Contents

Published: Friday 11 December 2020

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 10 December 2020

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

1260Terminal illness and Covid-19 vaccination

Tabled: 10/12/20 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House recognises the devastating impact of being diagnosed with a terminal illness at any time but even more so just as the world faces into the Covid-19 pandemic; extends its sympathy to Fred Banning of Newton Mearns who, in February this year, was diagnosed with incurable stage 4 metastatic colon cancer resulting in Mr Banning and his wife not only struggling with the stresses and strains of lockdown but also having to break the news that he is dying to their two young children and their wider friends and family; considers that Mr Banning's call for those living with a terminal diagnosis and immediate family members to be a high priority for the administration of the vaccine to enable them to spend their remaining time as normally as possible has great force; and calls on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to recognise the pressing needs of these members of our communities as they make recommendations on the rollout of a programme of vaccines in the days and weeks ahead.

1261Orchardhill Church and Giffnock Primary School Trees of Kindness

Tabled: 10/12/20 Signatories: 2

Kirsten Oswald

Patrick Grady

This House recognises the kindness shown by residents of Giffnock and surrounding area who responded to the call to make a real difference in the lives of people living in poverty by taking a tag from the Trees of Kindness at Orchardhill Church and Giffnock Primary School and buying a gift for a young person who otherwise has little prospect of experiencing the joy of Christmas by receiving a gift; notes that the need for such an initiative has been greater this year than in previous years, but the response has once again exceeded the expectations of the organisers; welcomes news that as a result of the generosity and kindness of the local community nearly 800 children will be able to open a present this Christmas and that the organisations supported by this initiative will include Croftfoot Primary School, Quarriers Family Resource Centre Ruchazie, Glasgow Association for Mental Health, Aberlour Child Care Trust, Women and Children First Paisley, Falkirk Social Services, Castlemilk Parish Church, Glasgow Baby & Family Support Group, Recovery Across Mental Health; and congratulates all those involved for showing such kindness to others, especially the members of Orchardhill Church and pupils and staff of Giffnock Primary School.

1262Rights for Freelance Workers in the Media and Creative Industries

Tabled: 10/12/20 Signatories: 1

Rebecca Long Bailey [R]

That this House is concerned by the severe hardship which Covid-19 has caused for many freelance and self-employed workers; notes that the media and creative industries represent a major growth sector which is worth more than £111 billion to the UK economy, yet freelance workers in the sector have been left bereft of the many rights most employees take for granted; welcomes the National Union of Journalists' #FairDeal4Freelances campaign and the publication of the Freelance Charter, which seeks redress for those missing out on financial assistance during Covid-19 and to fight for a radical reform of our rights to ensure job protection and benefits are not dependent on employment status; calls for the right to organise in a trade union, to have a written contract with fair terms and conditions, prompt payment and equal treatment at work in terms of health and safety; believes that freelances should get holiday pay, parental leave and allowances and a retirement pension; and further believes that they should have the right to resist companies forcing them on to PAYE, to incorporate as a limited company, or work under umbrella companies.

1263Migrant Workers' Rights

Tabled: 10/12/20 Signatories: 1

Nadia Whittome

That this House would like to thank migrant workers who have been at the forefront of the UKs response to the pandemic; believes that recovery from covid-19 must level up migrant workers’ rights; further recognises that the Hostile Environment, particularly No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) and the “illegal working” offence, forces migrants to continue go into work even when it is not safe to do; is concerned that the illegal working offence pushes undocumented migrants to look for employment among exploitative employers who know they are unable report abuse in the workplace for fear of immigration enforcement; expresses further concern that the illegal working offence disincentivises employers from hiring migrant workers and creates a culture of discrimination in employment practices; notes that the exploitation of migrant workers in the labour market drives down labour standards and protections for all workers; and calls on the Government to implement the recommendations in the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants “Work It Out” campaign by scrapping NRPF and repealing the “illegal working” offence.

1264Bus worker safety during the covid-19 outbreak: Control measures and enforcement

Tabled: 10/12/20 Signatories: 1

Nadia Whittome

That this House commends the dedication of the UK’s bus workers who have kept services running throughout the pandemic for other key workers and essential travellers; notes that tragically, a number of bus workers have died from Covid-19; further notes that Government's covid-19 support for bus operators in England since March 2020 totals at least £600 million; believes it is vital that there is a consistent approach to bus worker health and safety across the industry; understands that bus workers have concerns regarding cash handling and the lack of enforcement of social distancing and face coverings on buses; notes that on the rail network, British Transport Police are patrolling services to ensure compliance with face coverings; supports the RMT union’s calls for the police, industry and government to put robust plans in place to ensure that compliance with face coverings on buses is also enforced; and calls on the Government to ensure there is a consistent industry-wide approach to these issues, publish any evidence it has regarding the potential risks associated with cash handling and covid-19 transmission and set out how social distancing and the wearing of face coverings will be enforced on buses, and by whom.

1265Service Medal for British Nuclear Test Veterans 2

Tabled: 10/12/20 Signatories: 1

Jonathan Edwards

This House reiterates its support for a service medal for British nuclear test veterans; notes that the UK is the only country involved in nuclear tests which has not recognised the contribution of nuclear test veterans; and expresses disappointment at the Advisory Military Sub Committee's recommendation to the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals not to award a medal.

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.

1200Jobs at the Rolls Royce Barnoldswick site

Tabled: 26/11/20 Signatories: 28

Grahame Morris

Mick Whitley

Paula Barker

Kate Osborne

Dan Carden

Navendu Mishra

That this House is angered by the decision by Rolls-Royce to cut 350 highly skilled jobs at its site in Barnoldswick, Lancashire, and offshore this work to Singapore; condemns the company’s decision to lock workers out of the site until after Christmas without any meaningful consultation or negotiation over these plans; notes that the company has received substantial Government support as part of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme; believes that Rolls-Royce therefore has a duty to do everything in its power to retain jobs here in Britain; calls on company management to keep the site open pending talks to resolve the current industrial dispute and secure the future of work at the site; urges Ministers to ensure that taxpayer support for businesses based in the UK should be conditional on binding undertakings not to transfer work from the UK offshore; calls on the Government to hold urgent discussions with Rolls-Royce management and Unite the Union in order to save the jobs at Barnoldswick; and expresses its full support for and solidarity with the Rolls-Royce Barnoldswick workers in their struggle to save these jobs, not just for themselves but for future generations.

1204Scottish Beer Awards 2020 Midlothian winners

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 8

Owen Thompson

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Drew Hendry

John McNally

That this House congratulates Midlothian-based breweries Stewart Brewing and Cross Borders Brewing Company for their success at the Scottish Beer Awards 2020; notes that this year marked the 5th annual Scottish Beer awards which was held as a digital awards experience on Thursday 26 November 2020 and sought to give recognition and reward to the best breweries, beers and teams in Scotland’s brewing sector; commends Cross Borders Brewing Company for being awarded the silver award for Best IPA for India Pale Ale and Best Beer Bar for its Portobello Tap; further commends Stewart Brewing for being awarded the gold and bronze awards for Best Pale Ale for Kai Pai and Masterplan respectively; notes also that Stewart Brewing’s Craig Scotland was awarded Brewer of the Year; and stresses the importance of the brewing sector to Scotland’s economy by creating jobs, improving our international food and drink reputation and helping SMEs to flourish.

1205Craig Scotland named Brewer of the Year 2020

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 9

Owen Thompson

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Peter Grant

Drew Hendry

That this House congratulates Craig Scotland on being awarded Brewer of the Year at the Scottish Beer Awards 2020; notes that Craig is Head Brewer at Midlothian-based brewery Stewart Brewing; commends him for his skill and hard work, which has contributed to Midlothian’s growing reputation in the brewing sector; notes that this year marked the 5th annual Scottish Beer awards which was held as a digital awards experience on Thursday 26 November 2020 and sought to give recognition and reward to the best breweries, beers and teams in Scotland’s brewing sector; and stresses the importance of the brewing sector to Scotland’s economy by creating jobs, improving Scotland's international food and drink reputation and creating a space for SMEs to flourish.

1209Eighteenth anniversary of Strathaven being named the first Fairtrade town in Scotland

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 10

Dr Lisa Cameron

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Margaret Ferrier

Peter Grant

That this House celebrates the eighteenth anniversary of Strathaven being named Scotland’s first Fairtrade town by the Fairtrade Association, a milestone that takes place on 27 November 2020; remembers all the tremendous cooperation that took place between local churches, businesses, primary schools and the South Lanarkshire Council to ensure that Strathaven received this award back in 2002; draws special attention to the fact that the Strathaven Fairtrade group was the first Fairtrade group in Britain to include in its constitution support for local farming; notes the continued support of local community members who (in normal times) sell Fairtrade products on the Traidcraft stall at local celebrations such as Gala Days, Reindeer Day and the local Balloon Festival; and finally highlights the continued support of the local council and local businesses in stocking Fairtrade produce.

1212Loch Lomond Brewery and the Scottish Beer Awards

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 14

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Neil Gray

Steven Bonnar

That this House congratulates Loch Lomond Brewery for winning brewery of the year at the prestigious Scottish Beer Awards, understands that it was also successful in winning the best branding award and believes that its success is thoroughly deserved; notes that those involved in Loch Lomond Brewery are passionate about serving their local community and preserving the cultural heritage of Loch Lomond through their impressive craft; and hopes that this achievement will inspire other local businesses to strive for the best at a time when the retail and hospitality sectors face such challenging times.

1220Effect of covid-19 on disabled people and employment

Tabled: 1/12/20 Signatories: 32

Wera Hobhouse

Caroline Lucas

Wendy Chamberlain

Dr Philippa Whitford

Marion Fellows

Carla Lockhart

That this House celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act, an important step towards equality for people with disabilities; recognises the disproportionate impact of the covid-19 pandemic on disabled people; notes with concern that 71 per cent of disabled people employed in March have been impacted by loss of income, furlough or unemployment; expresses concern that the covid-19 pandemic could exacerbate negative conceptions of disabled people’s ability to work; believes that the Government must show leadership to ensure the UK does not lose the progress it has made towards equality for disabled people in the workplace; and calls on the Government to introduce a Jobs Guarantee for newly unemployed disabled people.

1221Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week

Tabled: 1/12/20 Signatories: 18

Daisy Cooper [R]

Marion Fellows

Carla Lockhart

Jonathan Edwards

Sir Peter Bottomley

Jim Shannon

That this House welcomes Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week; notes the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on diagnosis, access to specialist advice, investigations and surgery for people with Crohn’s and Colitis; appreciates the care provided by healthcare professionals in Inflammatory Bowel Disease services during the pandemic; recognises the role of Crohn’s & Colitis UK in providing essential information and support to the 500,000 or the 1 in 133 individuals and their families who are living with the conditions across the UK; welcomes the 2019 IBD Standards; and urges the Government to adequately fund IBD services and prioritise access to endoscopy and surgery for people with Crohn’s and Colitis, appropriately alongside other conditions, given the significant implications of delaying critical interventions and procedures on both physical and mental health, relationships and finances.

1225Scientists, researchers and clinicians developing treatment, testing and vaccines for covid-19

Tabled: 2/12/20 Signatories: 41

Olivia Blake

Mick Whitley

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Apsana Begum

Rachel Hopkins

Ian Byrne

That this House celebrates and commends the international efforts of thousands of scientists, researchers and clinicians from across the globe in developing treatment, testing and vaccines for covid-19.

1228Fast fashion and data transparency

Tabled: 2/12/20 Signatories: 17

John McNally

Martyn Day

Claudia Webbe

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Mohammad Yasin

That this House recognises the fast fashion industry as a major contributor to carbon emissions, producing 10 per cent of all humanity's greenhouse gas emissions, and is responsible for serious human rights violations around the world; and therefore calls on the Government to introduce a policy where global fashion companies selling products in the UK must be transparent with consumers by releasing data that is accessible to consumers on the company's environmental and ethical impacts in areas such as their carbon footprint, water usage, and the working conditions of their staff across their supply chains.

1234Priority groups for covid-19 vaccinations

Tabled: 3/12/20 Signatories: 12

Jon Trickett

Sir Peter Bottomley

Claudia Webbe

Ian Lavery

Paula Barker

Mick Whitley

That this House pays tribute to the selfless role key workers have played throughout the covid-19 pandemic; notes that in addition to health and social care workers, workers in key occupations have an increased risk of exposure to covid-19, with ONS data showing that during the first wave of covid-19 security guards, taxi and bus drivers, cleaners, mechanics and retail workers were at greater risk of death from the virus; believes it is right that elderly and vulnerable citizens along with care home workers and health and social care workers are to be prioritised for the rollout of any covid-19 vaccine; further believes that all other key workers should be prioritised for a vaccine rollout in addition to the elderly, vulnerable and health workers; and calls on the Government to amend its interim advice on priority groups for covid-19 vaccination in order to reflect this.

1239Debenhams and the Arcadia Group

Tabled: 3/12/20 Signatories: 22

Chris Law

Mohammad Yasin

Allan Dorans

Dave Doogan

Steven Bonnar

Sir Peter Bottomley

That this House expresses its concern for the estimated 26,000 workers affected by this week’s announcements by both Debenhams and the Arcadia Group that they will be entering administration; recognises that many of these workers will have worked for these companies for much of their life and may have to find new work in an extremely challenging job market; further expresses its concern for what this will mean for local High Streets and those in these companies’ supply chains across the country who will be affected; calls on the Government to do what it can to ensure that pension pots are protected despite these announcements; and further calls upon the Government to work with trade unions and workers affected in ensuring that those affected are treated fairly and adequately throughout this process.

1242Royal Scottish National Orchestra tribute to the people of Belarus

Tabled: 3/12/20 Signatories: 8

Alison Thewliss

Allan Dorans

Steven Bonnar

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

That this House acknowledges the work of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra who have demonstrated solidarity with their friends in Belarus through the commissioning and performance of Three Belarusian Folk Songs; recognises that the work is a tribute to the peaceful protests of the Belarusan people seeking to uphold their nation’s democracy and thanks the RSNO for highlighting this important issue and offering support; warmly congratulates Christopher Gough for composing the piece; thanks soloist Aleksei Kiseliov and all of the musicians, as well as the RSNO’s technical team, for bringing the work to a worldwide audience despite the challenges posed by covid-19; and commends the RSNO for continuing to bring music into people's lives through delivery of their Digital Season, ensuring that the restrictions that people living with do not limit the enjoyment of the arts which has been, and will continue to be, so vital during this difficult year.

1243Pink Saltire Rainbow Responders survey

Tabled: 7/12/20 Signatories: 3

Neale Hanvey

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House recognises Scottish LGBT+ charity Pink Saltire in its tireless work supporting communities and local LGBT+ organisations to provide hundreds of individuals and families essentials such as fresh fruit and vegetables, food vouchers, mobile phone credit top ups, care packages, bikes and laptops since March this year; welcomes the publication of the findings of the Rainbow Responders survey which details the impact of Covid-19 and lockdown on LGBT+ people in Scotland; and notes the recommendations of Pink Saltire which include urgent investment in services to support the mental health and wellbeing of LGBT+ people, run by LGBT+ people, practical aid and capacity building for projects working with LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees, clearer, coordinated messaging on what services are available to LGBT+ people in Scotland, local and regional action plans feeding into a national consortium of agencies spearheading the ongoing Covid-19 response, with funding and resources to tackle the challenges identified, work to improve the physical assets and resources of communities around the country, including spaces to organise relief efforts and mobile community hubs, and improved engagement with ethnic minorities, disabled people and those in island and rural communities to ensure their specific needs are being addressed.

1244Fife Councillors Rosemary Liewald and Lea McLelland

Tabled: 7/12/20 Signatories: 4

Neale Hanvey

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Lochgelly, Cardenden and Benarty Councillor, Rosemary Liewald, on being recognised and shortlisted as a Covid-19 Hero at the 2020 LGiU Scotland Councillor Awards; notes that Councillor Liewald was highlighted as having made a tangible difference in her local community as well as the wider Fife area in her role as Chair of Fife Health and Social Care Partnership Board by going above and beyond to ensure that no one is left behind during the Covid-19 crisis; and congratulates Councillor Liewald and fellow Lochgelly, Cardenden and Benarty Councillor Lea McLelland on raising more than £1,000 for Benarty Foodbank by taking part in Live Below the Line’s challenge to spend just £1 a day on food to raise awareness of people living in poverty around us.

1245Generations Working Together manifesto

Tabled: 7/12/20 Signatories: 4

Neale Hanvey

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House welcomes the publication of Scottish charity Generations Working Together’s first intergenerational manifesto which calls for Scotland to become an intergenerational nation; and notes that the charity, which fights ageism and campaigns for stronger connections between younger and older generations, identifies three key areas of focus to help ensure that relationships between generations are strengthened and Scotland becomes more connective and inclusive – to embed intergenerational approaches in governance and policy making to give a voice to all in the political process, create more intergenerational places and spaces including intergenerational living to enhance Scotland’s housing provision and the development of civic and public spaces that can be used by all generations and bring together people from different generations, and increase knowledge and understanding of intergenerational approaches to combat ageism.

1248Hermitage primary school, UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting School award

Tabled: 7/12/20 Signatories: 5

Brendan O'Hara

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Alison Thewliss

Patrick Grady

That this House congratulates the pupils and staff of Hermitage primary school in Helensburgh on receiving the prestigious Gold Rights Respecting School award from UNICEF; notes that the Gold award is the highest accolade that UNICEF can bestow on a school and that it recognises Hermitage primary’s deep and thorough commitment to children’s rights at all levels of school life; recognises the excellent work of Headteacher Mrs Elspeth Davis, all of her staff, particularly Mrs Louise Grafton the school’s rights respecting lead and pupils from P1 to P7 whose hard work and dedication has made Hermitage primary the first school in Argyll and Bute to be given the UNICEF Gold award; acknowledges that the school has embedded the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into its ethos and curriculum; thanks them for the outstanding work that they are doing; and wishes everyone at Hermitage primary every success in the future.

1249Levels of statutory sick pay

Tabled: 7/12/20 Signatories: 23

Richard Burgon

Beth Winter

Tahir Ali

Mick Whitley

Mary Kelly Foy

Apsana Begum

That this House notes that for a test, trace and isolate system to be effective, people must be able to afford to isolate when required to do so; notes that the current level of Statutory Sick Pay is forcing many people to choose between having enough money to live on or self isolating, which undermines efforts to reduce the spread of covid-19; further notes that Statutory Sick Pay in the UK is among the lowest in Europe, estimated by the TUC to equal only one fifth of the average worker’s weekly earnings; recognises that nearly 2 million low-paid workers are entirely excluded from Statutory Sick Pay because they earn less than £120 a week; is concerned by reports that more than half of people applying for the one-off £500 support grant to self-isolate are being rejected in some coronavirus hotspots, leaving many people without even that limited support; and calls on the UK Government to urgently increase Statutory Sick Pay to the level of the Real Living Wage and remove the requirement for recipients to earn over £120 per week so that every worker who needs to self isolate is supported to do so.

1250Bus worker safety during the covid-19 outbreak

Tabled: 7/12/20 Signatories: 21

Grahame Morris

Ian Mearns

Paula Barker

Apsana Begum

Ian Lavery

Rebecca Long Bailey

That this House commends the dedication of the UK’s bus workers who have kept services running throughout the pandemic for other key workers and essential travellers; is aware that tragically, a number of bus workers have died from Covid-19; notes that Government Covid-19 support for bus operators in England since March 2020 totals at least £600 million; believes it is vital that there is a consistent approach to bus worker health and safety across the industry; understands that bus workers have concerns regarding cash handling and the lack of enforcement of social distancing and face coverings on buses; notes that on the rail network, British Transport Police are patrolling services to ensure compliance with face coverings; supports the RMT union’s calls for the police, industry and government to put robust plans in place to ensure that compliance with face coverings on buses is also enforced; and calls on the Government to ensure there is a consistent industry-wide approach to these issues, publish any evidence it has regarding the potential risks associated with cash handling and Covid-19 transmission and set out how social distancing and the wearing of face coverings will be enforced on buses, and by whom.

1252Government workers' pay

Tabled: 7/12/20 Signatories: 24

Rachel Hopkins

Beth Winter

Kate Osborne

Paula Barker

Grahame Morris

Mick Whitley

That this House supports the Parliamentary petition signed by over 100,000 people for a fair pay rise for government workers and rejects the government’s public sector pay freeze; notes that throughout the pandemic, government workers have delivered critical services that have kept our country safe and secure; further notes that the critical services that government workers have delivered include the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, the court system, border security and the Universal Credit system; further notes that Civil Service pay has fallen in value by up to 20% over the past 10 years; further notes that government pay policy for 2020 restricted increases to between 1.5% and 2.5%; and calls on the government to provide government workers a 10% pay increase in 2020 as a recognition of some of the wages lost over the last 10 years and return pay bargaining in the Civil Service to the previous national pay bargaining system to ensure that all government workers receive a pay reward that reflects their dedicated hard work.

125450th Anniversary of Habintag

Tabled: 8/12/20 Signatories: 7

Jim Shannon

Paul Girvan

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Gavin Robinson

Claudia Webbe

Stephen Farry

That this House notes the 50th anniversary of social housing provider Habintag; congratulates the Association on reaching this milestone of so many years providing and promoting accessible homes and neighbourhoods; and extends best wishes for their continued success.

1255Kidnapping of girls and young women in Pakistan

Tabled: 8/12/20 Signatories: 6

Jim Shannon

Paul Girvan

Mr Gregory Campbell

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Gavin Robinson

Sir Mike Penning

That this House notes that according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, there are around 1,000 young women from religious minority groups who are kidnapped, forcibly and converted and married to much older men; further notes the recent cases including Maira Shahbaz, Saneha Iqbal and Arzoo Raja, all three who were Christian girls all under the age of 15; expresses grave concern at the similar attacks and forced marriages of young Hindu girls; and calls on Government to strongly condemn the perpetration of these acts and further to make contact with the Pakistan Government asking for steps to be taken to prevent these horrific actions from continuing without penalty.

1257Treatment of workers at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Tabled: 9/12/20 Signatories: 3

Grahame Morris

Rachel Hopkins

Claudia Webbe

That this House praises the contribution of workers for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) in France and Belgium, who care for and maintain the cemeteries to the highest possible standards; is deeply concerned that many of those workers have been faced with the option of relocating with just three weeks’ notice or localising with the loss of up to fifty per cent of their incomes; notes that the housing market across the UK and most of Europe is disrupted by COVID-19 restrictions; recognises that the stress of uprooting families and finding a new home at such short notice is particularly acute at this time; calls for the Government to carry out a thorough review into all aspects of employment at CWGC, two decades on since that work was carried out under Baroness Dean; and further calls on the CWGC to urgently reconsider and enter into meaningful negotiations with the trades unions to ensure that those workers are treated with the respect they deserve.

1258Publication of Assuring Our Common Future report

Tabled: 9/12/20 Signatories: 3

Olivia Blake

Claudia Webbe

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House welcomes the 5th November 2020 publication of Assuring Our Common Future, A guide to parliamentary action in support of disarmament for security and sustainable development; supports the Disarmament Agenda of United Nations Secretary General António Guterres which this handbook helps to implement; highlights the matters addressed in the guide, including the importance of parliamentary action, disarmament in a post COVID-19 pandemic world, disarmament to save humanity, inhumane weapons including cluster munitions and landmines, the connections between disarmament, climate and sustainable development including climate protection, and disarmament for future generations; believes that these issues comprise some of the most important policy issues before the United Kingdom Parliament; further believes that as part of the comprehensive defence and security review, the Government should set out a timetable or framework for entering the Trident nuclear weapons system into multilateral nuclear disarmament negotiations and developing economic conversion options to protect jobs and the economy; and commends this report to all Members of both Houses of Parliament as an essential guide to sustainable security in an uncertain world.

1259Human rights and democracy in Poland

Tabled: 9/12/20 Signatories: 13

Clive Lewis

Claudia Webbe

Andrew Gwynne

Mr Virendra Sharma

Wera Hobhouse

Allan Dorans

That this House acknowledges and condemns human rights violations in Poland, in particular, attacks on the rights of women and LGBTQ+ minorities, including the near-total abortion ban that breaks the human right of freedom from torture, and disregards the bodily autonomy of women; supports the protection of LGBTQ+ families, and stands against the creation of LGBT free zones in Poland; condemns the new law which breaks people's right to assembly and protest by threatening protesters with 6 months to 8 years in prison, and the police brutality against peaceful protesters; recognises the judicial autonomy infringement and the breaking of the rule of law; decries the lack of freedom of the press, the politicisation of Polish media, financial censorship, and the creation of the index of the prohibited press in Poland; and calls on the Foreign Secretary to publicly support Polish women and minority groups as they seek to uphold democratic values in Poland.