Published – Wednesday 6 November 2024

New EDMs

36040th anniversary of Nexus

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the 40th anniversary of Nexus, a charity set up in Northern Ireland in 1984, to support people impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships; highlights how the organisation supports adults, children and young people across the country who have suffered the effects of sexual abuse and, in addition, provides therapeutic support through specialist counselling, and teaches the importance of prevention work through educational training and workshops in schools and communities; further highlights their RESET aftercare programme, which was launched in April, which finished a year of training over 500 frontline PSNI officers as well as serious crime prosecutors from PPS, to help improve responses to people impacted by sexual abuse; and sincerely thanks all staff and volunteers for their efforts and wishes them all the very best for the future.

36130 years of the National Lottery

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates the 30th birthday of the National Lottery, who have supported fantastic causes as a way to bring positive change right across the UK; notes that the first draw was held in 1994 and that the National Lottery have raised over £49 billion and awarded over 690,000 individual grans to projects and community organisations, which make a huge different in supporting so many people; highlights the efforts of fundraisers and beneficiaries who are essential in working alongside the National Lottery to help them do what to do so well; underlines their commitment to strengthening local communities, sports teams, environmental projects and also to supporting young people achieve their full potential; thanks all of the volunteers and staff for all their hard work; and wishes the National Lottery many more years of supporting growth across the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

362Cuts to the International Development Budget

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 1

Monica Harding

That this House expresses disappointment at the cut to international development spending in the Budget; notes that conflicts in the Middle East, the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and Ukraine mean the United Kingdom's support is needed more than ever; recognises that overseas aid spending is at its the lowest in 17 years, having been cut by £2 billion in the 2024/25 fiscal year; further notes that the Prime Minister previously promised to reset Britain’s place in the world and return to our status as an international development superpower; believes that this is crucial given the way the former Conservative Government trashed the UK’s reputation on the world stage, including via abandoning the 0.7%; and calls on the Government to restore Official Development Assistance to 0.7% of GNI as soon as possible in order to reinstate the country’s commitment to the world’s poorest by ensuring that the United Kingdom is a global leader on development.

363Gaza family visa scheme

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 1

Rachael Maskell

That this House notes the loss of over 40,000 people in Gaza resulting from the current conflict with the toll of injured, exposed to infectious disease and famine growing by the day, and far exceeding 100,000, while the destruction of the Gaza's health infrastructure means that people cannot access vital medical attention; and further notes that there are a small number of Palestinians living in the UK whose loved ones are at imminent risk in Gaza, so calls upon the Government to introduce a Gaza Family Visa Scheme, based upon the Ukraine Family Scheme, to enable Palestinians from Gaza to reunite with their family members and seek temporary sanctuary in the UK until it is safe to return.

364Haggis the pygmy hippo

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 1

Christine Jardine

That this House celebrates the birth of Haggis, Edinburgh Zoo’s newest pygmy hippo; recognises that pygmy hippos are classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species; commends the work that Edinburgh Zoo does to promote biodiversity and protect vulnerable species; hopes that Haggis’ arrival will increase awareness of the challenges that pygmy hippos face in their natural habitats; and wishes all the best for Haggis, her mother Gloria and the entire Edinburgh Zoo community.

365Imprisonment of Alaa Abd el-Fattah

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 1

John McDonnell

That this House expresses its grave concern at the continuing imprisonment of British national writer Alaa Abd el-Fattah, whose most recent five-year sentence ended on 29 September, yet the Egyptian government refused to release him; notes that following the refusal by Egypt’s government to release Alaa, Laila Souief, Alaa’s mother, declared a hunger strike which has now entered its fourth week; considers that meaningful action is necessary to secure Alaa’s release; and urges the Foreign Secretary to press once again for Alaa's release with the clear understanding that there will be serious diplomatic consequences for the Egyptian government as the Foreign Secretary warned when in opposition.

3664 day working week

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 7

Siân Berry

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Rachael Maskell

Claire Hanna

Graham Leadbitter

Nadia Whittome

John McDonnell

That this House recognises that UK workers have some of the longest working hours in Europe, yet the UK’s productivity lags behind its G7 counterparts; further recognises that boosting productivity is a priority for the government’s “Five Missions for Britain”; notes that, according to a recent Mental Health First Aid England report, the five-day working week is hindering productivity and contributing to stress, burnout, and poor mental health, costing the UK economy £28 billion annually; further notes that trials of a four-day week, including in the UK, have found that shorter working hours with no loss of pay can significantly boost productivity, whilst also reducing workplace stress and burnout, and that a report by the Autonomy Institute and Alda shows that Iceland’s economy has outperformed most of Europe after adopting a shorter working week; is disappointed that the Employment Rights Bill does not include steps towards a four-day week with no loss of pay despite prior indications; welcomes the newly announced 1,000-person four-day week trial as an important step; calls on the Government to take further steps by introducing a far-reaching public sector pilot within local authorities across the UK, similar to the initiatives by the Scottish Government and South Cambridgeshire District Council; and further calls on the Government to provide local authorities with the necessary funding to implement this trial successfully.

367Release of Emily Damari

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 1

Freddie van Mierlo

That this House notes the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza while Hamas continues to hold hostages including British citizen Emily Damari; urges the Government and Foreign Secretary to take all actions within their power to secure Emily’s release and the release of all remaining hostages; further urges the Government to engage in international efforts to secure a ceasefire so the hostages can be released and to get aid into Gaza; and also urges the Government to advocate for British citizens abroad; including introducing a right to consular assistance in the case of human rights violations.

368Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly elections

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 6

Imran Hussain

Tahir Ali

Richard Burgon

Mohammad Yasin

Zarah Sultana

Andy McDonald

That this House recognises the right to self-determination for Kashmiris; notes that since the partition of 1947, the region and population of Kashmir have been divided between three countries; further notes that Indian-occupied Kashmir is the most militarised zone in the world; opposes the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35a of the Indian Constitution that revoked Kashmir’s special status; decries the use of sweeping arrest powers, disappearances, torture, extra-judicial killings and other grave human rights violations against dissidents; also notes with particular concern the detention of journalists and political leaders such as JKLF Chairman Yasin Malik on an indefinite hunger strike protesting insufficient medical facilities in his Delhi jail, and the erosion of freedoms of speech, expression and the press; observes the election of a new J&K coalition government, and recognises the appointment of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on an anti-abrogation mandate; supports UN Security Council Resolution 47, ruling that the future of J&K should be decided by its own people through democratic means of a free and impartial plebiscite; regrets the lack of action over seven decades, further entrenching injustice; acknowledges the large British Kashmiri diaspora in Britain and their aspirations for a just settlement; calls on the Government to push for a resolution to the ongoing occupation, end the impunity granted to Indian armed forces in Kashmir and prioritise the aspirations of Kashmiris; and further calls on the Government to use its Presidency of the United Nations Security Council to implement the rulings of UN Security Council 47.

369Agricultural Property Relief (No. 2)

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 1

Carla Lockhart

That this House objects to the Government's recent changes to inheritance tax as announced in the Budget, which limit agricultural property relief to the first £1 million of a farm's value and apply a 20% tax rate on assets exceeding this threshold; notes with concern that family-run farms, often passed down through generations, could be forced to sell portions of their land or assets to meet this tax obligation, threatening the continuity of family agricultural businesses; further notes that these reforms could significantly impact fair competition within the agri-food sector, affect food production capacity, potentially increasing food prices and destabilising rural economies; recognises with concern that this policy may have a detrimental impact on wider rural entrepreneurship and the sustainability of mulit-generation family enterprises; also recognises the unequal impact this will have across the UK among nations and regions which have significant rural communites, such as Northern Ireland, impacting the agricultural sector in these areas disproportionately; believes that the Government's inheritance tax policy will negatively affect family farms, with the cost to rural communities outweighing potential revenue gains; and calls on the Government to reconsider these reforms to support the preservation of family-owned farms, safeguard the UK’s agricultural sector, and ensure the stability of rural communities across the country.

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.

31730th anniversary of West Lothian 50+ Network

Tabled: 28/10/24 Signatories: 9

Kirsteen Sullivan

Jim Shannon

Patricia Ferguson

Elaine Stewart

Mary Kelly Foy

Richard Baker

Gregor Poynton

That this House celebrates the 30th anniversary of the West Lothian 50+ Network; notes their goal to make the rest of life, the best of life; thanks the volunteers who have achieved 30 years of community activities and events; commends the efforts of the current committee in arranging activities and celebrations during the 30th anniversary year; applauds the Network in attracting around 700 members through social and charity events; welcomes the variety of activities supporting 70 hobbies and interests groups; further welcomes the opportunities offered by the Network to visit cultural epicentres such as the birthplace of Robert Burns, Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, and the Kelpies; further applauds the Network’s frequent charity events and educational sessions with local services; acknowledges the importance of social activities in strengthening community bonds in difficult times; recognises the importance of creating a dedicated hub of activities for those over fifty; believes the West Lothian 50+ Network is a role model for fostering community; and wishes the West Lothian 50+ Network every success in the coming years.

318Prize-winning Bennie Museum Weavers

Tabled: 28/10/24 Signatories: 9

Kirsteen Sullivan

Jim Shannon

Patricia Ferguson

Elaine Stewart

Mary Kelly Foy

Richard Baker

Gregor Poynton

That this House congratulates the Bennie Museum Weavers on winning first place at the Royal Highland Show 2024; congratulates the efforts of the Bennie Museum Weavers producing their own high-quality tweed and mastering their craft; recognises the skilled technical knowledge involved in their craft; thanks the Bennie Museum Weavers for keeping alive an innately Scottish and fond tradition; and wishes the Bennie Museum Weavers the very best in the future.

319120th anniversary of Balbardie Primary School

Tabled: 28/10/24 Signatories: 8

Kirsteen Sullivan

Jim Shannon

Patricia Ferguson

Elaine Stewart

Mary Kelly Foy

Richard Baker

Gregor Poynton

That this House recognises the 120th anniversary of the primary school’s central role in educational, social and cultural life in Bathgate; further recognises Balbardie Primary School as a great source of history, pride, success and inspiration for the town of Bathgate; notes the impressive architectural prominence of the Balbardie Primary School building which has seen thousands of students pass through its halls; commends the continued high-quality and wide-ranging learning opportunities offered to pupils; welcomes the longstanding role of Balbardie Primary School in wider Bathgate community life, including its impressive float over the years in the annual Bathgate Procession, fundraising efforts and commitment to parent engagement in how the school is run; applauds the efforts of the pupils, staff, parents and carers in organising a celebration of education in Bathgate, organising whole-community celebrations including a float procession, multimedia exhibition of memories, and creative opportunities for children; and wishes the very best to the future doctors, nurses, teachers, fire-fighters, police officers, entrepreneurs and politicians who will pass through the doors of Balbardie Primary School.

320Deputy Lieutenant Eunice Simpson and West Lothian African Women’s Network

Tabled: 28/10/24 Signatories: 10

Kirsteen Sullivan

Jim Shannon

Graeme Downie

Patricia Ferguson

Elaine Stewart

Mary Kelly Foy

Gregor Poynton

That this House recognises the hard work and vision of Eunice Simpson and the West Lothian African Women’s Network; congratulates Eunice Simpson on her appointment as Deputy Lieutenant of West Lothian; recognises the appointment as ground-breaking with Eunice Simpson as the first black person to hold this title; congratulates the West Lothian African Women’s Network on their recent Bathgate Africa-Scottish EXPO sharing culture, food, music, and dance; supports the continued efforts of the Network to promote business opportunities, support families and education, combat loneliness, and foster community cohesion; welcomes the work of the network promoting Black History education in schools and creating opportunities for cultural exchange; recognises the contribution of black women across West Lothian in helping vulnerable people, organising of community events, running local businesses, and working in public service; and wishes Eunice Simpson and the West Lothian African Women’s Network the very best in all their future endeavours.

336RAF Fauld explosion

Tabled: 29/10/24 Signatories: 5

Jacob Collier

Jim Shannon

Stephen Gethins

Chris Law

Dave Robertson

That this House remembers the lives tragically lost in the RAF Fauld explosion on its 80th anniversary, noting that this was the largest non-nuclear explosion in history and the largest explosion on British soil; recognises the enduring courage shown on that fateful day, which remains one of the most devastating events in the nation’s history; acknowledges the 70 individuals who lost their lives on 27 November 1944, and the catastrophic damage near Hanbury, Staffordshire; expresses gratitude to the men and women whose service and sacrifices embody the highest ideals of bravery and resilience; and further remembers their commitment and recognises the profound pain and immense loss that continues to be felt by their families and the local community decades later.

337Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Tabled: 29/10/24 Signatories: 8

Patricia Ferguson

Andrew Rosindell

Brian Leishman

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Stephen Gethins

Martin Rhodes

That this House commends the City of Glasgow for stepping in to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games following the withdrawal of the Australian state of Victoria and following the successful hosting of the 2014 Commonwealth Games; acknowledges that the Games play an important role in highlighting the benefits of the Commonwealth, bringing people from across the world together around an exciting and popular sporting event, welcoming athletes from across the Commonwealth to the City, including to Glasgow West constituency which will host the athletics events in the Scotstoun Stadium; recognises that the Commonwealth Games not only bring benefits to the sports community, but provides economic benefits both to the host city, and to the surrounding region and marks an exciting opportunity for Glasgow to showcase its vibrant culture, rich history, and welcoming spirit on the global stage; notes the efforts that are already being made by Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life, businesses and citizens as the city begins its preparations to host the Games; and further recognises that this endeavour will require all sectors of Government and society to lend their support, to ensure that Glasgow is able to deliver an event that continues the magnificent tradition of the Games.

338Israeli Knesset decision to ban UNRWA

Tabled: 29/10/24 Signatories: 39

Calum Miller

Luke Taylor

Steve Darling

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Anna Sabine

Munira Wilson

Shockat AdamOlly Glover

That this House expresses its deep concern at the Israeli Knesset’s vote to ban UNRWA; notes that this comes at a desperate moment in Gaza with a senior UN humanitarian official warning that the entire population of north Gaza is at risk of dying; further notes that, given the critical role played by UNRWA in distributing humanitarian aid within Gaza, this decision risks catastrophic consequences; urges the UK Government to accompany words of condemnation with consequences for breaches of international law; according urges the Government to implement sanctions against far-right Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich for their incitement of violence against Palestinians by illegal settlers; further urges the Government to press for immediate access for humanitarian aid into Gaza; and calls on the Government to provide all necessary assistance, including aid, to UNRWA to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and ensure that the recommendations of the independent Colonna report are implemented as quickly as possible.

3402% wealth tax

Tabled: 30/10/24 Signatories: 7

Iqbal Mohamed

Ayoub Khan

Jeremy Corbyn

Jim Shannon

Carla Denyer

John McDonnell

Shockat Adam

That this House notes the growing disparity in wealth distribution within the UK; recognises the need for a fairer tax system that ensures the wealthiest individuals contribute their fair share to society; calls on the Government to introduce a 2% annual wealth tax on individuals with assets exceeding £10 million; believes that such a tax would generate significant revenue that could be used to fund essential public services, reduce inequality, and support economic recovery; and urges the Government to consider the implementation of this policy as a step towards a more equitable and just society.

341Release of fire appliance and life-saving equipment to Palestine

Tabled: 30/10/24 Signatories: 23

Brian Leishman

Ellie Chowns

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Steve Witherden

Ayoub Khan

Jeremy Corbyn

Shockat Adam

That this House expresses deep concern over the seizure of a fire appliance and life-saving equipment, donated by the Fire Brigades Union in Scotland, which has been held at the Israeli port of Ashdod since 21 July despite having documented clearance; notes that the appliance, packed with firefighting kit, personal protective equipment, breathing apparatus, cutting tools, and medical supplies from Ninewells Hospital, was intended to support the Palestinian fire and rescue service in Nablus; acknowledges the importance of humanitarian aid and the international bonds among firefighting communities; calls on the Israeli authorities to immediately release this critical equipment to allow its use for life-saving operations in Palestinian territories; and urges the UK Government, including the Foreign Secretary, to press the Israeli Government to expedite the release of this essential aid to those communities currently experiencing severe humanitarian and safety challenges.

342Work of Fishing 4 Mental Health

Tabled: 30/10/24 Signatories: 7

Sarah Gibson

Steve Darling

Wendy Chamberlain

Claire Young

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Ian Roome

That this House recognises the work of Fishing 4 Mental Health in showing how angling can help to promote wellbeing; acknowledges that Fishing 4 Mental Health is supporting people suffering with mental health challenges by providing a safe, friendly and supportive environment that encourages individuals to enjoy the beauty of the natural world; celebrates their work to tackle stigmas about mental health amongst men; and commends their campaign for a Fishing 4 Mental Health day to be commemorated each year on 16 August.

344Access to banking hubs

Tabled: 30/10/24 Signatories: 23

Adam Dance

Ellie Chowns

Steff Aquarone

Chris Coghlan

Caroline Voaden

Edward Morello

Shockat Adam

That this House is concerned about the lack of banking services in rural towns such as Ilminster, which has yet to receive a banking hub; recognises the importance of maintaining access to in-person banking and cash services; notes that banking hubs are a key alternative for communities that have lost access to bank and building society branches; and acknowledges that rural constituencies in particular (due to their local geography, availability of public transport, and lack of support for utilising digital services) urgently need more banking hubs.

345Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medication shortages

Tabled: 30/10/24 Signatories: 18

Adam Dance

Ellie Chowns

Steff Aquarone

Steve Darling

Edward Morello

Wendy Chamberlain

Shockat AdamIan Roome

That this House expresses deep concern over the shortage and intermittent availability of ADHD medications such as concerta XL; notes the symptoms those with ADHD exhibit, such as difficulty focusing and acting without thinking, as well as the impacts of these on the daily functioning of individuals; further notes the disproportionate impact these symptoms have on children who, as a result of the disorder, face barriers in their education and general development; recognises the barriers faced by individuals suffering from ADHD in accessing employment opportunities; further recognises the potential stress and anxiety these medication shortages can have on individuals suffering from ADHD; sympathises with the experiences of those individuals, who often feel they are being overlooked and dismissed; and calls on the Government to do more to mitigate the issue of ADHD medication shortages.

346Islamophobia Awareness Month 2024

Tabled: 30/10/24 Signatories: 18

Christine Jardine

Ellie Chowns

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Steve Darling

Liz Jarvis

Ayoub Khan

Shockat Adam

That this House supports Islamophobia Awareness Month, which is taking place this November; recognises the valuable contributions that British Muslims make to our country; acknowledges that anti-Muslim sentiment is still far too prevalent in our society, and has sadly been on the rise in light of the conflict in the Middle East; notes with concern that Tell MAMA recorded nearly 5,00 incidents of anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia in the past year, an unprecedented volume of cases; further notes with concern that religious-based hate crimes recorded by police in England and Wales has increased by 25% over the past year; emphasises the importance of standing up to religious hatred in all its forms; and calls on the Government to take urgent action to address Islamophobia, including by immediately appointing an independent adviser on Islamophobia and adopting a working definition of Islamophobia.

347Paignton Rotary Club centenary

Tabled: 31/10/24 Signatories: 3

Steve Darling

Sarah Gibson

Jim Shannon

This House congratulates the Rotary Club of Paignton on its centenary year; notes the club’s celebrations at The Grand Hotel alongside its twin club from Dokkum, The Netherlands; commends John Pappin for receiving the Paul Harris award for outstanding service and veteran member Bryan Wordsworth for his remarkable 60 years of membership; acknowledges the ongoing charitable work both locally and internationally, including efforts to eradicate polio; and welcomes the Club’s first Corporate Member, the Mercure Hotel, highlighting its commitment to community and international service.

348100th anniversary of Kingswear Castle paddle steamer

Tabled: 31/10/24 Signatories: 5

Steve Darling

Sarah Gibson

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

Ian Roome

That this House celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Kingswear Castle paddle steamer, Britain’s remaining coal-fired river paddle steamer; notes the vessel's rich history, having been originally built in 1924 for service on the River Dart, and later playing a vital role in both World War II as a minesweeper and post-war as a passenger ferry; recognises the significant efforts made by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society and volunteers to restore the vessel to its former glory, ensuring that generations continue to enjoy its unique maritime heritage; acknowledges Kingswear Castle's contribution to British maritime history and tourism, particularly in the South West; and calls on the Government to further support the preservation of historic vessels such as Kingswear Castle, which are invaluable to the nation's cultural and industrial legacy.

349Detention and trial of Frenchie Mae Cumpio

Tabled: 31/10/24 Signatories: 8

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Llinos Medi

Ann Davies

Grahame Morris

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

That this House demands the immediate release of Filipino community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who has been in detention since her arrest along with four human rights defenders since 7 February 2020 in Tacloban City and now faces the witness stand on 11 November; believes that the evidential basis for her arrest was fabricated, and that she is innocent of the charges; considers that the treatment of Cumpio is an attempt to silence messengers of truth and a clear violation of press freedom; fears that this represents a direct assault against Eastern Vista, which Cumpio heads as executive director, for its role in highlighting the issues of the marginalised and oppressed sectors in Eastern Visayas region, particularly the continuing plight of Yolanda victims, and the militarisation of farmers’ communities, among others; regards this case as yet another indication of the shrinking democratic space in the Philippines, as the administration hopes to deprive the poorest of the poor of another platform by which their voices are heard; and therefore supports the National Union of Journalists and International Federation of Journalists in calling on the Government to use every diplomatic effort to secure Cumpio’s release.

350Whisky duty

Tabled: 31/10/24 Signatories: 5

Graham Leadbitter

Pete Wishart

Seamus Logan

Jim Shannon

Stephen Flynn

That this House notes with deep concern the UK government's recent decision to further hike duty on whisky; recognises the profoundly damaging impact this move will have on the Scotch Whisky industry, a cornerstone of the UK and Scottish economy, having generated £7.1bn in GVA to the UK economy in 2022; further notes that with the sector employing 45,000 people in Scotland, and a further 25,000 across the rest of the UK, that such an increase could jeopardise jobs, and also reduce tax revenues, with analysis already concluding that last year’s increase to whisky duty has cost the Treasury £300 million; calls on the Government to reconsider this decision in light of its potential consequences for producers, workers, and the economy as a whole; also notes the cross-party support for a cut to duty; and urges the Treasury to adopt a more balanced approach that supports growth and sustainability within this vital industry while promoting and celebrating uniquely Scottish produce.

351Reopening of the Menai Suspension Bridge

Tabled: 31/10/24 Signatories: 5

Llinos Medi

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Ann Davies

Jim Shannon

That this House welcomes the news that the Menai Suspension Bridge will fully reopen on Saturday, 2 November 2024 following the completion of the first phase in its refurbishment; notes that the bridge is a vital connection for North Wales, spanning the Menai Strait and connecting the Isle of Anglesey with mainland Wales; further notes that the Thomas Telford designed bridge was the world’s first major suspension bridge when completed in 1826 and is a Grade I listed structure; highlights that the bridge was closed in October 2022 due to the need for urgent repairs; thanks the local community that has been affected by the bridge’s closure; hopes that the reopening will allow local businesses and residents to enjoy the benefits of a fully operational bridge over the festive period; and looks forward to the completion of the Phase 2 repainting works ahead of the bridge’s 200th anniversary in 2026.

352Agricultural Property Relief

Tabled: 31/10/24 Signatories: 6

Ann Davies

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Llinos Medi

Seamus Logan

Jim Shannon

That this House condemns the decision to curtail Agricultural Property Relief in the Autumn Budget; acknowledges that new rules from April 2026 will see farm assets over £1 million face a 20% tax rate; is concerned that this will put increased pressure on family farms and tenant farmers and reduce the amount of farm land; argues that the proposal threatens food security and places the financial burden onto farms already facing high costs and low income; notes that the move has been condemned by the National Farmers Union, the Farmers’ Union of Wales, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and the Tenant Farmers Association; further notes that the CLA has estimated that the change puts 70,000 of farming business across the UK under threat; highlights that family farms are the bedrock of our rural economy, shape our environment and sustain our communities and culture; and calls on the UK Government to reconsider this decision.

353TFL concessions

Tabled: 31/10/24 Signatories: 7

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Mary Kelly Foy

John McDonnell [R]

Kim Johnson

Margaret Mullane

Ian Lavery

Jim Shannon

That this House welcomes the Government’s Passenger Rail Services (Public Ownership) Bill, which is nearing completion of its passage through Parliament; notes that the Government’s impact assessment of the Bill states that there will be significant savings to the Government and that public ownership represents an opportunity to improve passenger rail services; further notes that the private-sector concession contracts for the Elizabeth Line and London Overground, which are similar to the national rail contacts due to be nationalised, are coming to an end soon and that the Government has confirmed that the decision over whether also to run these services under public ownership rests with the Mayor of London; also notes that MTR paid out a dividend of £7.6 million last year, equivalent to a 2.4% cut in Elizabeth Line fares, while Arriva Rail London paid a dividend of £9.6 million, equivalent to a 4.4% cut in Overground fares; notes the Rail Minister’s view that these concessions are more expensive than this Government’s plans for public ownership and would be even more costly to taxpayers than current national rail contracts; agrees with the general secretaries of the RMT and ASLEF unions, who have argued that Londoners deserve every penny of public funding and passenger revenue being spent on the capital’s railways and not on shareholders dividends; and urges the Mayor to make the decision to bring both the Elizabeth Line and London Overground into public ownership when contracts expire and run them directly within Transport for London.

354Support for community energy initiatives

Tabled: 4/11/24 Signatories: 3

Manuela Perteghella

Jim Shannon

Ian Roome

That this House commends the efforts of community energy enterprises across the UK, particularly recognising the work of the Heart of England Community Energy (HECE), which operates one of the country’s largest community-owned solar farms, located just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, which has been generating clean electricity to power thousands of homes in the Heart of England since 2016, and demonstrating the vital role that community-led energy projects play in achieving a sustainable future; notes that HECE reinvests its profits into supporting local charities and projects; and calls on the Government to support policies that encourage community energy projects, thus empowering communities to take charge of their energy futures and share in the prosperity of a green energy transition.

355Paradise Beach Resort in Morocco

Tabled: 4/11/24 Signatories: 2

Blair McDougall

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises that some 800 investors, the vast majority of whom are British citizens, made investments in the Paradise Beach and Golf Resort in Tangier, Morocco, which was first advertised in 2006; notes that the development was widely promoted as part of Morocco’s policy to attract foreign and British direct investments; further notes that the development was built on state-owned land and closely monitored by the Moroccan government before construction was abruptly halted in 2016, just before completion; recognises that investors have failed to recoup their initial investments, with some having lost their life savings, some seven years after the Moroccan government proposed a solution to complete the scheme; and calls on the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office to work with the Moroccan government to ensure that a solution is found for British investors.

356Jennie Lee

Tabled: 4/11/24 Signatories: 4

Richard Baker

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House understands that a new play by Knights Theatre about the life of Jennie Lee will premiere at the Lochgelly Centre on 1 November 2024, with performances also on 2 November, before moving to Dunfermline’s Carnegie Hall for further performances; further understands that an Open University exhibition about Jennie Lee is concurrently running at the Lochgelly Centre until 2 November; notes that Jennie Lee was born in Lochgelly in 1904 and that the play and exhibition marks what would have been her 120th birthday; further notes that Jennie Lee was elected as the MP for North Lanark in 1929 at the age of 24, before she could legally vote; recognises Jennie Lee’s contribution to arts, culture and education as the first ever Minister for the Arts; further recognises her drive and commitment to the founding of The Open University; acknowledges that The Open University in Scotland celebrates over 200,000 alumni since its inception in 1969; and congratulates playwright Matthew Knights, The Open University in Scotland, OnFife and Creative Scotland on their partnership to bring the story of Jennie Lee to life.

357Northern Ireland Assembly vote on Protocol issues

Tabled: 4/11/24 Signatories: 2

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the Northern Ireland Assembly is scheduled to vote on Articles 5 to 10 of the Protocol on matters relating to the EU withdrawal agreement; recognises that there remain purchasing, trading and other issues which disadvantage consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland in trading within the UK; also notes with serious concern that the forthcoming Assembly vote will not be based, as virtually all other contentious votes are, on a cross community basis; and calls on the UK Government to stand over the Safeguarding the Union document and urgently begin solving the ongoing problems rather than allowing them to fester, with political relationships within Northern Ireland continuing to worsen.

358FA Cup replays

Tabled: 4/11/24 Signatories: 3

Tim Farron

Jim Shannon

Ian Roome

That this House notes that the recent men’s FA Cup first round was the first to be played without the opportunity of a replay for matches that ended in a draw; regrets that, as a result, non-league teams including Weston-super-Mare, Hednesford Town, Guiseley, Southend United and others were thus denied a replay, which would have allowed those clubs to generate revenue and wonderful memories; declares that this cruel decision has done real harm to the romance of the FA Cup and that the only beneficiaries are a handful of Premier League teams who do not even enter the competition until the third round; condemns The FA for agreeing to this; and calls upon The FA to reinstate replays for the rest of this competition and for all future years.

35910th Annual Diwali Celebration in Edinburgh

Tabled: 4/11/24 Signatories: 2

Tracy Gilbert

Jim Shannon

That this House commends the efforts of the Edinburgh Diwali Committee, volunteers, and community members who dedicated countless hours for a successful 10th Annual Diwali Celebration held in Edinburgh on 3rd November 2024; notes that this significant milestone marked a decade of promoting cultural awareness, inclusion, and unity through one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Indian community worldwide; understands that the celebration commenced with a lively and colourful parade from St George Square to Castle Street, led by 35 member Scottish Regiment band accompanied by other bands and seven dance groups showcasing traditional Indian and Peruvian music, and dance, highlighting the diversity and inclusion of multiple cultures, followed by a vibrant cultural program at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens, where artists groups performed Indian classical, bollywood & fusion, Scottish highland dances and Live fusion band, captivating the audience and fostering cultural exchange; and agrees that the celebration brought together thousands of people from different backgrounds and served as a reminder of the shared values of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.