Published – Friday 4 April 2025

New EDMs

105380th anniversary of Christian Aid

Tabled: 3/04/25 Signatories: 1

Douglas McAllister

That this House congratulates Christian Aid on its 80th anniversary; recognises that for 80 years Christian Aid has been fighting poverty and injustice; commends the organisation for offering hope to communities who need it most; praises its work towards a world where all can live with dignity, equality and justice; celebrates eight decades of fundraising, community support and tackling poverty worldwide; thanks their volunteers for 80 years of church fundraisers, door to door collections and sponsored events; further recognises that Christian Aid is as relevant today as it was 80 years ago; and wishes them every success for the future.

1054Recognition of the Deuchar family’s service to Denny and Dunipace

Tabled: 3/04/25 Signatories: 1

Euan Stainbank

That this House recognises the exceptional and longstanding service of Dr Robert Andrew Deuchar and his family to the community of Denny and Dunipace over eight decades; acknowledges Robert's invaluable contributions as a GP and founding member of Denny Cross Medical Centre, where he provided dedicated healthcare to local families for over 40 years; commends his leadership as Pipe Major of the Denny and Dunipace Pipes and Drums, helping the band achieve widespread recognition; and honours the Deuchar family’s long involvement in the Boys’ Brigade, with Robert's father, John Jamieson Deuchar, serving as Captain for over 40 years, fostering the development of generations of local youths and Robert’s son Kenneth following into his father’s footsteps as GP partner in Denny Cross Medical Centre.

1055Bathgate 80th anniversary of VE Day Commemoration

Tabled: 3/04/25 Signatories: 1

Kirsteen Sullivan

That this House celebrates the Bathgate 80th anniversary of VE Day Commemoration event as the first in Britain; acknowledges the exceptional efforts of St Kentigern’s Academy, Windyknowe Primary, Boghall Primary School, Whitburn Brass Band, Sing West Lothian Choir, and singers Alan Brydon and Georgina McKenzie in making the event a resounding success; thanks the organisers from the Ancre Somme Association, including Bathgate man Tommy Davidson, for creating a touching and special event to mark 80 years on from VE Day; recognises the importance of such commemorations in remembering the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces and educating future generations about our shared history; and highlights the vital role of our volunteers in honouring and supporting the families of our brave men and women.

1056Fife Carers Centre

Tabled: 3/04/25 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain [R]

That this House celebrates that Fife Carers Centre are the latest Carers Trust Scotland Network Partner in Scotland; welcomes Sandra Morris, Fife Carers Centre’s general manager, and her team to the Network; notes that Carers Trust Scotland partner with local carer organisations to provide funding and support, deliver innovative and evidence-based programmes, raise awareness and influence policy to help support local carer organisations to deliver localised action, whilst influencing the environment for unpaid carers UK-wide; and recognises that the network of local carer organisations currently has 24 local carer organisations in Scotland, covering 70% of Scotland’s local authorities and actively supporting over 32,000 unpaid carers.

1057Cupar Scouts King's Scout Award

Tabled: 3/04/25 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House celebrates three Cupar Explorer Scouts on being presented with the King’s Scout Award, the highest youth accolade in scouting; congratulates Zoe Nimmo, Beth Harvie and Fergus Alexander, who were honoured in a ceremony at Cupar Scout Hall; and recognises that all three have earned their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards, volunteered as Young Leaders for several years, participated in numerous expeditions, been selected for international Scouting events and led community projects.

1058International Day for Mine Awareness

Tabled: 3/04/25 Signatories: 2

Helen Maguire

Monica Harding

That this House recognises International Day for Mine Awareness on 4 April 2025; acknowledges the UK’s proud history in championing the Mine Ban Treaty and producing many of the world’s deminers; notes with deep concern the devastating impact of landmines, cluster munitions, and unexploded ordnance, which continue to kill and maim civilians, displace communities, and make land inaccessible for agriculture and economic growth; highlights the urgent need for mine clearance in conflict-affected areas, including Ukraine, where vast contamination threatens lives and livelihoods, and Gaza, now considered the most contaminated place on Earth; further recognises the crucial role of UK aid in supporting global mine action efforts and urges the Government to prioritise and protect this critical area within the aid budget; calls for the diversification of partnerships in mine action, ensuring an integrated approach that includes risk education, land clearance, victim assistance, and advocacy; and stresses the importance of connecting mine action with broader development initiatives to help communities rebuild and thrive.

1059John Irvine’s 50 years of service to the Loyal Orders

Tabled: 3/04/25 Signatories: 1

Alex Easton

That this House warmly congratulates John Irvine on the significant milestone of receiving his 50-year jewel, honouring his exceptional dedication and unwavering service to Cottown Loyal Orange Lodge 1029; recognises with great appreciation the extensive range of leadership positions he has diligently undertaken within the Lodge, notably serving with distinction as Worshipful Master and Secretary; pays tribute to his pivotal role in the planning, execution, and successful completion of substantial refurbishment projects to the Lodge hall, particularly highlighting his instrumental efforts in securing essential improvements, including a new roof and upgraded kitchen facilities; acknowledges Mr Irvine’s dedicated service as District Lay Chaplain in Bangor District L.O.L No.18; further acknowledges his longstanding and steadfast commitment to Royal Black Preceptory 209, notably in his dedicated roles as Worshipful Master and Registrar, where he has consistently demonstrated outstanding devotion and loyalty; values his dedicated service and contribution to the local community through his key positions as Treasurer and Vice President of the esteemed Cottown Pipe Band; and extends its sincere gratitude for his many years of devoted community service.

1060Abduction of Ukrainian children

Tabled: 3/04/25 Signatories: 2

Calum Miller

Monica Harding

That this House expresses its anger and revulsion at the abduction of over 30,000 Ukrainian children since the start of Russia's invasion; notes with disgust this tactic of the Russian Armed Forces, which threatens to rob Ukraine of its future; believes that these mass abductions authorised by President Putin constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity; calls for President Putin to be held accountable for these crimes and for the implementation of the outstanding International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him; supports wholeheartedly the work of the Bring Kids Back initiative and the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab (YHRL) to locate and bring home the abducted children; further notes with alarm that US Government funding for the YHRL will soon expire following the decision by President Trump to cease further funding for the programme; also notes with concern that the YHRL has only been given six weeks notice to prepare for the cessation of funding; urges the Government to commit to filling the funding gap for the YHRL, ensuring it can continue its vital work; and further urges the Government to seize the £25 billion of frozen Russia assets across the UK and to direct these to humanitarian, financial and military aid to Ukraine.

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.

982Support for young disabled people after education

Tabled: 20/03/25 Signatories: 33

Max Wilkinson

Ellie Chowns

Helen Maguire

Tom Gordon

Liz Jarvis

Claire Young

Tom Morrison

That this House acknowledges the findings in the National Star and the Together Trust’s report entitled What Comes After Education; recognises the report’s key findings, including that young people do not feel listened to, feel worried about leaving education, need access to meaningful activities, want to choose where they live and who they live with, want to be able to work, want meaningful relationships, need reasonable adjustments to attend university, and that transition plans must be proactive and involve the young person and their family; urges the Government to consider the report’s findings when deciding on changes to welfare policy; and calls on the Government to enact the report’s recommendations when enacting welfare changes.

985Access to football pitches for women and girls

Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 34

Helen Maguire

Ian Roome

Anna Sabine

Wera Hobhouse

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Rachael Maskell

Tom Morrison

That this House expresses concern over ongoing inequalities in access to quality training facilities for women’s and girls’ football; notes that women's and girls’ teams are often allocated pitches in worse locations and poorer conditions than their male counterparts; further notes reports from local clubs that training slots for women's teams are frequently being taken by men’s teams, limiting opportunities for women and girls to participate in the sport; believes that equal access to quality facilities is essential for gender equality in football; and calls on the Government, local authorities, and sporting bodies to take urgent action to ensure fair distribution of pitches and training resources for players at all levels.

986Fee waivers for ILR applications

Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 27

Kim Johnson

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Nadia Whittome

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Steve Witherden

That this House supports the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London’s call for a fee waiver to be introduced for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications for those on family and private life visas; notes that ILR provides security and stability, yet the £2,885 fee is unaffordable for many despite costing the Home Office just £646 to process; regrets that this denies many people, including UK born children and parents of British children, permanent status and forces them into financial hardship and repeated visa renewals; believes this system is counterproductive, creating unnecessary administrative burdens for both individuals and the Home Office; and calls on the Government to introduce a fee waiver to ensure financial barriers do not prevent people securing permanent immigration status after completing their qualifying periods.

993Bridgend Pet Supplies

Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 5

Kirsteen Sullivan

Jim Shannon

Maureen Burke

Douglas McAllister

Patricia Ferguson

That this House celebrates the success of Bridgend Pet Supplies, a social enterprise initiated by Bridgend Primary School in collaboration with the Social Enterprise Academy; notes the project's origins in addressing the local community's need for accessible pet supplies; praises the innovative approach taken by the learners, who conducted market research and utilised their skills in sewing and crocheting to create products; thanks the support received from parents and the generous donations of sewing machines and food mixers following the first Partnership Event; congratulates the learners on their entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrated by selling their products at school events, other schools' fayres, and the Social Enterprise Awards; further notes the enterprise's profitability and the learners' commitment to using their profits for a social cause; wishes them well with their plan to create a garden area for growing vegetables and establishing a community cafe to foster social interaction among local residents; and further celebrates all initiatives that empower young people, train crucial entrepreneurial skills and strengthen community ties.

1000Ensuring stability for Ukrainian refugees in the UK

Tabled: 24/03/25 Signatories: 42

Pippa Heylings

Helen Maguire

Ian Roome

Wera Hobhouse

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Rachael Maskell

Tom MorrisonVikki SladeSteve Darling

That this House believes that Ukrainian refugees fleeing war must be treated with compassion in the UK; recognises that the war in Ukraine still wages on, more than three years after Putin first invaded; notes with concern recent reports that some Ukrainian refugees have faced losing their homes and jobs due to uncertainty around their visa extensions; acknowledges that Ukrainian refugees deserve certainty, enabling them to rebuild their lives in the UK if they wish and fully contribute to our economy; further acknowledges that certainty regarding visa extensions would grant young Ukrainians the opportunity to complete their education in the UK to protect and enhance their future; and calls on the Government to give Ukrainian refugees the certainty they deserve by automatically extending their visas and setting out a pathway for obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain.

1003Support for the World Health Organization

Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 29

Monica Harding

Helen Maguire

Claire Young

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Zöe Franklin

Tom Morrison

That this House affirms its support for the World Health Organization (WHO); believes that President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO via an executive order is irresponsible and dangerous; recognises that in an interconnected world, global health security and national health security are closely connected; further recognises that multilateral cooperation is vital for addressing health threats arising from climate change, anti-microbial resistance, low vaccination rates, and the proliferation of conflict and state fragility; further believes that the WHO’s work on these issues and on pandemic preparedness is essential for delivering the improved global health outcomes that will help to keep the UK safe; welcomes the Government’s continued support of the WHO; and calls on the Government to encourage its American counterparts to restart support and funding for the WHO.

1036Humanitarian response to the Myanmar earthquake

Tabled: 31/03/25 Signatories: 33

Monica Harding

Luke Akehurst

Jeremy Corbyn

Jess Brown-Fuller

Jim Shannon

Brian Mathew

Susan MurrayClive JonesAnna SabineMr Paul KohlerPippa HeylingsMike MartinLiz JarvisRichard FoordCharlie MaynardBen MaguireSteve DarlingAndrew GeorgeVictoria Collins

That this House offers its deepest condolences to the people of Myanmar and Thailand after the devastating earthquake and tragic loss of life; recognises the work done by responders to rescue survivors from rubble, deliver food and provide urgent medical assistance; welcomes the Government’s announcement of a £10 million package to provide life-saving aid; hopes that this can be increased as the scope of the destruction becomes clearer; acknowledges that this earthquake comes after more than four years of Myanmar's brutal civil war, which has left 20 million people in need of humanitarian assistance; condemns the repressive violence of Myanmar’s military junta, in particular the continuing use of airstrikes on civilians in the aftermath of the earthquake; supports the ongoing work of the UN’s Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar to deliver justice for victims and accountability for alleged serious international crimes; encourages the UK to continue to provide critical bilateral assistance to Myanmar, and to work with international partners and through multilateral institutions to ensure humanitarian access for aid delivery; and affirms support for a peaceful, democratic resolution to the conflict for the people of Myanmar.

1040Tackling child poverty

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 12

Kirsty Blackman

Chris Law

Stephen Flynn

Seamus Logan

Brendan O'Hara

Graham Leadbitter

Ben Lake

That this House believes that every child has the right to a childhood free of poverty; recognises the essential work of child poverty charities who step up to support children where the UK Government is failing them; acknowledges that such charities do so in a context of deepening and spreading poverty and existential operational challenges; thanks Includem, AberNecessities, Save The Children, Child Poverty Action Group, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Aberlour for sharing their insights at the SNP Westminster Child Poverty Roundtable this week; calls on the Government to scrap the two-child benefit cap, end the assault on social security, reconsider the increase in National Insurance contributions for the charity sector, reconsider changes to Personal Independence Payment criteria, and replicate the Scottish Government’s commitment to eradicating child poverty by matching Scottish Child Payment UK-wide; and further calls on the UK Government to avoid stigmatising and demonising rhetoric when referring to people who require social security support.

1044Festival Medical Services and Ukraine

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 7

Sarah Dyke

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Jess Brown-Fuller

Jim Shannon

Martin Wrigley

Pippa Heylings

That this House commends the remarkable efforts of Nich Woolf, Chair of the Somerton-based Festival Medical Services (FMS), and his three fellow volunteers for driving 1,600 miles through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Poland to deliver a fully equipped FMS ambulance to Ukraine, which was handed over to a local surgeon upon arrival in Kyiv; recognises the outstanding work of the FMS, which, with generous support from UK donors, also secured two 4x4 vehicles to be converted for frontline medical use in Ukraine; notes that since the start of Russia’s illegal invasion just over three years ago, FMS has worked with other charities to deliver vital trauma boxes, individual first aid kits and defibrillators to areas of Ukraine in most need; stresses that with over 12,605 civilians having been killed and a further 29,178 injured since the start of the conflict, the need for continued medical support for Ukraine is vital and its delivery is urgent; pays tribute to Nich and his team for embodying the UK’s steadfast commitment to the Ukrainian defence of their own sovereignty and democracy; and calls on the Government along with our European partners to increase and accelerate their military, medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, particularly as the US under President Trump draws back, continuing to stand shoulder-to-should with Ukraine against Putin’s barbaric war machine.

1045Disability hate crime

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 18

Christine Jardine

Lisa Smart

Wera Hobhouse

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Brian Mathew

Pippa Heylings

That this House condemns the increase in recorded disability hate crime across the UK; notes with concern that, despite an overall drop on the previous year, there were more than 10,000 incidents recorded in England and Wales in the year to March 2024, with conviction rates for violent offences at just 1%; further notes with concern the increase in disability hate crime in Scotland; supports the work of charities including United Response in raising awareness of the impact of this crime; commends their recent survey on the impact of disability hate crime on public transport; expresses its shock at the scale of this issue, with 24% of those surveyed experiencing disability hate crime in the previous quarter, but just a third felt comfortable enough to report the incident to the authorities; and calls on the Government to introduce a statutory aggravated offence for disability hate crime.

1047Work of the Royal British Legion in Stratford-on-Avon

Tabled: 2/04/25 Signatories: 4

Manuela Perteghella

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Wera Hobhouse

That this House recognises the vital work of the Royal British Legion branches across Stratford-on-Avon, including in Alcester, Bidford-on-Avon, Newbold-on-Stour, Claverdon, Henley-in-Arden, Long Compton, Shipston-on-Stour, Stratford-upon-Avon and Studley; praises their tireless efforts to ensure that remembrance is kept alive and that the sacrifices of our brave service men and women are never forgotten; acknowledges the role of the Legion in giving a voice to the ex-service community and raising awareness of the challenges they face, including poor access to key services; commends the Stratford-upon-Avon branch for running the Royal British Legion Club on Bull Street, which provides a social space for veterans and regularly hosts band nights that showcase local talent; and celebrates the legion’s fantastic team of fundraisers and their continued commitment to supporting veterans and their families throughout the constituency.

1050Israeli Defence Force attacks on humanitarian workers

Tabled: 2/04/25 Signatories: 35

Tom Morrison

Layla Moran

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Ann DaviesLlinos MediPippa HeylingsBen MaguireClaire YoungBrian MathewSusan MurrayLisa SmartMartin WrigleyAndrew GeorgeMike MartinLiz JarvisJeremy CorbynDr Simon OpherClaire HannaAnna SabineWera HobhouseCameron ThomasNadia WhittomeCharlie MaynardMr Will ForsterTessa MuntVikki SladeSteve DarlingJon TrickettTom GordonEdward MorelloZöe FranklinNeil Duncan-Jordan

That this House is deeply shocked by the killing of 15 paramedic and rescue workers in Gaza, whose bodies were discovered handcuffed in mass graves following an attack from the Israeli Defence Force; notes the statement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, condemning the attack and calling for an independent, prompt and thorough investigation into the deaths; recognises the essential and life-saving work carried out by humanitarian personnel, including those from the Palestine Red Crescent Society, Palestinian Civil Defence, and UNRWA, who came under fire while attempting to rescue their injured colleagues in Rafah on 23 March 2025; strongly condemns all attacks on humanitarian workers, which constitute a grave violation of international law; urges the UK Government to take immediate action by calling for an independent investigation, holding those responsible to account and ensuring the protection of humanitarian personnel in conflict zones; and asks the Government to put every effort into ensuring the unconditional and immediate release of hostages and the lifting of the Israeli government's illegal blockade of Gaza.

1052Protecting children from data exploitation

Tabled: 2/04/25 Signatories: 14

Victoria Collins

Munira Wilson

Max Wilkinson

Dr Danny Chambers

Caroline Voaden

Steff Aquarone

Helen MaguireAdam DanceLisa SmartPippa HeylingsBen LakeWera HobhouseTom Morrison

That this House believes that social media platforms and online services must be designed with children’s safety in mind; notes that under current UK law, children as young as 13 can have their personal data collected, processed, and used for targeted advertising and algorithm-driven content; further notes that the majority of EU Member States set 16 as the minimum age for personal data processing; further believes that younger users are particularly vulnerable to manipulation by addictive platform design and invasive data collection practices; also notes that algorithms fuelled by children’s personal data can lead to addictive engagement loops, exposure to harmful content, and increased risks of online exploitation; and calls on the Government to set the UK’s digital age of consent for data processing at 16, in line with many other European jurisdictions, ensuring that social media platforms and other online services prioritise children’s rights, safety, and wellbeing by default.