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Early Day Motions

Published – Thursday 27 February 2025

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 26 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

848Changes to Overseas Development Assistance

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 2

Monica Harding

Calum Miller

That this House expresses concern over the Government’s decision to reduce the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5% to 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNI); agrees with the importance of strengthening the UK’s national security and defence commitments, particularly in light of increasing global security challenges, but recognises that a cut to ODA diminishes the UK’s soft power; regrets that the UK’s retreat from its status as an international aid superpower creates a vacuum into which Russian and Chinese influence will flow; acknowledges the intimate connection between supporting international aid and preventing conflict abroad; reflects on the benefits to UK security of promoting stability abroad; notes that ODA investment is an essential tool in tackling poverty, promoting stability, and reducing the causes of conflict and migration, all of which serve the UK’s own security interests; further regrets that this cut represents the lowest UK aid contribution as a percentage of GNI since 1999, diminishing the UK’s long-standing reputation as a global leader in humanitarian assistance and development; further notes with alarm that an increasing proportion of the UK’s ODA is being spent on in-donor refugee costs rather than directly supporting poverty reduction, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development overseas; calls on the Government to reconsider this decision and explore alternative means to meet its defence spending commitments without cutting international aid; and urges Ministers to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to global security and development, ensuring that national strength is not built at the cost of global responsibility.

849Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 1

Stephen Gethins

That this House expresses its grave concern at the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where over 800,000 people have been displaced; notes that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warns that the warring parties are increasingly using rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war; further notes the dire humanitarian crisis, with mass displacement, limited access to essential services such as water, hygiene, and sanitation, and the severe disruption to food production during a critical cultivation period; acknowledges the vital role played by local church agencies and humanitarian organisations in responding to the crisis; calls on the UK Government to use its diplomatic influence to press for an immediate cessation of violence against civilians, the protection of international humanitarian law, and improved access for humanitarian aid; urges the UK Government to prioritise diplomatic efforts to encourage all parties involved in the conflict to allow humanitarian assistance to reach affected populations; further calls upon the UK Government to take steps to ensure that UK supply chains are not complicit in the exploitation of conflict minerals from the DRC; and further urges the UK Government to put pressure on the governments in the region to establish an immediate end the violence, and find a path to sustainable peace in DRC.

850NHS nurse Kate Turner

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 1

Peter Prinsley

That this House congratulates Kate Turner on her 50 years of service to the NHS as a nurse at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds; notes the positive effect her work has had on thousands of people across Suffolk, in hospitals, the community and for many years in cardiac rehabilitation; recognises the role of NHS nurses in delivering quality patient care; and wishes Ms Turner and all staff at West Suffolk Hospital the best.

851Impact of tool theft on tradespeople

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 1

Luke Taylor

That this House notes the financial and emotional toll of tool theft on tradespeople; acknowledges that replacing stolen equipment can be costly, often leading to economic hardship for small businesses; highlights that theft results in cancelled jobs and loss of income; recognises the stress caused by dealing with theft and the disruption to work; and calls for greater protection and support for tradespeople facing these challenges. 

852Anniversary of the Darfur genocide

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 1

Shockat Adam

That this House commemorates the anniversary of the Darfur genocide in 2003 when hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians were killed, and millions more were displaced from their homes; acknowledges the suffering inflicted upon indigenous tribes in the region, including the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa groups; further acknowledges the profound and lasting impact of the conflict on the people of Darfur and the wider Sudanese population; calls for continued support for the people of Darfur and for greater accountability for those responsible for the atrocities; expresses deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur and wider Sudan where atrocities continue to be committed; urges the Government to prevent further genocidal acts in Darfur; further urges the Government to enhance peacekeeping efforts and provide aid to the region; and reaffirms the importance of preventing future genocides by ensuring justice, promoting human rights, and holding perpetrators of mass atrocities accountable for their actions.

853Right to peaceful protest

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 1

Siân Berry

That this House believes that the right to peacefully protest is a fundamental pillar of our democracy and must be protected; is deeply concerned about the sweeping restrictions on when, how and where people can protest posed by provisions within the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023; notes that this legislation has expanded police powers to restrict noisy protests, introduced protest-specific stop and search powers, and has created new criminal offences that limit peaceful protest tactics; further notes that non-violent protestors have been sentenced to record lengths of time in prison at a time when our criminal justice system is in crisis and our prisons are over-flowing; rejects the use of existing powers to punish protestors without criminal trial by taking away their right to travel, keeping them in cells and on remand for extended periods and imposing stringent conditions including curfews, tagging, restrictions on their freedom of movement; and therefore, calls on the Government to repeal the protest-related provisions within the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023 and to demonstrate its commitment to democracy by upholding the fundamental right to protest.

854Cheltenham Festival week and antisocial behaviour

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 1

Max Wilkinson

That this House acknowledges the huge economic benefits which race week brings to Cheltenham, particularly to the local hospitality industry; notes that local residents have concerns about antisocial behaviour, including public urination; recognises that local agencies have worked hard for the past two years to reduce public urination, on a campaign known locally as the War On Wee, as part of the Love Our Turf Campaign; implores racegoers not to urinate in public; and welcomes the work of local councils, the police and the Jockey Club to stamp out this disgusting practice, alongside other antisocial behaviour.

855Air Gunner Jim Squires

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 1

Ian Roome

That this House pays tribute to the life and wartime service of the late Jim Squires, formerly of No. 50 Squadron, Royal Air Force, and a Lancaster bomber Air Gunner who survived more than 35 sorties during the Second World War; recognises an extraordinary life lived to 99 years of age; acknowledges the low survival rates and remarkable bravery of RAF bomber crews; honours the few remaining WW2 RAF veterans; and salutes those to whom so much is owed in defence of freedom.

856West Bank

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 1

Calum Miller

That this House is deeply concerned by recent developments in the West Bank; believes that the deployment of Israeli military personnel to the West Bank, which constitutes one of the most significant military operations in the area since 2002, further escalates tensions and undermines the stability of the fragile ceasefires in the wider region; notes with alarm the expulsion of over 40,000 residents from the Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps; condemns remarks by those who advocate the annexation of the West Bank to Israel and who incite violence to achieve that end; further believes that such extremism undermines the efforts of those Israelis and Palestinians who are working towards peace; calls on the Government to legislate to cease the import to the UK of goods produced in illegal settlements; further notes the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the West Bank, with many displaced Palestinians struggling to access clean water, food, shelter and medical care; and further calls for the urgent delivery of aid to displaced Palestinians.

857Treatment of Israeli hostages

Tabled: 26/02/25 Signatories: 1

Calum Miller

That this House is deeply moved by the release of hostages after being held in captivity for over 16 months by Hamas; notes with disgust the way in which hostages have been treated while in captivity and during their release, such as the way in which Eli Sharabi was cruelly mocked by his captors on release over the murder of his family; believes that such extremism undermines the efforts of those Israelis and Palestinians who are working towards peace; further notes the ongoing suffering of all those still being held hostage by Hamas as well as the suffering which their families have endured; pays tribute to the immensely powerful advocacy of the hostage families in the midst of unimaginable suffering; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages still held in Gaza; and urges the UK Government to do all it can to secure a lasting peace with a two state solution which will give Israelis and Palestinians the security they deserve.

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.

755EWS1 forms and market disruption

Tabled: 5/02/25 Signatories: 11

Dr Al Pinkerton

Christine Jardine

Jess Brown-Fuller

Martin Wrigley

Zöe Franklin

Calum Miller

Apsana Begum

That this House expresses deep concern over the systemic failures of the EWS1 assessment process, which have left thousands of leaseholders in financial limbo; notes reports that Adam Kiziak, owner of Tri Fire Ltd, has been sanctioned for failing to hold adequate professional indemnity insurance, having undisclosed prohibitive exclusions, failing to meet professional competency standards and breaching the ethics code regarding accuracy and diligence; further notes that major lenders, including Nationwide, NatWest and HSBC, are now refusing his assessments, blocking property sales and causing financial distress; highlights the case of affected residents in Surrey Heath constituency and the broader national implications of this scandal; calls on the Government to launch an urgent fraud investigation, convene an emergency meeting with industry stakeholders to restore confidence in EWS1 assessments and commission an independent inquiry into regulatory failures; and urges immediate action to protect leaseholders from further injustice.

756Injury on Duty Award Scheme

Tabled: 5/02/25 Signatories: 29

Tom Morrison

Ellie Chowns

Adam Dance

Christine Jardine

Zöe Franklin

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

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: 57

Richard Burgon

Imran Hussain

Apsana Begum

Andy McDonald

Zarah Sultana

Nadia Whittome

Tonia Antoniazzi

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.'.

793Funding for the BBC World Service

Tabled: 12/02/25 Signatories: 14

Rebecca Long Bailey

Ellie Chowns

Kim Johnson

Andy McDonald

Brian Leishman

Mary Kelly Foy

Ian Lavery

That this House celebrates the value of BBC World Service journalism as a vital source of accurate and impartial information to audiences across the globe; believes that this role has never been more important, especially given the extent of misinformation and disinformation across social media; notes the critical importance of emergency information services provided to those in crisis, including recently in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine; welcomes the additional £32.6 million in funding for 2025/26 announced last year, but regrets that the decision of the previous government to transfer responsibility for the funding of BBC World Service from the government to the licence fee payer in 2014 has undermined the financial security and possibility of strategic investment into World Service; further regrets the recent announcement of a net loss of 130 jobs across BBC World Service owing to budget pressures and shares the fears of the National Union of Journalists that further cuts will inevitably lead to the erosion in capacity for trusted high-quality journalism; and therefore concurs with the proposal of three select committee Chairs who have written to Ministers suggesting that in order to stem decline in the World Service provision, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport should jointly make the case to HM Treasury in the forthcoming Spending Review to use this opportunity to rebalance the relative contributions from the licence fee and FCDO, so that the World Service income becomes less reliant on the licence fee.

798Leasehold reform

Tabled: 12/02/25 Signatories: 17

Gideon Amos

Ayoub Khan

Wera Hobhouse

Adam Dance

Helen Maguire

Jim Shannon

Jess Brown-Fuller

That this House believes reform to the leasehold system is long overdue; notes that Liberals and Liberal Democrats have campaigned to end leasehold since the reforms David Lloyd George laid down in the People's Budget 1909; regrets that the Conservatives in government failed to protect leaseholders from dangerous cladding or ban leaseholds; further notes that leaseholders make up over 20% of the housing stock in England which suffer from poorly regulated management charges and uncapped ground rents; recognises that many leaseholders have faced large service charge increases, including an 11% rise during 2024; understands with concern that increases in service charge have left many leaseholders trapped in their properties and unable to sell; also notes that some freeholders face similar charges through unmanaged and unregulated estate management fees; is therefore deeply concerned that the Government has so far failed to honour its manifesto commitment by further delaying leasehold reform; asks the Government to urgently provide leaseholders with management rights to protect them from unregulated charges; and calls on the Government finally to abolish leasehold tenancies for all current and new residential properties.

799Refusal of Citizenship to refugees who have made irregular crossings

Tabled: 13/02/25 Signatories: 60

Nadia Whittome

Ms Diane Abbott

Olivia Blake

Abtisam Mohamed

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Clive Lewis

Martin WrigleyStephen GethinsApsana BegumRosie DuffieldMr Joshua Reynolds

That this House expresses deep concern over the refusal of citizenship to refugees who have made irregular crossings to the UK; notes that this policy further punishes individuals whose claims of fleeing war, persecution, and danger have been upheld by the asylum system; further notes that, due to a lack of alternative safe routes, many people are forced to make unsafe crossings in order to claim asylum in the first place; notes with concern that the refusal of citizenship denies these same individuals security and a safe, permanent home; and urges the Government to reconsider this policy.

803UAE imprisonment of Ryan Cornelius

Tabled: 13/02/25 Signatories: 8

Munira Wilson

Calum Miller

Helen Maguire

Ellie Chowns

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Jess Brown-FullerChristine Jardine

That this House notes with concern that Ryan Cornelius, a British citizen, remains imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates, notwithstanding a finding by the United Nations that he has been arbitrarily detained, and notwithstanding a finding by the United Nations that Mr Cornelius should be immediately released and provided with compensation and other reparations in accordance with international law; calls upon the UAE government to release Mr Cornelius in accordance with international law; further calls upon the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to secure the release of Mr Cornelius; and asks the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to raise this matter with his Emirati counterpart.

804Prostate cancer screening and men's health support

Tabled: 13/02/25 Signatories: 17

Manuela Perteghella

Tom Gordon

Helen Maguire

Ben Lake

Ellie Chowns

Ian Roome

Jess Brown-FullerGideon AmosChristine Jardine

That this House acknowledges the vital work of the South Warwickshire Prostate Cancer Support Group in raising awareness of prostate cancer and supporting those affected; recognises the urgent need for a National Prostate Cancer Screening Programme to improve early detection and save lives; calls for enhanced GP training on PSA testing to ensure timely and accurate diagnoses; stresses the importance of greater mental health resources for men and their families coping with a prostate cancer diagnosis; further supports the Boys Need Bins campaign, advocating for sanitary bins in male toilets across public and private venues to improve hygiene and dignity for those managing medical and personal needs; and urges the Government to take immediate action to implement these crucial reforms to improve men's health and well-being across the UK.

807Hill farming

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 10

Tim Farron

Ian Roome

Adam Dance

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jim Shannon

Dr Roz Savage

Claire YoungJess Brown-FullerManuela PerteghellaChristine Jardine

That this House recognises hill farming to be critical to the protection and restoration of beautiful British upland farmland; acknowledges the world class standards of animal husbandry and food production practised by British upland farmers; notes that hill farmers work to improve biodiversity through sheep grazing and the protection of wetlands and woodlands; further recognises the efforts of hill farmers to improve water quality and reduce water run-off across their land, which provides vital natural flood mitigation; also recognises the flood mitigation work of upland farmers in Longsleddale and Kentmere protecting homes in Kendal, Staveley, and Burneside from devastating floods; understands hill farmers protect peatlands which capture and store carbon; remembers that when UNESCO gave the Lake District World Heritage Status, they gave equal credit for landscape formation to hill farmers as they did the glaciers; further notes therefore with concern that, despite this, hill farmers’ livelihoods are at risk from delays to new Government higher-tier support schemes, and are receiving only 8% of the Government’s Sustainable Farming Incentive despite the uplands occupying around 15% of England’s area; urges the Government to consider the vital benefits of hill farming for environment and national cultural heritage when assessing competing demands on land through the Land Use Framework; and calls on the Government to dedicate further support to upland farmers to reflect their vital work to protect natural landscapes.

808Cash acceptance

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 7

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Richard Burgon

Apsana Begum

Ian Lavery

Margaret Mullane

Ben Lake

That this House is concerned at the rapidly increasing trend for UK businesses, local authorities and leisure facilities, including those supported by taxpayer funding, to refuse to accept cash for payments; appreciates that this issue is of ever-increasing importance to the 16 million British adults who run their household budgets using cash, along with many of the 13 million UK citizens over 65 struggling to make ends-meet; recognises that the estimated 4 million people in the UK at risk in abusive relationships may use discretely saved cash as an escape route from abuse; deplores the fact that the imposition of app-only payment, including for car parking and other travel-related purchases, severely threatens the financial inclusion of the 8 million plus adults who do not own smart phones; notes that most of the UK’s European neighbours, including Belgium, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain, have already put cash acceptance legislation in place; understands that a recent survey by YouGov established that 71% of British adults want similar legal measures introduced in the UK; and calls on the Government to introduce legislation to require all businesses in the UK to accept cash for payment.

809LGBTQI+ people in immigration detention

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 6

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Richard Burgon

Shockat Adam

Apsana Begum

Ian Lavery

That this House welcomes the ongoing review of the Home Office's Adults at risk in immigration detention policy; notes that LGBTQI+ people face heightened levels of harassment, discrimination, abuse, and physical and sexual violence in immigration detention; recognises that the bullying of and discrimination against LGBTQI+ people in detention can re-traumatise those who have fled persecution; believes that immigration detention is costly and punitive, and that cheaper and more humane alternatives to detention exist; further welcomes the community-based Alternative to Detention pilots undertaken by the Home Office and supports their wider expansion; calls on the Government to include being gay, lesbian, bisexual or queer in the Adults at risk in immigration detention policies indicators of risk and to remove the categorisation of vulnerability based on evidence levels; and supports the greater use of community-based alternatives to detention.

810Increases in rail fares

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 11

James MacCleary

Adam Dance

Steve Darling

Tom Gordon

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Liz JarvisJess Brown-Fuller

That this House deeply regrets the Government’s decision to increase rail fares by 4.6%, at a time when performance on the rail network continues to decline; notes with concern that this increase fails to incentivise train use, undermining efforts to promote public transport as an affordable and sustainable alternative; expresses concern that an annual season ticket for a commuter travelling from Lewes to London Victoria now costs an eye-watering £5,432; condemns the worsening reliability of services, with persistent delays, cancellations, and overcrowding making rail travel increasingly frustrating for passengers; and believes that commuters and families should not be forced to pay more for a service that continues to deteriorate.

812Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide charity

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 23

Layla Moran

Steve Darling

Tom Gordon

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Jamie StoneLiz JarvisJess Brown-FullerManuela PerteghellaChristine Jardine

That this House recognises the important work done by the charity Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide; notes that for every person who dies by suicide, there are up to 135 people who are impacted by the death; further notes Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide's aim to set up groups across the country to be a network of support for those who have lost loved ones to suicide; recognises current bereavement services fall short due to a lack of funding; and calls on the Government to act urgently and step up support for those experiencing bereavement by suicide.

813Supporting British farmers

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 24

Edward Morello

Ian Roome

Adam Dance

Steve Darling

Tom Gordon

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jamie StoneClaire YoungJess Brown-FullerManuela PerteghellaGideon AmosChristine Jardine

That this House recognises the vital contribution of British farmers to food security, environmental protection, and rural communities; notes with great concern that 30% of farms failed to make profit in 2023/24 and the UK has seen a 5.8% decline in dairy producers; acknowledges farmers are being forced to diversify due to poor profitability; calls on the Government to support farmers’ efforts to diversify alongside their work in food production; further calls on the Government to increase the farming budget by £1 billion a year; also calls for fairer trade deals post-Brexit that protect farming standards and ensure British farmers are not undercut; highlights the urgent need to support farmers facing extreme weather events caused by climate change, such as flooding and droughts, to maintain national food security; further notes the financial strain on family farms due to Inheritance Tax changes, and understands that the new exemption of only the first £1 million in agricultural and business assets leaves many family farms vulnerable; further highlights the case of a brother and sister in West Dorset, who are seventh generational dairy farmers, who will face a tax bill of £400,000 upon their mother's passing, which will exceed their annual profits; calls on supermarkets to prioritise paying farmers fairly rather than prioritising profit; and further calls for the introduction of a fairer food supply chain, greater investment in agricultural technology, stronger mental health support for farmers, and protections for high-quality farmland to support domestic food production.

815Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board funding for third sector groups

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 3

Dr Scott Arthur

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

That this House notes the significant concern by elected representatives, service users, and the 64 affected national and local charities providing services to the community in Edinburgh at the reported plan by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) to end its £4.5 million charity grant programme; urges the EIJB to further engage with the affected charities and to reconsider the scrapping of this programme; and calls on the EIJB to work with NHS Lothian, the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership and the City of Edinburgh Council to ensure the continuation of the vital services delivered by the 64 charity providers to protect the thousands of vulnerable people they support across the city.

820Wellbeing of home educated children

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 13

Gideon Amos

Adam Dance

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Helen Maguire

Dr Roz Savage

Jess Brown-FullerHelen MorganSarah GreenCaroline VoadenJames MacClearyManuela PerteghellaAnna Sabine

That this House recognises that for many children and their families, personalised home education is the best choice, and therefore affirms the rights of parents to choose home education where it is in their child’s best interest; notes that, in and of itself, home education does not present a safeguarding risk; further notes that existing child protection frameworks should be strengthened; believes that the implementation of a register of children not in school should not impose burdensome or disproportionate levels of oversight on home educators; further believes that details required within that register must be limited to those strictly necessary to safeguarding the wellbeing of the home educated child; is concerned at the potential for home education provision to be unjustly denied in cases where it is most appropriate for the child, particularly for children with SEND diagnoses; also notes the lack of support offered to home educating families in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill; urges the House to support amendments to that Bill to make examination free to home educated children; and further urges the Government to engage meaningfully to strengthen not weaken the wellbeing and life chances of home educated children.

822Striking workers at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts sixth form

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 12

Kim Johnson

Ian Byrne

Paula Barker

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Richard Burgon

Apsana BegumIan Lavery

That this House stands in solidarity with staff at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), who are embarking on a two-week strike demanding union recognition; recognises the dedication and hard work of the teaching staff at LIPA Sixth Form and their vital role in providing high-quality education to students; notes with concern that staff have been left with no choice but to take strike action due to inefficient management practices and health and safety concerns; further stands in solidarity with the striking staff and their union representatives in their fight for fair treatment and recognition of the National Education Union (NEU); and calls on the Multi-Academy Trust to immediately sign a Trade Union Recognition Agreement and engage in meaningful negotiations with staff to resolve the dispute and ensure fair working conditions for all employees.

825Citizenship for refugees

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 27

Lisa Smart

Helen Morgan

Wendy Chamberlain

Steve Darling

Olly Glover

Tom Gordon

Jamie StoneMartin WrigleyLiz JarvisAndrew GeorgeManuela PerteghellaChris CoghlanChristine Jardine

That this House notes with concern the new Home Office guidance issued this month, which states that anyone who enters the UK irregularly will be refused naturalisation, regardless of how long they have lived in the UK; further notes that this policy could permanently bar many refugees from becoming British citizens; regrets that the former Conservative government closed safe and legal routes to sanctuary, leaving many desperate people with no choice but to make perilous journey in the control of criminal smugglers and traffickers; believes that this policy will not deter dangerous Channel crossings or disrupt criminal trafficking networks, but will instead hinder refugee integration and undermine the UK’s obligations under international law, which protect refugees from being penalised for illegal entry; and calls on the Government to bring forward new guidance that ensures a path to citizenship for refugees, enabling refugees to fully integrate into our communities and contribute to our economy, while providing safe and legal routes to sanctuary for refugees.

826International Mother Language Day

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 6

Shockat Adam

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jeremy Corbyn

Apsana Begum

Siân Berry

That this House celebrates International Mother Language Day and observes the importance of promoting linguistic and cultural diversity; recognises the historical significance of International Mother Language Day, especially in Bangladesh, where the day is observed as a national holiday in remembrance of the 1952 language movement martyrs who gave their lives defending the right to speak Bengali as their mother language; calls on the Government to ensure that linguistic diversity is embraced; and urges continued global cooperation in preserving languages, particularly those at risk of extinction.

827UK-Ukraine voluntary aid groups

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 4

Luke Myer

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

That this House expresses its deep gratitude to all those who volunteer across the United Kingdom to provide aid for Ukraine; commends the individuals, community groups, and businesses who have donated medical supplies, toiletries, and other essential goods and transported them to Ukraine; and recognises the contribution of voluntary aid groups such as SUKS in East Cleveland, which has made over ninety aid runs to reach those in need.

828Cornwall Air Ambulance

Tabled: 24/02/25 Signatories: 10

Ben Maguire

Ian Roome

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Dr Roz Savage

Liz JarvisJess Brown-FullerManuela PerteghellaChristine Jardine

That this House congratulates Cornwall Air Ambulance for its outstanding achievements in 2024, having successfully completed over 1,000 missions, including 445 trauma-related incidents, 327 medical emergencies, and 274 cardiac arrests; recognises the invaluable work of the charity's critical care team, which has also delivered 19 blood transfusions at the scenes of emergencies; expresses sincere gratitude to the crews for their life-saving work in airlifting patients; further acknowledges the charity’s significant fundraising efforts, including their current Heli2 Appeal; calls on the Government and the public to support the charity and the efforts they undertake; and further recognises the hard work of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to raise funds and keep their vital service going.

830Youth Olympics success

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 2

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates freestyle snowboarder Emily Rothney, from Carrbridge and downhill skier Tia Freshwater, from Kincraig, on their recent success at the Youth Olympics in Georgia; recognises that Emily won a gold medal for Team GB with a total score of 156.75 after scoring an impressive 83 points on her last attempt; further recognises that Tia secured 18th place; congratulates both Emily and Tia on their hard work and successes; and wishes them the best of luck with their sporting careers going forward.

831Cairngorm Brewery award success

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 3

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

Andrew Rosindell

That this House congratulates Cairngorm Brewery in Aviemore on their recent success at the Great British Beer Festival Winter 2025; recognises their Black Gold session stout, 4.4% ABV, was awarded the title of Champion Winter Beer of Britain; commends the dedication and craftsmanship of the brewery team, including Sales Director Merlin Sandbach and Head Brewer Liam Anderson, in consistently producing high-quality beers; acknowledges the significance of this accolade in highlighting the excellence of Scottish brewing on a national stage; and encourages support for local breweries to ensure the continued success and diversity of the UK's independent brewing industry.

832National Railway Heritage Awards success

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 2

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Jillian and David Robertson on their recent success at the 44th National Railway Heritage Awards in London; notes that they were recognised with a Highly Commended certificate in the commercial restoration category for their work in transforming former council offices at Kingussie railway station into a boutique hostel, the Railway Rooms; and commends the Robertsons for their commitment to preserving and enhancing the region's railway heritage while providing quality accommodation for visitors.

833Calum Langmuir ski success

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 2

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Calum Langmuir, an Alpine ski racer from Nethy Bridge, on his recent success at the 2025 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Saalbach, Austria; notes his impressive fifth-place finish in the Giant Slalom qualifiers, securing his spot among the top 25 out of 130 competitors; acknowledges his resilience following a significant crash during the Team Parallel event, from which he has fortunately recovered; commends his dedication and progression from training on Cairngorm Mountain and at the Lecht to representing Great Britain on the world stage; recognises his status as one of only two Scots in the GB senior squad; and finally, wishes Calum continued success with his sporting career in future.

834Homelessness

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 14

Vikki Slade

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Martin Wrigley

Liz Jarvis

Claire Young

Helen MaguireJess Brown-FullerSteff Aquarone [R] Adam DanceManuela PerteghellaShockat AdamGideon AmosChristine Jardine

That this House recognises there is a rough sleeping emergency; highlights with concern the Rough Sleeping Inquiry's findings, published on 14 February 2025, of gaps between public institutions and housing support which put vulnerable people at greater risk of rough sleeping following discharge from health care settings or prison; notes that the inquiry reports that young people in particular are struggling to receive in-person assessments from councils which delays their access to temporary accommodation; agrees with the inquiry’s recommendation for the Government to provide local authorities with long-term funding to tackle homelessness; regrets that the current funding system for rough sleeping prevention is fragmented; further recognises that the loss of affordable social rent and the increase in the number of long-term empty homes are key factors in the rise in homelessness; urges the Government to increase the building of new social homes to 150,000 per year; calls on the Government to assess the capacity of local authorities to address homelessness, especially following the additional financial pressures on their budgets following the Government’s changes to National Insurance Contributions; further urges the Government to introduce a somewhere safe to stay legal duty to ensure that everyone who is at risk of sleeping rough is provided with emergency accommodation and an assessment of their needs; and further calls on the Government to publish a cross-Whitehall plan to end all forms of homelessness.

83550th anniversary of Community Advice Newtownards

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Andrew Rosindell

That this House celebrates 50 years of Community Advice Newtownards, formerly Citizens Advice, in Strangford constituency; notes that Community Advice has been instrumental in the local community for providing practical and reliable information to help residents with their problems; highlights the large range of topics Community Advice are able to assist with, which can range from parking tickets to support with benefit forms, and that this advice is free, independent, impartial and for everyone; and thanks Community advice and their incredible staff for all they do to serve the people of Newtownards and surrounding areas and wishes them all the very best for the future.

836Northern Ireland Football Training Centre of Excellence

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 3

Jim Allister

Jim Shannon

Andrew Rosindell

That this House welcomes the announcement of the joint venture between the Irish Football Association and Galgorm Resort, whereby a state of the art football training facility will be provided for the Northern Ireland Football Teams, both male and female, at Galgorm, County Antrim; notes that this project will fill a long existing void in national football provision and preparation, as well as affording community use and involvement; commends the commitment, foresight and dedication of all involved in promoting this project; and encourages the Government to play its part in bringing the proposal to fruition.

837Regional Inequalities in energy pricing

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 18

Mr Angus MacDonald

Wera Hobhouse

Edward Morello

Jim Shannon

Martin Wrigley

Helen Maguire

Jess Brown-FullerJamie StoneIan RoomeShockat AdamPippa HeylingsDr Roz SavageGideon AmosHelen MorganMr Alistair CarmichaelSarah OlneyChristine JardineManuela Perteghella

That this House acknowledges the severe disparity in energy costs between mains gas and electricity, which disproportionately affects rural communities and high rise buildings across the UK; notes that while renewable electricity is cheaper to generate, market structures result in electricity consumers paying significantly more than those using mains gas; further notes that many areas lack access to mains gas, forcing reliance on costly alternatives; highlights the Environmental and Social Obligation taxes that apply to electricity but not gas; and calls on the Government to decouple energy pricing to ensure fairer costs for all.

838Energy price cap increase

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 2

Shockat Adam

Jim Shannon

That this House notes with concern the further increase of the energy price cap by Ofgem from April 2025; further notes at 6.4%, or an average £111 per year, this is higher than expected and higher than the rate of inflation and average pay increases; acknowledges the research by Citizens Advice which shows the energy network owners have made excess profits of nearly £4 billion over four years after Ofgem miscalculated their costs; and calls on the Government to step in to prevent these damaging rises, either through introducing an emergency windfall tax on these excess profits and the introduction of targeted energy bill support or by instructing Ofgem to ensure they put the protection of consumer interests first and reverse the price cap rises and pass the costs onto the owners of the energy network.

839Recognition and justice for the victims of the Khojaly tragedy

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 3

Bob Blackman

Jim Shannon

Andrew Rosindell

That this House extends condolences to the people of Azerbaijan as they commemorate, on 26 February 2025, the 33rd anniversary of the Khojaly massacre where Armenian armed forces, with the backing of the Russian 366th Motor Rifle Regiment, brutally slaughtered 613 Azerbaijani civilians in Khojaly, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly people; reflects on this atrocity committed against citizens of Azerbaijan amid conflict in the region; and welcomes the commitment of both parties to a lasting peace.

840Closure of the Musician Pub in Leicester

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 2

Shockat Adam

Jim Shannon

That this House notes with regret the closure of the Musician Pub in Leicester; recognises its citation in a recent survey as one of the top 10 most active music venues in the country; congratulates owner Darren Nockles for his 25 years of service showcasing music from Leicester and around the world; further notes a 2024 report from the Music Venue Trust that represents UK grassroots music venues, which found cities such as Leicester had fallen off itineraries of live music tours and that the number of live music shows nationwide have fallen by 8.3% since 2023; and calls on the Government to support live music and its venues across all parts of the country by supporting LIVE’s policy platform to empower the £6.1 billion UK live music industry.

841Kings Oak Primary School Eco-Council

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 3

Mohammad Yasin

Jim Shannon

Shockat Adam

That this House recognises the tremendous work being done by the Eco-Council at Kings Oak Primary School in Bedford in raising awareness for for the environment and seeking to make the school and their local area a better place; acknowledges the success of primary school aged children in reducing single-use plastic around the school, educating peers on the topics of the consumption of energy and disposable goods and undertaking litter picks to maintain the school environment; notes the support of their teachers for these endeavours; recognises the wider work the Eco-Council would like to undertake in their local community; and celebrates the efforts and enthusiasm of all involved.

842Western Gateway Rail Deal

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 2

Catherine Fookes

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the publication of the Western Gateway Rail Deal, which sets out ways to capitalise on new funding to connect an extra 248,000 people to a new local train station across South Wales and Western England, including five new Burns Stations, which if delivered, could add £17bn of economic benefits to the UK; recognises the importance of cross-border collaboration for achieving the realisation of the investments set out in the Rail Deal; and commends the work of the Western Gateway, Transport for Wales, GWR, Network Rail and all other stakeholders involved in bringing the Rail Deal together.

843Content warnings for infant mortality

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 5

Cameron Thomas

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Jess Brown-Fuller

Gideon Amos

That this House notes with concern the lack of content warnings in film and television broadcasting relating to infant mortality; recognises that adequate trigger warnings exist in other fields including violent scenes, sexual assault, drug and alcohol use, tobacco products, foul language, yet a subject as distressing as infant mortality is rarely addressed; further notes that simply labelling it with trauma, grief or death as a content warning is insufficient and that it should clearly specify if it involves an infant to ensure clarity; and calls for the Government to review these warnings, ensuring that content and trigger warnings are proportionate and allow viewers to make informed choices.

844Status of Scotch Whisky

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 16

Jamie Stone

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Liz Jarvis

Susan Murray

Mr Angus MacDonaldDavid MundellHelen MaguireMr Will ForsterAnna SabineAndrew RosindellChristine JardineDave DooganPatricia FergusonGraham Leadbitter

That this House recognises the English Whisky Guild’s application to obtain Geographical Indication status; acknowledges that the application includes a different definition of Single Malt; notes that the current definition of Single Malt Whisky denotes the production at a single distillery using a single variety of malted barley grain; further notes that, altering this definition will damage the reputation of the Single Malt category, thus devaluing the Scotch Single Malt Whisky market; further acknowledges that the Scotch Whisky industry contributed £7.1bn to the UK economy in 2022 and supported 66,000 jobs; highlights that the industry generated £3 in every £100 of Scotland’s Gross Value Added; and calls for the protection of the existing Single Malt category, outside of the English Whisky Geographical Indication in order to ensure the special reputation of Scotch Whisky remains undamaged.

845British Science Week

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 2

George Freeman

Jim Shannon

That this House marks British Science Week - a ten-day celebration of science, research and innovation – featuring thousands of events and activities across the UK for people of all ages; commends the efforts of the British Science Association to inspire and enable schools, community groups, cultural organisations, research institutions and businesses to celebrate science, research and innovation and its crucial role in our lives; and recognises the support of UK Research and Innovation for making British Science Week possible.

846Stratford upon Avon Boat Club

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 4

Manuela Perteghella

Jim Shannon

Helen Maguire

Gideon Amos

That this House congratulates Stratford upon Avon Boat Club for winning the inaugural Environmental Sustainability Award at the British Rowing Awards 2024; notes its proactive, collaborative approach to reducing its environmental footprint through the formation of a Sustainability Working Group, the adoption of eco-friendly cleaning practices, the installation of a bee café, and the active engagement of its junior, adaptive, and masters’ sections in workshops and community initiatives; and expresses its support for further grassroots environmental projects, including the planned second-hand kit sale and Club Clean-Up Day, recognising that every action can collectively make a significant contribution to preserving the River Avon and the wider local environment in Stratford-on-Avon and beyond.

847National Fish and Chip Awards 2025

Tabled: 25/02/25 Signatories: 10

Steve Darling

Jim Shannon

Liz Jarvis

Wendy Chamberlain

Helen Maguire

Jess Brown-Fuller

Andrew RosindellIan RoomeManuela PerteghellaChristine Jardine

That this House celebrates the National Fish and Chip Awards 2025, recognising the vital role of fish and chip businesses in the economy, hospitality sector, and local communities; acknowledges the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) for its work in supporting and promoting the fish and chip industry; congratulates Pier Point Fish & Chips and Lorraine Arnold on being named among the Top Five in the Restaurant of the Year category, demonstrating excellence in the industry; further congratulates Charlie James of Pier Point Fish & Chips for reaching the Top Eight in the prestigious Drywite Young Fish Frier category, reflecting his dedication and skill; recognises the hard work, commitment, and contribution of small hospitality businesses in strengthening local economies, creating jobs, and enhancing high streets across the UK; and wishes all nominees success at the awards ceremony on 26 February 2025.