Published – Tuesday 10 September 2024

New EDMs

141Polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 1

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House notes that October 2024 marks 110 years since Jonas Salk was born, an American Jewish virologist who was credited in 1955 for helping develop one of the first vaccines that helped drastically reduce instances of polio across much of the developed world; recognises he was widely praised for choosing not to patent the vaccine or seek profit from it in order to maximize its global distribution; further notes the current rollout of polio vaccine in Gaza where hundreds of thousands of children have been vaccinated against polio; and expresses the hope that any successful outcome of the vaccination programme might be a prelude to the beginning of the end not just of polio but the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the Middle East.

142Alresford Show 2024

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 1

Dr Danny Chambers

That this House commemorates the Alresford Agricultural Show, an annual celebration of rural life held on Saturday 7 September 2024 in the picturesque setting of Tichborne Estate, Hampshire; notes that this one-day event, which has been held for over a century since its establishment in 1909, showcases prize-winning livestock, equestrian competitions, local food and drink, modern and vintage machinery, a dog show, and children's entertainment; recognises the rich history of the show, which has adapted and grown over the years, while continuing to be organised by a dedicated team; acknowledges the importance of this event in bringing together rural communities to celebrate their heritage and contributions to agriculture; celebrates the Alresford Agricultural Show as one of the best in the country, dedicated to showcasing the very best of British farming and livestock; thanks the sponsors, organisers, and volunteers for their commitment to making the show a success; and wishes them every success for this year’s event.

143Penguins at Sea Life London Aquarium

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 1

Dr Danny Chambers

That this House expresses grave concern regarding the welfare of 15 Gentoo penguins currently being kept in a windowless basement at the London Sea Life Aquarium; notes that these penguins, native to the Antarctic Circle, are confined to a pitifully small enclosure with only six to seven feet of water depth in which to dive, a stark contrast to the 600 feet they are capable of diving in the wild; understands that the constant public observation and noise may cause significant stress and adverse health effects to these intelligent and sensitive creatures; recognises that Gentoo penguins are currently listed as of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, making Sea Life’s claims of conservation through breeding programmes both misleading and exploitative; and demands that the multi-billion pound business which owns Sea Life, Merlin Entertainments, immediately cease the exhibition of penguins and use its considerable resources to guarantee a safe and healthy relocation for these penguins.

144Nonna Gina, Food Awards Scotland

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 1

Blair McDougall

That this House congratulates Nonna Gina's in Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire, for their recent success at the Food Awards Scotland 2024; recognises their award for Best Italian Establishment; acknowledges how this is a wonderful achievement and a testament to the dedication and hard work put into their restaurant; further acknowledges how this award is a well-deserved recognition of the efforts of the staff and the wonderful dishes they serve to customers; and wishes the restaurant continued success and acclaim in the future.

145Peacocks of Pittencrieff Park

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 1

Graeme Downie

That this House congratulates the peacocks of Pittencrieff Park on being awarded the Freedom of the City of Dunfermline; notes they were introduced to the park by Henry Beveridge in 1905; understands there are now 21 peacocks in the park; believes the peacocks are now a vital part of the cultural heritage and Dunfermline and attract visitors to the city; thanks all of the volunteers who look after the peacocks, in particular Suzi Ross and Carolyn Cane, who accepted the notice of the Freedom of the City on behalf of the peacocks, from the Lord Provost of Fife, Jim Leishman MBE; wishes the peacocks and the volunteers all the best for the future; and hopes the peacocks will treat their new freedom with responsibility and will refrain from wandering around the excellent pubs and bars of Dunfermline too late at night.

146Outwith arts and music festival, Dunfermline

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 1

Graeme Downie

That this House congratulates the organisers of the Outwith arts and music festival in Dunfermline; notes that the festival saw over 30 performances across 16 venues over 7 days; believes that Dunfermline enjoys a flourishing and growing arts and music sector which is vital to the local economy and enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors every year; thanks all the funders and partners of this year's festival; and is confident that Outwith will continue to grow and thrive in future years.

147King’s Award for Voluntary Service, HealthBus Trust

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 1

Tom Hayes

That this House congratulates HealthBus Trust on its receipt of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service; thanks everyone involved in charity for caring for people experiencing homelessness in Bournemouth; recognises its innovations to remove barriers and tackle health inequalities with a mobile GP-led service and key clinical roles; and acknowledges its role and that of other health and wellbeing buses in alleviating pressure nationwide on the NHS and frontline services.

148World Suicide Prevention Day 2024

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 1

Sojan Joseph

That this House marks World Suicide Prevention Day, which takes place each year on 10 September; pays tribute to all the organisations across the world who are working together to raise awareness to prevent suicide and support those who are struggling to cope; is concerned that in Britain in 2023 there was an increase in the number of registered suicides; is also concerned that men are more likely to die by suicide, as are people living in deprived areas; highlights research from the Samaritans showing that only 45 percent of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts; emphasises that talking more openly about suicide gives people the chance to express how they feel and get the support they need; calls for increased funding for mental health services and timely access to talking therapies; and encourages those who may be struggling to cope to speak to someone and get the support they need, so fewer people die by suicide.

149Horticap's 40th anniversary

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 1

Tom Gordon

That this House congratulates Horticap, a Harrogate-based charity, on reaching its 40th anniversary; recognises the charity’s outstanding work since its founding in 1984, providing adults with learning disabilities training in horticulture, allied crafts, and rural skills; commends the dedication of its staff, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed to Horticap’s growth from a small field into a thriving garden centre and café that now supports dozens of students; pays tribute to Alan Titchmarsh, the charity’s patron, for his continued support; acknowledges the essential role of the Harrogate Spring Flower Show in showcasing the charity’s work; and extends best wishes for the charity’s year-long programme of celebratory events and fundraising efforts to improve facilities and secure its future.

150Football ticket prices

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 1

Ian Lavery

That this House notes that despite the cost of living crisis and football clubs earning ever more income from broadcast and commercial income, 19 out of 20 Premier League clubs increased ticket prices this season; further notes that many clubs are abolishing or reducing concessionary tickets, both penalising loyal senior fans and pricing out young fans who are the future of the game; expresses concern that clubs are exploiting the loyalty of fans who cannot switch their brand allegiance as customers can in other sectors; notes that top-flight clubs increasingly seem intent on replacing long-time season ticket holders with increased numbers of hospitality clients and one-off visitors who are more willing to accept high prices; backs the call for the new independent football regulator to have involvement in ticketing pricing by reporting on pricing in a State Of The Game report; encourages football clubs to ensure supporters have genuine input in their club’s ticketing policy through structured engagement and shadow boards; urges clubs to establish a minimum number of season ticket and general admission tickets at all grounds while undertaking a review of concessionary rates across the game; opposes any attempt to play competitive domestic league or cup games abroad; and would resist any attempt to introduce so-called dynamic ticket pricing in a football context.

151Pharmacies in West Berkshire

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 1

Mr Lee Dillon

That this House is deeply concerned about the critical shortage of pharmacies in West Berkshire, where there is only one pharmacy for every 7,200 residents, compared to the national average of one per 4,600; recognises the essential role of pharmacies in providing healthcare services, easing pressure on GPs, and supporting vulnerable patients; notes with alarm the nationwide decline in pharmacy provision and funding, which has seen a real-terms decrease of 40% over the last decade; believes that urgent action is needed to increase support for local and independent pharmacies; and calls on the Government to review the current funding model, expand the Pharmacy First approach, and empower qualified pharmacists with greater prescribing rights to improve access to healthcare for all communities.

152Mark Sommerville Foundation

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 1

Frank McNally

That this House recognises the work of the Mark Sommerville Foundation in fundraising for patients of motor neurone disease and their families; notes that the Foundation was formed by the family and friends of Mark Sommerville following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease in 2023; acknowledges that the Sommerville family has a strong record of fundraising and raising awareness of the disease; and extends its best wishes to the Foundation as it continues its fundraising efforts across Coatbridge and Bellshill and throughout Scotland.

153University of Dundee, Scottish University of the Year

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 1

Chris Law

That this House congratulates all at the University of Dundee on their top ranking as Scottish University of the Year in the 2025 edition of the Daily Mail University Guide; notes that the University also placed tenth in the overall UK league table; recognises that the Daily Mail University Guide examines a broad set of considerations when compiling the guide, including teaching and research excellence, student experience, graduation outcomes, and social mobility; further recognises the University of Dundee’s strong performance in each of these areas; further congratulates the University of Dundee on their shortlisting for the Outstanding Entrepreneurial University of the Year award at the Times Higher Education annual awards, to be held later this year; and wishes all at the University all the best for this new academic year.

154Gibraltar National Day

Tabled: 9/09/24 Signatories: 13

Andrew Rosindell

Dan Carden

Lewis Cocking

Adam Jogee

Patricia Ferguson

Mr Peter Bedford

Maureen BurkeElaine StewartLillian JonesBill EstersonKirsteen SullivanJack RankinBradley Thomas

That this House joins the people of Gibraltar as they celebrate their National Day on 10 September 2024, commemorating the 1967 referendum in which more than 99 per cent. of Gibraltarians voted to reject annexation by Spain and remain a territory of the British Crown; notes the rich, diverse and unique culture of the Gibraltarians, which encompasses numerous ethnicities including Maltese, Andalusian, Genoese, Portuguese and most predominantly British; recognises the shared heritage and historical links between the peoples of the United Kingdom and Gibraltar since 1704; and wishes the loyal people of the Rock a magnificent day of traditional red and white festivities, as all Gibraltarians display pride in their homeland, having the right of self-determination and the freedom to chose to remain British.

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.

97Ban trophy hunting imports

Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 44

Grahame Morris

Mary Glindon

Jon Trickett

Mary Kelly Foy

Christine Jardine

Graham Leadbitter

Tom MorrisonMargaret MullaneDave DooganStephen GethinsWill Stone

That this House notes CITES data and investigations by the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting published in the national media showing British trophy hunters are killing and bringing home trophies of threatened species including African elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, hippopotamuses, zebras, wolves, monkeys, wild cats, lynxes, cougars, bears, and African civets; further notes that several parties made election pledges to ban hunting trophies in their manifestos, including the Government; acknowledges that a Private Members Bill drafted by the previous Government enjoyed strong cross-party support and passed unanimously in the House; recognises that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs conducted an extensive public consultation exercise involving 44,000 stakeholders, 86% of whom back a trophy import ban, that opinion polls show overwhelming voter support for an immediate and comprehensive ban; and strongly urges the Government to now bring forward a Bill in Government time which implements a world-leading ban without any further delay.

98Jools' Law petition

Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 17

Max Wilkinson

Jim Shannon

Andrew George

Ayoub Khan

Lisa Smart

Freddie van Mierlo

Anna Sabine

That this House notes the 126,033 signatures on the petition for Jools’ Law, relating to parental rights of access to children's social media accounts; further notes that current legislation lags behind the progress of social media, leading to concern for many parents seeking protection of their children; notes that the Petitions Committee will not automatically consider the aforementioned petition for debate when the Committee is reconvened; and appeals to the new Petitions Committee to consider the petition for debate.

109Centenary of 3rd Barrhead Scout Group

Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 3

Blair McDougall

Jim Shannon

Patricia Ferguson

That this House congratulates the 3rd Barrhead Scout Group on the occasion of their centenary; notes the generations of young people the Group has given the opportunity for adventure, fun and leadership; commends the leaders who have given their time to instil confidence and impart skills; and looks forward to the continuing success of Scouting in Barrhead in its second century.

112Social Security

Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 79

Rishi Sunak

Jeremy Hunt

Mel Stride

Claire Coutinho

Stuart Andrew

James Wild

Mrs Kemi BadenochShockat AdamSuella Braverman

That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 (S.I., 2024, No. 869), dated 22 August 2024, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22 August 2024, be annulled.

115Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024

Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 39

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Zarah Sultana

Rachael Maskell

Jon Trickett

Clive Lewis

Nadia Whittome

Graham LeadbitterStephen FlynnRosie DuffieldDave DooganChris WebbRebecca Long BaileySeamus LoganStephen Gethins

That this House expresses its concern that The Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 are being introduced without prior consultation or an impact assessment, nor with sufficient time to put in place a proper and effective take-up campaign for Pension Credit; notes this approach fails to take account for those people with modest incomes that are just above the entitlement threshold for Pension Credit; further notes the worrying annual excess winter death figures among pensioners; recognises the impact a sharp rise in the energy price cap of 10% from 1 October will have on pensioners which will not be helped by introducing a bureaucratic and unpopular means test which undermines the benefits of universalism when older people have higher energy costs due to comorbidities and poor housing insulation; further recognises that colder homes make older people more susceptible to poor health, including hyperthermia, respiratory and circulatory disease; and calls on the Government to postpone the ending of Winter Fuel Payments and establish a comprehensive strategy to tackle fuel poverty, health inequality and low incomes among older people.

122Overseas constituencies

Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 9

Christine Jardine

Vikki Slade

Claire Young

Ian Roome

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Angus MacDonald

That this House notes that the Elections Act 2022 increased the number of UK citizens living abroad that are eligible to vote in UK elections to approximately 3.5 million; further notes that UK citizens residing abroad are represented by the hon. Member from their last place of residence in the UK, which may be distant from their current place of residence; notes that the establishment of overseas constituencies would allow UK citizens living abroad to be represented by an MP who is experienced in dealing with the range of problems overseas residents face; notes that parliaments in 17 countries have overseas constituency MPs; and calls on the Government to work with the Boundary Commission to implement overseas constituencies for the House of Commons and with the Electoral Commission and groups representing UK citizens abroad to run a registration drive for eligible citizens to explain how they can register to vote.

126Accelerating construction work and lower carbon construction vehicles

Tabled: 2/09/24 Signatories: 17

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Ian Roome

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

Andrew George

Wendy Chamberlain

Iqbal MohamedJim Dickson

That this House recognises the benefits of the production of concrete with zero waste, fewer lorry movements and minimal water waste by greener volumetric mobile concrete plants (VCMs); acknowledges that since their invention in 1975 and following regulations in 2918, VCMs have operated safely in the UK at 38.4 tonnes on 4 axles and 44 tonnes on 5 axles, with on-board concrete pumps that eliminate the need for separate pump lorries; welcomes the Government’s commitment when in Opposition to reverse the damaging decision of the previous Government to impose a universal weight cut to 32 tonnes on VCMs at the same time as permitting higher weights for electric HGVs; notes this reversal also has the support of former Conservative Transport Ministers and Hon Members from across all the major political parties; further notes that unless action is taken, the sole UK manufacturer of 44T VCMs in Sheffield will cease trading; also notes Denmark raised the weight limit for VCMs from 32 tonnes to 38 tonnes and in Italy and Scandinavia 44 tonne VCMs are road-legal; and urges the Government act swiftly to bring in a Statutory Instrument or other measure to make permanent instead of temporary the current 38.4T and 44T weight limits to safeguard 15,000 skilled jobs, contributing £380 million to the UK economy each year.

132Asda equal pay

Tabled: 3/09/24 Signatories: 10

Ayoub Khan

Jeremy Corbyn

Jim Shannon

Shockat Adam

Graham Leadbitter

Grahame Morris

Stephen Gethins

That this House condemns pay discrimination in all its forms; expresses its full solidarity with the over 50,000 current and former Asda retail workers who have lodged an equal pay claim against the firm; further condemns pay discrimination at Asda which has seen women workers on the shop floor earn up to £2.84 less per hour than their male counterparts in warehouses; and calls upon Asda to commence settlement negotiations with unions regarding pay discrimination in its stores.

134Spot Leukaemia campaign

Tabled: 3/09/24 Signatories: 13

Sorcha Eastwood

Mary Kelly Foy

Christine Jardine

Shockat Adam

Adam Jogee

John Slinger

Patricia FergusonDouglas McAllisterJim Shannon

That this House supports the Spot Leukaemia campaign held during Blood Cancer Awareness Month; recognises that September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month; highlights that Spot Leukaemia is a campaign with a focus on earlier diagnosis of leukaemia; further highlights that Leukaemia UK and Leukaemia Care work together each year to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of leukaemia among the public and improve clinical practices so that people presenting with symptoms can access vital diagnostic tests within 48 hours of referral; notes that an inexpensive full blood count is all that is needed to detect leukaemia; expresses strong concern that only a third of patients presenting with leukaemia symptoms receive an urgent full blood count within 48 hours of presenting with symptoms as recommended by the NICE NG12 guidelines; further notes that of 1,000 UK general practitioners surveyed 30% cited reasons for not meeting the recommendations of the NICE NG12 guidelines, including the lack of capacity within phlebotomy services; understands the need for increased GP and phlebotomy capacity within the NHS, in order to diagnose leukaemia earlier and adhere to the NICE guidelines; and acknowledges that phlebotomy services should be part of community diagnostic centres, as recommended in the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Diagnostics report.

136Scottish athletes at the Paris Olympic Games

Tabled: 4/09/24 Signatories: 5

Christine Jardine

Graham Leadbitter

Ayoub Khan

Jim Shannon

Stephen Gethins

That this House notes the outstanding achievements of the 34 Scottish athletes at the Paris Olympic Games; celebrates the 13 medals won by Scottish athletes including gold medallists Scott Brash, Duncan Scott and Sholto Carnegie, silver medallists Jack Carlin, Neah Evans and Josh Kerr and bronze medallists Rowan McKellar, Beth Potter and Nicole Yeargin; highlights the importance of sustained funding for a wide range of sports to build upon these achievements and support future generations; and wishes all representatives of Team GB success in their future sporting careers.

137Armed Services Advice Project funding

Tabled: 5/09/24 Signatories: 4

Graham Leadbitter

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Stephen Gethins

That the House notes with concern the reported decision by the Royal British Legion to cease funding to the Armed Services Advice Project, which will see the service close; understands that the Project was established in 2010 as a partnership between Poppyscotland and Citizens Advice Services Scotland to provide dedicated information, advice and support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland; believes that the Project supports an average of 2,200 beneficiaries a year, through 16 local Citizens Advice Bureaux across Scotland, covering 75% of all local authority areas in Scotland; notes that local CABs are now getting referrals from Poppy Scotland, demonstrating the crucial need for the services; understands that, since its inception, the project has generated over £20 million of financial gain for veterans and their families; acknowledges recent analysis, which shows that 95% of service users showed improvements in peace of mind, 84% saw improvements in their financial situation, including access to benefits, 75% felt more able to help themselves, and 67% saw improvements to their mental health, and notes the calls for the Legion, in light of what it sees as these significant outcomes, to reconsider the decision, which, it considers, will have a detrimental impact on the veteran community in Scotland.

138People's Postcode Lottery winners in Coatbridge

Tabled: 5/09/24 Signatories: 3

Frank McNally

Patricia Ferguson

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates residents of Millionaire Street, ML5 3PL in Coatbridge on sharing a £1 million win in the People’s Postcode Lottery; recognises that the People’s Postcode Lottery is a strong supporter of local causes and charities, with a third of each ticket’s price going to local organisations in communities across the country; welcomes Postcode Community Trust’s donation of more than £250,000 to six organisations based in the community; understands that the list of Coatbridge organisations that have benefitted from the Trust’s awards includes Coatbridge Citizens Advice Bureau, Deaf Services Lanarkshire, Cliftonville & Coatdyke Community Group, Shining Stars ASN Theatre School, the Albion Rovers Community Trust, and More Than Fibro; and believes that the award of monies to these organisations will contribute to the excellent work that these organisations do supporting underrepresented groups in Coatbridge and Bellshill.

140Anniversary of the Featherstone Massacre

Tabled: 5/09/24 Signatories: 3

Jon Trickett

Mary Kelly Foy

Iqbal Mohamed

That this House remembers the massacre that took place in Featherstone in West Yorkshire on 7 September 1893 at the hands of the British army; commemorates the six people injured and two killed, named James Gibb, 22, and James Duggan, 25, after the army fired shots into a crowd of miners and their families; notes that the miners and their families were resisting a 25 per cent cut in wages by coal bosses who wanted to maximise their profits; recognises the struggles of workers in the UK today for stronger employment rights, fair pay and an equal share of the nation's wealth; pledges to learn the lessons from history about working class struggles for social justice; and commits to fighting for a workers' economy.