Commons business papers

Contents

Published – Wednesday 9 April 2025

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 8 April 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

1076Stepping Hill Hospital

Tabled: 8/04/25 Signatories: 2

Lisa Smart

Tom Morrison

That this House expresses deep concern at the urgent and worsening state of infrastructure at Stepping Hill Hospital in Hazel Grove, where the repairs backlog is reported to exceed £134 million; notes with alarm the numerous reports from constituents regarding unsafe and inadequate facilities, including power cuts delaying treatments, flooding in hospital corridors, regular breakdowns of lifts and a light fitting falling in a delivery suite during active labour; further notes that patients have been unable to find parking spaces, forcing some to park in supermarket car parks and walk to the hospital, while others, including those experiencing cardiac events, have had to wait in overcrowded conditions due to a lack of seating; recognises that the closure of buildings deemed unsafe has placed further pressure on staff and services, exacerbating waiting lists and worsening patient outcomes; and urges the Government to commit to the overall funding of £58 million required to fully address the repairs backlog, with a clear and detailed timetable and to support the establishment of a second site in central Stockport to alleviate pressure on the current site and improve services.

1077Chalk stream river protection

Tabled: 8/04/25 Signatories: 1

Alex Brewer

That this House recognises the crucial role of chalk stream rivers in ensuring water security and supporting local ecosystems; acknowledges the significant threats faced by chalk stream rivers, including over-abstraction, wastewater pollution, sewage dumping, and urban development; notes with concern that, without action, incidents of water scarcity and ecological degradation in these unique waterways will increase due to ongoing environmental harm; further notes that in 2024 there was more than 975 hours’ worth of sewage pumped into the river Loddon and the river Whitewater, two chalk stream rivers that run through North East Hampshire; and calls on the Government to recognise the ecological distinctiveness of chalk streams and implement specific protections to preserve them, as these irreplaceable ecosystems are at risk of disappearing without urgent intervention.

1078Rural bus services

Tabled: 8/04/25 Signatories: 1

Edward Morello

That this House recognises the significant challenges faced by rural communities in accessing reliable public transport, particularly in West Dorset constituency and the wider South West; notes with concern that many rural bus services remain sparse and irregular, making it difficult for elderly and disabled residents to travel to medical appointments, employment and essential services; further acknowledges that rurality presents unique transport challenges, requiring sustainable and appropriately designed buses that can safely navigate country roads; believes that urgent action is needed to boost rural bus services by giving local authorities the promised new powers to franchise services and simplifying funding to restore routes and create new ones where there is local need; calls for maintaining the £2 cap on bus fares and the replacement of multiple funding streams with a single integrated fund for local authorities to expand services and transition to zero-emission vehicles; and urges investment in road and bridge infrastructure to ensure that buses can operate safely and reliably in rural areas.

1079Hucknall Flight Test Museum

Tabled: 8/04/25 Signatories: 1

Michelle Welsh

That this House celebrates the Hucknall Flight Test Museum and their work to commemorate Hucknall’s aviation heritage through the museum housed in the Hucknall Wing Hanger, a rare 20th Century Grade 2 listed industrial building, originally constructed in 1944; recognises the site's vital role in once providing dedicated ground test facilities for the development of Rolls Royce engines, Merlin, Griffon and Frank Whittle’s turbojet engine, the first commercially viable jet engine, between 1934 and 1971; acknowledges the pivotal role the site played in connection with aviation engine developments of both national and international importance; further acknowledges the site's importance to the war efforts during the Second World War; and pays tribute to the volunteers who run the museum.

1080Public libraries

Tabled: 8/04/25 Signatories: 1

Ian Roome

That this House congratulates the regional winners of Library of the Year at the British Book Awards 2025, including Braunton Library in North Devon, winner of South West England's Library of the Year; recognises the important contribution libraries make to advancing reading and literacy skills among both children and adults, as well as the wider community functions libraries serve in hosting a vast range of community events, support groups, employment workshops, live music, arts and crafts activities, flexible working spaces, access to the internet and public records, among many others; notes that at least 190 libraries across the UK have closed in the past five years; and calls on the Government to support local councils in maintaining publicly-accessible spaces for community use.

1081Flamstead Toad Patrol

Tabled: 8/04/25 Signatories: 1

Victoria Collins

That this House acknowledges the unwavering dedication of the Flamstead Toad Patrol, a community-led initiative that guides common toads safely through hazardous areas during their annual journey to ancient breeding grounds; commends the volunteers who brave the cold, dark and wet conditions to protect this native species now facing decline; expresses deep concern over the severe health hazards posed by sewage discharges in the River Ver downstream of the Markyate Sewage Works; acknowledges the grave risk of contamination from E. coli and other dangerous pathogens that volunteers encounter; highlights the mental toll on volunteers who, despite their love for nature, are burdened by the fear of exposure to poorly treated sewage; and calls for immediate action to address the pollution, safeguarding both the environment and the valiant community members who strive to make a difference.

1082Retirement of GPs and national GP strategy

Tabled: 8/04/25 Signatories: 1

Rachel Gilmour

That this House congratulates Dr Simon Johnson-Ferguson and Dr Helen Johnson-Ferguson, of Bampton Surgery in Tiverton and Minehead, for the decades of service they have given as GPs to the people of Bampton and its environs and the NHS; wishes them both a happy, if early, retirement; notes however with concern the growing number of early retirements by NHS GPs; and calls on the Government to increase the number of full-time GPs by 8,000.

108375th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights

Tabled: 8/04/25 Signatories: 1

Tom Gordon

That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), signed in 1950, which has been a cornerstone of the Council of Europe and continues to evolve to meet modern human rights challenges; recognises and celebrates the Convention’s role in protecting the rights and fundamental freedoms of over 700 million people across Europe, ensuring dignity and liberty within its jurisdiction; acknowledges the ECHR’s crucial role in empowering individuals to uphold their rights; and notes the Convention’s lasting contribution to British law, particularly through the Human Rights Act 1998, which has embedded these protections in domestic legislation and strengthened the rights of people across the UK.

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.

1009Avanti West Coast ticket offices and station staffing

Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 20

Rebecca Long Bailey

Ayoub Khan

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Kim Johnson

Cat Smith

That this House understands that First Group majority-owned rail operator Avanti West Coast has been undertaking a stations rostering review; is alarmed at reports that this review may be used to undermine ticket offices and station staffing, with Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street and London Euston stations particularly affected; recognises that the RMT union has longstanding concerns about Avanti’s failure to fill station staff vacancies and its widespread reliance on fixed-term contracts, leading to delays at ticket offices and closures of ticket offices during their regulated hours; is concerned that these issues persist despite the overwhelming opposition to the 2023 ticket office closures proposals which demonstrated the importance of ticket offices and staff for many passengers; acknowledges that a recent Transport Committee report found that the ticket office closure plans risked significantly damaging people’s access to rail and the presence of staff is often a crucial determinant as to whether disabled people are able to travel by rail; expresses concern that Avanti’s proposals risk detrimental impacts on passenger safety, service and accessibility; notes that Avanti paid out dividends of £8.1 million in 2024; further notes that Avanti is on a National Rail contract managed and funded by the Government; and therefore calls on the Government to instruct Avanti to permanently fill all existing vacancies, transfer staff on fixed term contracts onto permanent contracts and ensure its ticket offices and stations are properly staffed.

1011Benefit reforms and Personal Independence Payment consultation

Tabled: 25/03/25 Signatories: 14

Mr Clive Betts

Clive Efford

Abtisam Mohamed

Valerie Vaz

Melanie Onn

Karl Turner

That this House welcomes proposals which have the objective of ensuring more young people are supported into work; wishes to ensure that the people with the most severe disabilities continue to get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other support; and, to ensure this happens, requires the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to fully consult on all changes to PIP eligibly criteria before such measures are put before Parliament for a vote.

1015Beer festivals 2025

Tabled: 26/03/25 Signatories: 13

Martin Wrigley

Wera Hobhouse

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Adam Dance

Ian Roome

Mr Angus MacDonald

That this House gives special thanks to MaltingsFest in April 2025, supported by the Society of Independent Brewers, Warminster Maltings, and Newton Abbot Town Council; further gives thanks to other beer festivals across the country; supports businesses struggling with the hike in the cost-of-living which is impacting businesses and jobs across the South West and the whole UK, including the increases in utilities costs, raw material prices, and National Insurance contributions; and thanks CAMRA and the BBPA for their work supporting pubs and breweries across the country.

1016Radiotherapy (No. 2)

Tabled: 26/03/25 Signatories: 36

Tim Farron

Helen Maguire

Wera Hobhouse

Ellie Chowns

Andrew George

Steff Aquarone

This House acknowledges the urgent need for a bold and comprehensive National Cancer Plan to reduce cancer waiting times from point of referral; recognises that radiotherapy is a lifesaving, highly advanced, and cost-effective treatment needed in half of all cancer cures and by one in four people in the UK at some point in their lives; pays tribute to the frontline professionals delivering this care across the country; notes with concern that cancer waiting times have been routinely missed in recent years, with too many patients unable to access modern radiotherapy; and calls for the National Cancer Plan to prioritise improving access to curative radiotherapy, invest in AI technology that empowers clinicians, and ensure patients receive timely, effective treatment to ease pressures on NHS cancer services, waitlists, workforce, and technology.

1017Government review into Volumetric Concrete Mobile plants

Tabled: 26/03/25 Signatories: 11

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Graham Leadbitter

John McDonnell

Kim Johnson

Mr Angus MacDonald

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates the Volumetric Concrete Mobile (VCM) sector employing 15,000 skilled workers in 155 constituencies, contributing £380m to the economy and £100m to the Exchequer; notes that from 1975 VCMs have run at weights above 32 tonnes to produce concrete with zero waste, servicing multiple customers, pouring different strengths of concrete on one circuit, saving an estimated 14 million concrete lorry miles pa on UK roads, eliminating 598,000 lorry journeys and 120,000 tonnes of CO2 creating a 20% increase in CO2, nitrogen oxide and particulates, generating carbon costs of £7 million pa and requiring 200 more HGV drivers; further notes that VCMs avoid wasting c.4.8 billion litres of water pa required by old-fashioned drum mixers to flush out concrete waste, and expresses concern that National Highways failed to carry out an environmental impact assessment on cutting VCM weights to 32 tonnes, and made no account in its calculations of the fact that most VCMs weight under 32 tonnes after the first delivery of the day while almost all drum mixers weigh 32 tonnes for their entire journey to every site and failed to question the c40 roll-overs of drum mixers as against one for VCMs; highlights that 5-axle 44 tonne VCMs manufactured and exported from the UK are road legal in many countries including Canada, Denmark and Brazil; and urges Ministers to review this decision and make the current 38.4 and 44 tonne weight limits permanent before the next election, honouring a pledge given before the 2024 election.

1038Legacy of Storm Éowyn in Victoria Park

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 4

Patricia Ferguson

Jim Shannon

Douglas McAllister

Kirsteen Sullivan

That this House notes that a number of mature trees in Glasgow’s Victoria Park were felled by Storm Éowyn in January 2025; recognises that successful fundraising efforts on behalf of the Friends of Victoria Park generated sufficient monies to allow 30 new trees to be planted by volunteers and supporters; understands that the fallen tree trunks will now be carved to provide decorative and useful items for park users; and thanks everyone who contributed money or time towards the project which will ensure that the park continues to be a welcoming and enjoyable place to visit.

1039Drummore Primary School litter pick and Eco schools award

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 4

Patricia Ferguson

Jim Shannon

Douglas McAllister

Kirsteen Sullivan

That this House recognises the excellent work undertaken by the pupils of Drummore Primary School who took part in a litter pick in their local area of Drumchapel; notes that the young people collected many bags of rubbish as part of the Spring Clean Scotland campaign; congratulates the school on achieving an Eco schools award; and commends them for their efforts to keep their local area in good order.

1040Tackling child poverty

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 17

Kirsty Blackman

Chris Law

Stephen Flynn

Seamus Logan

Brendan O'Hara

Graham Leadbitter

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.

1045Disability hate crime

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 24

Christine Jardine

Lisa Smart

Wera Hobhouse

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Brian Mathew

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.

1046News journalism and artificial intelligence tools

Tabled: 1/04/25 Signatories: 11

Rebecca Long Bailey

Claire Hanna

John McDonnell

Kim Johnson

Ian Lavery

Neil Duncan-Jordan

That this House recognises the vital importance for a democratic society of professional news reporting, photography and broadcasting; understands the desire of the Government to foster a business climate favourable to investment and development of artificial intelligence in the United Kingdom; is concerned, however, to ensure that technological developments are not allowed to undermine the economic sustainability of employment in professional news journalism; believes that it is vital that news reporters, photographers, broadcasters and other creatives are properly remunerated and credited where their work is used as the basis for derivative content using artificial intelligence; urges requirements on developers of artificial intelligence models to use content only where consent has been provided for set purposes, ensuring transparency over the sources of their training data; and therefore calls for the introduction of effective regulatory protections to protect the future of our media and creative industries.

1048Libraries in state primary schools

Tabled: 2/04/25 Signatories: 20

Imran Hussain

Jeremy Corbyn

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Ellie Chowns

Colum Eastwood

Mr Will Forster

That this House welcomes the National Literacy Trust and Penguin Random House’s Libraries for Primaries campaign; is concerned that research shows that one in seven state primary schools in the UK do not have a library or dedicated library space; understands that children in disadvantaged areas are disproportionately affected by this; urges the Government to add data collection on libraries in schools to the school census; congratulates the campaign for transforming over 1,000 school libraries and training over 2,500 teachers and support staff so far; notes that the UK needs to go further, as there is currently no statutory requirement for schools to have a library despite the positive effects the statutory requirement to have libraries in prisons has had in that space; is further alarmed by the results of the National Literacy Trust’s Annual Reading Survey which shows that two thirds of children and young people do not read for pleasure; recognises the personal benefits reading for pleasure brings to children and their development including higher attainment, increased opportunities and better wellbeing; highlights research by British Land with the National Literacy Trust which shows that reading for pleasure can result in more children getting five good GCSEs, which in turn would boost their lifetime earnings and raise the UK’s GDP to deliver economic growth; and believes all schools in the country should have a library or dedicated library space, particularly in the context of the current reading for enjoyment crisis.

1050Israeli Defence Force attacks on humanitarian workers

Tabled: 2/04/25 Signatories: 54

Tom Morrison

Layla Moran

Helen Maguire

Adam Dance

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

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: 24

Victoria Collins

Munira Wilson

Max Wilkinson

Dr Danny Chambers

Caroline Voaden

Steff Aquarone

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.

105380th anniversary of Christian Aid

Tabled: 3/04/25 Signatories: 9

Douglas McAllister

Ellie Chowns

Jim Shannon

Zöe Franklin

Kirsteen Sullivan

Ann Davies

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: 3

Euan Stainbank

Jim Shannon

Kirsteen Sullivan

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.

1058International Day for Mine Awareness

Tabled: 3/04/25 Signatories: 16

Helen Maguire

Monica Harding

Manuela Perteghella

Lisa Smart

Brian Mathew

Tom Morrison

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.

1060Abduction of Ukrainian children

Tabled: 3/04/25 Signatories: 34

Calum Miller

Monica Harding

Helen Maguire

Manuela Perteghella

Ian Roome

Tom Morrison

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.

1061British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme

Tabled: 7/04/25 Signatories: 12

Ann Davies

Ben Lake

Llinos Medi

Liz Saville Roberts

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Dave Doogan

That this House is deeply concerned regarding the impact of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) scandal; notes that, in the Autumn Budget, the Government released equivalent funds from the Miners’ Pension Scheme (MPS), but this welcome move to improve former miners’ pensions was not extended to the BCSSS; highlights that the Government’s failure to release frozen funds is causing immense hardship for people who have paid into the system for decades but are now left without the vital support they need and deserve; further notes that the BCSSS Trustees have been campaigning for members of the BCSSS to be treated equally to members of the MPS; agrees with the Trustees in their view that the £2.3bn BCSSS investment reserve should be transferred to members as soon as possible; and calls on the Government to review how any future surplus in the BCSSS is shared between members and the Government.

1062Dementia strategy for Devon

Tabled: 7/04/25 Signatories: 5

Caroline Voaden

Helen Maguire

Ian Roome

Jim Shannon

Rachel Gilmour

That this House recognises the creation of a new dementia strategy for Devon; celebrates the work of the Devon Dementia and Memory Care Delivery Group, which includes voluntary, community and social enterprise colleagues and people with lived experience, amounting to over 40 organisations across Devon, Torbay and Plymouth; calls on the Government to ensure the upcoming NHS ten year plan includes improved dementia services, with a dedicated dementia strategy in all parts of the UK; and further calls on the Government to ensure that anyone suffering from dementia can expect the highest standard of care and are supported to live free from fear and stigma.

1063Ukrainian Action Team Devon

Tabled: 7/04/25 Signatories: 5

Caroline Voaden

Helen Maguire

Ian Roome

Jim Shannon

Rachel Gilmour

That this House congratulates the Ukrainian Action Team Devon on the remarkable achievement of donating their 50th vehicle to support Ukraine; acknowledges the dedication and commitment of all volunteers involved; commends the team for sending seven trucks of vital aid to Poland on 8th March 2025, ensuring essential supplies reach those in need; pays special tribute to volunteer Adam Steward for his continued efforts, including his journey to the frontline in Ukraine, where he donated his vehicle to assist in evacuating elderly and disabled individuals from frontline villages, marking the 50th vehicle donated by the team; recognises the profound impact these donations and convoys have on the lives of vulnerable people and communities in Ukraine; and urges continued recognition of the vital work carried out by Team Devon.

1064Robert May’s school and STEM racing competition

Tabled: 7/04/25 Signatories: 9

Alex Brewer

Jim Shannon

Ben Maguire

Tom Morrison

Lisa Smart

Alison Bennett

That this House congratulates the two F1 teams at Robert May’s School on their participation in the STEM Racing competition; commends Team Echo for being invited to compete in the World Championships in Singapore this autumn; notes that this remarkable achievement has required significant imagination, creativity, and hard work to project manage, design, build, and race a mini F1 car; recognises that, alongside car construction, the students have managed all aspects of marketing and sponsorship, and will continue to do so to raise the £25,000 needed for the World Championships; and celebrates this F1 project as a fun and exciting way to engage students in STEM.

1065Securing habitat for endangered swifts and other cavity nesting birds

Tabled: 7/04/25 Signatories: 6

Barry Gardiner

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Shockat Adam

Dr Simon Opher

Jon Trickett

This House notes with concern the dramatic decline in the breeding population of swifts whose numbers have dropped by 60% since 1995; recognises that the loss of natural nesting habitat for swifts and other cavity nesting birds has meant that four species of these birds are now on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species; welcomes the fact that Barratt Homes, Vistry and other members of the Home Builders Federation have stated they have no objection to legislation that would require the incorporation into all new domestic buildings of swift bricks, which are universal bricks that would provide nesting habitat for eight species of small bird, and that these would not delay or increase the costs of the Government's house-building plans; and therefore urges the Government to introduce such regulations at the earliest opportunity so as to prevent the extinction of one of our most loved species.

1066Wokingham Borough Council shortlisted for Local Authority of the Year

Tabled: 7/04/25 Signatories: 2

Clive Jones

Jim Shannon

This House congratulates Wokingham Borough Council on its shortlisting for Municipal Journal's Local Authority of the Year Award; celebrates the improvement Wokingham Borough Council has consistently demonstrated since its change in administration in 2022; agrees with its Leader, Councillor Stephen Conway, that what really matters is how the Council works for residents; commends particularly the hard work put in by staff to sustain the Council's improvement; and recognises that of the seven finalists for the award, six have the Liberal Democrats as a party of administration.

1067150th anniversary of Wokingham Town Football Club

Tabled: 7/04/25 Signatories: 3

Clive Jones

Jim Shannon

Jack Rankin

This House joins Wokingham Town Football Club in celebrating its sesquicentennial this year; recognises the importance that grass roots and non-league football clubs have in their communities across the UK; and wishes the Sumas another successful 150 years to come.

1068Clwb Rygbi Caernarfon (Caernarfon Rugby Club) and Division 1 Cup Final

Tabled: 7/04/25 Signatories: 5

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Llinos Medi

Ann Davies

Jim Shannon

That this House warmly congratulates Clwb Rygbi Caernarfon (Caernarfon Rugby Club) on their stunning 30 - 29 victory against Bridgend Athletic at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday; notes that this was Clwb Rygbi Caernarfon’s first appearance in the WRU Division 1 Cup Final; further notes that hundreds of dedicated Caernarfon supporters travelled down to Cardiff to watch the match; pays tribute to the team’s head coach Carl Russell Owen, the players, and all the volunteers and supporters who help run the club throughout the year; recognises that Clwb Rygbi Caernarfon was established in 1973 with the club ground located at Y Morfa, Lôn Parc, Caernarfon; and gives thanks to the club for developing and mentoring local rugby talent through their first, second, youth, and women’s teams, alongside an extensive junior section.

1069Oaklands College success in sport and academia

Tabled: 7/04/25 Signatories: 2

Daisy Cooper

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the outstanding work being carried out by Oaklands College in fostering sporting, academic and vocational excellence; commends the College for its longstanding commitment to developing talent and providing students with exceptional opportunities since 1921, most recently exemplified by the establishment of the Sports High Performance Centre; notes the College’s role in supporting elite athletes, with distinguished alumni such as Paralympic Champion Olivia Breen, Olympic medalist Daryll Neita, and former England footballer and broadcaster Alex Scott, demonstrating the success of its high-quality coaching and development programmes; acknowledges the College’s rising student outcomes as a result of its focus on academic achievement, career readiness and the integration of technology-enabled learning to enhance student engagement and skills development; further recognises its strong partnerships with local, regional and national employers to provide students with relevant experience and industry-aligned skills; highlights the College’s significant investment in its new Construction Centre, which will provide state-of-the-art training facilities to equip students with the technical expertise needed to excel in the construction industry and continue to develop facilities for construction and engineering; and calls on the Government to continue supporting institutions like Oaklands College that play a crucial role in nurturing sporting, academic and vocational success.

1072Small and medium-sized enterprises in defence procurement

Tabled: 7/04/25 Signatories: 11

Helen Maguire

Zöe Franklin

Ian Roome

Ian Sollom

Pippa Heylings

Brian Mathew

That this House recognises the vital role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK defence industry, providing innovation, flexibility and high-quality jobs across the country; notes with concern the longstanding inefficiencies in the Ministry of Defence’s procurement system, including delays, overspends and inflexible processes that restrict SME participation; believes that defence procurement must be reformed to be more adaptable, accountable and strategically integrated into a broader industrial strategy; urges the Government to support the better integration of SMEs into the domestic supply chain, enabling them to further contribute to developing the UK's sovereign defence capabilities; calls on the Government to secure a UK-EU defence pact which would enable access for UK firms to European defence funding programmes; and further calls on the Government to support the development of a rearmament bank with our partners in Europe, providing further access to finance for UK firms.

107325 years of the Water of Leith visitor centre

Tabled: 7/04/25 Signatories: 2

Dr Scott Arthur

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates the Water of Leith Conservation Trust on their upcoming event marking 25 years since the opening of the Water of Leith visitor centre; further congratulates and thanks the Trusts' team and volunteers on the work that they do to improve the area along the Water of Leith working to protect and improve the river, its heritage and wildlife; and wishes them well for the future as they look to continue to serve the local area and its communities.

1074International Day of the Midwife

Tabled: 7/04/25 Signatories: 23

Dr Simon Opher

Jim Shannon

Margaret Mullane

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Ms Diane Abbott

Robin Swann

That this House recognises the International Day of the Midwife, on 5 May, along with its theme for 2025, ‘Midwives: critical in every crisis’; expresses its support for midwives in the United Kingdom and around the world for the vital contribution they make in providing care and support to women and their families during pregnancy, throughout labour and during the period after a baby’s birth; notes however that, globally, we are facing a growing number of compounding crises, including natural disasters, war, and the ongoing impact of climate change, which can threaten the safe, effective delivery of maternity care; recognises the importance of the role of midwives in caring for women during these challenging times; further recognises that, in both times of peace and in times of crisis, midwives can and do support safe births and provide antenatal and postnatal care as well as sexual and reproductive healthcare, and educate and prepare women with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe and healthy; and commends the contribution made by the International Confederation of Midwives and the Royal College of Midwives in championing better, safer maternity care, at home and abroad.

1075King's Award for Voluntary Service to Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels

Tabled: 7/04/25 Signatories: 3

Douglas McAllister

Jim Shannon

Kirsteen Sullivan

That this House congratulates Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels, recipients of The King's Award for Voluntary Service; notes that this is the highest recognition for a local voluntary group in the UK; understands that the King's Award will be presented to Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels by His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant for Dunbartonshire at a special ceremony in Clydebank Town Hall on Thursday the 10th of April; acknowledges their outstanding contribution to West Dunbartonshire by providing essential food support and companionship through their community food pantry, Chatty Cafe and community events; recognises their exceptional work to reduce social isolation and their tireless dedication to supporting the most vulnerable members of society through compassion and kindness; and wishes Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels every success and all the best for the future.