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Early Day Motions

Published – Wednesday 12 February 2025

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 11 February 2025

Early Day Motions (EDMs) are motions for which no days have been fixed.

The number of signatories includes all members who have added their names in support of the Early Day Motion (EDM), including the Member in charge of the Motion.

EDMs and added names are also published on the EDM database at www.parliament.uk/edm

[R] Indicates that a relevant interest has been declared.

New EDMs

782Coroner’s finding on SAS soldiers

Tabled: 11/02/25 Signatories: 1

Jim Allister

That this House notes the coroner’s ruling in the case involving the death of four fully armed IRA terrorists who had launched a murderous attack on a police station; thanks the SAS for their courageous service in tackling terrorism in Northern Ireland; further notes the utilisation of the coronial service and lawfare to vilify the security forces; and calls on the Government to stand up for those who risked their lives to defeat terrorism.

783National Heart Month

Tabled: 11/02/25 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the importance of National Heart Month in the UK, celebrated in February each year and hosted by the British Heart Foundation; notes that this campaign raises awareness of heart-related health conditions, and promotes healthy living habits to help reduce the risk of heart diseases; highlights that around 7.6 million people in the UK have a heart or circulatory disease, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and vascular dementia; further notes that in the UK someone dies from a heart or circulatory condition every 3 minutes and that there are things we can do to improve outcomes, such as learning CPR, donating to the many charities or attending fundraisers; thanks the British Heart Foundation and other charities for the incredible work they do to support those with heart diseases; and recognises that we can all play a role in raising awareness of this campaign.

78470th anniversary of Killyleagh Girls Brigade

Tabled: 11/02/25 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates the 70th anniversary of Killyleagh Girls Brigade, celebrated this month; notes that Killyleagh Parish supports the Girls Brigade Company in the town, which is linked to Killyleagh Presbyterian Church in the constituency of Strangford; highlights that the girls brigade is a Christian ministry among girls and young women, with members all around the world who work alongside churches in providing activities for girls aged 3-18 years old; underlines the ability for girls brigades to remain relevant in today's society through meeting the needs of the current generation whilst remaining rooted in unchanging values of Christian faith; and thanks Killyleagh Girls Brigade for their service to the local community and wishes them all the very best for the future.

785Military sexual trauma

Tabled: 11/02/25 Signatories: 1

Cameron Thomas

That this House notes that military sexual trauma refers to rape, sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service; further notes that it is distinct owing to the self-contained nature of military life, the unique pressures of military training environments and operational theatres, professional and social hierarchical structures and loyalty to the service; also notes that these, amongst other factors, may leave personnel and family members uniquely vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation, cut off from regular avenues of support and unable to create distance between themselves and the perpetrators; and believes that the Ministry of Defence has a duty to (a) recognise military sexual trauma and its unique contributory factors, (b) take appropriate steps to safeguard those vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation, (c) support victims and (d) take action against perpetrators.

786Abolition of district councils

Tabled: 11/02/25 Signatories: 1

Ayoub Khan

That this House notes with concern the Government's proposals as outlined in the English Devolution White Paper to abolish district councils across England; acknowledges that the Government has no electoral mandate to implement such sweeping changes to local governance as it was not in the Labour Party’s 2024 manifesto; further notes the lack of evidence supporting claims that these proposals will result in cost savings or more efficient decision-making processes for local communities; believes that this plan would remove crucial decision-making powers from local communities, significantly reduce the number of councillors representing local interests, and instead concentrate power into the hands of a small number of elected Mayors with authority over vast geographical areas; asserts that the abolition of district councils would undermine the principles of local democracy by distancing decision-making from those it directly affects; calls on the Government to reconsider these proposals and engage meaningfully with local stakeholders to ensure that any devolution plans truly empower communities rather than dilute their influence; and urges all hon. Members to advocate for a model of local governance that maintains local accountability, local accessibility, and local effectiveness.

787Yorkshire Cancer Research's 100th anniversary

Tabled: 11/02/25 Signatories: 1

Tom Gordon

That this House congratulates Yorkshire Cancer Research, based in Harrogate, on reaching its 100th anniversary this year; recognises the charity’s work across the region since it was founded in 1925;

recognises and celebrates its role in funding research into cancer care and treatment and in pioneering new cancer prevention and diagnosis for the people of Yorkshire; commends its work across the region over the last 100 years to support those with cancer; further recognises its role in providing a voice for Yorkshire and its communities and drawing attention to help those communities disproportionately affected by cancer; and also recognises its place as an essential charity in Yorkshire and beyond.

788Child poverty in the West Midlands

Tabled: 11/02/25 Signatories: 1

Ayoub Khan

That this House expresses deep concern for the rise in child poverty rates throughout the West Midlands; regrets that, according to research conducted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), 38.5% of children in the region live in poverty, with the West Midlands constituting the only region throughout the UK that has seen poverty rates increase since the mid-1990s; is further concerned by JRF’s projections that the child poverty rate is highly unlikely to fall by 2029; and urges the Government to collaborate with local and combined authorities, charitable organisations and private entities to develop a targeted strategy for reducing child poverty in the West Midlands.

789The Hawkers’ fundraising for Strathcarron Hospice and local charities

Tabled: 11/02/25 Signatories: 1

Euan Stainbank

That this House commends Falkirk band The Hawkers for raising £100 for Strathcarron Hospice through keyring sales at their 2024 concerts; recognises their ongoing support for local charities, including their collaboration with Home2Hospital, a Larbert-based charity providing transport for cancer patients across Scotland; and applauds the band for their continued efforts to raise awareness and funds to benefit the community.

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.

731World Cancer Day 2025

Tabled: 3/02/25 Signatories: 10

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Tom Morrison

Manuela Perteghella

Mary Kelly Foy

Christine Jardine

Tristan Osborne

That this House notes World Cancer Day 2025, celebrated on 4 February; highlights that cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis, behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story, with the same hope but different outcomes; underlines that about one in five people develop cancer in their lifetime, and approximately one in nine men and one in 12 women die from the disease; further notes that on World Cancer Day, everyone can make a difference by sharing their stories and spreading the word; and urges Government to continue providing funding and research into further cancer study, to ensure we can live in a world where millions of cancer deaths are prevented.

740Unleashed Theatre Company and the King's Award for Voluntary Service

Tabled: 4/02/25 Signatories: 9

Steve Darling

Dr Roz Savage

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Ben Maguire

That this House congratulates Unleashed Theatre Company on being awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour available to a voluntary organisation; recognises the outstanding work of Unleashed Theatre Company in supporting communities in one of the most deprived areas of Torbay; commends the dedication of its volunteers in creating an inclusive and supportive environment through the power of theatre; notes the comments of founder Martin Harris, who expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the company’s ambition to develop a community hub at the historic Royal Lyceum in Torquay; and wishes Unleashed Theatre Company continued success in its invaluable work bringing people together through creativity and community spirit.

741Marking World Cancer Day 2025

Tabled: 4/02/25 Signatories: 24

Helen Maguire

Ian Roome

Wera Hobhouse

Steve Darling

Dr Roz Savage

Claire Young

Christine JardineTristan Osborne

That this House marks World Cancer Day on 4 February 2025 and acknowledges the profound impact cancer has on individuals, families, and friends across the UK; recognises the courage and resilience of those living with cancer and the immeasurable support provided by loved ones; further recognises those who have sadly lost their lives to cancer and the lasting impact on their families and communities; expresses gratitude to the dedicated healthcare professionals, researchers, carers and volunteers who work tirelessly in cancer diagnosis, treatment and care; commends the ongoing efforts to improve early detection, treatment options and patient outcomes; and urges the Government to reaffirm its commitment to reducing cancer inequalities and improving support for those impacted by this disease.

752National Apprenticeships Week 2025

Tabled: 4/02/25 Signatories: 28

Ian Sollom

Ian Roome

Dr Roz Savage

Steve Darling

Claire Young

Adam Dance

Tristan Osborne

That this House welcomes National Apprenticeship Week from the 10th to the 14th February 2025; celebrates the positive impact apprenticeships have on the British economy; further welcomes any events in recognition of National Apprenticeship Week 2025; and encourages more businesses to consider the benefits of taking on apprentices within the workforce.

753LGBT+ History Month 2025

Tabled: 4/02/25 Signatories: 29

Christine Jardine

Steve Darling

Dr Roz Savage

Claire Young

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

Tristan Osborne

That this House celebrates February as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month 2025; recognises that this year's theme is activism and social change, highlighting the contributions of LGBT+ people who helped advance society for all; notes that LGBT+ History Month can facilitate conversations around the continuing struggle for LGBT+ rights; regrets that there are a growing number of anti-LGBT+ laws in place across the world in nations including Russia, Hungary and Uganda; acknowledges the progress made for LGBT+ rights in the UK, but regrets that many inequalities still persist; notes with concern that nearly two-thirds of LGBT+ people in the UK have experienced violence or abuse; welcomes the Government's announcement of a draft Bill to ban conversion practices; and calls on all Rt hon. and hon. Members of this House to work together to tackle discrimination and achieve equality for all LGBT+ people.

756Injury on Duty Award Scheme

Tabled: 5/02/25 Signatories: 12

Tom Morrison

Ellie Chowns

Adam Dance

Christine Jardine

Zöe Franklin

Jim Shannon

Liz JarvisPeter LambJess Brown-FullerRichard Foord

That this House acknowledges the inherent risks undertaken by police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other members of the emergency services in the line of duty; notes that severe injuries sustained in the line of duty can prematurely end their careers; further notes with concern that current recognition for such sacrifices is insufficient as existing gallantry awards are seldom conferred due to stringent criteria; highlights the case of Cheadle resident Jane Notley, a dedicated police officer whose legs were crushed while protecting the public, leading to her medical discharge; commends the initiative by retired Sussex Police Officer Tom Curry, who has launched a campaign seeking official recognition for officers injured on duty, as detailed by the National Association of Retired Police Officers; supports the Fire and Rescue Services Association's campaign advocating for medal recognition for all emergency service workers who are severely injured and medically retired from service; and calls on the Government to establish an official Injury on Duty Award Scheme to honour and acknowledge the sacrifices of these brave individuals.

757Proposals to forcibly displace and ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza

Tabled: 5/02/25 Signatories: 49

Richard Burgon

Imran Hussain

Apsana Begum

Andy McDonald

Zarah Sultana

Nadia Whittome

Seamus LoganEuan Stainbank

That this House rejects the proposals for Gaza by President Trump on 4 February 2025; deplores the inhumanity and illegality of any efforts to forcibly displace and ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza; affirms the provisions of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, that individual or mass forcible transfers or deportations of protected persons from occupied territory are prohibited, regardless of their motive; expresses grave concern over the risk of destabilisation not only of the recently achieved ceasefire agreement but of wider regional peace; and calls on the Government unequivocally to reject such proposals and take action to oppose any efforts to forcibly displace and ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza.

757A1 [Amendment]

Tabled: 6/02/25 Signatories: 1

Mr Alistair Carmichael

at end add 'and urges the Government immediately to recognise Palestine as a state on the 1967 borders and accordingly to advance a two-state solution.'.

759School absences

Tabled: 5/02/25 Signatories: 4

Mr Lee Dillon

Helen Maguire

Jim Shannon

Liz Jarvis

That this House notes with concern the impact of low school attendance on pupils' futures; acknowledges the significant effect of covid-19 on overall absence rates, which have increased by 57% since 2015; further notes with alarm that 26.5% of secondary school pupils in West Berkshire were persistently absent in 2023; recognises the detrimental consequences of high absence rates on children’s educational achievements and future opportunities; calls on the Government to prioritise addressing the underlying causes of poor attendance, including the role of poor mental health; and urges the Government to take action to reduce inequalities in school attendance across different socioeconomic groups.

763US proposals for Gaza

Tabled: 5/02/25 Signatories: 67

Calum Miller

Monica Harding

Helen Maguire

James MacCleary

Layla Moran

Wendy Chamberlain

Liz JarvisMr Paul Kohler

That this House believes that President Trump’s proposals for Gaza are dangerously irresponsible; recognises the need to uphold the rights and security of all citizens in Israel and Palestine; notes with concern that President Trump’s approach demonstrates total disregard for the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people; acknowledges the immense suffering that Palestinians have endured for so long; warns that President Trump’s statements will only deepen fear and uncertainty in Palestinians' lives; stresses the importance of maintaining the current ceasefire as a foundation for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East; calls on the UK Government to condemn President Trump’s proposals as both wrong and in violation of international law; and urges the UK to take this moment to immediately recognise Palestine as a state on 1967 Lines and accordingly advance a two-state solution.

764Waitangi Day 2025

Tabled: 5/02/25 Signatories: 5

Andrew Rosindell

Lillian Jones

David Mundell

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

That this House joins the people of New Zealand in celebrating Waitangi Day, their National Day, on 6 February 2025, commemorating the historic signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, that established a partnership between equals for both the Maori people and representatives of the British Crown; notes the importance of maintaining strong ties between the UK and New Zealand; recognises the shared heritage, longstanding trading relationships and deeply intertwined cultural, educational and military ties between the peoples of these two great allies and Commonwealth members who share His Majesty King Charles III as Head of State and Sovereign; and urges the Government to continue to foster and strengthen the special relationship that binds these two nations together.

765Children's Mental Health Week

Tabled: 5/02/25 Signatories: 24

Christine Jardine

Ellie Chowns

Dr Roz Savage

Adam Dance

Steff Aquarone

Ian Sollom

Liz JarvisClaire Young

That this House celebrates Children’s Mental Health Week 2025, running from 3 to 9 February; notes with concern that 50% of children and young people with lifetime mental health problems first experience symptoms by the age of 14; further notes that this year's theme is Know Yourself, Grow Yourself, which is aimed at encouraging children and young people to use self-awareness to understand and regulate their emotions; acknowledges the positive impact of this approach on building resilience, developing healthy relationships, and avoiding self-destructive behaviours; also notes the positive impact this support can have on young people experiencing difficult life events such as bereavement; and calls on the Government to introduce a dedicated mental health professional in every school to make this vital support more accessible to every child.

767Elliot Holmes Memorial Fund

Tabled: 5/02/25 Signatories: 4

Dr Lauren Sullivan

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

Tristan Osborne

That this House commends the invaluable work of the Elliot Holmes Memorial Fund, a Community Interest Company based in Gravesham, focused on providing direct access to mental health counselling for young people locally; notes that the Memorial Fund was set up by Kerry Holmes and her husband, Peter Scutts, after the tragic loss of her 19 year old son Elliot to suicide in 2020; recognises the Memorial Fund for their work in referring and funding 341 young people in Gravesham to counselling services since 2022, including 24 young people already referred so far in 2025; further recognises their impact in bettering access to critical mental health support for young people in Gravesham; and also recognises the need for services like those funded by the Elliot Holmes Memorial Fund across the country to provide timely, effective mental health intervention at the point of need to prevent further tragic losses of young people.

768Safety regulations for large-scale battery storage facilities

Tabled: 5/02/25 Signatories: 12

Charlotte Cane [R]

Dr Roz Savage

Adam Dance

Christine Jardine

Anna Sabine

Pippa Heylings

Liz Jarvis

That this House notes the increasing reliance on battery storage facilities, particularly lithium-ion technologies, to support renewable energy projects and grid stability; acknowledges the concerns raised by residents and emergency services in Ely and East Cambridgeshire regarding the safety implications of such sites; calls for such concerns to be recognised during the consideration of the planned Sunnica Energy Farm; recognises the risks posed by thermal runaway events, including fires, explosions, and the release of toxic gases; expresses alarm at the potential for soil and water contamination from firefighting runoff and chemical leaks; believes that the current regulatory framework governing battery storage safety is inadequate; calls on the Government to urgently review and update regulations to ensure robust safety standards for large-scale battery storage facilities, including clear guidance on site location, emergency response protocols, and environmental protection measures; and urges the Government to provide clarity on which department holds responsibility for these regulations, along with a timeline for their implementation, to ensure these facilities can contribute to greater renewable energy infrastructure and net zero targets while also safeguarding public safety.

771Responders to Storm Éowyn

Tabled: 6/02/25 Signatories: 3

Carla Lockhart

Jim Shannon

Tonia Antoniazzi

That this House expresses its deep gratitude to all those who stepped up in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn, demonstrating remarkable resilience, dedication, and community spirit; recognises the extraordinary efforts of Northern Ireland Electricity engineers, call handlers, and all utility workers who worked around the clock to restore power and assist those affected; commends the response of individuals, community groups, and businesses who provided hot meals, charging facilities, washing facilities, and warm spaces to those in need; acknowledges the emergency responders and statutory authorities for their swift action in ensuring public safety; pays tribute to the farmers who helped clear roads and supported their communities; welcomes the £1 million financial assistance package from the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons MLA, to aid those impacted; and thanks the UK Government for its role in securing mutual aid, ensuring that helicopters, generators, batteries, and additional engineers were swiftly deployed to support recovery efforts upon request from the NI Executive.

772Mental health in farming

Tabled: 6/02/25 Signatories: 24

Sarah Dyke

Graham Leadbitter

Edward Morello

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

Christine JardineLiz JarvisClaire Young

That this House recognises the mental health crisis among the British agricultural sector; acknowledges that 95% of farmers in the UK under the age of 40 ranked poor mental health as one of the biggest hidden problems facing the industry; is concerned by RABI’s findings that revealed that one-in-five respondents to their Big Farming Survey knew someone within the sector who had taken their own life; further recognises the host of challenges facing British farmers from high energy, feed and fertiliser costs to unfair trade deals that have undercut the industry; understands that climate change has increased the risks of flooding and temperature increases that reduce crop yields and disrupt growing seasons; shows regret at the Government’s recent proposed changes to APR and BPR that will have a negative impact on family farms across the country that are already struggling to be profitable; commends the work of mental health charities such as the Farm Safety Foundation whose annual Mind Your Head campaign aims to raise awareness of this growing issue within farming; and calls on the Government to reverse the changes to APR, increase the farming budget by £1 billion a year and improve access to mental health services in rural areas by supporting the continued roll-out of mental health hubs.

773Recognition for World War I servicemen affected by PTSD

Tabled: 10/02/25 Signatories: 3

Natasha Irons

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

That this House acknowledges the commendable efforts of Mr Michael Lyons, a dedicated local veteran in leading the Final Roll Call campaign which seeks to secure recognition for World War I servicemen who, due to the psychological trauma now understood as PTSD, were unjustly institutionalised and omitted from honour rolls and memorials; notes that many of these servicemen were sent to asylums such as Cane Hill, where they were wrongly branded as cowards, and their sacrifices were erased from history; highlights that Mr Lyons has tirelessly worked to ensure these forgotten heroes are finally given the recognition they deserve; observes that his campaign has already succeeded in commemorating 26 such men, with another 8 awaiting rightful recognition; supports fully Mr Lyons' efforts and believes that these veterans, who gave so much for their country, should be honoured just like any other who served during the war; and calls for their suffering and sacrifice not be forgotten simply because of the historical lack of understanding of mental health.

774Mental health of women in farming

Tabled: 10/02/25 Signatories: 10

Sarah Dyke

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Liz Jarvis

Dr Roz Savage

Jess Brown-FullerClaire YoungSteff AquaroneAdam Dance

That this House recognises the urgent need to address the mental health crisis affecting women in British agriculture; acknowledges research by the University of Exeter and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) which highlights financial pressures, long working hours, social isolation, and gender inequalities as contributing factors to poor mental health among women in farming; notes with concern that 23% of women farmers suffer from severe anxiety, with 34.6% experiencing mild anxiety, affecting over half (58%) of women in farming; expresses alarm that loneliness is a leading factor, with 64.5% of women in farming who are often or always lonely experiencing anxiety; understands that additional concerns such as childcare responsibilities, non-farming employment, rural crime, and domestic violence further exacerbate these challenges; notes the Government’s proposed cut to Agricultural Property Relief (APR), which risks financial devastation for small family farms, has only heightened the crisis present; regrets that women’s mental health needs in farming have been historically overlooked; commends the University of Exeter and the Farming Community Network for their contemporary Understanding health and wellbeing among farm women: a life-course approach study and the Farm Safety Foundation for their Mind Your Head mental health awareness campaign during 10-14 February 2025; and calls on the Government to improve access for women to mental health services in rural areas by supporting the continued roll-out of mental health hubs, reverse the changes to APR, and increase the farming budget by £1 billion annually to help provide financial support for women in farming.

775Transition of Scottish Council on Global Affairs leadership from University of Glasgow to University of St Andrews

Tabled: 10/02/25 Signatories: 3

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

That this House celebrates an event held at the University of St Andrews to mark the transition of the Scottish Council on Global Affairs from the University of Glasgow to St Andrews for the next two years; acknowledges that First Minister John Swinney MSP and former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar joined Principal Professor Dame Sally Mapstone at the event held in the School of Medicine’s Booth Lecture Theatre; and recognises the important role Scotland and the Scottish Council on Global Affairs can play in meeting current and future challenges to global security.

776Female football boots

Tabled: 10/02/25 Signatories: 14

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Anna Sabine

Ben Maguire

Liz Jarvis

Tom MorrisonEdward MorelloDr Roz SavageRichard FoordIan RoomeCameron ThomasJess Brown-FullerClaire Young

That this House recognises the growing participation of women and girls in football and the need for better accessibility to appropriate footwear; notes with concern that while female football boots can be purchased online from major retailers, there is often a very restricted range and a general absence from high street stores; highlights that many high street shops do not stock football boots specifically designed for women or men's boots in sizes below size 6, making it difficult for women with smaller feet to find suitable options; acknowledges the physiological differences between male and female players and the importance of properly designed footwear to provide adequate support and performance; believes that women and girls should have the same ease of access to football boots as their male counterparts; and calls on retailers and manufacturers to improve the availability of football boots in stores to ensure all players can access appropriate footwear regardless of their size and sex.

77775 years of the Harpenden and Wheathampstead Gang Show

Tabled: 10/02/25 Signatories: 3

Victoria Collins

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Harpenden and Wheathampstead Gang Show, a variety show that has been running since 1949, making it the longest continuously running Gang Show in the world that celebrates the talent of the young people around the Harpenden and Wheathampstead area; notes the commendable efforts of all of the backstage crew and cast members in their dedication to keep the tradition of the Gang Show alive whilst performing entertaining acts for the community; commends the hard work of Ewan Murray for his 37 years as Musical Director and 32 years as Show Director of the Gang Show; and highlights the community spirit of Harpenden and Wheathampstead for keeping this tradition alive.

778Blue Flag status for rivers

Tabled: 10/02/25 Signatories: 12

Victoria Collins

Ayoub Khan

Wera Hobhouse

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Tom MorrisonLiz JarvisDr Roz SavageTom GordonJess Brown-FullerClaire Young

That this House calls for a new Blue Flag status for rivers and chalk streams; notes that as globally rare and ecologically unique habitats, chalk streams are not only ripe contenders for the attribution of the status but fundamentally require the formal recognition for their survival, especially given the persistent sewage dumping scandals and good categorisation of only 14% of England’s rivers; further notes the anticipated benefits of the Blue Flag status in advocating for enhanced responsibility and accountability from water companies, maintained via compliance checks and stringent environmental standards; and further calls on environmental champions to prioritise chalk streams, as pinnacles of biodiversity under threat, by raising awareness of the need for a new Blue Flag status.

779Parliamentary Prayers

Tabled: 10/02/25 Signatories: 8

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Kirsty Blackman

Luke Taylor

Ellie Chowns

Steve Witherden

Cat Eccles

Cameron Thomas

That this House recognises that religious worship should not play any part in the formal business of the House of Commons; believes that Parliamentary meetings should be conducted in a manner that is equally welcoming to all attendees, irrespective of their personal beliefs; further believes that Parliamentary prayers are not compatible with a society that respects the principles of freedom of and from religion; urges that prayers should not form part of the official business of Parliament; and calls on the Modernisation Committee to consider alternative arrangements.

780Royal Mail's universal service obligation

Tabled: 10/02/25 Signatories: 16

Anna Sabine

Ayoub Khan

Christine Jardine

Wera Hobhouse

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Helen MaguireTom MorrisonLiz JarvisDr Roz SavageBrian MathewIan RoomeTom GordonJess Brown-FullerClaire YoungAdam Dance

That this House expresses its concern over Ofcom’s proposed changes to Royal Mail’s universal service obligation which would allow Royal Mail to alternate second-class deliveries, scrap second-class deliveries on Saturday and reduce delivery targets for first and second-class post; acknowledges the importance of a reliable Royal Mail service for rural communities, the elderly, disabled and the vulnerable; laments that many households are not receiving an adequate level of postal and parcel service, often missing important post including medical appointments, prescriptions and bills; calls on the Government and Ofcom to work with Royal Mail to improve the quality of service, delivery targets and staff retention; and further acknowledges all the work that postal works and deliverers do for the community.

781NHS targets

Tabled: 10/02/25 Signatories: 21

Helen Morgan

Jess Brown-Fuller

Dr Danny Chambers

Alison Bennett

Ayoub Khan

Wera Hobhouse

Helen MaguireAnna SabineTom MorrisonEdward MorelloMr Joshua ReynoldsLiz JarvisDr Roz SavageRichard FoordIan RoomeTom GordonBrian MathewMike MartinClaire YoungSteff AquaroneAdam Dance

That this House acknowledges the abject failure of the last Conservative Government to meet NHS targets; notes that this failure reflected devastating mismanagement which left hospitals crumbling, operations cancelled, pensioners treated on trolleys in corridors, and doctors and nurses at breaking point; further notes that our NHS was once the envy of the world; regrets that, rather than show ambition in this moment of crisis, the Labour Government has been slow to take the action required to reach basic standards of diagnosis, treatment and waiting times; expresses alarm that the dropping of targets has seen community services, mental health, dementia, women’s health and other areas of care deprioritised; further regrets that many patients will suffer as a result; believes the Government has not lived up to its promises on prevention and care in the community; calls on the Government to be more ambitious for our NHS, and reinstate the slashed targets; further calls on the Government to fix the crisis at both the front door and the back door of the NHS by investing in public health and early access to community services so fewer people need to go to hospital in the first place, and to fix the crisis in social care which sees so many people stuck in hospital beds or unable to cope; and further believes patients in this country deserve nothing less than a first class health service which delivers the highest standards of care whenever they need it.