Contents

Published – Friday 11 October 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 10 October 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

230Launch of The Day the Alien Came

Tabled: 10/10/24 Signatories: 1

Wera Hobhouse

That this House celebrates the launch of The Day the Alien Came, a collaborative book created by 192 primary school pupils from seven local schools in Bath and North East Somerset as part of the St. John’s Foundation’s 850th anniversary celebrations; recognises the efforts of these young students, alongside the support of an author, in bringing their creativity and imagination to life through literature; notes the importance of promoting literacy and encouraging a love of reading and writing in young people; commends the project's success in showcasing the power of reading and storytelling; and calls on the Government to continue supporting initiatives that inspire young minds, enhance educational opportunities and foster a lifelong love of literature in children.

231Lothian Buses, Bus Operator of the Year award

Tabled: 10/10/24 Signatories: 1

Dr Scott Arthur

That this House congratulates Edinburgh-based Lothian Buses on being awarded the much coveted status of Bus Operator of the Year at the National Transport Awards; agrees that this achievement is testament to the hard work of staff across Lothian Buses; notes that all trips within the service are only £2, that those under 22 or over 60 travel for free, and that there are daily and weekly caps on contactless ticketing limited to £4.80 and £22 respectively; further notes that, for 2023, Lothian Buses issued a £3.2m dividend to its municipal owners; highlights that, in 2023, the municipal operator carried 110 million customers within the Edinburgh City Region, an increase of 17% on 2022; also notes that this growth has been underpinned by training 450 drivers in 2023, and that they join a cohort of some of the best paid in the industry; respects that the Ministry of Defence has awarded Lothian Buses gold status as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, and won the silver award in the Employer of the Year category at the Scottish Veterans Awards; agrees that, not only does Lothian Buses provide millions of reliable journeys to passengers every week, it also supports efficient, sustainable public transport, and our net zero goals, the impacts of which will benefit the city and our country for generations to come; and thanks all at Lothian Buses for the work they do across the city region every day to connect us with work, study, leisure, friends and family.

232UN Special Rapporteur's report on atrocity crimes in Iran

Tabled: 10/10/24 Signatories: 1

Bob Blackman

That this House welcomes the landmark Atrocity Crimes report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran, published by the OHCHR in July 2024, which sheds light on grave human rights violations, including the 1988 massacre of political prisoners; notes that the report states that there is considerable evidence that mass killings, torture and other inhumane acts against members of the People's Mojahedin Organisation of Iran were conducted with genocidal intent; commends Professor Javaid Rehman for his six years of service as the Special Rapporteur; condemns the Iranian regime's subsequent smear campaign against Professor Rehman, including false and malicious allegations aimed at discrediting his integrity and impartiality; recognises that these attacks stem from his unwavering commitment to fulfilling his mandate and his refusal to be intimidated by the Iranian government; believes that the Special Rapporteur’s report opens a pathway to justice and an end to impunity in Iran; looks forward to working with Professor Rehman's successor, Dr. Mai Sato, in pursuing the quest for accountability; supports the No to Executions campaign; and calls on the Government to support initiatives aimed at holding the Iranian regime accountable for its human rights violations, including the 1988 massacre.

233Hospice funding

Tabled: 10/10/24 Signatories: 2

Mr Lee Dillon

Helen Morgan

That this House recognises the importance of hospices in the UK, which care for over 300,000 people each year; is deeply concerned about the current funding crisis facing hospices, due to rising costs over several years; acknowledges that the commissioning of hospice services by integrated care boards is currently not fit for purpose, putting at risk the value they provide to individuals and the wider health system; notes that Government funding, which accounts for one-third of hospice income, has not kept pace with inflation; understands that continued financial pressure could lead to cuts in services and staff redundancies; and urges the Government to review the current funding model for hospices.

234HMS Formidable steel-cutting

Tabled: 10/10/24 Signatories: 1

Graeme Downie

That this House congratulates the workforce at the Rosyth Dockyard in Fife on the occasion of the steel-cutting of the third Type 31 Frigate, HMS Formidable, which is being constructed at the site; welcomes the progress underway on HMS Venturer and HMS Active as the fastest undertaken from concept to build of any ship of this size in the world; believes the Type 31 programme will deliver a flexible, effective and efficient platform for the Royal Navy; recognises the economic contribution of Rosyth Dockyard to the economy of Dunfermline and Dollar constituency, Scotland and the rest of the UK, employing a total of 2,500 staff directly on site and providing a total of £390 million investment to the Scottish economy; and urges the Government to continue to take steps to secure orders for the export version of the ship, Arrowhead 140, to our allies to increase our own, and global, security.

235Cost of motor insurance

Tabled: 10/10/24 Signatories: 1

Sorcha Eastwood

That this House expresses deep concern over the rising cost of motor insurance across the UK, including Northern Ireland and more rural constituencies like Lagan Valley, with premiums increasing by 25% on average between 2022 and 2023; further notes that those who pay monthly are subjected to excessive interest rates, with some insurers charging up to 40% APR, disproportionately impacting those unable to pay annually; recognises that this unfairly burdens low-income households, adding to their financial strain; calls on the Financial Conduct Authority to urgently publish an action plan to cap excessive interest rates for customers who pay monthly, provide greater transparency through regular analysis of insurance firm charges, and investigate the fairness of commissions earned by brokers; and urges the Government to work with insurers to ensure motor insurance is affordable and accessible for all, particularly vulnerable groups such as pensioners and low-income families.

236World Mental Health Day 2024

Tabled: 10/10/24 Signatories: 2

Dr Danny Chambers

Helen Morgan

That this House marks World Mental Health Day, which takes place each year on 10 October, and which raises awareness of mental health issues and promotes positive mental wellbeing globally; notes that the theme for 2024 is workplace mental health; expresses concern that, in 2024, Britain is facing increasing waiting lists for mental health diagnoses for both children and adults; emphasises the importance of talk-therapies, talking openly about mental health to allow individuals to express how they feel and access the support they need; and encourages anyone struggling with mental health issues to reach out for support.

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.

169Pension credit threshold

Tabled: 11/09/24 Signatories: 32

Mike Amesbury

Kim Johnson

Andrew Cooper

Mrs Sarah Russell

Chris Webb

Connor Naismith

That this House notes that the current threshold of pension support to open the gate way of winter fuel allowance is too low; further notes the need to change the cliff-edge nature of the pension credit threshold; and calls upon the Government to capture the gateway support for those citizens with small occupational pensions that take them just above the threshold.

170Uber and private hire drivers

Tabled: 12/09/24 Signatories: 3

Ayoub Khan

Iqbal Mohamed [R]

Ellie Chowns

That this House expresses its unequivocal solidarity with Uber and other private hire drivers across the UK, recognising the vital role they play in the modern transportation network; notes with concern the ongoing challenges they face including precarious working conditions, potential algorithmic discrimination, insufficient pay, and lack of employment rights; acknowledges the findings of the Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices which highlights the urgent need for employment protections and fair treatment in the gig economy; calls on the Government to implement robust measures to protect these workers from exploitation, ensuring they receive fair pay, sick leave, and holiday entitlement; and urges Uber and other private hire companies to adhere to UK employment laws as ruled by the Supreme Court, end any algorithmic discrimination taking place, and treat their drivers with the dignity and respect they deserve.

187Scientific hearing on animal experiments

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 4

John McDonnell

Brian Leishman

Mary Kelly Foy

Ellie Chowns

That this House applauds the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022, enshrining in law the ability of animals to experience joy and feel suffering and pain; notes the science-based campaign For Life On Earth, with its Beagle Ambassador, rescued laboratory dog Betsy; is shocked to see the continuing harrowing exposés that show thousands of laboratory dogs being intensively bred in the UK, underlining the consequences of that Act; notes that scientists in the wider scientific community, outside of the animal-based research sector, acknowledge the failure of animal testing in the search for human treatments and cures, and that those experts include pharmaceutical industry scientists, an Editor in Chief of the British Medical Journal, the US-based National Cancer Institute, which states cures for cancer have been lost because studies in rodents were believed, and the Food and Drug Administration, which states that nine out of ten new medicines fail to pass human trials because animals cannot predict responses in humans; further notes the Trans-Species Modelling Theory, founded upon the theory of evolution, which explains why animals fail as predictive models of humans; and calls on the Government to mandate a rigorous public scientific hearing, judged by independent experts from the relevant science fields, to cease the funding of the now-proven failed practice of animal experimentation and increase funding for state of the art human-based research, such as human-on-a-chip and gene-based medicine, to prioritise treatments and cures for human patients, and to stop the suffering of innocent laboratory dogs and other animals.

193Rural haemodialysis treatment

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 6

Adam Dance

Jim Shannon

Manuela Perteghella

Ellie Chowns

Claire Young

Mr Gideon Amos

That this House notes with concern the lack of capacity for haemodialysis, particularly for paediatric patients, in rural communities; recognises that, as a result, patients are often forced to travel significant distances, sometimes up to two and a half hours three times per week to receive care; acknowledges the disproportionate impact this has on the education, mental health, socialisation and general development of paediatric patients; further recognises that, despite NHS England improving equity of access to haemodialysis treatment by providing free transport for patients in 2021, paediatric patients and their families remain disproportionately underprivileged; understands the likely impacts the cost of living crisis will continue to have on these patients and their families; and calls on the Government to support the work of organisations such as Kidney Research UK and the National Kidney Federation in helping to raise awareness, remove barriers to treatment and combat kidney disease.

194Preservation of Harland & Wolff

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 5

Adam Dance

Jim Shannon

Tom Gordon

Manuela Perteghella

Dr Al Pinkerton

That this House expresses deep concern at the collapse of Harland & Wolff into administration, marking a pivotal moment in the decline of the legendary company known worldwide as the builder of RMS Titanic; condemns the Government's failure to act decisively to safeguard the company and its workers, which has placed hundreds of jobs and key historical assets at risk, despite the company’s ongoing contribution to UK shipbuilding, including Ministry of Defence contracts; urges the Government to ensure that any restructuring preserves the historical significance of Harland & Wolff and its shipyard, ensuring future generations can continue to be inspired by its enduring legacy; expresses solidarity with the workers and the community in protecting both their livelihoods and this internationally significant part of history; recognises the profound global impact of Titanic as a cultural touchstone that continues to captivate public imagination with a prolific legacy in books, films, museums, and educational projects; calls on the Government to step in to protect this vital piece of shared heritage by exploring all possible measures, including providing financial support, rescue packages, or nationalisation; and further calls for the protection of Harland & Wolff’s legendary yellow cranes, Samson and Goliath, as lasting symbols of Belfast’s proud industrial past and bright, innovative future.

196125th anniversary of Fife College

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 5

Richard Baker

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Wendy Chamberlain

Graeme Downie

That this House recognises the 125th anniversary of Fife College, the first college to be set up in Fife following the opening of the Lauder Technical College in 1899 by local politician and businessman George Lauder with funding from his nephew, the famous industrialist, Andrew Carnegie; notes that for 125 years they have provided opportunity for all, delivered outstanding education and training and contributed to the economic prosperity of the region and its communities; further notes the launch of a new 125th anniversary scholarship programme to empower and support students in their educational journey, while the college builds upon its relationships with institutions in the USA as it aims to explore mutually beneficial opportunities and continue the legacy of its founding benefactors; and commends the hard work and dedication of all staff, past and present.

206Grangemouth refinery

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 12

Brian Leishman

Jim Shannon

Ian Lavery

Tracy Gilbert

Euan Stainbank

Dave Doogan

That this House calls on the Government to take a transitional stake in the Grangemouth refinery to ensure its continued operation until a viable green energy alternative is in place; urges the Government to guarantee all jobs during the transition period; stresses that the Government must be ready to act as investor of first resort to secure the future of the site; believes such urgent action is necessary to safeguard workers, protect energy security and ensure a just transition to greener industries; understands that the proposed closure of the refinery in quarter-two 2025 would lead to high-skilled job losses, including 400 direct job losses and thousands of additional job losses through the wider supply chain; recognises the pivotal role of the Grangemouth site for Scotland’s economy and its energy infrastructure; and urges the Government to act without delay to ensure that the workers and community of Grangemouth are supported, and that the transition to new, sustainable industries occurs without loss of employment or industrial capacity.

207Conflict in the Middle East

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 25

Calum Miller

Monica Harding

James MacCleary

Helen Maguire

Jess Brown-Fuller

Andrew George

That this House expresses its deep concern at the escalation in the Middle East; recognises the role played by UK and US forces in response to Iran’s condemnable attacks; believes it is right that we have played our part in preventing escalation; expresses gratitude to our military personnel; calls on the UK Government now to urge Israel to act in the interest of the protection of civilians and the long-term security of the region; further believes that Israel, like any country, has a right to keep its people safe and secure, but that having neutralised Iran’s attack on 1 October 2024, the best way to do this is not to retaliate and risk a regional war; also believes that a regional war would be devastating to innocent civilians, be they Israeli, Iranian, Palestinian or Lebanese; urges firm action on Iran; notes that Iran continually arms its terrorist proxy groups, Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis; further urges the UK Government to proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation; further calls upon the Government, with a view to using its sanctions regime, to examine flows of illicit money into the UK from those linked to the Iranian regime; also calls on the UK Government to urge all parties to end the cycle of violence and put their energies to a diplomatic and political solution with immediate ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza, humanitarian disasters resolved, hostages released and, ultimately, a lasting peace secured.

208Peace in the Middle East

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 27

Calum Miller

Monica Harding

James MacCleary

Helen Maguire

Brian Leishman

Jess Brown-Fuller

That this House notes its deep alarm at the escalation of violence in the Middle East amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, 100 Israelis still being held hostage and a new humanitarian crisis in Lebanon; urges the Government to work to bring about immediate bilateral ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza, including demanding the unconditional release of the hostages and pressing for more access for humanitarian aid; stresses the importance of upholding international law and the role of international courts including respecting in full the ICJ advisory opinion on the occupation and legislating to cease trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank as well as including connected entities in the scope of sanctions against extremist settlers; urges the Government to enact a presumption of denial for arms exports to governments listed by the Foreign Office as human rights priorities and accordingly immediate suspend arms exports to Israel; calls on the Government to recognise the existential threat of Iran including by proscribing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and conducting an audit of UK-based assets owned by Iranian officials; and further urges the Government to press for a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, including by immediately recognising the state of Palestine, working with peace-builders in Israel and Palestine who call for two-states, working with the international community to identify future democratic leaders of Palestine and investing in peace, such as the International Fund for Middle East Peace, as well as using trade as a tool for peace.

209Immediate ceasefire in Lebanon

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 28

Monica Harding

Brian Leishman

Jess Brown-Fuller

Susan Murray

Calum Miller

Andrew George

That this House expresses its alarm at the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah; supports steps taken at the UN, including by the UK, to secure a statement supporting an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah; urges all parties to de-escalate and uphold international law, including the protection of civilians; believes that it is important that all those displaced should be able to return home, but that an Israeli ground invasion risks further de-stabilising the entire region; urges the Government to increase humanitarian aid to Lebanon in light of the humanitarian crisis there; further believes it is not in the UK’s interest for Lebanon to become a failed state; also believes that only a political and diplomatic solution will deliver security to either side of the blue line and enable hundreds of thousands of displaced people to return home; and urges all parties to work towards that solution and a lasting peace.

210Transition to animal-free research and testing

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 15

Ruth Jones

John McDonnell

Rebecca Long Bailey

Ian Byrne

Euan Stainbank

Sammy Wilson

That this House notes 2.68 million scientific procedures were carried out on animals in British laboratories in 2023; further notes the urgent need to accelerate medical progress, with over 92 per cent of drugs that show promise in animal tests failing to reach the clinic and benefit patients; recognises the transformative potential of animal-free methods such as organ-on-a-chip and computer modelling, which provide results that are directly relevant to humans; supports Animal Free Research UK’s call for Herbie’s Law, which would set a target of replacing animal experiments in medical research by 2035, describing how progress will be maintained and scientists supported with the transition; and urges the Government to show global leadership by introducing this progressive legislation.

21120th anniversary of Parkrun

Tabled: 7/10/24 Signatories: 22

Tom Gordon

Jim Shannon

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Helen Morgan

John Milne

Mr Will Forster

That this House celebrates the 20th anniversary of Parkrun, which was founded in 2004 in Bushy Park, London, and now operates in 20 countries with millions of participants worldwide, encouraging physical activity, community spirit, and inclusivity, providing free, weekly, timed 5k events that are accessible to all regardless of age, ability, or background; commends the remarkable volunteers whose dedication makes Parkrun possible, acknowledges the health benefits it has brought to communities, and applauds the positive mental and physical wellbeing fostered by this initiative; and calls on the Government to support such grassroots physical activity initiatives that contribute to healthier, more connected communities across the UK.

213Value of grasslands

Tabled: 8/10/24 Signatories: 12

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Ayoub Khan

Tom Gordon

Liz Jarvis

Andrew George

That this House acknowledges the value of nature-rich grasslands and the people who manage them, from meadows and pastures, to road verges and community grassland green spaces; and recognises that a strategic approach by Government is needed to make the most of this multifunctional national asset in order to support nature recovery alongside food production, climate action and public health, as part of a green economy.

219School nurses

Tabled: 8/10/24 Signatories: 11

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Sojan Joseph

Jim Shannon

Dr Beccy Cooper

Mary Kelly Foy

Ayoub Khan

That this House recognises the tremendous work being done by public health school nurses; acknowledges they are the only health care professional who offer access to all school-aged children and young people in an evidenced-based programme of health promotion, prevention, protection and early intervention; notes that the number of school nurses has dropped by 31% since 2009; recognises that the average school nurse now cares for an average of 2850 pupils; believes the school nursing service is in crisis with 82% of staff saying there are not enough practitioners to deliver their important duties; and supports the call of the School and Public Health Nurses Association for a school nurse in every school.

220NHS Parliamentary Awards

Tabled: 8/10/24 Signatories: 16

Peter Prinsley

Cat Eccles [R]

Jim Shannon

Peter Dowd

Dr Beccy Cooper

Robin Swann

That this House welcomes the holding of the 2024 NHS Parliamentary Awards in Westminster on the 14 October 2024; further acknowledges that the Awards were founded to celebrate the NHS’ 70th birthday in 2018 and are now a welcome feature of the Westminster calendar, enabling Parliament to recognise the outstanding contributions of staff, volunteers and others working in the health and care sector; further welcomes the support given to the NHS Parliamentary Awards by the Medical Defence Union and the Chartered Management Institute, along with the NHS staff who made this event possible; and wishes to congratulate all the winners and nominees of this year’s prestigious NHS Parliamentary Awards.

221UN’s resolution on Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine and sanctions

Tabled: 8/10/24 Signatories: 34

Richard Burgon

Imran Hussain

Zarah Sultana

Andy McDonald

Ms Diane Abbott

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

That this House welcomes the UN General Assembly’s decision to overwhelmingly adopt a resolution on 18 September calling for Israel to rapidly end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT); further welcomes that the UN resolution calls on states to comply with their obligations under international law and to take concrete steps to address Israel’s unlawful presence in the OPT; notes this includes calling on states not to act in ways that provide aid or assistance that help maintain Israel’s illegal presence in the OPT, to cease importing products originating from Israeli settlements, to halt arms transfers to Israel where there are reasonable grounds to suspect they may be used in the OPT, to implement sanctions including travel bans and asset freezes against those involved in maintaining Israel’s unlawful presence in the OPT, and to take steps to prevent all other trade that aids or assists the illegal occupation; further notes the UN General Assembly’s resolution follows an International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion that Israel’s decades-long occupation violates international law and which calls on states not to act in ways that maintain this unlawful situation; believes the adoption of this resolution places new obligations on the Government; and calls on the Government to act in support of the UN resolution and ICJ opinion including by ending all military exports to Israel, banning the import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements and revoking the 2030 Roadmap which deepens UK economic, trade and security ties with Israel.

222Wrightbus

Tabled: 9/10/24 Signatories: 2

Jim Allister

Jim Shannon

That this House expresses its congratulations to Ballymena bus manufacturer Wrightbus on signing its biggest ever deal to supply over 1,000 buses to Go-Ahead; commends the management and workforce on the dynamic recovery of the firm; and notes with satisfaction the security of employment which this order underwrites.

223Rebuilding of Wixford Village Hall

Tabled: 9/10/24 Signatories: 6

Manuela Perteghella

Jim Shannon

John Milne

Liz Jarvis

Helen Maguire

James MacCleary

That this House congratulates the Wixford Village Hall committee, volunteers, and residents of Wixford on the successful completion of their impressive rebuilding project, which has revitalised the historic hall into a modern, sustainable space for the benefit of the local community; recognises the significant efforts made by all involved in fundraising and securing grants for the ambitious project, including their commitment to making the hall an environmentally friendly venue through the installation of solar panels and energy-efficient materials; celebrates the hall’s continued role as a hub for local events, activities, and social cohesion; commends the dedication of the Wixford Village Hall team for their vision and resilience in overcoming challenges posed by the pandemic; and calls on the Government to acknowledge the vital role village halls and other community spaces play in supporting rural life and enhancing social wellbeing across the UK.

224Deaths in the Tabas mine in Iran

Tabled: 9/10/24 Signatories: 5

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Ayoub Khan

Ellie Chowns

Shockat Adam

That this House notes on the evening of 21 September, 52 workers died in the Tabas coal mine and 22 were injured; further notes the high number of killings of workers in mining accidents, construction works, chemical and petrochemical industries, and workers in metal smelting furnaces showing the scale of deaths in this industry; believes that in 2022 more than 1,900 workers lost their lives due to work accidents; is dismayed that 2 days before the disaster, the workers who reported methane gas leakage to the contractors were threatened with dismissal; congratulates the thousands of people including nurses and pensioners, who showed their solidarity with the workers' families, demanding justice for workers; expresses solidarity with the Iranian workers movement; sends condolences to the families of the workers; calls on the Government to condemn this negligence towards the lives of workers and the lack of safety measures in the work place; and further calls on the Iranian government and the Iranian judicial system to compensate the families of all the workers and on the Ministry of Labour in Iran to implement sufficient safety measurement in all work places.

225Business relief for pubs

Tabled: 9/10/24 Signatories: 12

Liz Jarvis

Jim Shannon

Ellie Chowns

Edward Morello

John Milne

Manuela Perteghella

That this House recognises the crucial role that pubs play in Eastleigh, as social hubs, cultural landmarks, and significant contributors to the local economy; notes with concern the growing number of nationwide pub closures, with 749 pub businesses entering insolvency in 2023; further notes that the current business rates system places a disproportionate financial burden on pubs compared to other sectors; and believes that reform of the business rates system is urgently needed to ensure the sustainability of pubs in Eastleigh and across the UK.

226World Mental Health Day and rural communities

Tabled: 9/10/24 Signatories: 37

Sarah Dyke

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Sarah Gibson

Ellie Chowns

That this House recognises World Mental Health Day; is concerned about the mental wellbeing of the nation’s agricultural and rural communities; is worried by the findings of RABI’s Big Farming Survey that revealed 36% of respondents had mental wellbeing scores sufficiently low enough to cause concern; is aware that farmers are working in ever increasingly difficult circumstances; is alarmed by new research from the Farm Safety Foundation revealing that 44% of farmers aged between 41 and 60 are working more than 80 hours a week; notes the link between mental health and financial stability; is further alarmed by research from Riverford Organic that 61% of farmers feel that they will have to give up their farms in the next 18 months due to financial pressures; calls on the Government to ensure that the agricultural budget is not reduced; welcomes actions from groups such as Farmerados who provide spaces for farmers to talk and connect; further notes the impact of rural isolation; believes that there should be greater integration between Government departments in supporting rural communities to access mental health services; and supports the extended rollout of rural health hubs.

227120th anniversary of Friary Shoes

Tabled: 9/10/24 Signatories: 3

Dave Robertson

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House congratulates Friary Shoes of Lichfield on reaching the 120th anniversary of their first opening in Lombard Street in 1904; notes that Friary Shoes is the oldest independently owned retail outlet in Lichfield and has made a significant contribution to the local economy; and further congratulates the Smith and Lumb families for their resilience in sustaining the business through two world wars, two pandemics, and a host of economic crises during its 120-year history.

228Ban on prison officer industrial action

Tabled: 9/10/24 Signatories: 17

Grahame Morris

Mary Kelly Foy

Richard Burgon

Rachael Maskell

John McDonnell

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House notes it has been 30 years since prison officers in the UK were banned from taking industrial action under Section 127 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994; further notes that prison officers in Scotland have had the right to strike enshrined in law since 2015, yet there have been no strikes since then, only improved industrial relations; believes this draconian restriction, especially in the absence of an effective and impartial means of binding resolution of disputes in the course of collective bargaining, renders the UK in breach of its obligations under international laws that it has ratified and by which it is bound, including the European Social Charter and ILO Convention 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise; further believes this lack of industrial muscle leaves prison officers unfairly and dangerously at the mercy of prison service management and without leverage to challenge Government policy with respect to pay, terms and conditions; expresses solidarity with the POA union, which has campaigned tirelessly over three decades for the return of these basic industrial rights; welcomes the Government’s commitment to repealing anti-trade-union legislation introduced by previous administrations; and calls on the Government to include Section 127 in the legislation to be repealed.

229World Homelessness Day 2024

Tabled: 9/10/24 Signatories: 36

Layla Moran

Calum Miller

Wendy Chamberlain

Anna Sabine

Tom Gordon

Steff Aquarone

That this House marks World Homelessness Day 2024; notes with concern that 3,898 people were found sleeping rough in England in the autumn snapshot 2023; further notes that 11,880 people were served no fault eviction notices in the year ending in March 2024 and one in 200 households were living in emergency temporary housing; expresses regret that the Vagrancy Act 1824, which criminalises rough sleepers, remains in operation despite the House voting to scrap it; further notes that 469 people have been arrested under the Act since the Government committed to scrap it in April 2022; and calls on the Government to urgently scrap the Vagrancy Act and commit to a compassionate approach to rough sleeping.