Published – Friday 17 January 2025

New EDMs

644Anniversary of the invasion of Baku

Tabled: 16/01/25 Signatories: 1

Bob Blackman

That this House notes that on 20 January 2025 the UK will observe the anniversary of the invasion of Baku by Soviet troops in 1990 in response to the popular movement calling for independence of Azerbaijan; pays tribute to the 150 civilians who lost their lives during the invasion of the city of Baku in Azerbaijan; and urges all Members to observe this day, so that the events will always be remembered.

645Commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the genocide of Kashmiri Pandit Hindus from Jammu and Kashmir in India

Tabled: 16/01/25 Signatories: 1

Bob Blackman

That this House commemorates with deep sadness and disappointment the 35th anniversary of the co-ordinated attacks in January 1990 by cross-border Islamic terrorists and their supporters on the minority Hindu population of Kashmir valley; expresses its condolences to its British Hindu citizens, whose friends and family were killed, raped, injured and who were displaced by force in this planned massacre; condemns the desecration of holy sites in Jammu and Kashmir; vows to protect the rights of Hindus in the UK, including the right to demand justice; is concerned that Kashmiri Hindu minority that fled persecution have still not seen justice or recognition of the atrocities committed against them in 35 years; deplores those sponsoring such cross-border terrorist attacks; is concerned that organisations supporting terror are thriving in the UK; notes that the international principle of responsibility to protect obliges individual States and the international community to take effective measures to prevent the commission of genocide and crimes against humanity as suffered by Kashmiri Hindus; urges the Government of India to fulfil its long-standing international commitment to recognise and acknowledge the genocide of Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir; further notes that properties belonging to the minority Hindu community in Kashmir continue to be occupied; calls on the Government of India to enact the proposed Panun Kashmir Genocide Crime Punishment and Atrocities Prevention Bill in the Indian Parliament, and further urges the UK Government to commemorate 19 January as Kashmiri Pandit Exodus Day.

646US trade and impact assessments

Tabled: 16/01/25 Signatories: 1

Ed Davey

That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to give directions that there be deposited in the Library of the House of Commons all impact assessments which His Majesty’s Government has made regarding the impact of potential US tariffs on the UK economy.

647William Buchanan’s contribution to Falkirk

Tabled: 16/01/25 Signatories: 1

Euan Stainbank

That this House commends William Buchanan for over 35 years of bringing festive cheer to Bonnybridge and Falkirk, starting with carol singing on a tractor and later continuing at Hopepark Sheltered Housing Complex; recognises the dedication of his family who have upheld this tradition, dressing as elves to visit residents each Christmas morning; notes the comfort this brings, particularly to those with little other human contact on Christmas Day; and pays tribute to William’s commitment to his community, ensuring no one is forgotten during the festive season.

648Highland hospital transport

Tabled: 16/01/25 Signatories: 1

Jamie Stone

That this House recognises the inequality in access to healthcare faced by residents in the far north of Scotland; acknowledges that thousands of people are struggling to reach Raigmore Hospital in Inverness due to inadequate hospital transport schemes; notes that residents of Caithness have to travel up to 100 miles for necessary medical treatments; highlights that public transport is not always viable and taxis are not always affordable; further recognises that this is deterring people from settling in the Highlands; and calls on the Government to recognise this issue and raise it with the Scottish Government.

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.

597Jim Grant Inspirational Achievement Award

Tabled: 6/01/25 Signatories: 9

Dr Roz Savage

Helen Maguire

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Mr Angus MacDonald

Adam Dance

Tim FarronDr Al Pinkerton

That this House recognises the work of South Cotswolds constituent, Ben Thornbury, in achieving the Jim Grant Inspirational Achievement Award which was awarded to him at Cirencester College where Ben is a student; praises his work for the community in going above and beyond to clean-up the town, highlight the plight of potholes, and being heavily involved in a national campaign to locate missing people; and calls on the Government to recognise the vital work done by local champions such as Ben Thornbury in communities.

610Afghan women and girls

Tabled: 8/01/25 Signatories: 31

Wendy Chamberlain

Ayoub Khan

Claire Hanna

Dr Roz Savage

Susan Murray

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

That this House deplores the systemic and violent subjugation of women and girls in Afghanistan by the Taliban, including extensive restrictions on speech, education, working, and unaccompanied travel or movement in the public sphere; notes that this is described by the United Nations special rapporteur as amounting to a gender apartheid; acknowledges the Tirana Declaration agreed by Afghan female leaders in September 2024; further acknowledges the critical need to hold Taliban leaders accountable for human rights violations; and calls on the Government to reaffirm its commitment to Afghan women and girls throughout its diplomatic, international development and defence policies.

611Import and sale of real fur

Tabled: 8/01/25 Signatories: 47

Ruth Jones

Irene Campbell

Sarah Edwards

Will Stone

Adrian Ramsay

Wera Hobhouse

Martin RhodesCarla DenyerMartin WrigleyDavid ChadwickNadia Whittome

That this House urges the Government to ban the import and sale of real fur; notes that the UK has banned the main methods of fur production, namely leg-hold trapping and fur farming, due to their cruelty; believes that it is hypocritical to allow the import and sale of real fur; further notes that real fur is rejected by the public, many fashion houses and retailers, and that the sale of fur has been banned in California; and further believes that a fur ban is a natural extension of the existing import bans on cat and dog fur and commercial seal fur products, and that a comprehensive fur ban will help maintain the UK as a global leader in the promotion of animal welfare.

617Sharon Scrivens

Tabled: 9/01/25 Signatories: 10

Dr Roz Savage

Adam Dance

Clive Jones

Helen Morgan

Helen Maguire

Ian Roome

Tim FarronJess Brown-FullerDr Al Pinkerton

That this House commends Sharon Scrivens on being awarded a British Empire Medal for her tireless work to fundraise for Cancer Research UK; applauds her and her fellow volunteers on their leadership of the CRUK Cirencester Relay for Life; recognises the incredible work that fundraisers like Sharon do to support their local communities; encourages others to get involved with the challenge and support this incredible cause; and calls on the Government to continue supporting grassroots fundraising efforts and ensure that such community-led initiatives receive the recognition and resources they deserve in the fight against cancer.

621Possible sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili

Tabled: 13/01/25 Signatories: 15

James MacCleary

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Wera Hobhouse

Helen Maguire

David Chadwick

Jess Brown-FullerAdam Dance

That this House expresses deep concern at the suspension of Georgia’s EU accession process and the increasing use of excessive force against peaceful protesters; condemns the role of Bidzina Ivanishvili in undermining democracy and facilitating Russian influence in Georgia; notes the United States has imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili and calls on the UK Government to do the same to demonstrate a firm stance against democratic backsliding; urges a review of the UK’s strategic partnership with Georgia and closer coordination with EU partners to counter Russian interference; and reaffirms support for the Georgian people’s democratic aspirations.

622Sexual harassment in the workplace

Tabled: 13/01/25 Signatories: 32

Dawn Butler

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jon Trickett

Kate Osborne

Apsana BegumCarla DenyerLillian JonesRebecca Long BaileyIan Byrne

That this House is seriously concerned about the continued incidence of alleged sexual harassment in workplaces across the UK; notes that 700 current or former employees of McDonald's UK alone are bringing legal action against the company alleging they were subject to sexual harassment, alongside other discrimination, homophobia, and racism claims; understands that 90 per cent of the complainants were employed on zero hours contracts, indicating that instances of abuse are more likely to occur given the power imbalances between managers and often young and more vulnerable workers on casualised terms and conditions; supports legislative proposals in the Employment Rights Bill to strengthen legal duties of protection on employers; welcomes the launch by the Workers Policy Project of the End Not Defend Sexual Harassment campaign, to ensure that the issue is also taken seriously within the regulatory framework governing safety in the workplace, and to strengthen workers and trade union rights; and calls for an integrated and properly-resourced approach between the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, Health and Safety Executive and the new Fair Work Agency in order to stamp out sexual harassment at work for good.

625Hyndland Secondary School, CyberFirst Girls Competition Winner 2024-2025

Tabled: 13/01/25 Signatories: 4

Patricia Ferguson

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Colum Eastwood

That this House congratulates Charlotte, Jess, Sania, and Aoibhe, pupils at Hyndland Secondary School winners of the Scotland category of the CyberFirst Girls Competition 2024-2025; commends the students for their hard work, resilience, and dedication throughout the competition; notes that that the competition aims to inspire girls interested in technology to pursue a career in cyber security, providing an opportunity for young women to engage with advanced cyber topics outside the curriculum, nurturing talent, developing skills and introducing girls to the possibility of a career in cyber; and commends the National Cyber Security Centre for organising the competition, which attracted entries from over 12,500 girls across the UK.

629Life and achievements of Bob Williams

Tabled: 13/01/25 Signatories: 8

Vikki Slade [R]

Anna Sabine

Brian Mathew

Jim Shannon

Sarah Dyke

Helen Maguire

Olly Glover

That this House celebrates the life and achievements of Bob Williams, former Dorset County Councillor, Deputy Leader of Borough of Poole and President of Mid Dorset & North Poole Lib Dems, who has sadly passed away; acknowledges Bob’s dedication and commitment to Broadstone and Poole, firstly through 28 years as an elected member and latterly as a much valued community volunteer; recognises his commitment to local authority service in particular supporting youth services, planning and setting up Pride in Poole; notes the key role that he played, alongside fellow Liberal Democrat Brian Clements, in securing and building the Twin Sails Bridge; commends his support for Broadstone after his political career ended being the voice of the Broadstone Christmas Parade and serving as secretary for the Broadstone Chamber of Trade and Commerce for many years; pays tribute to his dedication to his wife Shelagh, children Christian and Kerry and his wider family, and to the Liberal Democrats where he served first as Chair of the local party and then as President, and notes his qualities as a kind and gentle man who had a talent for singing and always offered his practical help putting up Christmas lights, fixing the community hall and setting out the fun day; and thanks him for the role he played in securing the election of many councillors in Dorset and to Parliament of Dame Annette Brooke MP and Vikki Slade MP both of whom consider him a cherished friend.

630Wild Moon Morris (No. 2)

Tabled: 13/01/25 Signatories: 4

Sarah Dyke

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Dr Roz Savage

That this House congratulates Wild Moon Morris, the Glastonbury-based folk dance club, on their invitation to perform on 2 February 2025 to celebrate Imbolc, the Pagan festival marking the beginning of spring and the official opening of the Celtic Settlement in Moredo, Portugal; recognises the cultural significances of Wild Moon Morris, who through their contemporary form of Morris dancing help to preserve Celtic cultural heritage, foster community engagement and celebrate seasonal change through music, choreography and folklore; applauds their female-led recital alongside the all-female Pauliterias de Malhadas, the UNESCO-recognised Careto Demons, and The Academic Iberica da Mascara, whose performances celebrate the rich tapestry of folk and Celtic paganism shared between the UK and Portugal; notes with appreciation the financial support provided by the people of Glastonbury, Moredo Town Council, City Council Braganca and the International Art Co-operative, which have enabled this cultural collaboration; and wishes Wild Moon Morris and all participating performers every success in their recitals celebrating the arrival of spring and demonstrating the importance of cultural unity within Celtic Paganism.

633Right to protest outside the BBC

Tabled: 13/01/25 Signatories: 41

John McDonnell

Ian Byrne

Jeremy Corbyn

Grahame Morris

Brian Leishman

Brendan O'Hara

Kate OsborneColum EastwoodCarla DenyerLlinos MediMr Adnan HussainBen LakeSiân Berry

That this House is alarmed by attempts by the Metropolitan Police to prevent an agreed march for Palestine from protesting at the BBC on 18 January 2025; notes the route for the march was confirmed with the police nearly two months ago and as agreed with them was publicly announced on 30 November 2024; believes that the BBC is rightly accountable to the public and that police powers should not be used to shield it from democratic scrutiny; rejects the Metropolitan Police’s claim the march could cause disruption to a nearby synagogue noting that the nearest synagogue to the BBC is not even on the march route; further notes that the Metropolitan Police themselves have acknowledged that there has not been a single incident of any threat to a synagogue attached to any of the previous marches for Palestine, and that thousands of Jewish people have been joining the protests, many of them part of an organised Jewish bloc; notes that since these restrictions were announced nearly 200 MPs, trade union and civil society leaders and groups including Amnesty International UK and Liberty, Holocaust survivors and their descendants, lawyers, journalists and prominent cultural figures as well as over 700 members of the British Jewish community have spoken out in support of the right to protest; and, therefore, calls on the Government to urge the Metropolitan Police to drop these repressive restrictions and allow the planned protest to take place at the BBC.

63925th Anniversary of the reopening of the Forth & Clyde Canal

Tabled: 14/01/25 Signatories: 4

Euan Stainbank

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

Patricia Ferguson

That this House congratulates Scottish Canals on the 25th anniversary of the reopening of the Forth & Clyde Canal in 2001 as part of the Millennium Link project; notes that this £83.4 million project was one of the largest canal restoration efforts in Britain, reconnecting the Forth & Clyde and Union canals; recognises the significant cultural and economic benefits brought by the construction of the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift, and The Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures; further acknowledges the revitalisation of local communities and the creation of a marine hub; and commends Scottish Canals for their ongoing commitment to preserving Scotland’s waterways and heritage.

640Female football cards and consumer products

Tabled: 14/01/25 Signatories: 9

Helen Maguire

Jim Shannon

Mr Will Forster

Zöe Franklin

Steff Aquarone

Martin Wrigley

Adam DanceJess Brown-FullerChris Coghlan

That this House acknowledges the significant progress made in women's football and the increased visibility of female players at both national and grassroots levels; notes with concern the lack of availability of birthday and greeting cards celebrating female footballers; believes that the underrepresentation of female athletes in such products undermines efforts to promote gender equality in sports; calls on greeting card manufacturers and retailers to expand their ranges to include more options featuring female football players; and encourages greater representation of women's sports across all forms of media and consumer products to inspire the next generation of female athletes.

641Open Doors 2025

Tabled: 15/01/25 Signatories: 2

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the launch of the Open Doors World Watch List 2025 on Wednesday 15 January 2025, which assists in helping to highlight areas worldwide where Christians continue to be persecuted and where many face the most extreme oppression, threats and on many occasions death; and calls on the Government to increase support to all those working to end such persecution across the world.

642Linda Norgrove Foundation wins Voluntary Sector Partnership Award

Tabled: 15/01/25 Signatories: 5

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Dr Roz Savage

Patricia Ferguson

That this House congratulates the Linda Norgrove Foundation on winning the Voluntary Sector Partnership Award at the Scottish Public Service Awards; commends their collaboration with the UK and Scottish Governments in order to resettle 19 Afghan female medical students; notes that the students were forced to give up studying medicine after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan and forced women to leave universities; recognises the incredible hard work that the Linda Norgrove Foundation put in to helping the students come to Scotland to finish their studies; and wishes them all the best for their studies and futures ahead.