House of Commons
Session 2019-21
Published: Tuesday 25 February 2020
Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 24 February 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
192 Clean water and climate change
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
Fleur Anderson
That this House is very concerned that 2.2 billion people around the world still don’t have a reliable source of clean water; believes that far too little is being done to help the most vulnerable people adapt to climate change; notes that access to a reliable source of clean water which can withstand the impacts of climate change can mean the difference between life and death, and that this makes access to basic water and sanitation services a first line of defence against climate change; recognises that failure to adapt now will cost significantly more in the long run and threatens the lives and livelihoods of millions of people; and calls for the Government to recognise and prioritise water services in climate change plans at COP26.
193 Carmarthenshire net-zero carbon strategy
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
Jonathan Edwards
That this House congratulates Carmarthenshire Council for becoming the first local authority in Wales to launch a strategy to become net-zero carbon neutral by 2030; notes that the highly-ambitious strategy of the County Council, approved by the full council at its meeting on 12 February 2020, sets out actions to cut carbon emissions and measures to offset the negative effects of C02; believes that this landmark strategy will greatly benefit local residents and global citizens; pays tribute to local environmental activists for engaging positively with the council on this issue; encourages local authorities across Wales to follow the example of Carmarthenshire on climate action; and urges both the UK and Welsh Governments to adopt more ambitious targets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
194 Broxburn Athletic
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
Hannah Bardell
That this House congratulates Broxburn Athletic Football Club on their recent success in reaching the 4th round of the Scottish Cup; recognises Broxburn Athletic’s achievement in playing against a Premier League side; commends the team and coaches’ talent and dedication; thanks fans and the people of Broxburn for their support and attendance at games and hope that this continues; and further wishes the players, coaches and club every success for the future.
195 CCTV in care homes
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
Karl Turner
That this House recognises that people living in residential care homes represent some of the most vulnerable members of society most of whom have made commendable contributions to society over the course of their working and social lives; welcomes the Government’s ongoing review of social care policy; notes that there are still many instances of neglect across the care sector; and calls on the Government to include provisions in any legislative proposals to enable residents, should they so choose and at their own expense, to have CCTV in their room in order to provide greater protection, to provide family members with additional peace of mind, to raise standards and to provide higher levels of accountability.
196 Proposals for a sustainable and inclusive wellbeing economy
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
Caroline Lucas
That this House welcomes the formal opinion on a sustainable and inclusive wellbeing economy, adopted by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on 24 January 2020; recognises that this opinion is the last one developed with the 24 UK members of the EESC and thanks them for their contributions; welcomes the EESC’s call for a new vision of prosperity for people and planet based on the principles of environmental sustainability, the right to a decent life, and the protection of social values; notes that the EESC highlights that the pursuit of GDP growth ignores important elements of individual and social wellbeing and fails to account properly for environmental and social considerations; welcomes the call for a precautionary approach so that macroeconomic stability does not depend on GDP growth; further welcomes the call for new indicators of economic performance and social progress; calls on the UK Government and HM Treasury in particular to at least match the ambition and leadership shown by the EESC by conducting a review of the growth dependency of the UK economy and to develop a comprehensive strategy to transition to a wellbeing economy that protects and restores ecosystems and biodiversity, reduces inequality, fosters sustainable entrepreneurship and delivers a just transition to a climate neutral way of life for all UK citizens.
197 Alva Academy pupil selected to represent Scotland
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
John Nicolson
That this House congratulates Calum Kettles, S1 pupil at Alva Academy, who has been selected to represent Scotland in an international fencing competition next month in Wroclaw, Poland; notes that Calum was awarded funding from the Rotary Club of Alloa to purchase fencing equipment, enabling him to take his place in the under-13 Scottish Fencing Team; further notes that Calum will represent his country for the first time following his success in competitions across Scotland, where he has consistently won bronze medals; and highlights the fact that Calum uses the skills and knowledge he has gained to assist and coach young fencers in Scotland and already instructs adult beginners who are almost twice his height and three times his age.
198 Sack the sachet campaign
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
Patricia Gibson
That this House supports the international campaign Sack the Sachet by A Plastic Planet, which seeks to end the world’s reliance on single-use sachets that are so damaging to the environment; notes that globally 855 billion sachets are thrown away every year, enough to wrap the entire surface of the planet or, if placed end to end, stretch to the moon 189 times; further notes that the figure could reach one trillion by 2030; acknowledges that those sachets are almost exclusively made of plastic and are single-use items that will end up in landfill, in incinerators or directly in our natural environments; highlights that those sachets are used for a range of purposes such as condiments, toiletries and washing powder, despite all of those items having reusable and more environmentally friendly alternatives; and calls on the Government as well as hon. Members to work together to end the scourge of the plastic sachet and help build a more sustainable planet.
199 150 Years of Bridgeton Burns Club
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
Alison Thewliss
That this House congratulates Bridgeton Burns Club on its 150th anniversary; notes its exemplary contribution to the promotion of Scottish culture and poetry in the East End of Glasgow; appreciates that it has encouraged the knowledge and cultivation of Scottish literature for 150 years in line with its founding principles; notes that the Club has achieved these aims through its annual school burns competitions and fund for the arts which supports gifted young people in Glasgow's East End to study art, music or literature; understands that the Club will be celebrated in a civic reception at Glasgow City Chambers; and hopes that the Club will continue going from strength to strength in the years to come.
200 50 Years of the Allan Scally 4 x 5 kilometre road relay race
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
Alison Thewliss
That this House congratulates Shettleston Harriers on their participation in the 50th Allan Scally 4 x 5k Road Relay Race; understands that the first race was run in 1969; notes that, over the years, the race has seen many great athletes running around the streets of the East End of Glasgow; understands that athletes from all over the UK are set to participate this year, as well as numerous international athletes; notes that participants include Jake Wightman who finished fifth in the World Championships, Jamie Crowe who led the Scottish team to victory for the first time for eight years, and Shettleston Harrier's own Lachlan Oates, the current Scottish 10,000m champion; and appreciates the contribution the race has made to sporting events in Glasgow's East End and wishes all participants every success in the future.
201 Retail charitable giving in Scotland
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
Alison Thewliss
That this House congratulates the members of the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) on raising over £18 million in 2019, and £59 million since 2016, for charity and good causes, as highlighted in the SRC’s Report into Retail Charitable Giving 2019; notes that, through their shops and online operations throughout Scotland, retailers raise money and support for charity through donations, fundraising, awareness raising and community activity, including causes to do with the environment, public health, care and medical research; and acknowledges the positive contribution that retailers make to society through their work in the community across every part of Scotland.
202 Iran nuclear deal
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
Mr Alistair Carmichael
That this House recognises that the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was a landmark agreement providing a comprehensive, negotiated solution for limiting the Iranian nuclear programme, contributing to peace and stability in the surrounding region, and showcasing cooperation between Iran and the P5+1; is deeply concerned by the decision of 8 May 2018 by the President of the United States of America to withdraw the US from the JCPOA; calls on the Government to use its influence in Washington to urge the US to reconsider its approach to the JCPOA and to uphold its obligation to the deal; and further calls on the Government to maintain its commitment to the deal as outlined in the E3 Statement of 12 January 2020.
203 LGBT+ history month
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
Drew Hendry
That this house notes that February is LGBT+ history month; further notes that the Highland Pride Winter Walk took place in Inverness on Sunday 23 February 2020 in celebration of LGBT+ month; thanks all the volunteers that gave their time to ensure the walk was successful; and welcomes the fact that Highland Pride organisers are planning one of Scotland’s biggest LGBT+ Pride events on Sunday 19 July 2020.
204 Child-friendly unit at Raigmore Hospital
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
Drew Hendry
That this House praises the success of the child-friendly unit at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness; notes that the Highland Children’s Unit opened in 2016 following a £2 million fundraising drive by the Archie Foundation in conjunction with the Inverness Courier; further notes that since its opening thousands of children have passed through the doors to the unit which was designed to provide a child-centred atmosphere with brightly coloured decoration and its own designated entrance; highlights that an outdoor space is to be completed in the summer of 2020; and further highlights that the development of this unit has been an important step in providing high quality clinical care for children in the North of Scotland.
205 Highland Syrian refugee resettlement programme
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
Drew Hendry
That this House recognises the success of the Highland Syrian refugee resettlement programme; notes that Highland communities have welcomed 23 families that endured the most horrific circumstances and ensured they are settled, safe, well and wanted in their new surroundings; acknowledges the welcome and the support local residents have given to their new neighbours; and thanks the third sector organisations that have arranged welcome parties, provided food and clothing, helped with transport and fostered social integration for those families.
206 Freedom of expression in Somalia
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
Liz Saville Roberts
That this House is concerned by the new draft media law in Somalia that would restrict the right to freedom of expression; notes that the Federal Parliament of Somalia sought to amend media legislation to grant the Federal Ministry of Information extensive powers to interfere in the work of journalists and independent media houses, and impact on public interest reporting in country; further notes that the law has a number of unacceptably broad restrictions on the content of what may be published or broadcast, including a prohibition on false news, encouragement of tribalism, baseless propaganda and violating sound Somali culture; believes that the draft law would also establish a costly and unnecessary new system of prosecutors to bring and hear cases regarding media crimes; is concerned that the draft law includes legal sanctions for a long new list of media crimes which are vague and breaches a journalist’s right to confidential sources; agrees with the National Union of Journalists and the National Union of Somali journalists that the draft law could enable the Somali authorities at both Federal and State level to arbitrarily prosecute journalists to undercut free expression and access to information; and calls on the Government to press President of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed to think again about the draft legislation and to decline to sign the media law and to ensure that any proposed amendments are in line with Somalia’s constitutional and international obligations and commitments to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the right to freedom of expression.
207 Assaults on shopworkers
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 42
Gareth Thomas
Jack Dromey
Preet Kaur Gill
James Murray
Florence Eshalomi
Rachael Maskell
Rosie CooperRachel HopkinsAlex SobelChris EvansStephen DoughtyJim McMahonStella CreasyAlison McGovernIan MurrayTonia AntoniazziRosie DuffieldMaria EagleKate GreenJess PhillipsGeraint DaviesRushanara AliHilary BennNeil CoyleWes StreetingAfzal KhanGrahame MorrisKarl TurnerNadia WhittomeMr Virendra SharmaIan MearnsJo StevensIan ByrneYasmin QureshiMike AmesburyMarsha De CordovaSeema MalhotraDebbie AbrahamsClive EffordPeter KyleRachel ReevesRuth Cadbury
That this House deplores the rise in verbal and physical abuse of shopworkers, notes that according to research conducted by USDAW, over 400 retail workers were assaulted each day last year and that 62 per cent of retail staff have been the victim of either verbal or physical abuse; further notes that the view of respected criminologists is that levels of violence against shopworkers have reached epidemic proportions with lasting effects on the lives of workers, both mentally and physically; supports demands for action called for by the Freedom of Fear campaign led by USDAW, the similar demand for action call by the Co-op Group, the GMB and other Trade Unions, other leading retailers, the British Retail Consortium and the Association of Convenience Stores; and calls on the Government to introduce measures to tackle these issues including bringing forward legislative proposals to make assaulting a public facing worker a standalone offence which would provide not only a clear deterrent to those thinking of assaulting shopworkers but also clear routes to prosecution for the police and courts dealing with this growing problem.
208 Reading for pleasure
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 1
Munira Wilson
That this House recognises the significant impact of reading for pleasure in improving a child’s educational attainment and life chances; notes that children who read for pleasure daily or nearly every day are a year ahead in reading performance compared those who never do; notes with concern that child literacy rates are falling year on year; believes an improvement in literacy rates will help close the attainment gap; further notes that not all schools have libraries; recognises that 10 to 16 year olds make four time as much progress in vocabulary, maths and spelling if they read for pleasure than if their parents have a degree; further recognises that the UK has one of the lowest rankings for teenage literacy in OECD countries; highlights that reading to children, with no formal teaching agenda, is the most effective way to encourage them to read for pleasure independently; and calls on the Government to support teachers to include opportunities for non-tested story time as an intrinsic part of every school day
209 Freedom of religious belief in Iran
Tabled: 24/02/20 Signatories: 2
Mary Glindon
Rachel Hopkins
That this House notes the increasing importance of defence of freedom of religion of belief in UK foreign policy; further notes the arrest of 24 members of the Baha'i faith in Iran in October and November 2019; and calls on the Government to press Iranian authorities to cease its targeting of Baha'is and other religious minorities on account of their beliefs.
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.
133 90th anniversary of Lochaber aluminium smelter
Tabled: 3/02/20 Signatories: 12
Ian Blackford
Allan Dorans
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
Peter Grant
Drew Hendry
David Linden
That this House warmly congratulates Liberty-GFG Alliance on celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Lochaber aluminium smelter, the UK’s only aluminium smelter, which started production in December 1929; welcomes the fact that former employees joined present day staff to view a number of exhibitions covering the history of the plant and its relationship with the local community as a major employer to this day; commends the fact that the plant has increased its workforce by 26 per cent since the GFG Alliance acquired the facility three years ago and applauds the organisation’s ambitious and attainable commitment to carbon neutrality, demonstrated by the fact the facility has a target of being carbon neutral by 2030; endorses the recent announcement that GFG Alliance has recently become part of the global aluminium enterprise known as ALVANCE aluminium group, which will facilitate implementation and training for new downstream production methods which will benefit staff at the Fort William facility, creating further employment in the future; and wishes all staff and management further success going forward.
135 Use of the whip in British horseracing
Tabled: 4/02/20 Signatories: 34
Chris Evans
Caroline Lucas
Chris Stephens
Allan Dorans
Stewart Malcolm McDonald
Kirsten Oswald
Anna McMorrinJames Murray
That this House notes that racehorses are routinely beaten with a whip under rules set by the industry's regulatory body, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) which sanctions this violent treatment in order that jockeys may, as it is claimed, encourage racehorses to improve their chances of winning, even though evidence indicates that whipping for this purpose is counter-productive; further notes that there were more than 400 breaches of the rules in 2019, mostly for whipping racehorses more than the permitted number of strikes; notes that no other animal can be legally beaten in such circumstances and that a 2018 YouGov poll found that, of those who expressed an opinion, 83 per cent of respondents oppose racehorses being whipped; recognises that, for genuine purposes of safety where other methods have failed to bring a horse under control, a whip can be legitimately employed, as is the case in Norway; and calls on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to ensure that the BHA's rules are amended to prohibit use of the whip for encouragement or for equivalent reasons.
137 Children's Mental Health Week
Tabled: 4/02/20 Signatories: 18
Jim Shannon
Paul Girvan
Carla Lockhart
Ian Paisley
Mr Gregory Campbell
Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson
David Linden
That this House highlights that it is Children's Mental Health Week as set up by children's mental health charity Place2Be; notes the purpose of this week is to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people's mental health; understands that this year's theme is Find your Brave; and encourages schools, churches and voluntary sector youth organisations to use this opportunity to talk with children and build relationships discussing the theme and that life is all about taking small brave steps every day, and to outline that bravery could be about sharing worries and asking for help when it is needed, or trying something new and making the right choices.
138 Assessing the effect of the increase in the state pension age on women born in the 1950s
Tabled: 4/02/20 Signatories: 52
Amy Callaghan
Ian Blackford
Neil Gray
Alison Thewliss
Anne McLaughlin
Patrick Grady
David Linden
That this House believes that the Government has for over two decades failed women born in the 1950s who were not properly informed of the changes that were made to their state pension age due to equalisation brought on by the Pensions Act 1995; regrets that the Government only began writing to women affected from 2009 onward; acknowledges that the Scottish National Party previously submitted a fully funded proposal to help women born in the 1950s that was rejected by the Government; believes the onus is now on the Government to remedy the injustices suffered by millions of women across the UK; and calls on the Government to oversee a full impact assessment, which takes into account the wide reaching effects of its policy, and to make a decision on the recompense that affected women will receive based on the findings of such an assessment.
139 Permanent Funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit
Tabled: 5/02/20 Signatories: 44
John Spellar
Jim Shannon
Allan Dorans
Sir Mike Penning
Alex Davies-Jones
Sir Peter Bottomley
Ian MearnsGrahame MorrisRosie DuffieldDavid LindenSammy WilsonChris EvansMary Kelly Foy
That this House notes the success of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit through its intelligence-led role in the prevention and detection of crimes relating to a wide range of wildlife issues; recognises that the unit provides specialist skills, knowledge and expertise to the Police, UK Border Force, HM Revenue and Customs, Animal Plant and Health Agency, EUROPOL and INTERPOL, the UK Government and a significant network of non-government and civil society organisations; considers that the Unit has a vital role to play in fulfilling the UK's commitments to combating illegal wildlife trade internationally; recognises the pro-active steps taken by the unit in the formation of a cyber-enabled wildlife crime priority delivery group; further recognises that permanent funding would allow the unit to plan ahead and retain expert staff; and calls on the Government to provide permanent funding to the National Wildlife Crime Unit.
140 University of the Highlands and Islands staff: fundraising for charity
Tabled: 6/02/20 Signatories: 10
Drew Hendry
Anne McLaughlin
Patrick Grady
Jim Shannon
Jonathan Edwards
Chris Stephens
David Linden
That this House congratulates staff from the University of the Highlands and Islands on their year-long fundraising drive in support of local mental health charity Mikeysline; notes that they organised a raffle, coffee mornings, a sweepstake, a bowling night, a mince pie and Christmas jumper day in support of the charity who were selected as their 2019 charity of the year; pays special thanks to Tony Johnson who raised over £2000 by having his head shaved, to Val Cooper who raised £400 by completing a 5x50 walking and cycling challenge and to Sophie Chisholm who raised over £500 by taking part in running challenges; and finally, notes their combined efforts helped them to raise £7,430 across the year.
141 Department of Work and Pensions Review of food bank use
Tabled: 6/02/20 Signatories: 65
Chris Stephens
Anne McLaughlin
Patrick Grady
Rosie Duffield
Alison Thewliss
Wendy Chamberlain
Stewart Malcolm McDonaldSammy WilsonDavid Linden
That this House acknowledges that the Department for Work and Pensions commissioned an evidence review on the drivers of food bank use in 2018; notes the Government's commitment to this House to publish the findings of the review; further notes the Government's failure to date to publish those findings; and urges the Government to provide a clear deadline as a matter of urgency for the publication of the review to inform a public debate on the reasons for growing demand for food aid provision in the UK.
142 Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe
Tabled: 6/02/20 Signatories: 23
Mr Barry Sheerman
Ian Murray
Anne McLaughlin
Patrick Grady
Alison Thewliss
Wendy Chamberlain
Sir Mark HendrickDavid Linden
That this House expresses its concern at the continued imprisonment of British national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe; urges the Government to act purposefully to negotiate her release; supports a review into the steps taken so far by this and previous Governments to secure her release; stands in solidarity with Nazanin’s family and loved ones; and considers the role of an all-faith delegation in petitioning for Nazanin’s release.
143 Blackhill and Provanmill in Glasgow and youth crime
Tabled: 6/02/20 Signatories: 9
Anne McLaughlin
Patrick Grady
Liz Saville Roberts
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
Allan Dorans
David Linden
That this House acknowledges the success of St Paul’s Youth Forum in the North East of Glasgow on reducing gang related violence by 97 per cent since 2006; recognises the number of youth crimes reduced from 116 in 2006 to just two in 2016 and understands they achieved this by investing just £80,000 a year in dedicated youth work; applauds the breadth of work undertaken by the young people and youth workers, from the health and wellbeing project where vegetables are grown and eaten locally to the youth led local radio station BOLT FM, and from On Bikes which enables young people to make use of and repair bicycles to youth exchange trips from Blackhill and Provanmill to Zambia; endorses the approach of empowering young people to take on responsibility for the project; and applauds trustees of the board and the dedicated staff and volunteers led by Neil Young.
144 Situation in The Gambia
Tabled: 6/02/20 Signatories: 11
Anne McLaughlin
Patrick Grady
Alison Thewliss
Amy Callaghan
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
David Linden
That this House is very concerned by the crackdown on peaceful protest and the media in The Gambia, following the use of excessive force by security forces last month to disperse protesters calling for President Adama Barrow to fulfil his pledge to step down after three years in power, resulting in many injuries and three deaths, as well as the closure of two FM radio stations and charges of incitement brought against at least two journalists; notes that despite some progress since the departure of former President Yahya Jammeh, allegedly responsible for forced disappearances, rape and murder during two decades of authoritarian rule, serious human rights violations still need to be addressed and accountability mechanisms strengthened; urges the Gambian Government to respect the fundamental rights of its citizens, including by unconditionally releasing all those detained for exercising their right to peaceful protest, reopening radio stations it closed and releasing detained journalists; and calls on the Government, with the international community, to support the Gambian Government and civil society in the transition from dictatorship to democracy, as well as to engage with them under the auspices of the UK’s current Global Media Freedom campaign.
145 Sam Macartney
Tabled: 6/02/20 Signatories: 25
Chris Stephens
Carol Monaghan
Patrick Grady
Mhairi Black
Amy Callaghan
Marion Fellows
David Linden
That this House recognises the life and work of Sam Macartney, a UNISON activist for 35 years, who died on the 24 January 2020; recognises his work as a Senior Steward within Glasgow’s learning disability day care services, and the Conditions of Service Officer within the Glasgow City Branch of UNISON; and sends condolences to his family at this time; recognises his work as the Chair of the UNISON Scotland International Committee, alongside his international work within the UK Trade Union and the Scottish Trades Union Congress; further recognises his work on Palestine, Venezuela, Cuba, Southern Africa, the industrial disaster in Bhopal, India, which he visited in 2014 to mark its 30th Anniversary, and campaigner for the Kurdish people; celebrates his work in his trade union activities; and recognises the esteem in which he was held by his many friends and colleagues; and offers condolences to all who knew him at this time.
146 EU Settlement Scheme
Tabled: 6/02/20 Signatories: 29
Kate Green
Caroline Lucas
Tim Farron
Mr Virendra Sharma
Peter Grant
Christine Jardine
Sir Mark HendrickDavid LindenJo Stevens
That this House is concerned that the EU Settlement Scheme does not deliver sufficient assurance of their future status to all EU nationals resident in the UK; notes that some EU nationals and non-EU family members will be unable to obtain their status for a number of reasons, including a lack of awareness or understanding about the scheme, misconceptions about who needs to apply, difficulties evidencing residency or identity and confusion around deadlines; recognises that hundreds of thousands of EU nationals and non-EU family members, especially marginalised groups such as older and disabled people are at risk of falling out of status; further is concerned that EU nationals left without status will be denied the right to work, rent accommodation or access free healthcare will be criminalised for attempting to engage in any of these activities, and will become vulnerable to detention and removal; notes that no comparable application scheme anywhere has ever succeeded in reaching 100 per cent of its audience; believes it is vital to remove the cliff-edge scenario which will result in hundreds of thousands of people losing status overnight; and calls on the Government to deliver on its promise that EU nationals will be welcome to stay in the UK by bringing forward legislation to grant automatic settled status to all EU nationals and non-EU family members resident in the UK.
147 Conduct of Judge Robin Tolson QC
Tabled: 6/02/20 Signatories: 45
Louise Haigh
Ms Angela Eagle
Tonia Antoniazzi
Jess Phillips
Charlotte Nichols
Kate Green
Paul Blomfield
That this House welcomes the overturning by the High Court of Justice Tolson’s ruling in the Central Family Court that a sexual assault did not constitute rape because the woman had taken no physical step to encourage the man to desist; notes with concern the High Court’s findings that Justice Tolson failed to apply the definitions of domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour, dismissed or ignored reports from the police, failed to allow the Appellant to make her full submission and repeatedly interrupted her; further notes with concern the High Court’s findings on Justice Tolson’s judgment that the real risk of the appearance of a partisan approach in that judge’s conduct was self-evident and that the fact that the judge preferred the Respondent’s case was patent throughout his judgment; highlights the High Court’s further findings that Justice Tolson’s reasons for dismissing the evidence of the Appellant were wrong, specifically, that he made a finding regarding the Appellant’s psychological state of mind without any forensic expert evidence; further highlights that the High Court found that Justice Tolson’s approach towards the issue of consent was manifestly at odds with current jurisprudence, concomitant sexual behaviour, and what is currently acceptable socio-sexual conduct; notes with concern that Justice Tolson continues to preside over cases involving domestic abuse and rape in the Family Courts; and calls on the Government to take steps with the Judicial College to ensure that training is made mandatory for family court and criminal court judges on the legally correct and appropriate approach to take when hearing domestic abuse and sexual assault allegations.
148 Haulage and logistics industry apprenticeships levy
Tabled: 10/02/20 Signatories: 8
Sir Mike Penning
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
Mary Glindon
Mike Hill
Bob Blackman
David Linden
That this House notes the valuable contribution that the haulage and logistics industry makes to the UK economy but understands that this contribution is being held back by an industry wide skills shortage and calls on the Government to reform the apprenticeships levy to support the industry and remove all barriers to ensure that the industry can tackle the skills shortage.
149 Sue Ryder bereavement campaign
Tabled: 10/02/20 Signatories: 19
Carolyn Harris
Allan Dorans
Jim Shannon
Gavin Robinson
Chris Stephens
Kate Hollern
Ben LakeSir Mark HendrickDavid Linden
That this House notes with concern the poor mental health, including feelings of depression and anxiety, experienced by nearly half of people after a bereavement as revealed in Sue Ryder’s recent survey; notes that this is partly a result of a lack of conversation in society around grief with a third of bereaved people feeling unable to talk openly about their loss; recognises the reluctance of people to start a conversation with someone who is bereaved with over half being scared they would say the wrong thing and nearly half not knowing what to say; commends Sue Ryder for launching the #JustSaySomething campaign; encourages people who have been bereaved to open up to their support network and ask for help from their GP if they need it, those supporting someone struggling with their grief to encourage conversation and be ready to listen and for people supporting those who are grieving to find tips on how to do this on the Sue Ryder website; and further recognises the role of public figures in society in facilitating and encouraging everyone dealing with bereavement to talk freely when they want to and to create as compassionate a society as possible.
150 Implementation of the Peace Accord by the Colombian Government
Tabled: 10/02/20 Signatories: 15
Patrick Grady
Allan Dorans
Jim Shannon
Kenny MacAskill
Jonathan Edwards
Chris Stephens
David LindenJo Stevens
That this House is concerned by the slow implementation of many areas of the Peace Accord in Colombia, including rural reform, crop substitution and victims’ rights to justice which lie at the root of the conflict, as well as the often disproportionate use of force by officials in response to social protest; notes with alarm that areas vacated by the FARC have been filled by other illegal armed groups and militarised more generally, resulting in local populations being marginalised and threatened; urges the Colombian Government to comply with Resolution 1190/2018 of the Ministry of the Interior when addressing social protest, to seriously consider making the National Police accountable to civilian authorities rather than the Ministry of Defence, to investigate and prosecute alleged perpetrators of on-going attacks and killings of social leaders and human rights defenders, and to implement all elements of the Peace Accord, as well as territorial development plans (PDETs); and calls on the Government to closely monitor spending by the Colombian Government of the UK’s funding for the implementation of the Peace Accord, to continue playing a key role on the UN Security Council on Colombia, including with the Verification Mission, whose mandate should be renewed for a further three years, and to continue supporting the Colombian Government and civil society in fully implementing the Peace Accord to achieve a sustainable peace.
151 Daviot Primary School to receive Cyber Safety Award
Tabled: 10/02/20 Signatories: 8
Drew Hendry
Patrick Grady
Allan Dorans
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
Neale Hanvey
Stewart Malcolm McDonaldDavid Linden
That this House congratulates pupils at Daviot Primary School on recently becoming the first Highland school to receive Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety Awards through the digital schools framework; notes that the award is designed to provide education professionals with the resources and support required to help pupils to safely navigate the digital world and further notes that Tuesday 11 February 2020 is National Internet Safety Day and encourages other schools across the Highlands and beyond to promote safety and responsibility when using the internet.
152 Deaf Works Everywhere
Tabled: 10/02/20 Signatories: 12
Robert Halfon
Sir Mike Penning
Allan Dorans
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
Mary Glindon
Fleur AndersonDavid Linden
That this House notes that National Careers Week runs from 2-6 March; recognises the additional barriers experienced by deaf young people in securing employment and that with the right support deaf people can work everywhere; further notes that deaf people are twice as likely to be unemployed as their hearing peers; acknowledges that only 5 per cent of deaf young people get deaf-specific careers advice; agrees there is scope to strengthen the support they receive; notes that the Access to Work scheme is a valuable resource but that most deaf people are not aware of the benefits and are missing out on that vital support; further recognises the work of the National Deaf Children’s Society in fighting for better careers support, more work experience and volunteering opportunities, and challenging expectations of what deaf young people can achieve; and encourages hon. Members to support the National Deaf Children’s Society Deaf Works Everywhere campaign, which has just launched, to get more deaf young people into work and into jobs that inspire them.
153 Onshore wind and solar energy
Tabled: 10/02/20 Signatories: 18
Caroline Lucas
Clive Lewis
Drew Hendry
Wera Hobhouse
Liz Saville Roberts
Claire Hanna
Fleur AndersonDavid LindenMary Kelly Foy
That this House welcomes the May 2019 recommendation of the Committee on Climate Change that the cheapest renewables, onshore wind and solar, should have a Government backed route to market; recognises that the deployment of renewables needs to be accelerated through the 2020s in order to deliver net-zero emissions; notes that onshore wind and solar have been excluded from the Government’s Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions since the first round in 2014; and calls on the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to ensure that future auction rounds are open to both technologies.
155 Cool FM's 30th birthday
Tabled: 10/02/20 Signatories: 10
Jim Shannon
Paul Girvan
Carla Lockhart
Gavin Robinson
Mr Gregory Campbell
Sammy Wilson
David Linden
That this House notes the 30th anniversary of the independent commercial radio station CoolFM; congratulates the achievement of the breakfast show being the biggest show in the country of Northern Ireland, achieving 506,000 weekly listeners; and wishes them every success in the future broadcasting within Northern Ireland.
156 St Clare's Hospice Jarrow
Tabled: 11/02/20 Signatories: 28
Kate Osborne
Ian Mearns
Mary Kelly Foy
Mike Hill
Grahame Morris
Navendu Mishra
David Linden
That this House recognises the desperate need for palliative care provision in the Jarrow constituency after the sudden closure of St Clare's Hospice in 2019 after 30 years of service; believes there is a need to maintain, improve and fully fund all health services across South Tyneside; notes that St Clare's has been incredibly important to Jarrow and South Tyneside constituents even when faced with high demand; and calls for replacement palliative care provision within the Jarrow constituency.
157 Maximum sentences for animal cruelty
Tabled: 11/02/20 Signatories: 31
Caroline Lucas
Sir Mike Penning
Allan Dorans
Paula Barker
Mike Hill
Gavin Robinson
Catherine McKinnellSir Mark HendrickDr Lisa CameronMrs Emma Lewell-BuckDavid LindenBob BlackmanMary Kelly Foy
That this House welcomes the commitment by the Government to increase maximum sentences for animal cruelty from six months to five years; notes that the current maximum sentences in England and Wales are the lowest in Europe, are significantly lower than in Northern Ireland where perpetrators can be sentenced to between two and five years in prison, and are lower than for the crime of fly-tipping which can receive a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment; welcomes the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Private Members Bill tabled by the hon. Member for West Dorset; further welcomes the Government’s indication that it intends to adequately reflect the violent nature of animal cruelty crimes by backing this Bill; calls on the Government to also urgently amend the Animal Welfare Act 2006 so that extended maximum sentences for animal cruelty do not only apply to owners and keepers and can instead also be used in cases such as that of the Brighton cat killer.
158 Human rights defenders in Turkey
Tabled: 11/02/20 Signatories: 32
Mr David Lammy
Allan Dorans
Jamie Stone
Wendy Chamberlain
Kate Osborne
Jonathan Edwards
Stewart Malcolm McDonaldDrew HendryMarion FellowsJohn McNallyTommy SheppardPatrick GradyDavid Linden
That this House is extremely concerned about the ongoing crackdown on civil society and essential freedoms in Turkey, specifically the prosecution of human rights defenders including Osman Kavala and the so-called Büyükada group of 11 activists including the honorary chair, ex-director and several members of Amnesty International Turkey as well as women’s rights and equality advocates; fears that some of Turkey's most prominent human rights defenders could be convicted despite no evidence of any wrongdoing; further notes that the allegations of links to an alleged terrorist group against the group of 11 human rights defenders have been proven baseless; and calls for their wholesale acquittal at the conclusion of their trial on 19 February.
160 Small and medium-sized businesses in Midlothian
Tabled: 11/02/20 Signatories: 9
Owen Thompson
Allan Dorans
Joanna Cherry
Drew Hendry
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
David Linden
That this House congratulates Midlothian-based author and publisher Susan Cohen on her recent presentation on her entrepreneurial journey as founder of the Wee Book Company at an event hosted by Business Gateway Midlothian at Newbattle high school; further congratulates her on the rapid and inspiring growth of her business; commends Business Gateway Midlothian on its provision of free advisory support and resources available to anyone in business in the area, especially start-up companies, including workshops on everything from HR and PR to bookkeeping and branding, seminars, networking events and online tutorials; notes the importance of such services and events in helping small and medium-sized businesses to build their network, business planning, finance and marketing; and acknowledges Midlothian as a prime location for small and medium-sized businesses to flourish.
162 Animal sentience
Tabled: 11/02/20 Signatories: 18
Caroline Lucas
Allan Dorans
Jonathan Edwards
Gavin Robinson
Mike Hill
Jim Shannon
Catherine McKinnellSir Mark HendrickDr Lisa CameronMrs Emma Lewell-Buck
That this House welcomes the Government’s commitment to explicitly recognise in domestic law that animals are sentient beings, and create a statutory duty to pay due regard to the welfare of sentient animals in policy formulation and implementation; recognises that Article 13 of the Lisbon Treaty regarding animal sentience was not converted into UK law by the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018; and calls on the Government to urgently introduce legislation transposing Article 13 of the Lisbon Treaty to all policy areas, make it applicable to all public bodies, and ensure the full protection of animals in future policy with a transparent, accountable and independent implementation process.
163 V&A Dundee one millionth visitor
Tabled: 12/02/20 Signatories: 10
Chris Law
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
Gavin Newlands
Jonathan Edwards
Drew Hendry
Stewart Malcolm McDonaldDavid Linden
That this House congratulates the V&A Dundee on its landmark one millionth visitor since opening eighteen months ago in September 2018; welcomes the contribution that V&A Dundee has brought to the local Dundee economy; notes that the museum had an estimated £23 million impact in Dundee and £75 million impact across Scotland; recognises that this was more than double the initial expected impact on both the local and national economy; and wishes the V&A Dundee and its staff all the best for the future.
164 Blackness Primary School Robotics team
Tabled: 12/02/20 Signatories: 8
Chris Law
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
Jonathan Edwards
Drew Hendry
Patrick Grady
David Linden
That this House congratulates the Blackness Primary School’s Robotics Team on their success in the Dundee and Angus VEX Robotics competition; notes that this means they have qualified for the national VEX Robotics finals in March; recognises that they were the only team from Dundee to qualify for those finals; and wishes the team and their teachers all the best for the future.
165 Removal of free TV licences for over-75s
Tabled: 12/02/20 Signatories: 17
John Nicolson
Gavin Newlands
Dr Philippa Whitford
Steven Bonnar
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
Stewart Malcolm McDonaldFleur AndersonDavid Linden
That this House supports the urgent reversal of the decision to make over-75s pay for TV licences; notes with concern that over 240,000 households in Scotland could be hit by the decision; further notes that 73 per cent of households in Scotland with someone aged over 75 could have their TV licence taken away and that over three million households across the UK are at risk of being affected; is concerned that many over-75s who are eligible for Pension Credit, but not currently claiming it, will be liable to pay the £154.50 TV licence fee; believes that responsibility for funding free TV licences should never have been handed over by the UK Government to the BBC; strongly believes that licence fees should be set independently of the Government to prevent the Government from short-changing pensioners in the future; and calls on the Government to fully fund licences for over-75s.
166 The Manda Centre
Tabled: 12/02/20 Signatories: 7
Angela Crawley
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
Jonathan Edwards
Drew Hendry
Allan Dorans
David Linden
That this House congratulates the Manda Centre on securing £131,243 funding from the National Lottery Community Fund; celebrates the group’s endeavours to support people affected by trauma, loss and personal crisis; commends the group for using that funding to deliver a support programme which includes services such as practical and emotional support, advocacy, group work, counselling, holistic therapies and psychotherapy; and notes that those activities will be delivered over three years, supporting 800 people and 15 volunteers.
167 Stonehouse Men's Shed
Tabled: 12/02/20 Signatories: 8
Angela Crawley
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
Gavin Newlands
Jonathan Edwards
Drew Hendry
David Linden
That this House congratulates Stonehouse Men's Shed on securing £9,500 funding from the National Lottery Awards for All Scotland; acknowledges that the group is part of a UK-wide network offering community-based support in a bid to tackle isolation and provide support and opportunity for older men who may be retired, bereaved or living alone; and commends the group for using that funding to expand its membership and programme of activities through the refurbishment of its new premises.
168 Larkhall Youth Pipes and Drums
Tabled: 12/02/20 Signatories: 8
Angela Crawley
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
Gavin Newlands
Jonathan Edwards
Drew Hendry
David Linden
That this House congratulates Larkhall Youth Pipes and Drums on securing £7,040 funding from the National Lottery Awards for All Scotland; celebrates that group’s endeavours to bring free pipes and drums tuition to the young people of Larkhall and surrounding areas; acknowledges that the group has been offering free drumming sessions in local schools; and commends that group for using that funding for the first year running costs of a youth pipes and drums club.
169 Carluke Men's Shed
Tabled: 12/02/20 Signatories: 10
Angela Crawley
Steven Bonnar
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
Gavin Newlands
Jonathan Edwards
David Linden
That this House congratulates Carluke Men's Shed on securing £6,800 funding from the National Lottery Awards for All Scotland; celebrates that group's endeavours to tackle isolation for older men; commends that group for using that funding to purchase and install portakabins that will be used as a workshop base for a newly formed men's shed group; and acknowledges that the project will increase social networks, reduce isolation and provide the opportunity for members to learn new skills.
170 Trust Jack Foundation
Tabled: 12/02/20 Signatories: 9
Angela Crawley
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
Gavin Newlands
Jonathan Edwards
Drew Hendry
David Linden
That this House congratulates Trust Jack Foundation on securing £10,000 funding from the National Lottery Awards for All Scotland; notes that the group’s aim is to help and support children and young people who have been identified as either suffering from a mental health illness or who are at high risk of suffering from a mental illness; and commends the group for using that funding to continue a range of support activities for people in Stonehouse and surrounding areas who are experiencing issues with mental health.
171 Rutherglen takeaway wins award
Tabled: 12/02/20 Signatories: 8
Margaret Ferrier
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
Gavin Newlands
Jonathan Edwards
Drew Hendry
David Linden
That this House notes that the British Takeaway Awards took place on 27 January 2020; understands that Cheeky Moo's Ice Cream and Dessert Parlour in Rutherglen has been awarded best takeaway in Scotland; further understands that the judges recognised Cheeky Moo's investment in training and hiring younger staff members as reasons why they won the award; commends Cheeky Moo's for boosting youth employment in Rutherglen; congratulates owners Akmal Gehlan and Stacy Meldrum on receiving this award; and wishes them and all the staff at Cheeky Moo's every success for the future.
172 Northern Rail public ownership
Tabled: 12/02/20 Signatories: 11
Ian Mearns
Grahame Morris
Mary Glindon
Rachel Hopkins
Charlotte Nichols
Jim Shannon
Sir Mark HendrickMary Kelly Foy
That this House welcomes the nationalisation of Northern Rail from 1 March 2020; notes that over the last decade £178million has been paid out in shareholder dividends to the Northern train operating companies; further notes that public ownership will mean more money can be invested in making vital improvements to the railway; recognises that public ownership means the railway will be more accountable and be able to put passengers first; further recognises the importance of keeping safety-critical guards on Northern trains and ensuring stations are properly staffed; and calls on the Government to ensure that Northern Rail remains permanently under public ownership.
173 In-work poverty
Tabled: 12/02/20 Signatories: 17
Apsana Begum
Ian Byrne
Beth Winter
Rachel Hopkins
Kate Osborne
Claudia Webbe
Stewart Malcolm McDonaldSir Mark HendrickFleur Anderson
That this House expresses concern that according to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation UK Poverty Report 2019-20 the proportion of people in work who live in poverty went up for the third consecutive year to a record high; further notes that according to the report 7 in 10 children in poverty are now in a working family; is alarmed that after a decade of austerity too many people remain trapped in low-paid insecure work and invariably are failed by the social security system; believes that the UK needs a society with higher living standards for everyone and that no-one should lack the means to survive or have to choose between life's essentials; and therefore calls on the Government to eliminate in-work poverty by ending austerity, raising living standards and empowerment in the workplace, strengthening and expanding public services free at the point of use paid for fairly through taxation, and making sure that the social security system looks after people in their time of need.
185 Deportations ahead of the Windrush Lessons Learned Review Publication
Tabled: 12/02/20 Signatories: 43
Nadia Whittome
Clive Lewis
Jim Shannon
Chris Stephens
Fleur Anderson
Mr Barry Sheerman
Janet DabyBell Ribeiro-AddyAlex CunninghamSteven BonnarSarah OlneyStewart Malcolm McDonaldDeidre BrockPaul BlomfieldHelen HayesZarah SultanaAllan DoransWes Streeting
This House deplores the Government's ongoing use of deportation flights to Commonwealth countries against the recommendations of the Windrush Lessons Learned Review; notes that while the publication of the Review has been much delayed without explanation, it is expected to recommend the cessation of all deportations of people who have lived in the UK since childhood; notes that the Government has sought to justify recent deportations on the basis of the serious nature of the offences perpetrated by deportees, where this is not borne out in many cases; believes that where deportations are enforced on Foreign National Offenders who have served their sentences, this amounts to double punishment on arbitrary grounds; further believes that long-term residents should be rehabilitated in an equal fashion to their British-passport-holding peers; fears that the characterisation of all deportees as serious criminals exacerbates anti-migrant sentiment, increases racial tensions and exposes those deported to greater risk upon return; remains concerned that the Government's approach demonstrates a failure to appreciate the significant damage to trust in immigration enforcement that the Windrush Scandal represented; and calls on the Government to immediately suspend all deportations of residents who have been in the UK since childhood, and to publish and implement in full recommendations of the Windrush Lessons Learned Review as a matter of urgency.
186 Environment Bill: air quality enforcement
Tabled: 13/02/20 Signatories: 24
Geraint Davies
Claudia Webbe
Janet Daby
Mick Whitley
Florence Eshalomi
Mr Barry Sheerman
Kim JohnsonNavendu MishraFleur AndersonJim Shannon
That this House notes that, according to the Royal College of Physicians, air pollution accounts for 64,000 premature deaths at a cost of £20 billion each year; further notes that enforceable EU air pollution targets will no longer apply after 1 January 2021, that the Government has accepted World Health Organisation (WHO) air pollution guidelines; and calls on the Government to include in the Environment Bill the requirement that PM2.5 reaches the WHO guideline annual mean concentration of 10 μg/m3 by 2030 with interim targets of 12 μg/m3 by 2025 and 15 μg/m3 2021, and urges that these limits are enforced by the proposed Office for Environmental Protection through fines that are then paid to the NHS towards the health costs of air pollution and to local authorities to reduce air pollution.
187 Indoor air quality in the Environment Bill
Tabled: 13/02/20 Signatories: 25
Geraint Davies
Claudia Webbe
Janet Daby
Florence Eshalomi
Rachel Hopkins
Beth Winter
Kim JohnsonNavendu MishraFleur AndersonKenny MacAskillJim Shannon
That this House notes the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health report, entitled The inside story: health effects of indoor air quality on children and young people; recognises that children spend 95 per cent of their time indoors; further notes they are exposed to indoor air pollution from construction materials emitting volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde, lack of ventilation, use of cleaning and cosmetic products, candles, cooking, showering, damp and mould; further notes that indoor air pollution causes respiratory ill-health in particular when combined with outdoor air pollution; and calls upon the Government to include indoor air pollution in the Environment Bill, in particular in relation to schools, hospitals and public buildings, to provide for better ventilation and building regulations to ensure healthy air flow and to regulate in favour of public health in respect of known dangerous substances and to adopt a precautionary approach to new substances until there is evidence of their safety.
188 Local housing allowance for care leavers and homeless young people
Tabled: 13/02/20 Signatories: 12
Caroline Lucas
Steve McCabe
Neil Coyle
Mr Barry Sheerman
Mohammad Yasin
James Murray
David LindenTim FarronFleur AndersonJonathan EdwardsJim Shannon
That this House is deeply concerned that care leavers risk facing eviction and homelessness on their 22nd birthday, due to the increasing gap between the local housing allowance and private sector rents; regrets that care leavers aged 22 have their local housing allowance reduced to the lowest shared accommodation rate (SAR); notes Centrepoint’s analysis of rental data which shows that a room in a shared house would only be affordable in one of 234 local authority areas for those in receipt of the SAR; is also deeply concerned that homeless young people under the age of 25 are trapped in supported accommodation because the SAR is not enough to cover the cost of rent; regrets that this causes bed-blocking of vital spaces for other homeless people; notes that to extend the exemption from the SAR on an annual basis, it would cost around £6 million for care leavers and £3.8 million for homeless under 25s; and therefore urges the Chancellor to provide this relatively small amount of funding in the upcoming Budget which will make a huge difference to the lives of vulnerable young people, many of whom have experienced unspeakable trauma and difficulty.
189 Inquiry into the adequacy of radiotherapy
Tabled: 13/02/20 Signatories: 14
Geraint Davies
Tim Farron
Tonia Antoniazzi
Jack Lopresti
Kate Osborne
Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck
Fleur AndersonAllan DoransKate HollernBob BlackmanJim Shannon
That this House recognises precision Radiotherapy as a cost effective, life-saving cancer treatment; notes that 1 in 4 people will require access to radiotherapy and that the treatment is crucial in 4 out of every 10 cancer cures; welcomes the Government's commitment to improve early cancer detection but believes the current state of radiotherapy provision is not in a position to cope with increased demand; further notes the shortfalls in radiotherapy delivery highlighted by the APPG for Radiotherapy including an estimated 24,000 patients missing out completely on radiotherapy, excessive treatment travel times, outdated equipment, staff shortages, incoherent commissioning restricting access to treatment and perverse internal tariff system which creates financial disincentives in commissioning the most modern and effective radiotherapy treatment; believes addressing these shortfalls are the route to improving the UK's cancer survival rates which lag behind international comparators; and calls on the Heath and Social Care Select Committee to hold a full inquiry into the current state of radiotherapy services as a matter of priority, add to the weight of evidence, and produce recommendations for the Government in support of increasing access and investment to this life-saving cancer treatment and press for the UK to be a world class centre of excellence for precision advanced radiotherapy.
190 Shortages of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Treatments
Tabled: 13/02/20 Signatories: 11
Fleur Anderson
Rachel Hopkins
Kate Osborne
Sir Mike Penning
Rosie Cooper
James Murray
Kate GreenAllan DoransKim JohnsonDr Rupa HuqJo Stevens
That this House notes with concern the continuing shortage of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treatment to alleviate severe symptoms of the menopause and is alarmed that many women have been affected by shortages for over a year; further notes that this is also affecting hormonal contraceptive supplies which could lead to a rise in unplanned pregnancies and abortions; believes that all women have a right to uninhibited access to HRT medication and products and that this access must not be held back by market forces; welcomes the Government's work with suppliers and stakeholders to reintroduce 70 per cent of HRT products back on the market by 2020 February; is disappointed that a number of HRT medications and contraceptives remain unavailable and may remain so until the end of the year if not longer; and calls upon the Government to address this issue as a matter of urgency and set up an expert working group to investigate the reasons for the continuing shortages.
191 Overdraft fees
Tabled: 13/02/20 Signatories: 11
Jonathan Edwards
Alex Sobel
Hywel Williams
Mohammad Yasin
Mr Virendra Sharma
Ben Lake
Fleur AndersonAllan DoransLiz Saville RobertsKenny MacAskillChris Stephens
This House notes with concern proposed changes to overdraft fees for individuals and businesses due to be implemented in April 2020; further notes that this would lead to substantial increases in fees for both arranged and unarranged overdrafts; recognises the need to simplify overdraft fees and however notes with concern how financial providers have used directives by the Financial Conduct Authority to maximise profits; and calls on the Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority to urgently review the new pricing structure of overdrafts by UK banks and intervene to ensure fairness for consumers and businesses before the new financial year.