Commons business papers

Contents

Published – Friday 16 May 2025

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 15 May 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

1269UK aid for global forests and indigenous peoples

Tabled: 15/05/25 Signatories: 1

Pippa Heylings

That this House expresses deep concern at the threat to UK support for global forests and the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) as a result of reductions to the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget; notes that tropical forests are vital to climate regulation, biodiversity, food security and public health, and that halting deforestation could contribute up to 30% of climate change mitigation potential; further notes that forests are home to 1.6 billion people, including 300 million Indigenous Peoples whose knowledge, stewardship and tenure rights are critical to effective forest governance; recognises the positive impact of UK funding in tackling illegal logging and promoting sustainable forest economies through programmes such as Forest Governance Markets and Climate (FGMC2), Investments in Forests and Sustainable Land Use (IFSLU), The Amazon Catalyst for Forest Communities (AMCAT), the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund, and the Congo Basin Forest Action Programme; recalls the UK’s leadership at COP26 through the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use and urges the Government to honour this commitment with sustained investment; affirms that private finance initiatives, such as the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, cannot replace the UK’s bilateral support and the impact of direct partnerships with rainforest countries and IPLC-led solutions; and calls on the Government to protect existing forest programmes from aid cuts, restore the aid budget to 0.7% of GNI at the earliest opportunity, and ensure forest protection and Indigenous rights remain central to the UK’s international climate and development strategy ahead of COP30.

1270Peterhead Football Club, Scottish League 2 champions

Tabled: 15/05/25 Signatories: 1

Seamus Logan

That this House congratulates Peterhead Football Club on winning the 2024-25 Scottish League 2 champion title; recognises that Peterhead Football Club, affectionately known as The Blue Toon, secured their championship after defeating East Fife FC 1-0 at Balmoor Stadium; notes that they ended the season on 66 points, 4 clear of runners-up East Fife; commends scorer Peter Pawlett for scoring the only goal of the game; further commends managers Jordon Brown and Ryan Strachan and all their players and staff for their collective efforts and determination to succeed; and wishes the club well for the forthcoming season.

127160th anniversary of Bexley Voluntary Service Council

Tabled: 15/05/25 Signatories: 1

Daniel Francis

That this House congratulates Bexley Voluntary Service Council on its 60th anniversary; notes that the organisation was founded to provide support to organisations and residents across the London Borough of Bexley; highlights their work in supporting voluntary organisations and volunteers in the London Borough of Bexley; recognises the role they play in ensuring partnership working between voluntary organisations locally; thanks their staff and volunteers for their hard work; and wishes Bexley Voluntary Service Council all the best for the future.

1272100th anniversary of 18th West Kent Boys Brigade

Tabled: 15/05/25 Signatories: 1

Daniel Francis

That this House congratulates the 18th West Kent Boys’ Brigade on reaching their 100th anniversary this May; notes that the company was formed at Northumberland Heath Baptist Church in Belmont Road; highlights that many founders of the 18th West Kent Boys’ Brigade would have been World War One Veterans and thanks them for their important contribution to this country and their community; notes that the current company is formed of an Anchor section, a Junior section and a Company section; thanks all the Brigade’s volunteers for their work; and wishes them all the best for the future.

1273125th anniversary of St Augustine’s Church, Slade Green

Tabled: 15/05/25 Signatories: 1

Daniel Francis

That this House recognises and congratulates St Augustine’s Church, Slade Green on its 125th anniversary this year; acknowledges the significant work undertaken to rebuild the church following the damage experienced from bombing in 1944 and from a fire in 1991: recognises the important impact that the church has had in the community across Slade Green; highlights its work in creating an inclusive supportive place of worship and hospitality to all ages; thanks the church community for their hard work; and wishes everyone connected with St Augustine’s Church, Slade Green all the best for the future.

1274Vickers, Crayford and Dartford Athletic Football Club

Tabled: 15/05/25 Signatories: 2

Daniel Francis

Jim Dickson

That this House congratulates VCD Athletic Football Club’s achievement in securing promotion from the South Counties East Football League Premier Division; commends the performance of the players and pays tribute to Danny Joy and Ross Baker for their work as joint-managers in their first season in the role; notes that the Vickers, Crayford and Dartford Athletic Football Club was founded in 1916 by employees of the now defunct Vickers armaments factory in Crayford; and wishes everyone at the club including their supporters and volunteers, the very best of luck in the Isthmian League South East Division for the 2025-26 season.

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.

1184Climate and Nature Bill

Tabled: 1/05/25 Signatories: 60

Clive Lewis

Dr Roz Savage

Alex Sobel

Olivia Blake

Nadia Whittome

Dr Simon Opher

That this House declared an environment and climate change emergency on 1 May 2019, recognising the urgent need for action; notes that the Second Reading debate of the Climate and Nature Bill was adjourned, but not concluded, on 24 January 2025; further notes that the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was disappointed that the Bill did not progress; acknowledges the Government’s recognition of the climate and nature crisis as our greatest, long-term, global challenge, but that climate and nature policies remain siloed; welcomes the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero’s commitment to collaborate with the Bill’s proponents to advance its objectives, including via legislation, alongside the Government’s acceleration of four related workstreams, and an annual climate and nature statement; reaffirms the Government’s obligations to limit global warming to 1.5°C under the Paris Agreement, and to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 under the Global Biodiversity Framework; also welcomes Ministers’ statements that legally-binding climate goals and nature goals provide certainty, spur investment, address market failures and deliver policy outcomes; notes with concern the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ recognition that Britain is among the world’s most nature-depleted countries, and the Prime Minister’s warning that exceeding 1.5°C will expose thousands of people in the UK to flood risk, economic instability, and national security threats; and therefore urges the Government to allocate parliamentary time for further debate on the Climate and Nature Bill to address these critical challenges.

1186Blockade of aid to Gaza

Tabled: 1/05/25 Signatories: 67

Calum Miller

Wendy Chamberlain

Helen Maguire

Munira Wilson

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Anna Sabine

That this House expresses its deep concern that the Israeli Government's current blockade of Gaza has now exceeded 50 days; notes with alarm the recent announcement from the World Food Programme that it has fully depleted its food stocks in Gaza; further notes the severe shortages of medicine, medical equipment, and staff to provide medical attention to those most in need; acknowledges that the vast majority of international and Palestinian aid organisations working in Gaza have had to suspend or scale back services since the recommencement of hostilities on 18 March 2025; and urges the Government to use all levers at its disposal to put pressure on the Israeli Government to immediately reopen aid routes into Gaza to allow essential goods and supplies to reach those suffering and alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

1187RAF Lossiemouth, Station of the Year

Tabled: 1/05/25 Signatories: 4

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

Chris Kane

Chris Law

That this House congratulates RAF Lossiemouth on being named Station of the Year at the RAF Benevolent Fund’s annual awards ceremony; commends the station’s outstanding support of the Fund, including hosting a Christmas dinner for more than 120 veterans and engaging in numerous charitable activities throughout the year; acknowledges the leadership of Group Captain Sarah Brewin and the collective efforts of all personnel at RAF Lossiemouth in fostering a strong spirit of community and welfare within the RAF family; recognises the essential work of the RAF Benevolent Fund in providing practical, financial and emotional support to serving personnel, veterans and their families; further recognises the vital contribution RAF Lossiemouth makes to the local community in Moray and the wider north-east of Scotland; and sends its best wishes to all those at RAF Lossiemouth as they continue their exemplary contribution to both national defence and the wellbeing of the RAF community.

118847th anniversary of the murder of Altab Ali

Tabled: 1/05/25 Signatories: 14

Apsana Begum

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Imran Hussain

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Richard Burgon

Steve Witherden

That this House marks the anniversary of the racially motivated murder of the 25-year-old textile factory worker, Altab Ali, on 4th May 1978; notes that in the 1970s far right activity and racism was prevalent in East London and that Asian and Black people were frequently attacked; recognises that Altab Ali’s murder sparked protests and anti-racist campaigning leading to the historic Battle for Brick Lane and the birth of groups like the Anti-Nazi League and Rock against Racism; plays tribute in particular to the Bangladeshi community and allies in East London’s resistance to far-right extremism and institutional racism; expresses concern at the current increase in far right activity and rising levels of racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism; and stands in solidarity with our diverse communities in opposition to the far right and those who try to divide society with fear, bigotry and intolerance.

1191Safe sleep standards in early years settings

Tabled: 6/05/25 Signatories: 26

Tom Morrison

Helen Maguire

Liz Jarvis

Jim Shannon

Adam Dance

Clive Jones

That this House expresses its heartfelt condolences to the family of nine-month-old Genevieve (Gigi) Meehan, who tragically died in May 2022 while in the care of a nursery in Cheadle, Greater Manchester; pays tribute to her mother Katie Wheeler and father John Meehan for their courage and determination in campaigning for change to prevent further tragedies; acknowledges the vital support and expertise of the Lullaby Trust in championing safer sleep guidance; notes with serious concern the failings in nursery safety standards and oversight that led to Gigi’s death, including dangerous sleep practices and a lack of proper monitoring; also notes with concern that there have been 5,795 allegations of children being harmed in nursery settings in the last five years; believes urgent reform is needed to ensure consistent, enforceable safer sleep standards across early years settings; calls on the Government and Ofsted to conduct a full review of current guidance and practice; and further calls for mandatory safer sleep training for all early years staff and inspectors, compulsory installation of CCTV in all nurseries and early years settings, routine review of CCTV footage during inspections, regular genuinely unannounced Ofsted visits where concerns have been raised, and clear, statutory guidance on safe sleep practices and products for babies under two.

1195Better Jobs, Better Services campaign

Tabled: 6/05/25 Signatories: 25

Kim Johnson

John McDonnell

Rachael Maskell

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Apsana Begum

Grahame Morris

That this House notes that the Government has committed to oversee the biggest wave of insourcing for a generation; welcomes the RMT’s new Better Jobs, Better Services campaign, calling for an end to outsourcing of essential rail services such as cleaning, station staffing, catering, security, infrastructure and engineering across the rail and metro networks; further notes that RMT research shows outsourcing has cost the taxpayer and farepayer £400 million annually in profits leaking out of the rail industry, the equivalent of a 3.8 per cent fare cut, while insourcing and integrating these services with the rest of the network would provide better quality, safety and value for money; also notes concerns that outsourcing is driven by employers engaging workers on inferior terms and conditions, such as poor sick pay and pensions, and that outsourcing could be embedding systemic racism on parts of the rail network where workers are disproportionally from a BME background; is encouraged that cleaning, station, catering, infrastructure and engineering services are already provided in-house, or there are discussions to do so, on many parts of the parts of the network; and therefore calls on the Government and devolved transport authorities to extend the policy of building an integrated and publicly-owned railway network to also become a vehicle to end rail outsourcing, delivering better jobs and services.

1196World Asthma Day 2025

Tabled: 6/05/25 Signatories: 15

Jim Shannon

Rachael Maskell

Robin Swann

Chris Kane

Ellie Chowns

Claire Young

That this House notes World Asthma Day 2025 on 6 May, and it’s theme, Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for All; understands that 7.2 million people in the UK are living with asthma and that it is the most common long-term childhood health condition; regrets that, despite four people dying daily from asthma, of which the majority are preventable according to data from Asthma + Lung UK, 70% of people with asthma are not receiving all three basic elements of asthma care, including an annual review, inhaler technique check and written action plan; supports efforts to extend better care to all those living with asthma, and the implementation of new asthma guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, British Thoracic Society and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network; and recognises the work of charities such as Asthma + Lung UK to improve asthma prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care across the country.

1199Legal protection of the nurse job title

Tabled: 6/05/25 Signatories: 33

Dawn Butler

Paulette Hamilton

Tulip Siddiq

Mrs Sharon Hodgson

Barry Gardiner

Juliet Campbell

That this House notes with concern that the job title of nurse is not currently a legally protected term, despite the high levels of public trust placed in the profession; further notes that, while the title of registered nurse is protected, the widespread and unregulated use of the term nurse by individuals without appropriate qualifications and registration on parts one and two of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register poses a serious risk to patient safety and undermines the integrity of the profession; recognises the findings of a Nursing Standard freedom of information request that revealed over 8,000 individuals across 93% of NHS trusts are using the title of nurse without being registered; is alarmed that individuals struck off the NMC register, including those with criminal convictions, can continue to use the title without legal consequence; acknowledges that the term nurse is protected in many other countries as a means of safeguarding the public; supports the Protect Nurse campaign backed by professional bodies, patient safety organisations, unions and the Royal College of Nursing; believes exemptions should apply for the use of the designations such as veterinary nurse and dental nurse; and calls on the Government to support the Nurse (Use of Title) Bill in the name of the hon. Member for Brent East to include nurse as a protected professional title, thereby ensuring that only those registered on part one and two of the NMC register may legally use the term.

1206Upholding biological sex-based protections in single-sex spaces

Tabled: 6/05/25 Signatories: 11

Rupert Lowe

Mr Peter Bedford

Simon Hoare

Jim Shannon

Sir John Whittingdale

Sir Gavin Williamson

That this House notes the recent UK Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers, which clarified that the terms man, woman, and sex in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex; recognises the significance of this clarification in ensuring the integrity of single-sex spaces and services, including but not limited to changing rooms, hospital wards, prisons, refuges, toilets, and sports; acknowledges the importance of these protections in safeguarding the dignity, privacy, and safety of women and girls; affirms that while the rights of transgender individuals must be respected, such rights should not come at the expense of compromising the rights of biological women; calls upon the Government to provide clear guidance to public bodies and service providers on the implementation of this ruling to ensure that policies reflect the legal definitions as clarified by the Supreme Court; and urges all relevant stakeholders to uphold and enforce the maintenance of single-sex spaces based on biological sex to protect the rights and well-being of women and girls across the United Kingdom.

1217Electoral reform

Tabled: 7/05/25 Signatories: 37

Sarah Olney

Tom Gordon

Wera Hobhouse

Ian Roome

Adam Dance

Clive Jones

That this House believes there is urgent need for electoral reform for elections in England; further believes that the local and mayoral elections which took place across England on 1 May 2025 are the latest result to highlight the inadequacy of the current system, showing a record breaking fragmentation of the vote; notes with concern that three in five English people did not vote for the candidate who won in their local, mayoral, and parliamentary elections, of the 1,282 contested wards in last week's elections, the average two-party vote share was just 36.8% which is the lowest on record; urges the Government to bring forward legislation to reform the electoral system via proportional representation for UK general elections as well as local elections in England; and calls on the Government to outline what plans they have to reform the electoral system to make it more representative of the British electorate and deliver fair votes.

1219Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

Tabled: 7/05/25 Signatories: 17

Sojan Joseph

Dr Simon Opher

Jim Shannon

Colum Eastwood

Chris Kane

Ellie Chowns

That this House recognises that Mental Health Awareness Week is between 12 and 19 May 2025; notes that the theme for this year is community; believes that being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing; further believes that people thrive when they have strong connections with other people and supportive communities to remind them that they are not alone; notes with concern that while most online communities are accommodating places, 76 percent of secondary school teachers are extremely concerned about the influence of online misogyny on their schools; encourages those who do feel alone to seek out support; calls for increased support for community mental health services to ensure there is a shift in mental health care from hospitals to the local community; further recognises the important role that Mental Health Awareness Week plays in bringing attention to mental health; and pays tribute to all those working in this sector.

1225Peace Child International time capsule in Perth

Tabled: 8/05/25 Signatories: 4

Stephen Gethins

Jim Shannon

Pete Wishart

Chris Law

That this House celebrates the unveiling of the Peace Child time capsule in Perth, 34 years after it was buried by 60 young people from Perth Youth Theatre and 60 young people from around the world; notes that the time capsule is filled with notes of how young people in 1991 hoped to see the world in 2025; acknowledges that this programme promoted peace and unity and has remained a memorable experience for all who participated; and recognises that Peace Child International continues to empower young people globally through their education and training programmes.

1230Gaza occupation proposals

Tabled: 8/05/25 Signatories: 55

Calum Miller

Monica Harding

James MacCleary

Helen Maguire

Tom Morrison

Munira Wilson

That this House expresses its outrage at proposals by the Israeli Government to indefinitely occupy Gaza; condemns the plans for the further forced displacement of Palestinians; affirms its belief that, if realised, these would constitute clear breaches of international law; notes with immense concern that these proposals will only make it more difficult to ensure the remaining Israeli hostages in Hamas' captivity will return to Israel safely; believes that these measures will not bring more long-term security to Israel; urges the Government to commit to banning the export of all UK arms to Israel to ensure no UK weapons can be used to perpetrate human rights abuses in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; further urges the Government to sanction the extremist Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, who actively promote expansion into the Occupied Palestinian Territories; and calls on the Government immediately to recognise the state of Palestine, as a way of giving hope to millions of Palestinians and affirming their right to self-determination.

1233Deaf Awareness Week 2025

Tabled: 8/05/25 Signatories: 34

Tom Gordon

Helen Maguire

Wendy Chamberlain

Wera Hobhouse

Rachel Gilmour

Adam Dance

That this House recognises the importance of, and celebrates, Deaf Awareness Week 2025; acknowledges this year’s theme, Beyond Silence; congratulates organisations such as the British Deaf Association, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, and the National Deaf Children’s Society for the vital work they do in supporting deaf people, their families, and the wider deaf community; commends local councils, including North Yorkshire Council, for openly supporting Deaf Awareness Week; encourages local authorities, businesses, and other organisations to continue improving their information and support for the deaf community; celebrates the diverse ways in which deaf people communicate and the richness of Deaf culture; and further recognises the importance of breaking down barriers to full accessibility for individuals with hearing loss, as well as those with other physical and mental disabilities.

1234Improving equestrian road safety awareness

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 23

Mr Lee Dillon

Clive Jones

Helen Maguire

Tom Gordon

Adam Dance

Richard Foord

That this House acknowledges the vital role of horses in rural communities, particularly in areas such as Lambourn, known for its contributions to British horse racing; notes with deep concern that in 2024 alone, 3,100 road incidents involving horses were reported to the British Horse Society; recognises that one third of these incidents involve road rage or abuse directed at the rider; highlights the lack of public awareness around the 2022 changes to the Highway Code, including Rule 163, which advises drivers to pass horses at no more than 10mph and a minimum distance of 2 metres; commends the efforts of those taking part in the Road Safety Awareness Ride from Lambourn in memory of the two-year-old racehorse Knockalla who was killed; and calls on the Government to work with the equine sector, local authorities and road safety bodies to improve public awareness, enforce safe driving practices and protect horses and riders on UK roads.

1238UK-EU Summit

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 31

James MacCleary

Calum Miller

Helen Maguire

Monica Harding

Sarah Olney

Wera Hobhouse

That this House recognises the benefits of a comprehensive Youth Mobility Scheme between the UK and the European Union; urges the Government to adopt a more ambitious approach to negotiations, acknowledging that such a scheme would enhance cultural exchange, expand opportunities for our young people and boost our economy; calls on the Government to strengthen cooperation with the EU by securing a comprehensive Defence and Security Pact, which includes associating the UK with the European Defence Agency; and advocates for a closer trading relationship with the EU, including the negotiation of a bespoke Customs Union, to reduce trade barriers and support businesses by cutting red tape.

1240Overseas-qualified dentists

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 14

Dr Roz Savage

Wera Hobhouse

Clive Jones

Adam Dance

Wendy Chamberlain

Tom Gordon

That this House notes that around 5,000 overseas-qualified dentists are currently waiting to sit the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) in order to practice dentistry in the UK; further notes that each application process costs individuals approximately £5,000; highlights the case of one South Cotswolds constituent who has been unable to secure an exam slot for over two years; recognises the acute shortage of dentists, particularly in rural areas; acknowledges the serious consequences of limited access to dental care, including chronic pain and untreated infections; believes that enabling overseas-qualified dentists to practice can help relieve pressure on the existing dental workforce; and calls on the General Dental Council to re-evaluate the ORE process, expand exam capacity, and explore supervised practice pathways as a route to registration.

1242Future of the UK baking industry

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 18

Rebecca Long Bailey

John McDonnell

Grahame Morris

Andy McDonald

Ian Byrne

Kim Johnson

That this House notes with concern recent media reports that Associated British Foods, parent company of Allied Bakeries which produces Kingsmill bread, are in talks over a potential merger with Hovis, owned by Endless LLP; further notes that this comes as a response to reports of unsustainable losses in the Allied Bakeries division; is concerned that any merger on this scale may result in restructuring, rationalisation or closures that could affect the job security and livelihoods of thousands of UK workers both directly employed and in the supply chain; is further concerned about the potential implications for competition in the UK bakery sector and possible impact on future UK food security; and therefore calls on the management of both businesses to engage immediately with the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers union and other recognised trade unions across their sites and undertake meaningful consultation prior to the agreement or implementation of any merger proposal.

1243Nurses Day 2025

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 9

Jim Shannon

Claire Young

Mr Gregory Campbell

Andrew George

Tristan Osborne

Ellie Chowns

That this House notes Nurse's Day 2025 on May 12 which celebrates the incredible skill and dedication of all nurses across the UK and further afield; highlights the vast variety of settings, from GP staff to hospitals and from community care staff to pharmacies; underlines that despite their invaluable work, the nursing sector faces huge challenges in terms of funding and staff shortages which must be addressed as a priority for Government; further notes the positive effects nursing care has on millions of people; and thanks all nurses and NHS staff for their invaluable contribution to healthcare across the United Kingdom.

1244Court transcript costs

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 24

Sarah Olney

Wera Hobhouse

Clive Jones

Mr Joshua Reynolds

Tom Gordon

Helen Maguire

That this House believes that victims of crime should be able to access a transcript of court proceedings free of charge; notes that this would improve transparency throughout the criminal justice process; regrets the extortionate costs associated with court transcript fees, noting particular instances where victims were changed up to to £22,000; acknowledges this acts as a barrier to justice; recognises that being able to review sentencing remarks helps provide victims and survivors with clarity and closure about the outcome of their case; and urges the Government to make permanent the Rape and Sexual Offences Free Sentencing Remarks Pilot Scheme and extend this to include victims of all crime.

1245Restructure of local government debt

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 6

Jon Trickett

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Jim Shannon

Ellie Chowns

Margaret Mullane

Ayoub Khan

That this House expresses deeps concern that local government net debt across UK has doubled since 2010 and is spiralling out of control; notes a funding gap of £6.4 billion forming in the day-to-day council budgets in 2024-25 in comparison to 2019-20 budgets; acknowledges that councils will be confronted with the unacceptable choice of cutting services or using already worryingly declining reserves to balance their budgets without accounting for increased energy costs and inflationary pressures; recognises that over a decade of austerity has brought unnecessary Section 114 notices, which are ineffective and myopic; notes that these political decisions and Government action has encouraged risky behaviour and borrowing; further notes that councils are now laden with debt and spending a fortune on repayments; and calls on the Government to restructure local government debt to future-proof local authorities against the need to cut jobs, pay conditions and critical public services.

1246Community Energy Pathways and the King’s Award for Sustainable Enterprise

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 16

Pippa Heylings

Wera Hobhouse

Clive Jones

Helen Maguire

Victoria Collins

Edward Morello

That this House congratulates Community Energy Pathways (CEP), a not-for-profit community energy social enterprise based in Lewes, East Sussex, on being awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Sustainable Enterprise; notes that this award reflects two years of rigorous due diligence by the King’s Fund, acknowledging CEP’s outstanding contribution to empowering communities to deliver locally-owned, low-carbon energy solutions; recognises CEP’s work in supporting over 60 community energy groups across 15 counties and towns, as well as the successful securing of £1 million from UK Power Networks to expand its reach to 20,000 people and facilitate over 1,200 in-person home energy visits; commends the organisation’s innovative Energy Champions programme, which creates local jobs and equips residents with the knowledge and tools to cut energy costs and carbon emissions; further notes that community energy enjoys significantly greater public support than privately-owned alternatives, as evidenced by recent polling from Common Wealth; and calls on the Government to provide greater support to the community energy sector to accelerate the just transition to a low-carbon economy, reduce household energy bills, and strengthen local resilience and ownership of the UK’s energy future.

1247International Nurses Day 2025

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 8

Mary Kelly Foy

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Shockat Adam

Andrew George

Tristan Osborne

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises 12 May 2025 as International Nurses Day and pays tribute to the exceptional dedication, professionalism and expertise of nursing staff across the UK and around the world; notes that nursing is a highly skilled and safety-critical profession requiring rigorous training, advanced knowledge and continuous development; acknowledges the vital care provided by nurses in a wide range of settings, and the trust placed in them by the public during their most vulnerable moments; commends the Royal College of Nursing for its ongoing advocacy and support for nurses across the UK; and calls on the Government to work in partnership with organisations such as the RCN to ensure nursing staff are fairly rewarded, properly resourced and recognised as the essential professionals they are.

1251Support for the trans community

Tabled: 12/05/25 Signatories: 17

Siân Berry

Kate Osborne

Claire Young

Carla Denyer

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Kim Johnson

That this House celebrates the contribution that the trans community, binary and nonbinary, makes to the UK; recognises that transgender transition liberates trans people to be their true selves; notes that there is no such thing as gender ideology, but that term is used to oppose acceptance of trans people in society; condemns baseless fearmongering in the media that trans people present a risk to others; further notes that the increase in anti-trans hate crime recorded in England and Wales between 2012 and 2023 was 1,426 per cent; supports inclusive language for trans and nonbinary people; and calls on the Government to perform its statutory public sector equality duty to trans people, by eliminating discrimination against them, advancing equality of opportunity for them, and fostering good relations between trans and cis people.

1252Rob Dunkley fundraising

Tabled: 13/05/25 Signatories: 3

Graham Leadbitter

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates 21-year old Rob Dunkley, of Auldearn, on his efforts to raise funds and awareness for Medical Aid for Palestine; notes that Rob will be walking 200 miles from Inverness to Orkney as part of his bid to raise money for the charity; commends his efforts as part of his first ever fundraiser; and wishes him success for the walk.

1253Reductions to CrossCountry trains catering services

Tabled: 13/05/25 Signatories: 13

Rachael Maskell

John McDonnell

Mary Kelly Foy

Grahame Morris

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Charlotte Nichols

That this House is concerned that CrossCountry trains is the latest passenger train operator to announce cuts to the provision of on-board catering services on long-distance rail services; is further concerned that these short-sighted cuts risks hundreds of railway jobs, while pushing passengers away from the railway network; notes that the provision of rail catering services across the industry has been under attack for many years by train companies seeking to cut costs and staffing at the expense of passenger service; further notes that there has already been a significant reduction in catering services since privatisation 30 years ago, with nearly all restaurant areas on trains abolished and the traditional buffet counter now also disappearing on many services; believes the availability of snacks, drinks and in some cases light meals is an added value to the travel experience on our railways; further believes that on-board catering workers should be celebrated by train operators as an important part of the on-board team, offering passengers excellent customer service and providing reassurance; and calls on CrossCountry to reverse these cuts and on the Government to ensure that Great British Railways presides over expanded and properly funded catering provision, staffed in-house.

1254Service with the British Commanders’-In-Chief Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany, 1946-1990

Tabled: 13/05/25 Signatories: 4

Ben Obese-Jecty

Andrew Rosindell

Jim Shannon

Mr Paul Foster

That this House recognises the courage, service and commitment of the service personnel who served in the British Commanders’-in-Chief Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany (BRIXMIS) in East Germany during the Cold War; further recognises the high risk involved in the conduct of the intelligence collection patrols campaign against Warsaw-Pact forces, unarmed, without protective equipment or communications devices; highlights the vital value of the raw, actionable intelligence gathered; also recognises that the East German secret police and military forces were directed to kill or injure members of the Allied Military Liaison Missions, British (BRIXMIS), United States (USMLM) and French (FMLM) military personnel; notes that the duration of the operation which spanned from September 1946 to October 1990 saw the award of 58 OBE, MBE and BEM awards and honours, but leaves around 900 former service personnel with no formal recognition of their endeavour; highlights that there is a precedent for the award of a clasp to the General Service Medal for non-kinetic operations; and recommends that there should be an award of a BRIXMIS clasp for the General Service Medal, with all those who served during the campaign eligible for receipt of the clasp.

1255Blunt Knives campaign and knife crime awareness

Tabled: 13/05/25 Signatories: 2

Tristan Osborne

Ayoub Khan

That this House calls on the Government to support the introduction of blunt-tipped knives, particularly in kitchens, to reduce the risk of knife-related injuries and deaths, particularly in the context of knife crime; and believes that, by making knives less dangerous, even in a domestic setting, the potential for severe injuries from knife attacks can be reduced, potentially deterring some individuals from using them in violent situations.

1256Negotiating rights for police officers

Tabled: 13/05/25 Signatories: 11

Liz Saville Roberts

Rachael Maskell

Cat Smith

Kim Johnson

Mary Glindon

Grahame Morris

That this House notes that pay and conditions for police officers in England and Wales are subject to recommendations by the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) and that its letter of remit each year is drafted by the Home Office, directing it to look at specific areas of pay and conditions and within established parameters; further notes that, while the PRRB can step outside of the areas and limits within this letter, its recommendations need approval by the Secretary of State for the Home Department; believes these restrictions at both the beginning and end of the process remove any true independence from the PRRB; also notes that PRRB recommendations are not binding and there is no right of appeal or arbitration; notes that police officers have no right to take industrial action and that, before the PRRB was introduced in 2014, police pay and conditions were resolved through a Police Negotiating Board and subject to binding arbitration, which is still used in Scotland; further believes that the PRRB process should be reviewed to allow for consultation and collective bargaining, with a system of binding arbitration introduced; insists that this is not asking for a blank cheque or for agreement to unreasonable demands but rather for a compensatory mechanism for the lack of any ability to take industrial action; and calls on the Government to enter into formal negotiations with the Police Federation of England and Wales with a view to reforming the current PRRB system to include binding arbitration.

1257Torbay Hospital Nurses League 80th anniversary

Tabled: 13/05/25 Signatories: 6

Steve Darling

Ian Roome

Mr Angus MacDonald

Clive Jones

Jim Shannon

Dr Roz Savage

That this House celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Torbay Hospital Nurses League; notes with admiration that the League has been in existence longer than the NHS itself and is open to all qualified nurses who either trained at Torbay Hospital or were employed there for more than two years; further notes that it is believed to be the longest-running nurses league in the UK, with over 200 members worldwide, including individuals who completed their training as far back as the 1940s; commends the League and its members for their commitment to improving patient and staff experiences, including through the donation of fleece blankets for end-of-life care, matching crocheted hearts for patients and families, emergency clothing and toiletries, dementia support packs, and items to enhance the staff working environment, all funded through craft fairs and coffee mornings held throughout the year; wishes them every success with their 80th anniversary reunion, including the commemorative church service and celebratory meal; and pays tribute to the invaluable contribution of nurses in Torbay and across the UK, and thanks them for their continued dedication, compassion, and professionalism.

1258Cross-Channel train services for Kent and London

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 5

Tristan Osborne

Sojan Joseph

Daniel Francis

Jim Shannon

Ayoub Khan

That this House calls on the Government to support the return of cross-Channel train services to the Kent stations of Ashford and Ebbsfleet, which were suspended during the pandemic; and believes that the reinstatement could bring a direct economic benefit of £281 million to Kent, with a larger impact including tourist spend and other multiplier effects.

1259Contribution of Saracen Primary, St Teresa’s Primary and Broomlea Primary schools to the Bella the Beithir community art installation

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 2

Martin Rhodes

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates the pupils of Saracen Primary, St Teresa’s Primary and Broomlea Primary schools in Glasgow North for their contribution to the Bella the Beithir community art installation at Stockingfield Bridge; recognises the creativity and dedication shown by the pupils in designing and crafting ceramic tiles and decorative pods that will become part of a 120-metre mosaic mythological creature celebrating the cultural heritage of Possilpark; applauds the collaboration between the schools, families, Make It Glasgow and artist Nichol Wheatley in delivering this unique project; acknowledges the support of NG Homes in helping bring this community-led vision to life; commends the initiative for linking creative arts with local history and for fostering a strong sense of place, pride and intergenerational connection among young people and their families; and wishes every success for the unveiling and future appreciation of this public artwork.

1260Celebrating and supporting young carers in Wiltshire

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 6

Sarah Gibson

Adam Dance

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

Dr Roz Savage

Steve Darling

That this House recognises and commends the dedication, resilience, and compassion of young carers in Wiltshire, who selflessly provide care and support to family members with illnesses, disabilities, mental health conditions or addiction issues; acknowledges the participation of 75 young carers from Royal Wootton Bassett Academy in a national award scheme aimed at raising awareness of their vital role; notes the establishment of the Young Carer Friendly Award in Wiltshire, developed in partnership with the Wiltshire Healthy Schools programme, to recognise good practice in identifying and supporting young carers in educational settings; applauds the efforts of organisations such as Youth Action Wiltshire and Carer Support Wiltshire in offering mentoring, respite activities, and emotional support to young carers; and calls upon the Government to ensure sustained support and resources for young carers, enabling them to balance their caregiving responsibilities with their personal development and education.

1261Universities and international students

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 16

Ian Sollom

Wendy Chamberlain

Lisa Smart

Wera Hobhouse

Pippa Heylings

Dr Al Pinkerton

That this House is deeply proud of the UK’s place as a world-leader in research and teaching in universities and other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), home to many of the world’s leading universities; notes with concern the deep financial issues facing many universities and HEIs, with more than four in ten universities in England expecting to be in a financial deficit by this summer; further notes the Government’s announcement of 12 May 2025 that proposes restricting student visas, limiting the graduate route, and imposing a levy on universities’ international student income; acknowledges the immense role that international students play in contributing to our country and our economy, while strengthening our soft power on the world stage; believes we must protect the UK’s place as a world leader in research by safeguarding our reputation as a destination for the world’s brightest minds; further believes that protecting university finances is of vital importance; therefore calls on the Government to urgently consult with the university and HEI sector on its immigration proposals; and further calls on the Government to move to a model where international student flows are reported separately to estimates of long-term migration to avoid counter-productive policies and to rapidly establish a review of higher education finance.

1262Closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s maternity unit

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 10

Adam Dance

Anna Sabine

Ian Roome

Helen Maguire

Ian Sollom

Jim Shannon

That this House expresses alarm at the sudden closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s (YDH) Maternity Unit; notes that, from 5.00pm on Monday 19 May 2025, the Special Care Baby Unit at YDH will be closed for an initial period of six months, which means the hospital will be unable to safely provide care during labour and births at the Yeovil maternity unit for that period; further notes, with concern, that no reassurance could be provided that the maternity unit will be opened after the initial six month closure; recognises that the closure will create increased pressures on the already stretched maternity unit in Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton; also notes that the decision puts patient health in south Somerset at risk; acknowledges the fear and outrage of residents across Yeovil and South Somerset; and calls on Yeovil District Hospital, Somerset NHS Trust Foundation and NHS Somerset to urgently restore safe local maternity care in Yeovil.

1263Ray Dolby Centre

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 6

Ian Sollom

Pippa Heylings

Zöe Franklin

Adam Dance

Jim Shannon

Dr Roz Savage

That this House celebrates the opening of the Ray Dolby Centre at the University of Cambridge; acknowledges this state-of-the-art facility as a cornerstone of the university's Cavendish Laboratory and a transformative hub for interdisciplinary research in physics and beyond; applauds the long tradition of ground-breaking discoveries at the Cavendish Laboratory, including the discovery of the electron, the structure of DNA and numerous Nobel Prize-winning advances; recognises that Ray Dolby, after whom the centre is named, exemplified the value of international academic exchange as a Marshall Scholar from the United States studying at Cambridge; notes that the Marshall Scholarship programme was established as an expression of gratitude for the Marshall Plan, demonstrating the enduring special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States; affirms that the values of international cooperation, scientific advancement and shared prosperity that underpinned the post-war world order have never been more relevant than they are today; celebrates the vital contributions that international students make to the United Kingdom's global soft power, academic excellence and economic prosperity; and calls on the Government to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen international academic collaboration and exchange in the spirit of the post war vision for a peaceful and prosperous world built on cooperation and shared knowledge.

1264Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 7

Liz Jarvis

Tom Gordon

Adam Dance

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

Dr Roz Savage

That this House recognises the significant impact of Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), which affects around 3% of pregnancies in the UK; notes with concern the lack of diagnostic training given to general practitioners who first see sufferers before the first appointment with a midwife, which tends to come in the ninth week of pregnancy; acknowledges the personal toll on the physical and mental health of women who do not receive a formal diagnosis of HG and are left feeling isolated and unsupported when symptoms are misdiagnosed as morning sickness; calls for the end to the postcode lottery of access to drugs to treat symptoms of nausea and vomiting, including Xonvea; and urges the Government to work with Pregnancy Sickness Support and relevant stakeholders to update clinical guidelines and improve training to support early diagnosis and safer treatment options.

1265Brecon banking hub

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 5

David Chadwick

Adam Dance

Jim Shannon

Clive Jones

Dr Roz Savage

That this House calls for the urgent establishment of a full-service banking hub in the town of Brecon, following the closure of multiple bank branches in recent years; notes with concern that only one bank branch now operates in the town, despite Brecon serving a wide rural area with a discernible need for face-to-face access to cash and banking services; further notes that current legislation, under the competency of the UK Government, prohibits the creation of new banking hubs in locations where even a single bank remains, regardless of how inadequate that banking provision may be; believes that these legislative restrictions unfairly penalise rural towns like Brecon, where digital exclusion, distance from alternative services, and reliance on cash for business and agriculture remain key concerns; and further calls on the Government to amend the eligibility rules and ensure that Brecon is given the fair access to banking infrastructure that its community needs and deserves.

1266Import of goods from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 25

Ellie Chowns

Abtisam Mohamed

Layla Moran

Brendan O'Hara

Claire Hanna

Ben Lake

That this House notes that the International Court of Justice has called for all states to abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory or parts thereof which may entrench its unlawful presence in the territory and to take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal occupation; further notes that UN General Assembly Resolution ES-10/24 calls on all states to take steps towards ceasing the importation of any products originating in the Israeli settlements; is therefore concerned that UK Government rules allow settlement goods into the UK and British retailers and businesses can sell settlement goods or provide services to settlements; and therefore calls on the UK Government to ban the importation of goods originating from Israeli settlements and to prohibit companies domiciled in the UK from selling settlement goods and providing services to settlements.

1267Jewish LGBTQ+ groups at Pride

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 14

Christine Jardine

Tom Gordon

Lisa Smart

Wera Hobhouse

Helen Maguire

Mr Angus MacDonald

That this House expresses deep concern at the decision by the Jewish LGBT+ charity KeshetUK and other Jewish LGBTQ+ groups to withdraw from Pride in London this year, marking the second consecutive year they have felt unable to participate due to safety concerns and a lack of adequate assurances from event organisers; notes that this decision follows the unprecedented rise in antisemitism in the UK since the Hamas atrocities on 7 October 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza, which has severely impacted the sense of safety and inclusion for Jewish communities, including those within the LGBTQ+ community; recognises the historic and ongoing contribution of Jewish LGBT+ individuals to the broader movement for equality and inclusion; unequivocally condemns all forms of antisemitism and homophobia, particularly where they intersect; calls on Pride in London and the relevant authorities to urgently review and strengthen safety protocols to ensure that all communities, especially minority groups, feel safe and welcome; urges greater engagement between Pride organisers and Jewish LGBT+ groups to rebuild trust and facilitate their participation in future events; and reaffirms this House’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rights, safety, and dignity of all LGBTQ+ individuals, regardless of faith or ethnicity.

1268Political parties at Pride

Tabled: 14/05/25 Signatories: 18

Christine Jardine

Tom Gordon

Tom Morrison

Lisa Smart

Wera Hobhouse

Helen Maguire

That this House regrets the decision taken by organisers of several Pride marches and parades across the UK to not allow political parties to march; further regrets that that decision partly stems from a lack of trust in politicians and Government amongst many in the LGBTQ+ community; notes that many trans people are concerned by the rise in hate-crime against transgender and non-binary people, and worried about the practical implications of the recent ruling in the Supreme Court case For Women Scotland vs The Scottish Minister on their lives; reaffirms its commitment to standing up for the rights and dignity of all in the LGBTQ+ community, including trans and non-binary people; calls on Rt hon. and hon. Members in the House, and their political parties, to reaffirm their commitment to protecting and advancing the rights of trans and non-binary people across the UK; and hopes political parties which support the rights of LGBTQ+ people and the aims of Pride will be able to re-join these parades officially in future.