Session 2015-16
House of Commons
23rd June 2015
Notices of Motions for which no days have been fixed
('Early Day Motions')
The figure following this symbol is the number of Members who have added their names in support of the Motion, including the Member in charge of the Motion.
After an Early Day Motion (EDM) has been printed for the first time, it is only reprinted when names are added or amendments tabled; only the first six names and any names added since the last printing are included. After the week in which a Motion is first printed and the following week, added names and amendments appear only in a separate paper, Mature EDMs, distributed the next Thursday. In the meantime, they are available for inspection by Members in the Table Office and the Library or on the EDM database at edmi.parliament.uk
121 TREATMENT OF THE ROHINGYA IN BURMA 15:6:15
31That this House notes that the continuing persecution of the Rohingya people in Burma has caused and continues to create a humanitarian disaster in the area; further notes that the Muslim Rohingya minority have been described as the most persecuted people in the world; further notes that they are subject to violence, murder, displacement and as a result many of them are forced to flee; further notes that the Burmese government's refusal to accept the Rohingya as full citizens alongside its failure to stop the toxic anti-Muslim rhetoric and propaganda has led to a situation that can only be described as ethnic cleansing; and further notes that this government along with the regional governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Bangladesh must act decisively to force the Burmese authorities to take action to defend the Rohingya people and restore their basic human rights and freedoms as a matter of the utmost urgency.
122 THE ISLE OF ISLAY PIPE BAND 15:6:15
30That this House congratulates the Isle of Islay Pipe Band on winning the Grade 3A UK Championships in Belfast on 13 June 2015; notes that this follows on from its success in winning the Grade 3A British Championships last month; and wishes the Isle of Islay Pipe Band every success for the remainder of the season.
123 HERITAGE LOTTERY FUNDING OF THE DAVID LIVINGSTONE CENTRE 15:6:15
28That this House welcomes the Heritage Lottery Fund's contribution to develop the David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre; recognises the cultural and historical importance of the Centre; further recognises the work of the David Livingstone Trust in maintaining Dr Livingstone's legacy; congratulates it on its recent award of Lottery funding; and supports its project to develop the Centre as a tourist destination and valuable education resource.
124 VAT REDUCTION FOR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY 15:6:15
30That this House recognises that local restaurants and public houses are facing very challenging conditions in the current economy and are being put under further pressure by the rise of large supermarkets that enjoy preferential value added tax (VAT) treatment; notes that these businesses lie at the heart of their local communities, economically and socially; further notes that 13 EU member states, including the Republic of Ireland, have introduced a reduced rate of VAT within their tourism and hospitality sectors for restaurants and public houses, and 22 have done so for hotel accommodation, and that such measures have had a positive impact; calls on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to undertake a review of similar sector-specific VAT reduction measures to help businesses in the UK; and further recognises that such a move would encourage growth in the wider economy, support job creation and generate investment in local businesses.
125 GASTROINTESTINAL STROMAL TUMOUR CANCER 15:6:15
21That this House supports the aims of GIST Support UK, the key charity specifically focused on combating gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST); acknowledges that GIST is a rare and awful form of cancer commonly found in the digestive system; and calls on the Government to ensure that the only effective third-line drug that treats GIST, the Stivarga form of the drug Regorafenib, remains accessible to patients in England as it is in Scotland to ensure English patients are not second-class citizens.
126 ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAELI BOMBARDMENT OF GAZA 15:6:15
52That this House recognises that 8 July 2015 will be the first anniversary of the start of the most recent and most devastating Israeli military operation in Gaza and resulted in, according to the UN, more than 2,000 deaths, 1,492 of them civilians and 551 of those, children; notes that there has been no meaningful reconstruction of Gaza which saw over 100,000 homes destroyed or severely damaged in last year's conflict, that children in particular have suffered the harshest of conditions and that no action has been taken to challenge the violations of international law as exemplified by the security wall, the ongoing occupation of the Palestinian territories, or the illegal blockade and separation of Gaza; calls on the Government to intensify its actions within the international community and towards the Israeli government to resolve the humanitarian and political crisis in Palestine; further calls for a more direct and stringent message to the Israeli government that progress on talks to reach a long-term and peaceful solution must be delivered within an agreed time frame; and calls on the Foreign Secretary to prioritise action through the UN Security Council for a meaningful UN resolution in this regard.
127 GLASGOW AIRPORT 15:6:15
31That this House congratulates Glasgow Airport, one of Europe's fastest growing airports, on its busiest May in seven years, after seeing 785,063 passengers travel through the airport last month; notes that this increase of 13.3 per cent in passenger travel has secured Glasgow Airport's 27th consecutive month of growth; further notes that the airport's success in May follows their busiest April on record; recognises the hard work of all of the staff at Glasgow Airport in securing this unprecedented growth; and supports the Scottish Government's commitment to cut Air Passenger Duty by 50 per cent, a reduction that will create nearly 4,000 jobs, add £1 billion to the Scottish economy by 2020 and support Scotland's airports to go from strength to strength.
128 GLOBAL TB 15:6:15
33That this House recognises the enormous human and economic cost of the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic which claims 1.5 million lives a year and severely damages the health and wellbeing of nine million people every year; highlights the particular threat posed by Multi-Drug Resistant TB, which is the only major, airborne, drug-resistant infection; acknowledges the estimates by the independent Review of Anti-Microbial Resistance that MDR-TB could claim an additional 75 million lives worldwide by 2050 at a cost of $16.7 trillion; is concerned by high rates of TB in the UK, particularly in major urban centres; and calls for greater resources to be invested in tackling the disease abroad, in the UK, and in research and development of new treatments, diagnostics and vaccines.
129 PRISON OVERCROWDING 15:6:15
26That this House is appalled at the Government's admission of erroneous figures regarding the prison population and possible overcrowding; recognises that organisations such as the Justice Unions' Parliamentary Group, the Prison Officers Association, and the Howard League for Penal Reform have long warned the Government that prisons are dangerously full; notes with concern that the Ministry of Justice accepts that in some circumstances two or even three prisoners have been sharing a cell designed for one person; further notes the dangerous implications of an overcrowded prison estate for the safety of both inmates and staff; and calls on the Government to launch an urgent review to discover why the public have been misled on the issue of prison overcrowding and to ensure that this issue is tackled as a matter of priority to ensure that prisoners, staff and the public are safe.
130 YARL'S WOOD IMMIGRATION REMOVAL CENTRE 15:6:15
43That this House notes the work of and problems in Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre, and especially the poor treatment of women detainees by Serco; is concerned that despite this, Serco's contract has been renewed; calls on the Home Secretary to reassess the entire detention process so that radical changes to the current system can be made; and urges an end to the practice of indefinite detention immediately.
131 IPCC REPORT ON ORGREAVE 15:6:15
61That this House strongly condemns the decision of the Independent Police Complaints Commission not to launch a full and comprehensive investigation into the behaviour of South Yorkshire Police at the Orgreave Coking Plant on 18 June 1984; believes there is no time limit to justice and furthermore that mining communities up and down the country deserve the truth; and calls for a wider public inquiry covering not only the policing of Orgreave but of the entire country during the 1984-85 Miners' Strike.
132 BIKE WEEK 2015 15:6:15
50That this House welcomes the promotion of cycling during Bike Week from 13-21 June 2015; congratulates those involved in the organisation of events; acknowledges this as the largest national cycling event in the UK; recognises the importance of promoting cycling as a convenient way to make everyday journeys; and endorses the social, health and environmental benefits of cycling.
133 FREE SCHOOL BUS TRAVEL IN GLASGOW 15:6:15
19That this House is deeply concerned at proposals to alter the qualifying distance for free bus travel by primary and secondary school children in Glasgow; understands that this will be implemented by the Labour-led City Council in August 2015 without any meaningful consultation with parents or communities, and that this will reduce free transport provision in the city from 3,214 qualifying children to just 1,383 children; notes that these cuts will impact detrimentally on families across the city, with areas such as Maryhill and Milton in the north of the city being disproportionately impacted, in part due to the City Council's previous school closure programmes which targeted the Maryhill area including the closure of St Agnes', Wyndford and St Gregory's primary schools; shares the belief of many parents that previous promises by the City Council which were made when schools were closed in recent years are now being reneged upon; shares the concerns of parents and communities that safe walking routes will still place children at additional risk, and that increased travel times may put at risk the attendance of children at school and increase the travel costs for families in deprived areas who see no alternative but to pay for commercial bus transport; and believes that the City Council should halt the plans to axe the free school bus provision and start a meaningful and respectful dialogue with parents, children and communities should it decide at any point in the future to reform free school transport arrangements within the city.
134 YULIN DOG MEAT FESTIVAL 2015 15:6:15
31That this House condemns the plans to go ahead with the Yulin Dog Meat Festival 2015 in Yulin, China; expresses deep concern at the cruel and inhumane manner in which dogs have been slaughtered in the past; notes the terrible conditions that dogs face prior to being killed as they are held in overcrowded cages without water; and urges the Chinese authorities to intercede to stop the festival from taking place.
136 IMPORTATION OF FOIE GRAS 16:6:15
23That this House deplores the production of foie gras, considering it cruel and unnatural to force-feed geese until it causes internal damage; welcomes the UK's continued ban on domestic production of this foodstuff; commends India on last year becoming the first country in the world to ban the import of foie gras; and calls on the Government to follow this example in making the UK the next country to ban the import of this most unpleasant product.
137 MCKINNON CUP DEBATING CHAMPIONSHIPS 16:6:15
34That this House recognises the value of promoting public speaking in developing confidence and self-worth and congratulates the students and staff of the schools of West Dunbartonshire, including St Peter the Apostle High School, Clydebank High School, Dumbarton Academy, Our Lady and St Patrick's High School and Vale of Leven Academy, as well as Hermitage Academy of Argyll and Bute who recently participated in the annual McKinnon Cup Debating Championships; recognises that the schools were all represented by outstanding students and especially congratulates the overall schools winner Jake Brough, the individual winner, and Caleb McGowan on winning the cup for the Vale of Leven Academy.
138 FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 16:6:15
31That this House congratulates all the women who are taking part in the FIFA Women's World Cup; is delighted to see female involvement in football attracting the media attention that it deserves; and wishes all of the participants the very best of luck in this great tournament.
139 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AT FIRST TRANSPENNINE EXPRESS 17:6:15
16That this House is dismayed at the decision of First Transpennine Express Railway Company to dismiss a train guard following an incident in which his train was being surfed by a youth at Grimsby Town station; notes that the guard had already aborted the train's dispatch once but after the guard completed the correct dispatch procedure by giving the driver the right-away signal, one of the gang tried to surf the train again, ignoring advice and warnings; further notes that, with 10 years' experience, the guard judged that it was safer to allow the youth to jump clear rather than hit the emergency stop button, which looked likely to throw the youth off-balance; further notes the youth also subsequently spat at the conductor; further notes that the conductor was honest and accepts that in a strict interpretation of the rules he should have hit the emergency-stop button, regardless of the risk to the irresponsible surfer; believes that in these circumstances dismissal of a member of rail staff who has a previously unblemished record is unprecedented and is concerned that a dispute now exists between the company and the RMT union; and calls for First Transpennine Express Railway Company to immediately review this case and meet the union to resolve this dispute.
140 GLENURQUHART SHINTY CLUB AND THE RBS MACTAVISH CUP 17:6:15
21That this House wishes to congratulate Glenurquhart Shinty Club on winning the 2015 RBS MacTavish Cup Final and in doing so, recognises the valuable contribution of the local community in their steadfast support; and wishes the club and community continued sporting success.
141 ROYAL SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY'S PARLIAMENTARY LINKS DAY 17:6:15
11That this House congratulates The Society of Biology on organising this year's Parliamentary Links Day (PLD) on 23 June 2015 on behalf of the science and engineering community; applauds the theme of Science and the New Parliament; welcomes the Society's continuing commitment to serve the public interest by improving the access of all members to scientific information and a better understanding of science; notes the involvement of the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, the British Pharmacological Society, the Biochemical Society, the Society for Endocrinology, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Society for Applied Microbiology and the Society for Experimental Biology and many others; further notes that the event will be launched by Mr Speaker and will include a contribution from the hon. Member for Orpington and a keynote address by the President-Elect of the Royal Society, Sir Venki Ramakrishnan; further notes the contributions from many other eminent scientists and communicators; further notes that PLD is an established and respected event on the annual parliamentary calendar; further notes that the Society of Biology and the scientific community remain committed to assisting hon. Members on all sides of the House with access to scientific advice; and further welcomes the continuing contribution that PLD makes to strengthening the dialogue between Parliament and the science and engineering community.
142 PASSENGER SAFETY AND PRIVATE HIRE INDUSTRY REGULATION 17:6:15
22That this House is concerned that smartphone apps such as Über are circumventing the law governing the taxi and minicab industry; supports the existing regulations whereby private hire vehicles (PHVs) may only pick up passengers when pre-booked rather than from a rank or in response to being hailed; recognises that such regulations provide passengers with important safety protections against unregulated drivers who have not undergone extensive criminal record and medical checks or had to pass a formal taxi driving assessment like licensed taxi drivers; welcomes Transport for London's (TfL) public opposition to any move to confuse the distinction between the two services; notes with concern, that in spite of this, TfL is failing to carry out its licensing and enforcement functions and is allowing PHVs to operate within the immediate hire market; believes that this is primarily due to the absence of a statutory definition of plying for hire; further believes that this will undermine public confidence in a safe and secure licensing regime and will ultimately undermine the viability of the current taxi service; further notes that the number of people applying to study The Knowledge, the geographical training for licensed taxi drivers, fell from 3,326 in 2012 when Über started operating in London, to 2,159 last year; and calls on the Government to bring forward urgent legislation which provides a clear statutory definition to protect the distinction between taxis and PHVs.
144 25th ANNIVERSARY OF DUMBARTON CREDIT UNION 17:6:15
37That this House applauds the work of credit unions across the UK in promoting, providing and offering a safe and regulated local environment to save and a low cost way to borrow; recognises the intrinsic community nature of credit unions in reducing the demand for high interest loans and doorstep lenders; acknowledges the excellent service provided by the staff and volunteers of Dumbarton Credit Union as they celebrate 25 years of service to the communities of Dumbarton, through the provision of community financial services to all adults over the age of 16 in Dumbarton; and calls on the Government to continue to promote and support the development of credit unions across the UK.
145 HOMES IN LONDON 17:6:15
16That this House believes London is facing a chronic shortage of genuinely affordable and social housing; expresses concern that the Government's proposals to force councils to sell off large numbers of their homes, allow the sale of housing association properties through right-to-buy before replacement homes are built, and lower the welfare cap to £23,000 in London will make this crisis worse; further believes that the result will be the social cleansing of London; and calls on the Government to rethink plans to force councils to sell off homes, intended in part to subsidise right-to-buy discounts, and instead to prioritise the building of the homes Londoners need, including for social rent and for first time buyers and to make a commitment that no housing association or council homes be sold under right-to-buy until new like-for-like homes for social rent have been built in the same numbers and in the same local authority area.
146 TRANSATLANTIC TRADE AND INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP 17:6:15
48That this House is extremely concerned about the potential impact of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) on the ability of hon. Members to make decisions in the public interest; in particular opposes the investor state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanism which would give foreign corporations enhanced legal power to challenge public policy; is further concerned that TTIP would undermine the UK's regulatory framework, in particular the high standards of food production enjoyed in this country and the Government's ability democratically to set a framework for public service provision, and financial and environmental standards; and calls on the Government to ensure TTIP is fully scrutinised by Parliament and, during negotiations, to oppose inclusion of the ISDS mechanism and the regulatory cooperation framework currently being proposed by the EU Commission.
148 FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF RAIL SERVICES IN THE NORTH 17:6:15
20That this House is concerned that despite almost half a billion pounds leaking out to shareholders from the privately run Northern Rail and TransPennine Express services, rail services in the North are to be privatised again and also handed over to Dutch, French or German owners; is dismayed that this will mean private rail companies and other countries' railways will make big profits, while rail passengers in the North will endure higher fares, fewer services and overcrowded trains; is further dismayed this will mean trains will no longer have a guard to protect the train, while ticket offices could be closed and station staff cut; and calls for a publicly owned People's Railway in the North run under public ownership in the interest of passengers and communities.
149 PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY AGAINST AUSTERITY MARCH 17:6:15
42That this House notes evidence that the Government's economic strategy of austerity pursued since 2010 has seen a significant transfer of wealth from the least well-off to the more affluent; further notes the policy has had a disproportionately negative impact on the most disadvantaged areas; believes that this has contributed to increased inequality and impoverishment in society; welcomes contributions to the public debate advocating a positive economic alternative; and congratulates the organisation of the People's Assembly Against Austerity march to Parliament Square in London, as well as a simultaneous march in Glasgow, on 20 June, both of which will be a democratic expression of the desire for that alternative.
150 CLOSURE OF TANSHALL PRIMARY SCHOOL, GLENROTHES 18:6:15
33That this House notes that, as part of a programme of school closures being implemented by Fife Council, Tanshall Primary School in Glenrothes will close for the last time on 3 July 2015; records its thanks to current and previous teachers, staff and others for the high standards the school has achieved and for their success in supporting children who have moved into the Tanshall area from other parts of Europe; commends the pupils, parents and friends of the school for the passionate and well-informed campaign they led to try and save their school; further commends in particular the work done by CH@T, Community Help @ Tanshall, in promoting strong relationships between the school and the Tanshall community; and wishes all those connected with the school every success in their future endeavours.
151 YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCOTLAND AWARDS 2015 18:6:15
24That this House congratulates Rise Enterprise of Airdrie Academy for winning three awards at the Young Enterprise Scotland 2015 Awards, for Retail Excellence, Best Presentation and the People's Choice, which was the result of a public vote; similarly congratulates Fjara Jewellery of Kirkwall Grammar School in Orkney on winning Company of the Year; also congratulates all other award winners; commends all the Young Enterprise companies for taking part; and recognises and appreciates all the work done by Young Enterprise Scotland, teachers and business volunteers to support entrepreneurial and business experience for school pupils.
152 DRONES AND THE 2015 STRATEGIC DEFENCE AND SECURITY REVIEW 18:6:15
18That this House calls on the Government to address the issues identified in the UK Approach to Unmanned Systems, a Joint Doctrinal Note written in 2011, in connection with the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR); notes the recommendations of the Defence Committee on the need for a current British doctrine in its 10th Report of Session 2013-14, on Remote Control: Remotely Piloted Air Systems - current and future use, HC 772; further notes that the conclusions of the Birmingham Policy Commission, The Security Impact of Drones: Challenges and Opportunities for the UK, include the absence of central direction; recognises the significant increase in the use of armed and unarmed drones since the 2010 SDSR; further recognises that the Scavenger Programme is intended to replace the Reaper with a sovereign, armed drone capability; and calls on the Government to devise and disclose a distinct and overarching policy on the use of British military drones as part of British defence strategy.
153 MANDATORY INSTALLATION OF CCTV IN SLAUGHTERHOUSES 18:6:15
23That this House calls on the Government to bring forward legislative proposals for the mandatory installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) in UK slaughterhouses with independent monitoring of the footage; notes that a 2014 YouGov poll found that, of those who expressed a view, 87 per cent support mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses; expresses concern that nine of the 10 randomly chosen slaughterhouses secretly filmed by Animal Aid have breached animal welfare laws; believes that the introduction of compulsory CCTV in UK slaughterhouses will increase animal protection and allow those caught on film breaking the law to be prosecuted; furthermore thanks the supermarkets for already insisting on CCTV in their slaughterhouse suppliers and welcomes the support of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Farm Animal Welfare Committee for the use of CCTV in slaughterhouses as a useful monitoring tool; further notes that plant operators who operate CCTV are keen to demonstrate to FSA officials the high standard to which their operatives work; and further believes other UK slaughterhouses should follow this best practice to maintain the UK's position as a world leader on animal welfare standards.
154 NEUADD PANTYCELYN HALL 18:6:15
15That this House notes the vital role Neuadd Pantycelyn Hall has played in promoting the Welsh language and culture within the University of Aberwystwyth; further notes that the University under its Royal Charter has an obligation to promote the Welsh language; further notes that the University was established in 1872 as the people's University of Wales, paid for by small donations from the Welsh public and the generosity of industrialist David Davies Llandinam; expresses concern that without a dedicated Welsh language hall the existing ethos of the University will be damaged; understands that the Hall requires remedial work; and calls on the Council of the University to accept the recommendations of its own working group on the future of the Hall that it is preserved as a designated hall of residence for Welsh speakers and learners following completion of corrective work.
155 INVESTMENT IN BUILDING NEW HOMES AND THE HOUSING BENEFIT BILL 18:6:15
15That this House notes with concern that there has been a dramatic reduction in the supply of housing, particularly social housing at social rents, since 2010; further notes that plans to extend the right to buy scheme to housing association tenants in England will further reduce the number of social homes available and threaten the financial viability of many housing associations; believes that building more homes will lower the costs of housing overall for everyone, help to cut the soaring housing benefit bill, enabling the transition from benefits to bricks, and ensure that thousands of families in desperate need of a home and living in unacceptable conditions are housed adequately; and calls on the Government to set a target of increasing the supply of housing to 250,000 new homes per year, including within this overall target a commitment to deliver a significant proportion of affordable and new social rented homes provided by local authorities and housing associations, to take urgent action to ensure effective regulation in the private rented sector to make private renting more affordable, secure and stable and to reform welfare policy to reverse the widening disparity created by cuts in housing benefit between rents and the benefit received.
156 AL-QAEDA IN YEMEN 18:6:15
9That this House is deeply concerned at the reported rise of extremist terrorist groups, many associated with Al-Qaeda, in the Arabian Peninsula; notes that this branch of Al-Qaeda is regarded as one of the most dangerous organisations in the world, with a history of directing terrorist acts in the US and Europe; understands that these groups in Yemen are taking advantage of the ongoing conflict to seize territory in the south, including military bases and harbours; further notes that the Houthi rebel group is alleged to have launched Scud missiles into Saudi Arabia; and calls on the Government to consult international and regional partners regarding possible steps to tackle the rise of terrorist organisations in Yemen.
158 THE HEWETT SCHOOL, NORWICH 18:6:15
19That this House condemns the Inspiration Trust's attempt to take control of the Hewett local authority school and gain ownership of its £60 million site, land that should remain a public asset; believes that the Inspiration Trust's family of schools is run by a small group of trustees, lacking transparency and accountability to the communities they serve; notes with disapproval the lack of democratic structures allowing for meaningful parental and community engagement in their children's schools, as well as Government policy exempting the Trust, along with other academy chains and their leadership teams, from Ofsted inspections; further notes the highly unsatisfactory investigation into the allegation that Dame Rachel de Souza received early warning of Ofsted inspections at Inspiration Trust schools and the suspicious disappearance of emails critical to the investigation from an Inspiration Trust school computer system; requests the Department for Education re-opens the investigation; calls on the Secretary of State for Education to ensure that the Hewett School site remains in the hands of a trust democratically appointed by Norfolk County Council; demands that the Department ensures this consultation takes place and publishes in full the results of the Hewett consultation and its reasons for rejecting Norfolk County Council's Village School proposal; and applauds the spirited defiance and campaign against the forced academisation of the Hewett School by pupils, parents and the local community.
159 RAVENSCRAIG'S STEEL MAN STRUCTURE 18:6:15
28That this House welcomes the unveiling of the sculpture, Steel Man, at the site of the former Ravenscraig steel works in Lanarkshire; pays tribute to the former steelworkers and trade unionists who raised funds and commissioned this significant work of remembrance; congratulates the sculptor Andy Scott for creating a fitting tribute to employees at the plant and beyond who left for work to make steel one day but did not come home; remembers the significance of the Ravenscraig works to Lanarkshire and the wider steel industry, which employed 15,000 workers at its peak and occupied twice the land area of Monaco; and further welcomes the continued importance of the steel industry to the area, which is built on the skills and hard work of our modern day steel men and women.
160 GEORGIA FLOODS 18:6:15
13That this House notes the recent floods in Tbilisi, Georgia, resulting in the tragic death of at least 19 people and the destruction of part of the city including the city zoo; and expresses the thoughts, sympathy and concern of the House to the citizens of Tbilisi in their time of hardship and mourning.
161 FEMALE UNEMPLOYMENT LEVELS IN SCOTLAND 18:6:15
32That this House welcomes the news that Scotland has one of the lowest levels of female unemployment in the developed world; understands that the latest comparison figures on female unemployment compiled by the Scottish Parliamentary Information Centre shows that Scotland has the fourth lowest female unemployment level comparing 34 other countries in the developed world; notes that the figures show that among the OECD countries only Norway, Japan and Korea had a lower rate of female unemployment in the fourth quarter of 2014 than the Scottish rate of 4.1 per cent; further understands that a comparison with figures from 1999 when the Scottish Parliament was reconvened show that the powers of devolution have been beneficial to Scotland with a drop in female unemployment of 30 per cent; further notes that these figures follow news last week that Scotland has the lowest female unemployment rate of any country in the EU; and believes that with full fiscal autonomy the Scottish Parliament will go even further to deliver real equality in the workplace, by delivering radical progress on issues like childcare, which will improve Scotland's economic performance.
162 CLOSURES OF ABORTION CLINICS 22:6:15
4That this House is deeply concerned that anti-abortion clinic protests are escalating and having a significant impact on women's ability to access safe, legal reproductive healthcare services and advice; is alarmed to hear that one abortion clinic is to close due to intimidating protests and others have been unable to open due to local fears about anti-abortion activity; notes that groups of threatening protesters continue to harass and film women on a regular basis across the country, displaying graphic banners, and distributing medically inaccurate and deliberately distressing material; further notes that police have stated they are unable to use existing legislation to protect women, clinic staff, and local residents in response to these protests; recognises the right to protest peacefully but asks that this is balanced against women's legal right to access medical care free from intimidation; and calls on the Government to establish abortion clinic buffer zones only to be used in cases where women are being forcefully prevented from accessing treatment, to ensure women are able to access healthcare free from intimidation, and to issue national guidance to local police forces to provide clear advice about dealing with intimidating protesters whose aim is to prevent women from exercising their legal right to access medical treatment.
163 UN PUBLIC SERVICE DAY 22:6:15
21That this House welcomes and supports the UN Public Service Day on 23 June 2015; recognises that Public Service Day pays tribute to all those who work in roles that serve the public and highlights their contribution to society in delivering key services to residents and communities across the length and breadth of the UK; and urges the Government to promote a worldwide celebration of this day in future years.
164 LEVELS OF DIABETES IN THE UK 22:6:15
10That this House is deeply concerned that diabetes in the UK has now reached an all-time high according to latest NHS data; notes that there are now 3.9 million people with diabetes in the UK, and more people continue to be diagnosed; further notes that Type 2 diabetes, which is preventable, accounts for over 90 per cent of diabetes cases in the UK; is further concerned at the severity of diabetes complications if the condition is not managed carefully, including amputation, kidney, eye, brain, nerve and heart damage; and calls on the Government to provide regular updates on the progress of the National Diabetes Prevention Programme and to implement it across the UK as soon as possible.
165 NEO-NAZI RALLY IN GOLDERS GREEN 22:6:15
22That this House notes with concern the planned neo-Nazi demonstration in Golders Green on 4 July 2015; highlights that this rally is due to take place on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, in an area in which 40 per cent of the population is Jewish; praises the public activism in opposition to the rally, particularly the change.org petition to ban it and the work of Hope Not Hate and the London Jewish Forum, under the umbrella of the Golders Green Together campaign, to promote solidarity and celebrate diversity in the local area; believes that every measure should be taken to protect Golders Green's vibrant community from provocation and abuse; and calls on the Home Secretary to consider what further actions the Government could take to isolate the politics of hate and division on our streets.
166 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF PARTICK HOUSING ASSOCIATION 22:6:15
21That this House congratulates Partick Housing Association on its 40th anniversary; notes that since its founding in 1975 it has grown to become one of the largest registered social landlords in the north and west of the city of Glasgow, owning and managing over 1,700 social rented homes and providing factoring management services to more than 2,000 private occupiers in and around the Partick area; further notes the range of celebratory events taking place to mark the anniversary, including a successful Community Festival in the area's Mansfield Park on 20 June 2015; and wishes the Housing Association, its tenants and the wider community all the best for the future.
167 MALARIA RESEARCH AT DUNDEE UNIVERSITY 22:6:15
15That this House congratulates Dundee University for its exciting and potentially world-changing discovery of a new compound which could treat malaria while also protecting people from the disease and preventing the spread of the disease; considers that such innovation in malaria drugs is necessary in light of the threat of resistance to current anti-malarial medicines; recognises that malaria continues to cause hundreds of thousands of deaths a year; and commends the Scottish Government's higher education policy, which continues to encourage such world-class innovation in Scottish universities through its supportive and progressive higher education policies.
168 CONSULTATION ON THE EXTENSION OF THE RIGHT TO BUY SCHEME 23:6:15
2That this House believes the Government should conduct a full, transparent and public consultation with local authorities and housing associations on its plan to expand the right to buy scheme to encompass housing association properties; notes that councils and housing associations across the country, particularly in areas suffering from acute housing shortages, need time to prepare for the proposed sale of council and housing association homes; and further notes that some local authorities may have to sell three quarters of available council homes at a time when the Government should be increasing the supply of houses, to make home ownership more affordable for millions of people across the country.
169 SCHOOL BUS TRAVEL IN SOUTH LANARKSHIRE 23:6:15
2That this House is deeply concerned at proposals to alter the qualifying distance for free bus travel for secondary school children in South Lanarkshire; understands that this will be implemented by the Labour-led council in August 2015 without any meaningful consultation with parents or communities; notes that these cuts will impact detrimentally on families across the local authority area; shares the concerns of parents and communities that safe walking routes will still place children at additional risk and that increased travel times may put at risk the attendance of children at school and increase the travel costs for families in deprived areas who see no alternative but to pay for commercial bus transport; and believes that the council should halt the plans to axe the free school bus provision and start a meaningful and respectful dialogue with parents, children and communities should it decide at any point in the future to reform free school transport arrangements within the local authority area.
170 ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF DETENTION OF ANDARGACHEW TSIGE 23:6:15
2That this House is dismayed by the continued detention of UK national, and Ethiopian opposition activist, Andargachew Tsige, who was kidnapped from Yemen a year ago on 23 June and held since in solitary confinement in an undisclosed location in Ethiopia; notes with concern that Mr Tsige was sentenced to death in in absentia proceedings in Ethiopia 2009; deplores the absence of due process by the Ethiopian authorities in dealing with Mr Tsige's case; is extremely worried about Mr Tsige's current health and well-being; concurs with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Opinion No. 2/2015 (on Ethiopia and Yemen) which concludes that the adequate remedy would be to release Mr Tsige and afford him adequate compensation; and calls on the Government to make further representation to the Ethiopian government about Mr Tsige's welfare and prison conditions, as a matter of urgency, and to urge the Ethiopian government to release and return him to the UK.
171 INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES ALLIANCE REPORT ON THE ECONOMIC DISPARITIES IN OLDER INDUSTRIAL AREAS 23:6:15
15That this House welcomes the report by the Industrial Communities Alliance, Whose Recovery? which notes the widening economic gap between former industrial areas in the English regions, Scotland and Wales compared to London and the South East; asks the Government to bring forward policies to address the growth gap which is damaging the UK economy through failing to fulfil the economic potential of all regions and nations of the UK and which is also reducing the life chances for people in the poorest regional economies; and calls on the Government to seek to rebalance the economy through matching the rhetoric of the Northern Powerhouse with practical policies prioritising the needs of former industrial areas through fairer funding, targeted investment and specific support based on the economic needs of former industrial communities to ensure that substantial parts of the country are not excluded from the economic recovery and that the benefits of growth are shared by all regions and nations of the UK.
172 BUFFER ZONES AROUND ABORTION CLINICS 23:6:15
9That this House notes with concern the recent escalation in anti-abortion activity targeted at women and staff attending abortion clinics and pregnancy advisory services; further notes that approaching and recording women and staff, alongside the distribution of misleading information and distressing images, intimidates women and jeopardises access to legal healthcare services; believes in upholding the right to peaceful protest; further believes that the right to peaceful protest should not interfere with the fundamental right for women to make individual reproductive choices; further notes that campaigns against women exercising their sexual health rights can continue without occupying the space immediately outside clinics; supports the British Pregnancy Advisory Service's Back Off campaign to implement buffer zones outside reproductive health clinics as a means of ensuring that women are not harassed or obstructed from accessing confidential advice and treatment; and calls on the Government to bring forward legislation to protect the rights of women to access lawful healthcare by enabling the introduction and implementation of buffer zones around clinics offering abortion and sexual health services.
173 ESSENTIAL SMALL PHARMACIES SCHEME 23:6:15
7That this House recognises the effects of the withdrawal of the Essential Small Pharmacies (ESP) scheme on areas where patients, especially the elderly and those with small children, struggle to access pharmacies more than a kilometre away from their homes; understands that this is impacting most on areas with high levels of deprivation and low car ownership; acknowledges its ramifications on substance misuse programmes; believes that this is causing unreasonable pressure on small pharmacies to increase the number of prescriptions; further believes that there are irrational expectations of how much pharmacies can do in their areas to increase their own business; and further recognises the special circumstances of pharmacies that were designated as ESP, which means that the application of a one mile distance criteria to other pharmacies, as currently applied under standard market entry assessment criteria, is inadequate and fails to recognise the reasoning behind the grant of ESP status to those pharmacies in the first instance.
174 KINGHORN LIFEBOAT 50TH ANNIVERSARY 23:6:15
10That this House congratulates Kinghorn Lifeboat Station on its 50th anniversary; recognises that, since its establishment in 1965, the station has launched over 1,000 times to save lives at sea and along the coastline; appreciates the skill and bravery of the lifeboat crews; and wishes it continued success for the next 50 years.
175 BENARTY PRIMARY SEND MY FRIEND TO SCHOOL PROJECT 23:6:15
10That this House welcomes the call to hon. Members from primary three pupils at Benarty Primary School in Fife, to support the Send My Friend to School project; recognises that 58 million children are still missing out on school; notes with disappointment that the Millennium Development Goal of education for all by 2015 has not been achieved; and agrees with the pupils of Benarty Primary School that governments must redouble their efforts to give every child the chance of an education.
176 PROPOSED BAN ON LEGAL HIGHS 23:6:15
1That this House recalls that the prohibition of drugs usually results in increased use as occurred with the prohibition of alcohol in the US; also recalls that the imposition in the UK of the harshest drugs prohibition in Europe in 1971 resulted in the increase in the total of heroin and cocaine addicts from 1,000 to 320,000; notes that the ban on legal highs in Ireland in 2010 has perversely increased their use to the highest in Europe; and regrets that the Government intends to repeat a failed remedy that will again criminalise a legal market and greatly increase police costs, drug abuse and deaths.
177 SEAFARERS' RIGHTS 23:6:15
9That this House is appalled by the plight of Indonesian, Filipino and Romanian seafarers stranded in Newport, Wales on the Italian-flagged cargo ship Sunflower E which was arrested on 10 March due to the shipowner's unpaid debts, the eighth case this year of a ship being detained in a UK port owing to dubious financing; is deeply concerned that the Sunflower E's 13 crew are owed nearly four months wages and live in deteriorating conditions onboard, in blatant contravention of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC); welcomes and supports the intervention of inspectors from the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) in highlighting this case, and attempting to retrieve wages owed and secure safe passage home for these seafarers; notes that 32 per cent of the 7,500 vessels inspected by the ITF across the world in 2013-14 breached the MLC's provisions, particularly on wages and repatriation; and calls upon the Government to contact the Italian Registry to ensure the seafarers on the Sunflower E are paid and supported in travelling home to their families, in compliance with the MLC and for the rights of abandoned seafarers to be afforded greater priority in domestic and international shipping policy.
178 SITUATION IN BURUNDI 23:6:15
1That this House expresses deep concern about the human rights, security and political situation in Burundi, and in particular about the political repression carried out by authorities against political opponents, and the situation of nearly 100,000 refugees driven away from their country by fear; expresses alarm that this security and political situation does not offer conditions conducive to peaceful, credible and inclusive elections for the legislative polls planned for 29 June, but bears the risk of mass killings and armed conflict; acknowledges and welcomes efforts carried out by the international community, including those by the African Union, the East African Community and the United Nations; further welcomes the recommendations made by the African Union Peace and Security Council on 13 June, in urging Burundi stakeholders to resume their political dialogue and to agree on new dates for the upcoming elections; further welcomes the conclusions adopted by the European Council on 22 June to support recommendations of the African Union; deeply regrets the decision expressed by Burundi's ruling party, the National Council for the Defence of Democracy-Forces for the Defence of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) not to take part in the political dialogue planned to be resumed under the aegis of international organisations; asks the UK Government to intensify its pressure on the Burundi government to press its members to participate in political dialogue and to postpone the upcoming elections as a matter of urgency; and in particular urges the UK Government to push the EU Council to start negotiations under article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement immediately.