38

Richard Burgon

Imran Hussain

Zarah Sultana

Ms Apsana Begum

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

John McDonnell

That this House rejects attempts by the previous Government to undermine the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) right to seek an arrest warrant against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes, following the decision by the ICC Chief Prosecutor to issue applications for arrest warrants for a number of Israeli and Hamas leaders in May 2024; opposes the decision by the previous Government to challenge the ICC's jurisdiction over Israeli actions in Gaza; notes that the ICC has a well-established jurisdiction over Israeli actions in Palestine; believes that the UK, as an ICC member committed to a rules-based international order, should protect the Court’s independence and reject any efforts to impede or interfere with its work, or to intimidate or retaliate against its officials; further believes that attempts to hinder the ICC’s work not only risk undermining accountability for war crimes in Gaza but also weaken the wider rule of law and international justice as a whole; calls on the UK Government to do all it can to support the International Criminal Court in its efforts to ensure accountability and justice for the victims of war crimes; and further calls on the UK Government to immediately drop the challenge made by the previous Government regarding arrest warrants and the ICC’s jurisdiction over Israeli actions in Gaza.

20Durham Miners' Gala 2024

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 11

Mary Kelly Foy

Kim Johnson

Jeremy Corbyn

Jon Trickett

Andy McDonald

John McDonnell

That this House celebrates the Durham Miners’ Gala, also known as the Big Meeting; believes that the Durham Miners’ Gala is the greatest celebration of working-class solidarity in the world; recognises the contribution mineworkers have made to the working-class movement throughout history; further recognises the contribution of mineworkers in defeating fascism in World War II; recognises the contribution of the National Union of Mineworkers to the labour movement, the Labour Party and trade-unionism; recognises the cultural, historical and political ties between County Durham and the mining industry; notes that the 138th Big Meeting marked the 40th anniversary of the 1984-85 miners’ strike; recognises the vital role of women in the miners’ strike; further believes that the gala is a beacon of hope for workers’ around the country; and encourages everyone to become a Marra.

22Child poverty and the two-child benefit cap

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 73

Wendy Chamberlain

Daisy Cooper

Richard Foord

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Wera Hobhouse

Jamie Stone

That this House believes no child should grow up without adequate food, a warm home or security for their future; notes the Department for Work and Pensions' April 2024 statistics which state that 1.6 million children are affected by the two-child benefit cap; further notes that parents subject to the cap have less income available for childcare costs and therefore experience barriers to employment; recognises that removing this cap is the most cost-effective way of immediately lifting children out of poverty and deep poverty; and urges the Chancellor of the Exchequer to remove the two-child limit on social security payments in her first Budget.

28Dental provision in the South West of England

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 18

Anna Sabine

Caroline Voaden

Vikki Slade

Wera Hobhouse

Sarah Dyke

Ben Maguire

That this House notes with concern the lack of NHS dentist provision in South West England; is shocked to learn that parents are often being told to take their children to private dentists in order to get a basic check-up; is concerned that over 100,000 children aged between 6 and 10 years have been admitted to hospital with rotting teeth since 2018; believes that the current situation is leading to children missing out on vital check-ups; supports providing supervised toothbrush training for children in nurseries and schools; further believes that VAT on children’s toothbrushes and toothpaste should be scrapped; and calls on the new Government to work with relevant primary care bodies to end the dental deserts in the South West region by bringing dentists back to the NHS from the private sector by fixing the broken NHS dental contract and using flexible commissioning to meet patient needs so that local residents can access NHS dental services when they need it.

29Coroner services

Tabled: 18/07/24 Signatories: 4

Ayoub Khan

John McDonnell

Ellie Chowns

Jim Shannon

That this House calls on the Government to properly fund coroner services, including non-invasive scanning equipment where post-mortems are required, with a view to reducing delays; notes that there are increasing delays in places including Birmingham in bodies being released after death; and expresses regret that this leads to extra distress for the families, especially among those whose faith dictates that burials must take place as soon as possible after the death of their loved ones.

30Flooding in Bangladesh

Tabled: 18/07/24 Signatories: 14

Apsana Begum

Kim Johnson

John McDonnell

Mr Adnan Hussain

Ayoub Khan

Carla Denyer

That this House is alarmed that flooding in Bangladesh has taken lives, swept away homes and shut schools, displaced tens of thousands of people, and that the forecast for more heavy rain is expected to worsen the situation; notes that climate change is one of the greatest threat humans face and will require unprecedented international coordination and cooperation; recognises that Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to extreme climate events, such as flooding, despite being one of the least polluting countries and that the Global South is far more likely to suffer the catastrophic effects of climate change; and calls on the Government to ensure that aid and support is provided regarding the current flooding and climate management in Bangladesh, along with a just green transition in the UK.

31Jagtar Singh Johal

Tabled: 18/07/24 Signatories: 13

Ayoub Khan

John McDonnell

Mr Adnan Hussain

Graham Leadbitter

Carla Denyer

Ben Lake

That this House calls upon the Government to seek the immediate release of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British man who has been wrongfully detained in India since 2017 and faces a possible death sentence; notes that, in May 2022, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that, under international law, Jagtar’s detention is arbitrary and has no legal basis; further notes that under the previous Government, the Labour opposition took a strong stand on Jagtar’s behalf; and believes the new Government now has a duty to take proper action on Jagtar’s case and secure his release and return to his family in Dumbarton without hesitation or delay.

37Team GB and ParalympicsGB at Paris 2024

Tabled: 19/07/24 Signatories: 9

Charlie Dewhirst

Tonia Antoniazzi

Jim Shannon

Gregory Stafford

Rebecca Paul

Ellie Chowns

That this House congratulates every athlete selected to represent Team GB and ParalympicsGB at Paris 2024 and wishes them every success at the Games; notes the extraordinary recent performances of Great Britain & Northern Ireland’s Olympic and Paralympic teams; and further notes the vital contribution of UK Sport and The National Lottery in supporting these athletes on their journey to the pinnacle of sport.

38Contribution of universities to regional space clusters

Tabled: 19/07/24 Signatories: 10

Zöe Franklin

Dr Al Pinkerton

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Helen Maguire

Mr Gideon Amos

That this House celebrates Space Exploration Day on 20 July, commemorating the first crewed mission to the moon and moon landing, which took place on July 20, 1969; notes that the UK space industry generates £17.5 billion for the economy and provides 50,000 highly skilled jobs across the country including scientists and engineers working in academic and industry roles; and recognises the essential contribution of universities to space clusters including Space South Central, the largest regional cluster in the UK, which is led by the University of Portsmouth, the University of Southampton and the University of Surrey, which as a collaborative partnership between academia and industry is accelerating space business growth, fostering an environment of innovation, growing the reputation of the south-central region and is an exemplar of academia and industry working hand in hand to drive national prosperity.

39Ending Outsourcing in Government departments and agencies

Tabled: 19/07/24 Signatories: 10

John McDonnell

Kim Johnson

Carla Denyer

Mary Kelly Foy

Andy McDonald

Jon Trickett

That this House condemns the impact of outsourcing on the pay, terms and conditions of workers in government agencies and departments; notes with regret that outsourcing has created a two-tier workforce owing to inequalities created between those centrally-employed and those working for private contractors; further notes that many outsourced facilities management roles including security, cleaning and catering are more likely to be undertaken by women and BAME workers; is concerned that the Government Property Agency has yet to engage constructively with the PCS union on developing proposals for an in-house alternative to the retendering of the facilities management contract in the department of Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) currently held by ISS, due to expire in April 2025; supports the industrial action by outsourced security guards working for G4S in Department of Work and Pensions (DWP); and calls on the Government to urgently implement its promise to bring about the biggest wave of insourcing of public services in a generation.

40Tall ship Tenacious

Tabled: 19/07/24 Signatories: 9

Munira Wilson

Daisy Cooper

Vikki Slade

Caroline Voaden

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House celebrates the legacy of the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) in providing life-changing opportunities for over 55,000 people who have sailed with JST tall ships, which were purpose-built with initial funding from the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II fund, with the aim of integrating able-bodied and disabled people through tall ship ocean sailing voyages, in which no-one is a passenger and everyone works the ship; notes that the SV Tenacious, the largest wooden tall ship built in the UK for 100 years, is the only remaining tall ship in service in the world which is equipped for disabled and non-disabled crew to sail together on equal terms; recognises the deep regret at the announcement that the JST has ceased operations and the ship’s owning company put into administration as a result of financial difficulties worsened by inactivity during the pandemic; acknowledges that without this ship, which is equipped with measures such as wheelchair access, a speaking compass, visual and tactile alarms and signage in Braille, many people with differing abilities will not be able to experience the freedom of ocean sailing, regardless of physical limitations, which has, over the decades, created immeasurable cascading benefits to the lives of voyage crew, through the challenging and transformative adventure of tall ship sailing; and commends the Save Tall Ship Tenacious campaign, wishing them success in their ongoing efforts to save this unique vessel, a shining example of inclusion and equality for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

4110th anniversary of the Yazidi genocide

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 9

Brendan O'Hara

Ellie Chowns

Jim Shannon

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Ann Davies

That this House recalls that on 3 August 2014, Da'esh attacked Sinjar, unleashing atrocities against the Yazidis, an ethno-religious minority group in Iraq, amounting to the legal definition of genocide; notes that the House of Commons voted 278 to 0 in favour of declaring the crimes of Da'esh as genocide on 20 April 2016; further notes that the UK Government formally recognised the atrocities as genocide in August 2023; is concerned that the UN mechanism to collect the evidence of the atrocities, the Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/ISIL (UNITAD), is closing with no assurances of what will happen to the evidence collected so far; is also concerned that camps for internally displaced people are being closed and that Yazidis are being pressured to return to Sinjar without any adequate assistance, infrastructure and security assurances; is further concerned that only 32 British Da'esh members who returned to the UK have been convicted, and for terror-related offences only; and calls on the UK Government to review its responses to Da'esh and identify initiatives to assist the Yazidi community.

46Welsh athletes at the Paris Olympic Games 2024

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 7

Tonia Antoniazzi

Jim Shannon

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Ann Davies

Llinos Medi

That this House congratulates every Welsh athlete selected to represent Team GB at Paris 2024 and wishes them the best of luck; notes that this is the largest contingent of Welsh athletes to take part in an overseas Olympic games; and acknowledges the importance of grassroot sport in developing future Welsh Olympians.

47100th anniversary of the Devon Library Service

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 6

Steve Race

Jim Shannon

Fred Thomas

Richard Foord

Ian Roome

Martin Wrigley

That this House celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Devon County Library Service, managed by the Libraries Unlimited charity; pays tribute to all the staff, the board, and the volunteers for their dedication to providing free access to knowledge and spaces for community activity across Exeter, Torbay, and Devon; notes that in the past year, the Devon County Library Service has loaned over 1.5 million books, hosted and staged nearly 24,000 events, and welcomed people into the service over 2.3 million times; further notes that the Service continues to adapt for new audiences, with new technologies, providing free WiFi for 165,000 sessions, enabling 253,000 ebook downloads, and 292,000 eAudiobook downloads; and wishes the Service all the very best for the next 100 years of enriching lives and building communities across Devon.

4850 years since Turkey invaded Cyprus

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Cameron Thomas

That this House notes that it has been 50 years since Turkey invaded Cyprus; highlights that in 1974, Turkish forces launched what they called a peace operation after a brief Greek inspired coup; further notes that whilst it has been years since there has been any violence between the two sides, the ethnically split island is a persistent source of tension between Greece and Turkey; underlines that both are partners in NATO but are at odds over numerous issues and that reunification talks collapsed in 2017 and have been at a stalemate since; and urges the UK Government to take diplomatic steps to achieve peace and stability and work towards a settled, happy future for all citizens in the region.

49Farm Safety Week 2024

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 8

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Tonia Antoniazzi

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Ann Davies

That this House celebrates Farm Safety Week, which takes place between 22 and 26 July 2024; notes that, this year, Farm Safety Week is marking 10 years of the Farm Safety Foundation, a charity set up by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual, to raise awareness of and challenge attitudes to farm safety and poor mental health in the industry; highlights further support from the Ulster Farmers Union, who work closely alongside other like-minded organisations to help amplify important messages; and thanks the NFU and Ulster Farmers Union for the support they provide to farmers all across the UK and the time the have spent to make a difference for farmers of today and in next generations.

50Farmers Guardian 24 Hours

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 6

Jim Shannon

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Ann Davies

Llinos Medi

Sarah Dyke

That this House notes the participation of the Ulster Farmers Union in the Farmers Guardian 24 Hours in Farming initiative on 8 to 9 August, which is an event that uses social media to convey the efforts of the farming industry and their contributions to the local economy; highlights that the annual online event is sponsored by Morrisons, one of the UK's largest supermarket chains; underlines this event as an opportunity to bring farmers of all ages and from all areas of the UK together and celebrate the unique family farm structure; and thanks the Farmers Guardian for all their work in organising this event and to all Ulster Farmers Union members who are giving up their time to support this day and celebrate farming.

51Radiotherapy

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 12

Grahame Morris

Ellie Chowns

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

Jeremy Corbyn

Jon Trickett

That this House recognises the value of radiotherapy as a key and lifesaving cancer treatment, necessary for around half of all cancer cures and as a highly effective, non-invasive treatment for patients; celebrates the invaluable contribution of the approximately 6,400-strong radiotherapy workforce who treat over 100,000 cancer patients in the UK each year; welcomes the technological advancements in radiotherapy that can deliver more effective treatments, reduce side effects, and increase treatment capacity to reduce waiting lists; and further welcomes the work of radiotherapy cancer charities, such as Radiotherapy UK, in supporting cancer patients and advocating for a world-leading national radiotherapy and cancer service.

52Dismissal of trade union representatives at HMRC Benton Park View

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 13

Mary Glindon

John McDonnell

Mary Kelly Foy

Kate Osborne

Ian Lavery

Grahame Morris

That this House notes with concern that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in Benton Park View, Newcastle, has dismissed a number of Trade Union representatives from the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union, claiming gross misconduct; further notes that HMRC has rejected appeals against their dismissal, despite evidence being brought to the attention of the investigator that two managers on the site had clearly doctored evidence prior to submission to the investigations, leading to two of the dismissals; and calls on the Department to both urgently reinstate the dismissed Trade Union representatives, and engage with the PCS union to ensure any such future conduct and discipline cases are fairly and properly handled.

53Student protests in Bangladesh

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 22

Apsana Begum

Ellie Chowns

Sammy Wilson

Carla Denyer

Zarah Sultana

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House is alarmed about the human rights situation Bangladesh; is particularly appalled that a large number of students have been killed or brutally injured whilst protesting against the Government’s quota system; notes Bangladesh Supreme Court’s latest ruling on the quota system but remains concerned for the safety of the students and civilians in Bangladesh participating in protests; believes that the violence towards them, unlawful killings, the shutting down of the internet and mobile services, and other forms of repression are unacceptable and are in conflict with Bangladesh’s human rights obligations; is concerned about the potential long-term consequences for civilians; and reaffirms that the right to protest, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are inalienable and fundamental to any functioning democracy.

54Post Office services in Wellington, Somerset

Tabled: 23/07/24 Signatories: 7

Mr Gideon Amos

Jim Shannon

Anna Sabine

Calum Miller

Charlie Maynard

Christine Jardine

That this House is concerned about the lack of any Post Office in Wellington, Somerset with a population of 16,000 people many of whom lack access to a car and who rely on the town centre to meet their needs; urges the Government to expand its Cash Access UK Banking Hubs to also provide Post Office services in areas without them; expresses concern about the confusion resulting from the Post Office opening and operating Banking Hubs, often with the Post Office logo above the door, which do not provide Post Office services; notes the considerable economies that could be derived from Hub staff being resourced and trained to provide Post Office alongside banking services; and supports all the efforts of Wellington Town Council to encourage and support the restoration of a Post Office to the town.

55Re-opening of SPAR and Post Office Dolgellau

Tabled: 23/07/24 Signatories: 5

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Llinos Medi

Ann Davies

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates the grand re-opening of the SPAR Dolgellau and Post Office on 25 July, following a major renovation; notes the refurbished store was closed for 11 months due to structural issues; commends the swift action to temporarily move Post Office facilities to the local Eurospar shop; congratulates the owners for returning this much-missed store back to the heart of our community in Dolgellau; highlights the fantastic events the dedicated team have put together to celebrate the return of this well-loved shop; and wishes the business continued success in the future.

56Royal Welsh Show 2024

Tabled: 23/07/24 Signatories: 6

Ben Lake

Ann Davies

Llinos Medi

Liz Saville Roberts

Jim Shannon

Tonia Antoniazzi

That this House commemorates the Royal Welsh Show in its 120th year; notes that the four-day event held in Llanelwedd usually hosts around 250,000 visitors from 40 different countries; further notes that the agricultural festival showcases the best of Welsh livestock, as well as a range of stalls, exhibitions, displays of country sports and traditional Welsh crafts; acknowledges that Ceredigion is the 2024 feature country for the show, which dates back to the Show’s early origins when its location changed yearly from county to county in Wales; thanks the Ceredigion 2024 Committee for their fundraising work leading up to this year’s event, and for the hard work of all the organisers, volunteers, and sponsors; and looks forward to celebrating 120 years since the show was originally established in Aberystwyth in 1904.

57Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust

Tabled: 23/07/24 Signatories: 5

Anna Sabine

Edward Morello

Jim Shannon

Mr Gideon Amos

Sarah Dyke

That this House joins in the celebrations of the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust marking the 150th anniversary of the opening of Midsomer Norton Station on the Bath extension of the Somerset and Dorset Railway; thanks the Trust and its volunteers for their sustained commitment to preserving and developing this prized heritage asset; offers the Trust its best wishes for their future plans; and encourages everyone to visit the Somerset and Dorset Railway so that this important heritage facility can be preserved for future generations.

58UK arms exports to Israel

Tabled: 23/07/24 Signatories: 27

Layla Moran

Tom Morrison

Sarah Dyke

Clive Jones

Dr Danny Chambers

Anna Sabine

That this House notes with deep concern possible breaches of International Humanitarian Law by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; expresses its concern that UK arms supplied to Israel may have been used to commit breaches of International Humanitarian Law; resolves to improve parliamentary scrutiny of the UK’s control of arms exports; urges the UK Government to introduce a presumption of denial for arms exports to governments listed as human rights priorities in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s annual human rights report; therefore calls on the UK Government to cease the export of UK arms to Israel; recognises that the Palestinian Authority and Hamas are listed within the Occupied Palestinian Territories section of the 2022 FCDO human rights report; further calls on the UK Government to use all political and diplomatic powers to halt arms supplied to Hamas from Iran and other actors that are hostile to Israel; further urges the UK Government to take steps to secure an immediate bilateral ceasefire in Israel and Gaza to put an end to the humanitarian devastation in Gaza, get the hostages home and create space to secure a two-state solution; and believes that only two-states and a lasting peace can delivery the security and dignity that Israelis and Palestinians need and deserve.

5940th anniversary of Saint Francis Hospice

Tabled: 23/07/24 Signatories: 7

Andrew Rosindell

Julia Lopez

Jas Athwal

Margaret Mullane

James McMurdock

Mr Richard Holden

That this House celebrates the 40 year anniversary of the opening of Saint Francis Hospice in the historic village of Havering-atte-Bower, Romford, Essex which serves a population of around one million across Essex and the east of Greater London, namely in Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge and Brentwood; recognises that the hospice has cared for and changed the lives of thousands of individuals across four decades; commends the efforts of the hospice in its fundraising efforts to fill the gap in financial support which is not supplied by the NHS or through public funding; further celebrates the charitable ethos based on the Christian foundation of the hospice in providing care with no cost for its services; applauds the hospice's efforts to look after anyone from any background, any faith or not faith, with an assurance of care according to their culture, rituals and beliefs; and offers heartfelt thanks to the staff and volunteers, their steadfast commitment to doing everything in their power to provide personal support and the best quality of life in a caring and loving environment for those who need it most.