Published – Friday 15 November 2024

New EDMs

407Celebrating the Royal British Legion in Cumbria

Tabled: 14/11/24 Signatories: 1

Josh MacAlister

That this House congratulates Royal British Legion volunteers across Cumbria involved in this year’s Poppy Appeal and Remembrance events to recognise and honour the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life; recognises the vital support provided by the Royal British Legion all year round in providing lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families, from expert advice and guidance to recovery and rehabilitation, through to transitioning to civilian life; thanks local Royal British Legion branches in Appleby, Brampton, Bransty, Carlisle & Stanwix, Egremont, Harrington, Kendal, Langdales, Penrith, Seascale & District, Sedbergh & District, Tebay, Ullock & District, Wath Brow, Wigton, Windermere and Workington for all their work; and pledges to continue to support our Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families.

408Protecting wild sea birds and sand eels

Tabled: 14/11/24 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House recognises the importance of sand eels to the wider ecosystem, in particular wild seabird populations; acknowledges the puffin and kittiwake bird populations, whose diets largely rely on sand eels, have drastically decreased as a result of industrial sand eel fishing by Sweden and Denmark in the North Sea; notes that a ban on fishing is now in place but notes further with concern growing external pressure to lift the ban; and urges the Government to commit to the fishing ban to ensure our wild sea bird species can continue to thrive.

409Triple negative breast cancer

Tabled: 14/11/24 Signatories: 1

Clive Jones

That this House recognises the significant impact of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which accounts for around 15% of breast cancer diagnosis but up to 40% of all breast cancer deaths in England; acknowledges that TNBC disproportionately affects people under the age of 40, for whom a diagnosis and treatment can have a profound effect on their lives, employment, financial security and family; further recognises the impact of undergoing treatment for TNBC and the importance of the breast cancer workforce in providing support during this time, particularly Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS); acknowledges the lack of specific data on TNBC in England, making it difficult to identify exactly how many people are living with or dying from TNBC; and calls on the Government to ensure that every person with TNBC has care tailored to their needs, including the assignment of a CNS at diagnosis and that TNBC data is improved in England.

410Children's Grief Awareness Week 2024

Tabled: 14/11/24 Signatories: 1

Christine Jardine

That this House recognises Children’s Grief Awareness Week, taking place between 18 and 24 November 2024; notes that this year’s theme is building hope, which includes a focus on building resilience in young people and offering strategies and tools to support them with their bereavement; further notes this year’s policy focus is improving grief education to support children through this difficult time; commends the coalition of charities organising Children’s Grief Awareness Week including Child Bereavement UK, Childhood Bereavement Network and Winston’s Wish; celebrates the work that these charities do to provide specialist support for children, including support groups, hotlines, online chats and email support; and calls on the Government to introduce a new protocol for authorities and public bodies to inform children of local, national and online support services available to children following a bereavement.

411In memory of Jim Farmer

Tabled: 14/11/24 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House expresses its deepest condolences following the death of Jim Farmer, also known as Mr Golf, of St Andrews; acknowledges that he leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a player, coach, and ambassador of the sport; recognises that as the honorary professional at The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Jim was a prominent figure in Scottish golf for over five decades, and helped many golfers get their careers started; notes that Jim was made a life member of St Andrews Golf Club, served as the captain of the PGA from 2009 to 2011 and was a vital member of the PGA board, as well as representing Great Britain and Ireland in four PGA cups; understands this loss is felt widely and expresses sympathy to his friends and family following the sad news of his passing.

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.

353TFL concessions

Tabled: 31/10/24 Signatories: 15

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Mary Kelly Foy

John McDonnell [R]

Kim Johnson

Margaret Mullane

Ian Lavery

Richard Burgon

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.

355Paradise Beach Resort in Morocco

Tabled: 4/11/24 Signatories: 3

Blair McDougall

Jim Shannon

Richard Burgon

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: 8

Richard Baker

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Mary Kelly Foy

Kirsteen Sullivan

Dr Scott Arthur

Richard Burgon

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: 4

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Carla Lockhart

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: 10

Tim Farron

Jim Shannon

Ian Roome

Shockat Adam

Adam Dance

Angus MacDonald

Richard Burgon

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.

363Gaza family visa scheme

Tabled: 5/11/24 Signatories: 28

Rachael Maskell

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Shockat Adam

Andrew George

Sorcha Eastwood

Ayoub Khan

Mohammad Yasin

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: 17

Christine Jardine

Steve Darling

Wendy Chamberlain

Shockat Adam

Jamie Stone

Wera Hobhouse

Richard Burgon

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.

373OVO Energy monthly fees for paper format bills

Tabled: 6/11/24 Signatories: 19

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Ayoub Khan

Vikki Slade

Wendy Chamberlain

Steve Darling

David Chadwick

Richard Burgon

That this House notes with concern OVO Energy’s intention to introduce monthly fees for customers that receive their bills in paper format from December; believes that such a fee is counterproductive as families continue to struggle with high energy costs, particularly in the run-up to winter; further notes that such a change risks disadvantaging older and other vulnerable people, even allowing for planned mitigations; and calls on OVO Energy to reverse this harmful and unnecessary decision immediately.

374National insurance increase and the social care sector

Tabled: 6/11/24 Signatories: 6

Ellie Chowns

Ayoub Khan

Angus MacDonald

Colum Eastwood

Andrew George

Siân Berry

That this House notes with concern the ongoing challenges faced by the social care sector, including chronic underfunding and workforce shortages; further notes that the recent increase in national insurance contributions announced in the Autumn Budget is set to place additional financial pressure on this already stretched sector; recognises that while the Government has made an allowance to reimburse public sector organisations for the cost of this increase, most social care providers are not public sector organisations and are therefore not covered by this provision; calls on the Government to urgently clarify the financial implications of the national insurance policy on the social care sector; and further calls for provisions to protect not-for-profit care providers from the national insurance increase to help the sustainability and stability of essential social care services.

376Support for endometriosis care

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 8

Catherine Fookes

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Andrew George

Kirsteen Sullivan

Shockat Adam

Ellie Chowns Richard Burgon

That this House is concerned about the severe impact that endometriosis has on the physical and mental health of one in ten women in the UK; notes that this painful condition affects 1.5 million women causing chronic pain, and fatigue and, in some cases, an inability to conceive and that people who have the disease still wait over eight years on average to be diagnosed; commends research by Dr Jasmine Hearn and colleagues at Manchester Metropolitan University published in the Journal of Health Communication 2024, which found that many women’s experiences of seeking medical help was characterized by doctors and nurses not believing them, thinking they were exaggerating, and dismissing their concerns as women’s issues, making them feel ashamed, embarrassed, powerless and less likely to seek out help in the future; and calls on the governments in the four nations of the UK to work to improve understanding of endometriosis in the fields of health, education and employment, which are currently lacking in research and healthcare, in addition to medical interventions.

377National Engineering Day 2024

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 10

Dave Doogan

Jim Shannon

Graham Leadbitter

Andrew George

Chris Law

Luke Taylor

Ellie Chowns Kirsty Blackman Seamus Logan Brendan O'Hara

That this House marks National Engineering Day 2024, a national awareness day organised by the Royal Academy of Engineering; recognises the importance of engineering to the UK’s prosperity; notes with concern the lack of diversity within the engineering profession and the need for skilled workers across engineering disciplines in all nations of the UK; further notes that Engineering UK’s Women in Engineering and Technology report (published May 2024) found that the percentage of women in the engineering workforce was just 15.7% in 2023; is concerned that this represents a decline from the 2022 figure of 16.5%; and calls on the Government to take steps to equip the UK with the skilled workforce it needs to meet the challenges of sustainability and technological advancement by creating an education and skills system which produces a diverse engineering and technology profession equipped with the skills needed for the future.

379Taxing low paid workers

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 4

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Carla Lockhart

That this House notes the Government's welcome recent announcement that the National Living Wage is due to increase to £12.21 per hour from April 2025 affecting three million lower paid workers; further notes that there is no increase in income tax thresholds, meaning that virtually all three million people will become tax payers; and understands that aligned to the increase in employers National Insurance contributions and the fact that many of those affected work in the hospitality sector which will entail retail prices increasing to pay for these additional costs, the end result will be that the general public will pay for the increase in wages while HM Treasury will gain several billion pounds in additional revenue every year.

381Humanitarian situation in Sudan

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 15

Monica Harding

Steve Darling

David Chadwick

Andrew Rosindell

Adam Dance

Ben Lake

Ellie Chowns Claire Young Liz Jarvis

That this House notes that some 25 million people are facing acute hunger and urgently need humanitarian assistance in Sudan, that 14 regions are on the brink of famine and famine conditions have already been confirmed in ZamZam Camp in North Darfur and that more than 10 million have been displaced from their homes; further notes that civilians in the country are facing incredible hardship, fear and suffering and notes an increase in gender based violence; recognises that the UK’s overseas aid spending is at its the lowest in 17 years, having been cut by £2 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year; also notes that the UK has assumed presidency of the United Nations Security Council and is the penholder on Sudan; calls on the Government to increase humanitarian assistance to Sudan and make it a central issue during meetings of the Security Council; further calls on the Government to play a stronger role in seeking a ceasefire and peace process where civilians are a part of the democratic government; also calls on the Government to sponsor a new Security Council resolution to create safe zones for civilians, designating no-fly areas for aircraft and Iranian drones and upholding responsibilities under Resolution 2417; and calls on the Government to increase the capacity of its mission in Sudan as a practical means of support.

383Work of St John Ambulance

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 17

Kirith Entwistle

Mary Kelly Foy

Sarah Hall

Charlotte Nichols

Sonia Kumar

Zöe Franklin

Ellie Chowns Paulette Hamilton Sir Julian Lewis

That this House recognises the lifesaving work of St John Ambulance volunteers across the country, training 250,000 members of the public in first aid every year, providing event first aid cover at 11,000 events and delivering 4,000 hours of emergency support to the NHS per month as the nation’s ambulance auxiliary; acknowledges that 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests take place every year in the UK with less than 1 in 10 people surviving and immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation and that defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival; is concerned by the findings of St John Ambulance’s recent survey that revealed 49% of the public would feel panicked if they came across a health emergency, with one in three members of the public afraid to give CPR to women due to fear of inappropriate touching; thanks the work of St John Ambulance volunteers, first aid charities and NHS Ambulance services in providing physical and mental health first aid training in communities to improve first aid confidence; and encourages the Government to support first aid education and volunteers as part of the NHS-10-Year Plan to tackle health inequalities, improve health outcomes and save lives.

384Occupational Therapy Week 2024

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 9

Max Wilkinson

Steve Darling

Jim Shannon

Adam Dance

James MacCleary

Vikki Slade

Ellie Chowns

That this House recognises Occupational Therapy Week 2024; celebrates the invaluable role of occupational therapists across the UK in delivering holistic, person-centred care to improve health outcomes, promote independent living, and reduce pressures on NHS and social care services; acknowledges the vital contributions of occupational therapists working across diverse settings to support hospital discharge, rehabilitation, and community-based support; welcomes the Royal College of Occupational Therapists’ (RCOT) Workforce Strategy, which outlines the key role that an enlarged occupational therapy workforce based primarily within communities can play as a catalyst for the Government’s plans to move care into communities, leverage technology and prioritise prevention and early intervention; and urges the Government to work with RCOT to deliver this vision.

385Visually impaired cricket team Australia tour

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 9

Max Wilkinson

Steve Darling

Edward Morello

Angus MacDonald

Adam Dance

Charlotte Cane

Mr Joshua Reynolds James MacCleary

That this House extends its best wishes to the England Visually Impaired Cricket Team as they embark on their tour of Australia starting on 12 November 2024; notes that this team exemplifies dedication, resilience, and the power of inclusion in sport, setting an inspiring example for athletes of all abilities; applauds their commitment not only to the game but also to raising awareness and encouraging people with visual impairments to engage in inclusive sports is truly admirable; and wishes them success on the field and safe travels throughout their tour.

386Disclosure of Special Branch files

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 5

John McDonnell

Mary Kelly Foy

Jon Trickett

Ellie Chowns

Richard Burgon

That this House notes with concern that Special Branch documents show that the undercover police reported on union members speaking at meetings asking for solidarity with striking workers; further notes that in an internal police report known as Operation Reuben, the police admit that intelligence gathered by undercover policing was shared by both Special Branch and the security services, with employers and the notorious blacklisting organisations such as the Economic League and the Consulting Association; also notes that there is now conclusive evidence that Special Branch infiltrated trade union meetings and kept files on every trade union in the UK; and calls for all the spycops files to be disclosed to those who were spied on.

390Use of swift bricks

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 14

Adam Dance

Tonia Antoniazzi

Wendy Chamberlain

Anna Sabine

Tim Farron

Claire Young

Ellie Chowns James MacCleary Richard Burgon

That this House notes with concern the dramatic decline in swift populations across the country; recognises that swift bricks are a sensible, low-cost solution to support the reintroduction of swift nesting sites in areas where they have been lost; further notes that swift bricks can be easily implemented into different types of developments; also notes that swift bricks provide nests for other types of endangered species, strengthening local biodiversity; and calls on the Government to encourage the use of swift bricks in its planned 1.5 million new developments.

391World Diabetes Day 2024

Tabled: 11/11/24 Signatories: 12

Jim Shannon

Tonia Antoniazzi

Mary Kelly Foy

Tristan Osborne

Daniel Francis

Andrew George

Ellie Chowns Richard Burgon

That this House celebrates World Diabetes Day 2024, marked on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922; notes the theme for 2024 is Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps to raise awareness and improve the lives of people suffering with Diabetes; highlights that there are around 537 million people worldwide that have Diabetes, 4.4 million of which are in the UK; underlines that National Diabetes Day was first officially recognised by the UN in 2006 and that the campaign reaches over one billion people in more than 160 countries; and thanks the International Diabetes Federation for all they do in educating people across the world on the impact Diabetes can have and for their help in supporting those with Diabetes cope day to day with the effects of the condition.

393Anniversary of Rev Robert Bradford MP's murder

Tabled: 12/11/24 Signatories: 4

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Carla Lockhart

This House notes that 14 November 2024 marks the 43rd anniversary of the murder of the Hon Member for South Belfast, the Rev. Robert Bradford MP, born in Limavady, Co. Londonderry in 1941 but brutally gunned down by the terrorists of the Provisional IRA as he was on his way to hold a constituency surgery on 14 November 1981 in a community centre where the caretaker Mr. Kenneth Campbell was also murdered; and during this season of remembrance expresses the hope that democrats everywhere, irrespective of political affiliation, can salute his bravery and all others who paid the supreme sacrifice in pursuit of peace and freedom.

394UK-US Special Relationship

Tabled: 12/11/24 Signatories: 7

Carla Lockhart

Andrew Rosindell

Jim Shannon

Mr Gregory Campbell

Gavin Robinson

Sir Julian Lewis

Jim Allister

That this House recognises the United Kingdom’s Special Relationship with the United States as a foundation of Western democracy and global security since the Second World War; recalls the deep, historic ties and shared values between the two nations, including those contributed by the Ulster-Scots community; notes how this alliance was cemented during World War II as both nations fought together against tyranny; acknowledges the significant role of Field Marshal Sir John Greer Dill, an Ulster-Scot from Lurgan, who represented the UK in Washington, DC, from 1941 until his death in 1944; further notes that he was posthumously honoured by the United States with a Distinguished Service Medal and a graveside statue at Arlington National Cemetery, unveiled by President Harry S. Truman; recognises Dill’s efforts with General George Marshall to advance the shared strategic priorities of both countries, even during times of political disagreement; believes the UK’s relationship with the United States remains essential to security and prosperity; and calls on the Prime Minister and Government to strengthen relations with the incoming US administration, particularly in the lead-up to the 80th anniversary of VE Day in 2025 and the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence in 2026, which offer valuable opportunities to reinforce this vital alliance.

395Harry Ferguson Museum of Innovation

Tabled: 12/11/24 Signatories: 3

Jim Allister

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

That this House supports the establishment of a dedicated Harry Ferguson Museum of Innovation in Northern Ireland, which would tell the life story of Harry Ferguson, who is best remembered as the father of the modern tractor with his Ferguson System of farm modernisation.

397Humanitarian situation in Sudan (No. 2)

Tabled: 12/11/24 Signatories: 16

Zarah Sultana

John McDonnell

Apsana Begum

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Richard Burgon

Jon Trickett

Ellie Chowns

That this House expresses deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has displaced over 10 million people, caused widespread famine, and fuelled religious persecution and human rights abuses, including sexual violence; recognises this severe humanitarian crisis; urges the Government to act urgently by supporting an immediate, internationally mediated ceasefire and advocating for safe, unhindered humanitarian access to all regions affected by the conflict; and calls on the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to hold all parties accountable for civilian protection and adherence to international human rights standards, because immediate action is crucial to addressing the urgent needs of Sudan’s displaced and vulnerable populations, upholding religious freedom, and fostering lasting peace in the region.

399Glastonbury Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Angela Yeoman Award

Tabled: 12/11/24 Signatories: 3

Sarah Dyke

Jim Shannon

James MacCleary

That this House congratulates the Glastonbury Neighbourhood Policing Team, Licensing Team and Anti-Social Behaviour Team on winning the Angela Yeoman award at the Force Awards on 23rd October; notes the Angela Yeoman award is awarded upon the demonstration of outstanding initiative and continuous support to increasing community safety; congratulates the concerted effort made by the policing team in Glastonbury, led by Sargent Simon Lancey and PCSO Supervisor Bea Gane, in reducing reported crime by 26 per cent and anti-social behaviour by 17% from September 2022 to September 2023; applauds their hard work in developing combative strategies to tackle crime, with a specific focus on delivery intervention, safeguarding and community engagement; recognises the marked improvement in crime statistics when sufficient planning and personnel are provided; further notes that according to the National Farmer Union, rural crime in Somerset rose by 67.6% to an estimated £1.3 million in 2023, with only 258 police officers and staff (0.1% of the overall workforce) being dedicated to rural crime teams across the UK; and calls on the Government to take steps towards having a specialist coordinator in their rural crime team, in line with the recommendations from the National Rural Crime Network.

402Redundancies at TGI Fridays

Tabled: 13/11/24 Signatories: 6

Lee Barron

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jon Trickett

Mary Kelly Foy

Mrs Lorraine Beavers

Richard Burgon

That this House condemns TGI Fridays’ decision to terminate over 1,000 staff with less than an hour’s notice, without consultation, leaving many workers locked out of their workplaces and unable to access their possessions; urges the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to meet with the dismissed workers; calls on Teneo to unlock the sites so that workers may retrieve their belongings; requests TGI Fridays ensures fair compensation, appropriate notice, and redundancy pay for all affected staff; further calls on the Business and Trade Select Committee to require TGI Fridays’ CEO, Julie McEwan, to appear before them; and further urges the Government to take urgent action to make mass firings without notice or consultation illegal.

403North East Fife Scottish Fish and Chip Award winners (No. 2)

Tabled: 13/11/24 Signatories: 2

Wendy Chamberlain

James MacCleary

That this House congratulates The Wee Chippy in Anstruther on winning Best Fish Supper in the 2024 Scottish Fish and Chip Awards; celebrates Kelvin, one of their fryers, on winning Highly Recommended in the Best Fish Fryer category; commemorates Anstruther Fish Bar on winning the People’s Choice Award; commends Cromars in St Andrews for winning Highly Recommended for Best Fish Supper (East) and Best Chip Shop (East), and Fish and Frites - Anstruther for Highly Recommended Best Team; appreciates all three for serving high quality, delicious food to the community in North East Fife; and wishes them all the best for the future.

404Scientific hearing on animal experiments (No. 3)

Tabled: 13/11/24 Signatories: 4

Chris Law

Graham Leadbitter

Ellie Chowns

Richard Burgon

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 the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022; further 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; also notes Doctors Greek and Shanks' 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 stop the suffering of innocent laboratory dogs and other animals.

406Implications for rural communities of the Autumn Budget 2024

Tabled: 13/11/24 Signatories: 7

Tim Farron

Robin Swann

Steff Aquarone

Anna Sabine

Claire Young

James MacCleary

Adam Dance

That this House recognises the vital contribution that British farmers make to our economy, environment and food security; understands that the farming industry has suffered from the botched trade deals that the former Conservative government negotiated and the poorly managed transition to Environmental Land Management schemes, increases in input costs, workforce shortages, extreme weather events and cuts to their incomes; is therefore deeply concerned by the Government's Budget announcement to cap agricultural property relief to an effective tax rate of 20% on all agricultural assets which are valued at over £1 million; believes that this decision unfairly affects family farms and rural businesses and may force tenant farmers and family farms to stop farming; notes that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ day-to-day spending is set to be cut by 1.9% over the next two years; further notes the Chancellor’s decision to accelerate the phase-out of the direct payments under the Basic Payment Scheme; also believes that these decisions put national food security, the natural environment and the heritage of agricultural communities and the rural economy at greater risk; and urges the Government to reverse its cut to agricultural property relief, raise the farming budget by £1 billion a year and issue an urgent review into the accelerated phase-out of the direct payments under the Basic Payment Scheme, to make sure our farmers can continue to feed the nation and protect our natural environment.