Contents

Published – Wednesday 31 July 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 30 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

91Sioe Sir Fôn, Anglesey County Show

Tabled: 30/07/24 Signatories: 4

Llinos Medi

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Ann Davies

That this House commemorates Sioe Sir Fôn (the Anglesey County Show), an annual two-day event set to be held on 13–14 August; notes that the show offers an excellent opportunity to view displays of livestock, produce, arts and crafts, and live music; further notes that the event, also known as the Anglesey Agricultural Show, has been held annually in August on Ynys Môn since 1872; acknowledges that since then the event has adapted and grown into the modern agricultural show it is today, attracting up to 60,000 visitors across two days; thanks the sponsors, organisers, and volunteers who have made the event such a success over the years; and wishes them every success for this year’s show.

9275th anniversary of Côr Godre’r Aran

Tabled: 30/07/24 Signatories: 4

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Llinos Medi

Ann Davies

That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of Côr Godre’r Aran, a Welsh-speaking male voice choir based in the village of Llanuwchllyn near Bala; notes that the choir membership represents a spectrum of rural occupations; further notes that the local area is steeped in history and has a long and proud poetic, literary, musical and cultural heritage; acknowledges that the choir has entertained audiences all over the world including Canada, the USA, Australia, Singapore, and Patagonia; commends the choir’s successes at national and international levels having won principal awards at the National Eisteddfod of Wales and four male voice championships at the International Eisteddfod at Llangollen; highlights that the choir has held 25 annual concerts and raised £30,000 towards local causes; and congratulates musical director Eirian Owen and all the choir’s members for their continued success.

93Voter identification

Tabled: 30/07/24 Signatories: 1

Calum Miller

That this House believes democracy is best served when eligible voters are encouraged to participate in elections; does not believe there was evidence of widespread voter fraud prior to 2022; notes with concern evidence that the requirement to provide voter identification in order to vote in the 2024 local and general elections suppressed voter turnout, particularly from specific demographic groups within the population; further notes that the forms of identification permitted discriminated against younger people; and therefore calls on the Government, at the earliest opportunity, to repeal the relevant sections of the Elections Act 2022 so as to remove the requirement for voter identification in order to cast a vote in UK elections.

94Carmarthen summer holiday breakfast club

Tabled: 30/07/24 Signatories: 4

Ann Davies

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Llinos Medi

That this House commends volunteers in Carmarthen for providing free breakfast, activities and a safe space for young people in need of extra support during the summer holidays; notes that the summer holiday breakfast club is a venture by St John Ambulance Cymru’s Carmarthen Division to provide support and care for the local community; further notes that the newly-renovated Carmarthen Divisional building is a vital hub for volunteer activity in the area; commends the group for providing vital support during a time of hardship, and thanks all the volunteers, local businesses and groups who have given their support to this important venture.

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.

3Third runway at Heathrow

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 10

Sarah Olney

Jeremy Corbyn

Christine Jardine

Munira Wilson

Mr Paul Kohler

John McDonnell

That this House recognises Heathrow's renewed focus on the third runway project; condemns the expansion due to its widely-recognised impact on local communities; highlights the existing impact of flying at Heathrow on south west and west London; further highlights that support for the expansion of the third runway contradicts stated commitments to achieving net zero; and urges the Government to reject the project.

6Thames Water price rises

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 17

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: 42

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: 43

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: 67

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: 51

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.

13Britain’s first black police officer, John Kent

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 13

Ms Julie Minns

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Llinos Medi

Ann Davies

Adam Jogee

That this House pays tribute to Britain’s first black police officer, John Kent who died on 20 July 1886; notes that John Kent was the son of a freed slave, Thomas Kent; further notes that John Kent began his policing career in Maryport, Cumbria in 1835 before transferring to the Carlisle City Police in 1837; commends John Kent for his service, in particular his policing of the Carlisle election riots during which he and other officers were injured; and asks that the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art consider commissioning a portrait of Britain’s first black police officer to mark the 220th anniversary of John Kent’s birth which falls in 2025.

21State pension age and 1950s-born women

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 84

Wendy Chamberlain

Daisy Cooper

Richard Foord

Sorcha Eastwood

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Sarah Green

That this House notes with concern the losses borne by 1950s women as a result of maladministration by the Department for Work and Pensions; welcomes the findings of the independent inquiry of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman; further notes that on average over 100 1950s born women die daily, many of whom have suffered losses and die without compensation; and urges the Government to honour the recommendations of the Ombudsman, and come forward with a proper plan to compensate these women.

22Child poverty and the two-child benefit cap

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 77

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.

26Avoidable deaths

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 17

Grahame Morris

Liz Saville Roberts

Rachael Maskell

Mary Glindon

Mary Kelly Foy

Kim Johnson

That this House is alarmed by Office for National Statistics data on avoidable mortality released on 18 June 2024 showing that the Avoidable Age-Standardised Mortality Rate (ASMR) for alcohol-related and drug-related deaths has continued to increase in England and Wales; notes that the ASMR for such deaths in England was 25.9 per 100,000 people in 2022 compared with 21.3 in 2019; further notes that the ASMR for such deaths in Wales was 30.2 per 100,000 people in 2022 compared with 24.2 in 2019; recognises that the influx of super strength synthetic opioids such as nitazenes risks a rapid rise in drug deaths; and calls on the Government to focus on public health action, including increasing drug and alcohol treatment provision and expanding availability of the lifesaving antidote to opioid overdose Naloxone, as a matter of urgency.

28Dental provision in the South West of England

Tabled: 17/07/24 Signatories: 21

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.

30Flooding in Bangladesh

Tabled: 18/07/24 Signatories: 16

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: 15

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.

33Gaza

Tabled: 18/07/24 Signatories: 28

Andy McDonald

Debbie Abrahams

Naz Shah

Brendan O'Hara

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Kim Johnson

That this House notes the appalling situation in Gaza, where Palestinian civilians are facing death by starvation; supports an immediate bilateral ceasefire, including the release of hostages held by armed groups in Gaza, and the release of Palestinian detainees held without charge in Israel; calls on the Government to demand full humanitarian access into Gaza, including that Israel open all crossings into the Gaza strip; notes the vital importance of the life-saving work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and calls on the Government to resume full funding of what is the largest humanitarian agency operating in Gaza; further calls on the Government to ensure that all parties uphold international humanitarian law and are accountable for any violations; further notes the widespread violations of international law; calls on the Government publish the legal advice on such violations and the legal situation regarding UK arms trade with Israel; and further calls on the Government to fully uphold the independence of the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court and respect the outcome of their investigations.

34United Nations Relief and Works Agency

Tabled: 18/07/24 Signatories: 24

Andy McDonald

Debbie Abrahams

Naz Shah

Brendan O'Hara

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Kim Johnson

That this House calls on the Government to restore immediately full UK funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), but also to increase funding to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza; notes Israeli attempts to evict UNRWA from Jerusalem; and further calls on the Government to mount a vigorous opposition to all such moves.

37Team GB and ParalympicsGB at Paris 2024

Tabled: 19/07/24 Signatories: 10

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.

39Ending Outsourcing in Government departments and agencies

Tabled: 19/07/24 Signatories: 12

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.

44Fire Brigades Union

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 16

Stephen Gethins

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House recognises the hard work of the Fire Brigades Union and Jim Malone, a constituent of the hon. Member for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, who, with the support of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Trades Union Congress and Scottish Government, have been able to facilitate the training of over 100 Palestinian firefighters in Scotland; notes that the Fire Brigades Union has successfully delivered essential equipment to Palestine, such as fire appliances and firefighting kits; further notes that the Fire Brigades Union is currently delivering another fire appliance to the Nablus Municipality Fire Department and that appliance, packed with kit and equipment, is sailing to the Israeli port of Ashdod; calls for the safe passage of the lifesaving equipment and hopes that the local organisations will safely collect this humanitarian donation; and commends the important and life-saving work that these organisations are providing.

47100th anniversary of the Devon Library Service

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 8

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.

49Farm Safety Week 2024

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 9

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.

51Radiotherapy

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 25

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.

53Student protests in Bangladesh

Tabled: 22/07/24 Signatories: 28

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.

58UK arms exports to Israel

Tabled: 23/07/24 Signatories: 41

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.

62Contribution of lidos

Tabled: 24/07/24 Signatories: 11

Max Wilkinson

Zöe Franklin

Alex Brewer

Mr Lee Dillon

Martin Wrigley

Freddie van Mierlo

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: 11

Tim Farron

Max Wilkinson

Vikki Slade

Wendy Chamberlain

Tom Gordon

John McDonnell

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.

65Tax on private jets

Tabled: 24/07/24 Signatories: 12

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jon Trickett

Mary Kelly Foy

Andy McDonald

Carla Denyer

Siân Berry

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.

71Recognition of the state of Palestine

Tabled: 25/07/24 Signatories: 14

Shockat Adam

Ayoub Khan

Jeremy Corbyn

Mr Adnan Hussain

Iqbal Mohamed

Carla Denyer

That this House notes the UN General Assembly resolution of 9 May 2024 which recommended that the Security Council reconsider the matter of the recognition of the state of Palestine following the use of their veto by the United States on 18 April 2024; recognises the international community’s growing consensus, noting that as of May 2024 Ireland, Spain, and Norway joined 145 UN member states in recognising the state of Palestine; condemns the vote of Israel's Knesset on 18 July 2024 to reject the establishment of an independent Palestinian state; and calls on HM Government to immediately recognise the state of Palestine in accordance with the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion of 2024, which recognised that the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza strip constitute a single territorial unit the integrity of which is to be respected.

72South Devon gymnast at the Paris Olympics 2024

Tabled: 26/07/24 Signatories: 4

Steve Darling

Jim Shannon

Martin Wrigley

Andrew George

That this House congratulates every athlete selected to represent Team GB at Paris 2024 and wishes them every success at the Games; notes that 16-year-old Paignton born gymnast Abigail Martin, member of the South Devon School of Gymnastics is competing; 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.

74Olympic Games 2024 legacy

Tabled: 26/07/24 Signatories: 3

Sarah Dyke

Jim Shannon

Andrew George

That this House wishes Olympic athletes from Glastonbury and Somerton, Sophie Hamilton and Matt Richards, luck in the Paris Olympic Games; commends them for being positive role models in the community that will make their nation proud; calls on the Government to ensure a lasting legacy from the Games to boost participation in grassroots sports by investing in leisure centres, swimming pools and supporting community sports clubs; further calls for sports funding via the National Lottery to be protected; notes that Somerset has a proud history of producing Olympic athletes; and wishes everyone in Team GB the best of luck in Paris.

76NHS staff car parking charges

Tabled: 26/07/24 Signatories: 8

Jon Trickett

John McDonnell

Iqbal Mohamed

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Andrew George

That this House supports free car parking for all NHS staff; notes that driving to work is the only viable option for some NHS staff; further notes that some NHS Trusts have introduced complicated invoicing systems through which staff are billed for parking, which has contributed to low morale in the workforce; recognises that during the pandemic NHS staff did not have to pay for parking but charges were subsequently reinstated; believes that NHS staff do an incredible job looking after us and the Government should look after them in return; and calls on the Government to examine the possibility of permanently scrapping car parking charges for NHS staff.

77Inclusion of district councils in devolution negotiations

Tabled: 29/07/24 Signatories: 9

Max Wilkinson

Jim Shannon

Caroline Voaden

Alison Bennett [R]

Richard Foord

Mr Lee Dillon

That this House recognises the crucial role played by district councils in delivering services to communities across the country; welcomes the Government’s commitment to further devolution talks; notes with concern initial comments from ministers that negotiations would take place with county councils only; but further welcomes subsequent suggestions that district councils would be consulted; and calls for the Government to commit to working with district councils whose expertise, local networks and knowledge for example supporting local economic development, housing and planning are key to a successful outcome.

78Treatment of female activists in Iran

Tabled: 29/07/24 Signatories: 2

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

That this House is alarmed by the breaches of International Humanitarian Law by the Iranian government; notes that the Islamic Republic’s violent repression of women and the activists defending their rights has intensified across the country since the death of President Ebrahim Raisi on 19 May 2024; highlights that women are in danger of being executed and that four women face the death penalty, Sharifa Mohammadi, a labour activist, Pakhshan Azizi, a social researcher and women's activist, Nasim Gholami, a protester of the 2022 protests, and Vari Moradi, a women's rights activist; notes that at least 12 women activists have been sentenced to prison terms, some as long as 21 years, in prosecutions lacking due process or fair trial rights, including the denial of chosen counsel; further notes that at least six women prisoners of conscience with serious medical conditions have been denied medical treatment by prison authorities, including an ailing elderly woman prisoner and one pregnant prisoner, that at least five have gone on hunger strike in protest, and that many of these women prisoners have also been denied contact with their families or lawyers; and condemns the Islamic Republic’s intensified assault on women activists and its oppression of women.

79Scotland Schools win World Schools Debating Championship

Tabled: 29/07/24 Signatories: 3

Graeme Downie

Jim Shannon

Euan Stainbank

That this House congratulates the Scotland Schools debating team on winning the World Schools Debating Championships; believes that Logan Moss from Dollar Academy, Sophie Hannigan and Callum Henry from St. Columba’s School, Lena Zielinska from Broxburn Academy and Miya Turner from Portobello High School performed with distinction in arguing their position on the final motion This house regrets the glorification of champions; thanks their coaches, Jordan Pfotenhauer, Maxine Muirhead and Jamie Beverstock, for their work; believes that debating is a valuable and important skill that should be taught and practised in schools across Scotland; and hopes the winning pupils might assist new MPs as the House seeks to raise the level of debate and discourse in its own deliberations.

80Olympics opening ceremony

Tabled: 29/07/24 Signatories: 2

Jim Allister

Jim Shannon

That this House condemns the gratuitous and offensive mocking of Christianity as part of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games 2024; and calls on the Foreign Secretary to register a protest with the International Olympic Committee.

81Andy Murray's legacy

Tabled: 29/07/24 Signatories: 4

Gordon McKee

Jim Shannon

Tonia Antoniazzi

David Mundell

That this House celebrates the remarkable tennis career of Andy Murray as he plays his last professional tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics, including winning three Grand Slam singles titles, two Olympic Gold medals, leading his country to Davis Cup success and achieving the world No 1 ranking; recognises that tennis in Scotland and across Britain is far healthier as a result of Andy’s inspirational achievements, with over 5.6 million adults and 3.6 million children playing tennis in Britain last year alone; and calls on the Government to continue investing in grassroots and community tennis to embed the Murray legacy in Scotland and across Britain.

84RNLI lifeguard Callum McDonald

Tabled: 29/07/24 Signatories: 4

Jamie Stone

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

John McDonnell

That this House celebrates and pays its sincere gratitude to Callum McDonald, an RNLI lifeguard from Dundee; recognises his heroic effort which saved two young children from drowning in Farr Bay; appreciates the grave risks he exposed himself to in doing so; and echos the calls of the RNLI for greater awareness of the risks of drowning ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day.

85Alan Gloak MBE

Tabled: 29/07/24 Signatories: 3

Sarah Dyke

Ian Roome

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates the life of Alan Gloak MBE; thanks him for his services to Somerset as a dedicated councillor; former Mayor of Glastonbury, and a tireless Liberal Democrat campaigner; recognises the pioneering role he played for the LGBTQ+ community as a writer for HIM magazine and Q International; is grateful for his contributions to Somerset life including establishing Glastonbury in Bloom over 25 years ago, and founding the charity TS5C which supported young able-bodied and disabled athletes in Somerset; appreciates his constant advocacy of change, freedom of expression and community spirit; and commemorates a life well lived.

86Leven Beach world record attempt

Tabled: 29/07/24 Signatories: 3

Wendy Chamberlain

Ian Roome

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates the 500 people who participated in the attempted world record break in Leven for the biggest link'n'dip; recognises that all 500 participants walked into the sea holding hands to a piper’s rendition of Flower of Scotland; celebrates the money raised for Megan’s Space, a mental health charity for young people; and welcomes the fact that the event was part of a wellness day in Leven which brings the community together for activities along the Promenade.

87Alcohol harm

Tabled: 29/07/24 Signatories: 7

Grahame Morris

Dan Carden

Mary Glindon

Jim Shannon

John McDonnell

Ian Lavery

That this House supports the call from the Alcohol Health Alliance and leading public health professionals, made on 17 July 2024, for urgent action to tackle the escalating crisis of alcohol harm; realises that such action will help achieve ambitions to reduce NHS waiting times, crime and inequalities, and to grow the economy; notes with concern that over 10,000 people died due to alcohol in 2022, a record level and a 33% increase from 2019; further notes that alcohol-related illnesses account for one million hospital admissions annually; acknowledges that there are an estimated 4.2 million alcohol-related crimes each year, costing £14.6 billion; understands that more working years of life are lost to alcohol than the ten most common cancers combined; recalls that despite the Alcohol Charter, published on 16 October 2018 by All-Party Parliamentary Groups, the Commission on Alcohol Harm report, published on 14 September 2020, and the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee's report on Alcohol treatment services, published on 24 May 2023, there has been no actual Alcohol Strategy published since 23 March 2012; and urges the Government to introduce a comprehensive Alcohol Strategy without delay, to address the escalating alcohol harm crisis.

89Human rights in Balochistan

Tabled: 29/07/24 Signatories: 2

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

That this House notes with alarm that Pakistani security forces have violently repressed a peaceful gathering in Gwadar, a port city in the southern province of Balochistan, which was organised by the Baloch Solidarity Committee, an organisation resisting enforced disappearances, military operations, resource extraction, and the targeting of political dissent; further notes that the gathering aimed to demand justice for Balochistan’s missing persons and that leaders and protestors of the Baloch Solidarity Committee have been stopped, harassed, arrested, and attacked by Pakistani security forces and to ensure news does not come out Pakistani authorities have blocked internet connectivity; and therefore calls upon the Government to demand that the government of Pakistan lifts the internet censorship, publishes information on the number of arrests, injuries, disappearances, and deaths that have taken place and to demand an immediate cessation of this history of repression that is putting the safety and lives of human rights protestors at risk.

90Rifles Regiment in the South West

Tabled: 29/07/24 Signatories: 5

Steve Darling

Ian Roome

Jim Shannon

Richard Foord

Sarah Dyke

That this House commends the selflessness and bravery of the Rifles Regiment; notes the integral part that it plays in defending the realm by undertaking deployments in Cyprus and Estonia, thereby providing important reassurance in relation to the Middle East and the northern flank of NATO, and by training the Ukrainian armed forces; acknowledges that the Rifles Regiment celebrated and affirmed its Freedom of the Borough at a ceremony in Torbay on 27 July 2024; and further notes that the Freedom of the Borough is a great privilege and reflects the strong links between the Rifles Regiment and many communities across the south west of England.