2,484 ingested motions from United Kingdom. Year filters use the introduced date shown on each card. Walk years back as far as this source still publishes.
That this House congratulates Xcite West Lothian Leisure on winning the Innovation and Resilience Award at the West Lothian Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards; recognises the creativity and determination shown during a challenging period; commends the launch of new activities including Padel, Pickleball and the Family Fitness Factory; further recognises the importance of physical health in promoting mental health and community spirit; acknowledges strengthened partnerships across the community; and wishes Xcite continued success in helping the people of West Lothian live healthier and happier lives.
That this House congratulates Kirkton Youth Band and Whitburn Youth Band on winning at the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships; commends Kirkton Youth Band for achieving Gold in the Novice section under the leadership of Karen Heenan; recognises Whitburn Youth Band for securing Gold in the Development section led by Caroline Farren; thanks the parents, volunteers and local instrumental music services for their support; notes the great tradition across West Lothian of Brass Bands and the important role they play in community pride; and wishes both bands continued success in inspiring young musicians and representing West Lothian.
That this House congratulates Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher on reaching the milestone of its 150th anniversary in 2025; recognises the significant contribution the racecourse has made over a century and a half to the local economy; notes its role as a major national sporting venue and a driver of footfall and trade for Esher High Street and wider business community, particularly benefiting local shops, restaurants, pubs, and hotels on race days and during major events; acknowledges Sandown's evolution into a multi-purpose venue hosting a range of not only racing fixtures but other activities for residents' recreation; commends the racecourse management for its engagement with local business organisations and charitable organisations, including the Esher Chamber of Commerce, the Business Improvement District and Princess Alice Hospice; and pays tribute to all those past and present, including founders, owners, staff, trainers and racegoers, who have contributed to Sandown Park’s success and enduring value to the local economy over the last 150 years.
That this House warmly welcomes the passage of the Schools Residential Outdoor Education (Scotland) Bill by the Scottish Parliament, which places a legal duty on local authorities to ensure that school pupils can access residential outdoor education; congratulates Liz Smith MSP for introducing this transformational legislation and notes that it passed at Stage Three with overwhelming cross-party support; recognises the proven benefits of outdoor residential education for young people’s mental health, confidence, resilience and educational attainment; celebrates Scotland’s leadership in embedding outdoor education as a core part of the educational experience; regrets that no comparable commitment has been made for schools in England; and urges the UK Government to follow Scotland’s lead to ensure that every child has access to these life-enhancing opportunities.
That this House welcomes the commencement of construction of a new MRI diagnostic centre at West Berkshire Community Hospital in Newbury, which will be capable of delivering over 17,000 scans a year and will bring care closer to patients; applauds the generosity of local charities, including the Newbury and Thatcham Hospital Building Trust, the Peter Baker Foundation, Greenham Trust and the Storey Foundation, whose donations of more than £2 million have made this state-of-the-art facility possible; notes the UK Government’s recent Budget announcement of 250 new Neighbourhood Health Centres across England to cut waiting times and deliver healthcare direct to people’s homes; recognises the particular need for such centres in rural areas like West Berkshire, where access to primary and diagnostic care can be more limited; and calls on the Government to ensure that rural communities are fully included in the rollout of Neighbourhood Health Centres so that patients outside major towns and cities benefit equally from modern, localised healthcare.
That this House notes with concern the rising levels of homelessness across the UK and in Wiltshire, where at least 500 people are recorded as homeless, including those rough sleeping, in temporary accommodation or hostels, and where the number of households in temporary accommodation has increased by around 70 per cent in the past year; welcomes the repeal of the Vagrancy Act 1824, which previously criminalised homelessness; commends the work of Doorway, a charity based in Wiltshire providing hot meals, showers, clean clothing and a safe space for those in need, treating every person with dignity and compassion; further notes initiatives to bring together homelessness service providers across Wiltshire to deliver a joined-up response rooted in local realities; and calls on the Government to ensure sustainable funding for homelessness services, support collaborative working among providers, and enable local authorities to meet their duties to prevent and reduce homelessness.
That this House notes with concern the long-standing failures to remove foreign national offenders promptly; welcomes the recent increase in deportations under the Early Removal Scheme; believes that the public expects decisive action to ensure that foreign criminals are removed from the UK swiftly; and calls on the Government to accelerate the pace of removals further as a matter of urgency so that foreign national offenders are deported as quickly and efficiently as possible with a permanent ban to re-entry.
That this House supports the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), prohibiting all use, transfer, production, and stockpiling of cluster munitions; recognises the indiscriminate nature of cluster munitions; expresses grave alarm at the way in which these munitions contribute to large civilian death tolls; further recognises the enduring socio-economic challenges which the use of cluster munitions often generate, including the creation of submunitions that fail to explode upon impact and become de facto landmines; welcomes the UK Government's ongoing status as a party to the CCM; calls on the Government to reaffirm its enduring commitment to the CCM; and further calls on the Government to take all steps to ensure that no UK-based manufacturers are involved in the production of cluster munitions.
That this House remembers the 83rd anniversary of the sinking of the British passenger ship SS Tilawa on 23 November 1942 during World War Two; regrets that 280 passengers and crew perished, mostly Indian nationals; is grateful that 678 were rescued by HMS Birmingham and SS Carthage; notes that survivors and families of survivors met in Leicester on 23 November 2025 to officially recognise the tragedy; thanks Mr Maciel aged 96 who lost his entire family in the tragedy, Mr Jani aged 86 and Mr Osman aged 92 who are the only known remaining UK survivors for their participation in the memorial service; commemorates first radio officer EB Duncan who received a posthumous Kings Bravery award for his sacrifice in going down with his ship in order to send the last known distress signals which allowed many lives to be saved during the rescue; and pays tribute to the Tilawa 1942 organisation and the Tilawa families who organised the Leicester gathering, for their efforts to remember this tragic event.
That this House condemns the actions of parties that are fuelling, prolonging and intensifying the conflict in Sudan through the provision of arms and military support, including allegations that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF); emphasises that the UK’s legal obligations apply not only where UK-supplied weapons are diverted to Sudan, but also where UK arms exports are authorized to states whose conduct includes supplying military support to parties responsible for serious violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), rendering them inappropriate recipients of UK military exports; notes that the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria require the Government to assess whether exports would facilitate serious violations of IHL or exacerbate conflict, and whether the conduct and record of the buyer country raise concerns regarding respect for international law and responsible arms transfers (Criteria 2,4,6 and 7); recalls the UK’s obligations under the Arms Trade Treaty, the Geneva Conventions, to ensure respect for IHL, and not to assist in war crimes; is deeply concerned that authorisation of arms exports to states credibly alleged to be arming parties to the Sudan conflict risks undermining those obligations; further notes reports that the RSF has committed grave atrocities; and calls on the Government to suspend existing licences for the export of military and dual-use goods to the UAE, and to any other destination credibly alleged to be supplying arms to parties to the conflict in Sudan, pending reassessment against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.
That this House congratulates Laurelvale Cricket Club on the occasion of its 150th anniversary; notes that the club was founded in 1875 by the Sinton family for workers at the linen mill in the village and played its first competitive match in September of that year; recognises the integral role the club has played in Laurelvale and the wider local community over the past century and a half; welcomes the range of events planned to mark this significant milestone, including the publication of the commemorative book 150 Years of Laurelvale CC, a gala anniversary dinner and an exhibition match against an NCU President’s XI; commends the club’s thriving youth section and its contribution to the development of cricket locally; further welcomes the granting of planning permission for ambitious redevelopment plans for the club’s facilities; and wishes the club’s First XI every success in the forthcoming season following their promotion to the Northern Cricket Union Premier League.
That this House condemns without reservation the continued rise of antisemitism, violent extremism and religious hatred; expresses its solidarity with all those affected by the horrific attack in the Bondi area of Sydney and with communities living under the threat of ideologically driven violence; notes with serious concern that antisemitism is no longer confined to the fringes of society but is increasingly tolerated, excused or downplayed in public discourse; further notes that following the Hamas terrorist attacks of 7 October 2023 there has been a marked increase in threats, intimidation and violence directed at Jewish people in the United Kingdom and internationally; states that there can be no moral equivalence between terrorism and self-defence and no justification for the targeting of civilians; believes that political silence, evasive language or selective outrage in response to antisemitism represents a failure of leadership; calls on all political parties, public bodies and those with influence to speak clearly and act decisively against antisemitism wherever it appears; urges His Majesty’s Government to strengthen protections for Jewish communities, to confront antisemitism in all its forms including online and in public life, and to challenge the extremist narratives that fuel hatred; and affirms that antisemitism is a poison that corrodes society and must be opposed firmly, consistently and without qualification.
That this House condemns the recent violence in Bangladesh and urges the Government to ensure free, fair and inclusive elections are called in which all political parties should be allowed to compete; and notes that those who are guilty should be prosecuted under fair trial and ensuring minorities' rights should be protected.
That this House recognises and observes that the NHS is facing a worst case scenario this winter, with influenza rates set to be the worst on record and 1 in 5 patients in emergency departments in a corridor care space; notes that the combination of over-crowding in hospitals with high levels of influenza gives rise to a deadly recipe for quality of care and that one worsens the other with no end in sight; further recognises that corridor care is now an all year round phenomenon for hospitals; also recognises that it is proven to contribute to increased mortality, workplace burn out, rising infections and worsened antimicrobial resistance; and calls on the Government to invest in health and social care to put an urgent end to corridor care.
That this House congratulates Inspector Dave Clarke BEM of Durham Constabulary on the prestigious award of the Honorary Freedom of the Parish of the City of Durham, which specifically recognises his dedicated service within the Durham Police force area and his exceptional personal commitment to the local community; acknowledges his substantial contribution to improving community safety and engagement within the City of Durham, where he has actively supported initiatives to reduce crime and foster strong public trust; further commends his consistent application of a proactive, community-focused policing model throughout his career of over 25 years; and extends its appreciation for his professional leadership and unwavering dedication to making the City of Durham and the wider Constabulary area a safer and better place for all residents.
That this House congratulates Eilean Dubh care home in Fortrose on being named Regional Care Home of the Year - Scotland at the Caring UK Awards; notes the judges’ praise for the home’s creative approach to resident wellbeing and strong links with the local community; acknowledges the home’s achievements over the past year, including award-winning gardening projects, fashion and talent shows, an art trail raising over £4,000 for Highland Hospice, and the development of intergenerational connections through a weekly playgroup and partnerships with Fortrose Academy and other local schools; and welcomes this positive recognition of the Highland social care sector.
That this House notes with concern that of the 255,000 British citizens who emigrated last year, 176,000 were aged 16 to 34, accounting for 99 per cent of the net outflow; recognises that the loss of young, skilled and UK-trained workers represents a serious drain on national talent and investment; further notes that high taxes, pressures on public services and sustained low-skilled migration are suppressing opportunities for young people to build secure and successful futures in the UK; and calls on the Government to take urgent action to improve economic competitiveness, strengthen domestic opportunities, and ensure that migration and workforce policies support the retention of UK-trained talent.
That this House congratulates Re-engage Epsom and Ewell on the occasion of its 60th anniversary; recognises the outstanding contribution made by its volunteers in supporting lonely and isolated older people aged 75 and over through free monthly tea parties and a call-befriending service; notes that the group has supported hundreds of older residents in Epsom and Ewell since its establishment; pays tribute to the dedication of volunteers who provide companionship, friendship and reassurance to those who may otherwise go long periods without social contact; further notes the positive impact of this work on the wellbeing and quality of life of older people; and wishes Re-engage Epsom and Ewell and its volunteers continued success for many years to come.
That this House congratulates Parkway Shopping in Newbury on winning a Gold International Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice; praises Parkway’s innovative project to reduce energy consumption by installing high-efficiency LED lighting, cutting electricity usage by half; notes that this project has improved visitor experiences and will prevent seven tonnes of carbon emissions every year; recognises the hard work of Parkway staff and management in placing environmental practice at the heart of their work; believes that such initiatives highlight the value of locally driven partnerships in meeting the UK’s climate responsibilities and enhancing community cohesion; and calls on the Government to expand incentives for SMEs to invest in renewable energy sources, accelerating our ambition to achieve net zero by 2050.
That this House welcomes Save the Children’s new report, Children and Blast Injuries: The Devastating Impact of Explosive Weapons on Children 2020-2025; notes with concern that today a record 520 million children, or one in five globally, are growing up in conflict zones and, as the report highlights, explosive weapons are killing children on an unprecedented scale, with governments themselves becoming leading perpetrators; understands that Save the Children’s report finds that children are uniquely vulnerable to blast injuries since they are more likely to die as a result of attacks or to suffer severe physical harm in comparison to adults, a situation compounded by the rise of new weapons technologies such as cluster munitions, as well as the increase of conflicts being conducted in cities, with bombs and drones often striking schools, hospitals and homes; considers the proposals outlined in their report calling on the Government to publish the UK’s first ever cross-departmental Children in Conflict Strategy, implement the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, and to fund victim assistance and research; and thanks Save the Children for putting together a detailed and comprehensive report drawing attention to an issue of significant and growing concern.
That this House believes that too many people with disabilities or health conditions face long waits in the processing of Blue Badge applications by East Sussex County Council; notes the detrimental impact this has on their mobility and independence; further notes that the Government should routinely monitor wait times; also notes the Government should ensure adequate resources for processing such applications in East Sussex; and requests that the Government call on East Sussex County Council to address the backlog in Blue Badge applications.
That this House expresses its sincere thanks to all postal workers and Royal Mail staff in Eastleigh and across the country for their dedication and hard work in delivering Christmas cards, parcels and presents during the busy festive period; recognises the professionalism, commitment and resilience they continue to demonstrate, including their long hours and service in challenging conditions; notes the essential role they play in keeping families and communities connected at Christmas; and pays tribute to their vital contribution to the social and economic life of communities throughout the UK.
That this House recognises with sorrow the death of Mrs Betty Caddy on 24 November 2025 at The Royal Stoke University Hospital in North Staffordshire; notes that Betty was a few days short of her 94th birthday; celebrates with gratitude Betty's service to the people of Chesterton who elected her to be their loud, proud and active champion on the Newcastle-under-Lyme District Borough Council, the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme whom she served as Mayor between 1994 and 1995 and all those she worked with and represented; extends its deepest condolences to Betty's family, especially her daughter, Mrs Yvonne Taylor, her son-in-law, Paul, granddaughter, Lauren and her husband Joe and great grandson, Xander and to her sister, Iris and cousin, Gwen; and acknowledges that Betty's funeral service was held at Bradwell Crematorium in Newcastle-under-Lyme on 12 December 2025 with donations gratefully received for the Potteries branch of Alzheimer's Research UK.
That this House recognises the ongoing threat posed by Islamist extremists who seek to carry out terror attacks in the United Kingdom; notes that the UK’s border and immigration system faces sustained pressure from both legal and illegal migration routes, with significant challenges in monitoring and assessing high-risk individuals; believes that the Government must take urgent and comprehensive action to protect the public from those who pose a genuine security threat; calls on the Government to review and, where necessary, suspend visa routes from countries designated as high-risk for terrorism and extremist activity; further calls for the strengthening of powers to remove foreign nationals, or strip British citizenship from dual nationals and then remove, who are involved in, incite, or support extremist Islamist ideology that threatens public safety; supports measures to ensure that foreign individuals who have been convicted of terrorism-related offences, or who present a demonstrable national security risk, are excluded or removed from the UK; urges the Government to improve the identification, detention, and removal processes for those who enter the UK illegally and cannot be safely verified; also calls for heightened vigilance against domestic radicalisation, including stronger oversight of institutions where extremist ideology may be promoted; and further urges the Government to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to prevent, disrupt, and dismantle Islamist extremist networks and individuals who pose a threat to the safety and security of the British people.
That this House welcomes the official opening of the Angus Community Wellbeing Centre (The Beacon) in Kirk Square, Arbroath on 2 December 2025; recognises the vital role the facility will play in supporting mental health and wellbeing across the local community and wider Angus; commends the collaborative partnership that delivered this project, including Angus Council, NHS Tayside and Hillcrest Futures as the delivery partner; notes that the centre will provide a safe and accessible space for individuals to seek support, access services and engage in activities that promote positive mental health; further acknowledges the importance of such initiatives in tackling stigma and improving access to care; congratulates all those involved in bringing this transformative project to fruition for the benefit of residents in Arbroath and the wider Angus area; and wishes The Beacon every success in achieving its aims.
That this House recognises Christmas and the true celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, marking the beginning of God’s redemptive plan; highlights the greatest gift given at the first Christmas, a gift of love and forgiveness in the form of the Christ child, and expresses gratitude for the freedom to openly practise and express our faith at Christmas and throughout the year; notes the tremendous charity work that is being carried out by Trussell Trust Foodbanks and Salvation Army, amongst many others, to ensure that families have food and are able to enjoy the festivities; and takes the opportunity to wish all a very happy Christmas and a blessed, peaceful and safe New Year.
That this House notes the appointment of the new Grand Master of the Orange Order in Ireland, Harold Henning from County Down, and the Deputy Grand Master, Derek Reaney; acknowledges their long-standing dedication to the work, traditions, and community activities of the Order throughout Northern Ireland and to ensuring the organisation continues to grow and develop in the years ahead; and expresses deep appreciation to the previous leadership for all they have done to promote Orangeism and wishes the new leadership every success in their roles.
That this House commends the residents of Lavender Drive in Newton Mearns for their annual Christmas lights display, in memory of much loved, husband dad, and valued community member Fred Banning; recognises the work Fred Banning carried out during the pandemic in campaigning for the Scottish and UK Governments to consider prioritising those receiving palliative care for the Covid-19 vaccine, so that the terminally ill could make the most of their final days months; notes that Fred Banning received cross-party support on his campaign, and the backing of numerous charities; thanks the residents of Lavender Drive for the money raised each year for Cancer charities such as the Beatson Cancer Charity and Cancer Research UK; and further notes that the money raised for these charities is allowing them to carry out vital work caring for those with cancer and also fighting for a cure.
That this House condemns the Government’s refusal to provide any compensation to women affected by changes to the State Pension age, turning its back on millions of pension-age women who were harmed through no fault of their own; regrets Ministers’ decision to effectively ignore the recommendations of the independent Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman; recognises the damage done to our economy by the previous Conservative Government, but believes that Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) women should not have to pay the price of Conservative mismanagement; notes that the Liberal Democrats have campaigned for years for fair compensation of WASPI women in line with the Ombudsman’s recommendations; and calls on the Government to rethink this heartless decision and give those affected the fair treatment they deserve.
That this House notes with serious concern recent reports of high-profile individuals and international entities exploring avenues to influence UK political parties and elections, raising questions about the robustness of current electoral laws in preventing foreign interference; recognises the essential role of transparent and accountable political financing in preserving public trust in democracy and ensuring that elections remain free from undue external influence; believes that current electoral laws are outdated and inadequate in addressing the threats posed by modern financial and digital technologies, including cryptocurrency, which can facilitate anonymous or foreign donations; highlights the particular, imminent risks posed by wealthy international figures, who, while engaging in lawful activities, may inadvertently or deliberately influence domestic politics contrary to the principle of self-determination; urges the Government to urgently bring forward legislative reforms to strengthen electoral law, including the introduction of a cap on political donations, stricter limitations on overseas donations, mandatory transparency in the origin of political funds, and robust enforcement mechanisms; calls on the Government to work with the Electoral Commission and other relevant bodies to adapt regulatory frameworks to address emerging challenges to democratic integrity in the digital age; and affirms the UK's commitment to safeguarding democracy by ensuring that elections are free, fair, and reflective of the will of the people without interference from foreign entities.
That this House supports the campaigns of women failed by the implementation of UK Government changes to the State Pension Age for women born after 6 April 1950 by way of the 1995 and 2011 Pension Acts; commends the work of campaigners who have fought tirelessly over many years for justice, accountability, and financial redress; notes the recommendations of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report into the communication of State Pension changes in March 2024, that found maladministration by the Department for Work and Pensions, and recommended compensation at Level 4 of the ombudsman scale, £1,000 to £2,950; condemns the UK Government’s decision to refuse compensation for 1950s women despite that report’s recommendations, and despite acknowledging that maladministration did take place; is disappointed the 2019 promise that a Labour government would create a system of recompense for affected 1950s women has been broken; and calls on the UK Government to reverse this decision, and finally deliver justice for the 3.6 million affected 1950s-born women.
That this House recognises the importance of eating a healthy and nutritious lunch; further recognises that poor diet is now the biggest risk for preventable disease, placing a huge strain on the NHS; notes that the number of food-secure households decreased by 2% according to the UK Food Security Report 2024; recognises the important role British farmers play in putting nutritious food on our plate, but is aware of the financial pressure food producers in the UK are currently facing; is worried further notes that 61% of farmers are concerned they will have to give up their farms within the next 18 months; and calls on the Government to ensure fairness in the food supply chain by strengthening the Groceries Code Adjudicator to protect consumers from unfair price rises and to support food producers.
That this House congratulates award-winning photographer, filmmaker, and zoologist, Sue Flood from Y Bala on being shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award in the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition 2024; notes that Sue’s image of a Weddell seal resting on an ice floe in Antarctica is one of only twenty-five images chosen from an international entry of 60,000; further notes that Sue is the only UK woman finalist and the only finalist from Wales; recognises that Sue’s travels have taken her to hundreds of destinations across the globe, including the North and South Poles, that she spent eleven years at the BBC’s Natural History Unit, working on acclaimed series such as the Blue Planet and Planet Earth with Sir David Attenborough; acknowledges that Sue has won several prestigious awards including being awarded a Royal Photographic Society silver medal; and wishes Sue the very best in the competition.
That this House notes the success of Chris McCausland and his dance partner Dianne Buswell on their fantastic win on Strictly Come Dancing; highlights the representation that his participation in the show has brought to disability inclusion and that this will inspire many people to do something different and achieve goals they never thought possible; underlines that one in four people across the UK have a disability and that this will shed light on so many conditions; and congratulates Chris on his success and wishes him the very best for the future.
That this House congratulates the Talent 25 programme, led by Dr. Bertha Ochieng at De Montfort University and funded by Arts Council England, which promotes creativity in babies and young children through free workshops in Leicester; recognises the programme’s 25-year longitudinal study measuring the impact of early arts exposure on young people’s life chances and future engagement in the arts; supports Dr. Ochieng's research highlighting the need for inclusive, affordable, and intercultural arts in early years programmes; and calls on the Government to adopt best practices from Talent 25 and fund similar initiatives in deprived areas to promote diversity, culture, and creativity among young people.
That this House recognises the importance of the international human rights framework which underpins the international rules-based order; notes that to mark this year’s International Human Rights Day, the UN has highlighted the critical role of human rights as a preventative, protective and transformative force for good; celebrates the human rights achievements of UK Parliamentarians working with inspiring civil society organisations and activists, including securing the release of wrongfully imprisoned individuals, such as Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori; further recognises the Government’s commitment to building support for victims of gender-based violence in conflict and of modern-day slavery; further notes that UK Parliamentarians have a key role in taking this impressive legacy forward to further justice and democracy, and to support human rights defenders; and also recognises the Government’s commitment to international law and human rights internationally.
That this House commends the hard work of Fraserburgh Academy pupils on projects to inspire new growth in education; recognises their success in representing Scottish schools on a recent visit to Paris to attend the OECD summit; celebrates their successful international collaboration with students from Gunma Province in Japan; applauds their decision to travel by train to reduce their carbon emissions; and further commends their initiative in meeting a senior representative from the Japanese Embassy.
That this House condemns the escalating violence and democratic backsliding in Georgia, including the disproportionate use of force by Georgian authorities against peaceful protesters, journalists, and opposition figures; expresses concern at the arbitrary detentions of civilians, suppression of peaceful assembly, and anti-democratic actions; notes with concern the Georgian Government’s disregard for constitutional and legal norms; further condemns potential foreign interference in Georgia’s democratic institutions; calls on the Government to demonstrate solidarity with the Georgian people by pressing for the protection of democratic and political rights, and working with international partners, including the EU, to investigate the irregularities of the latest elections; and further calls on the Government to follow the actions of the United States and formally suspend the United Kingdom’s strategic partnership with Georgia.
That this House expresses its grave concern over the ongoing use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in Sudan, where women are subjected to systematic rape and sexual abuse by armed groups; condemns the growing reports of women resorting to suicide in an effort to escape the horrific prospect of rape; notes that these atrocities are not only a breach of human rights but also violate international law, including the Geneva Conventions; urges the UK Government to take immediate steps to support international efforts to end impunity for those responsible for sexual violence in conflict; calls for urgent humanitarian aid and psychological support for the survivors of such violence; and further calls on the Government to press for stronger international sanctions against those perpetrating and enabling these crimes, and to advocate for the inclusion of sexual violence in conflict as a priority in peace negotiations.
That this House acknowledges the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria, which has resulted in immense suffering for millions of people due to conflict, displacement, and violations of human rights; reaffirms the principle of self-determination as a fundamental right of all peoples, including the Syrian people; stresses the importance of a Syrian-led political solution, with the full participation of all Syrian communities, to ensure lasting peace and stability in Syria; supports the establishment of transparent, democratic processes within Syria with free and fair elections that respect the political, cultural, and religious diversity of the Syrian population, including marginalized groups; and urges the international community to work together to provide humanitarian aid and support for the rebuilding of Syria, ensuring that the rights and sovereignty of the Syrian people are respected throughout this process.
That this House expresses grave concern over Israel’s military incursions in Syria, including its illegal invasion of sovereign Syrian territory, specifically in the region of Mount Hermon; condemns Israel’s use of an earthquake bomb in its recent attacks, the impact of which was felt on the Richter Scale, which has caused significant damage and loss of life, and is an unacceptable and illegal form of warfare; expresses concern over the ongoing illegal occupation of the Golan Heights, which Israel continues to control despite international condemnation; highlights the creation of a buffer zone around the Golan Heights by Israel as a violation of international law; and notes that Israel’s actions have been widely condemned by regional powers, for exacerbating the already fragile and volatile situation in Syria and undermining efforts for peace and stability in the region.
That this House expresses deep concern over the environmental consequences of Israel’s military actions in the region, particularly in relation to the bombing of Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, and its contribution to climate change and environmental degradation; notes that Israel’s use of explosive weapons, including airstrikes and bombs, has caused significant environmental damage, including the destruction of agricultural land, water resources, and has caused the contamination of soil with toxic chemicals which will have lasting effects; highlights that toxic emissions from bombs are exacerbating air pollution and contributing to climate change; acknowledges the environmental catastrophe caused by the destruction of forests, soil degradation, and contamination of water sources, which threaten both local ecosystems and the livelihoods of civilians; and urgently calls on the government to condemn these actions and push for international accountability for the environmental damage caused by the almost 100,000 tonnes of bombs that have been dropped by Israel in the past year alone.
That this House expresses its deep concern at the scale of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland; notes with sadness that seven women have lost their lives this year alone, contributing to a total of 25 women murdered since 2020, with many of these killings occurring within their own homes; acknowledges the tragic loss of Karen Cummings in Banbridge, which has caused shock and grief within the local community, as well as the second anniversary of Natalie McNally’s murder in Lurgan, both of which serve as a painful reminder of the urgent need for action; recognises the devastating impact such violence has on families and communities; calls on the Government to work closely with devolved institutions to develop and deliver a joined-up UK-wide strategy to tackle violence against women and girls; urges action to address root causes, improve conviction rates, implement tougher sentencing for perpetrators, and provide greater support for victims; and commits to working towards a society where all women and girls can live free from fear and violence.
That this House commends dedicated Armadale resident and local postie David Reynolds for his bravery in the course of his work; praises his quick thinking and fast action to save the life of a woman found soaked through and collapsed in the snow; recognises the hard work of posties especially at this time of year in all weather; thanks posties for regularly going above and beyond their duty to work against loneliness and isolation; and thanks David Reynolds for his three decades of service and wishes him the very best in the future.
That this House celebrates the recent achievements of West Lothian College at the College Development Network College Awards 2024 where West Lothian College had the highest number of finalists from a single college in Scotland; understands the significance of West Lothian College winning the Sustainability Action Award for their Whole College Approach to Net Zero; praises the work of two particular individuals at West Lothian College, Raymond Bremner who won the Lecturer of the Year Award and Micole Cochrane for winning Professional Services Colleague of the Year Award; recognises the awards for which West Lothian College were nominated, the Health and Wellbeing Award, the Inclusive College Award and the Innovation Award; and praises Jackie Galbraith the Principal of West Lothian College for her fantastic leadership and the care that her staff show to their students, communities and environment.
That this House commends Dedridge Primary School in Livingston for receiving the ADHD Friendly School Award; recognises that this is a commitment to making Dedridge Primary a safe, nurturing, welcoming and exciting place, in which all learners with ADHD can achieve their academic potential; celebrates the hard work of the staff who have undertaken additional training around Understanding and Supporting ADHD; appreciates the importance of awards like this for normalising neurodivergence and incentivising a more inclusive classroom for all children; and, finally, applauds Dedridge Primary School’s establishment of an Inclusion Group of pupil champions who inform and educate their peers and have succeeded in showcasing and promoting the positives of ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions throughout the Livingston constituency.
This House notes that Piccoloco in Newcastle-under-Lyme is a coffee shop, bar and kitchen run by father-son duo Jonathan and Benjamin Hill; congratulates the Hill duo on reaching the first anniversary of the opening of Piccoloco’s first premises on Hassell Street in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre; recognises that the roots of the Piccoloco Coffee Shop grew out of the collective experience of the pandemic in February and March 2020, when the Hill family embraced coffee; further notes that, over the course of four years, Piccoloco has become a popular coffee shop in Newcastle-under-Lyme, leading to them winning the coffee shop of the year award at the LoveNuL Awards in 2023, all from a converted Piaggio Apé and, later, a converted horse trailer; acknowledges the success that Piccoloco had at the LoveNuL Awards 2024; and gives thanks for the important role played by Piccoloco in supporting and boosting the local economy in Newcastle-under-Lyme and North Staffordshire.
That this House welcomes the Closure Notice issued to the operators of Walleys Quarry landfill site in Newcastle-under-Lyme on Thursday 28 November 2024; acknowledges that the closure notice was issued after an independent and thorough investigation by the Environment Agency as the regulator; recognises the anger, frustration and the mental, physical and emotional impact on local people of the stink emitting from the site; notes that this decision will be welcomed by thousands and thousands of local people who have endured so much for so long; expresses deep appreciation to all those who live, learn and work in Newcastle-under-Lyme who campaigned in the rain, sleet and snow to stop the stink over many years; further acknowledges that the focus must now shift to the remediation and long-term safety of the site; further notes that the restoration of the site must be a priority alongside assessing its condition, addressing contamination, and ensuring it is safely managed for the decades ahead; reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the site is capped and maintained, with proper support in place to protect the community; and further recognises that above all this is a victory for local people in the Ancient Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme and across Staffordshire.
That this House congratulates Irish Community Services on its 40th anniversary in providing support for all parts of the community throughout the Boroughs of Bexley and Greenwich; highlights their work in supporting those who are struggling because of age, infirmity, financial difficulties or social isolation through hosting community events and offering home visits, practical advice and support; commends the work of Aggie’s café and the Irish Food Shop which offer a warm space and community support; thanks the volunteers and staff for their hard work; and wishes Irish Community Services all the best for the future.
That this House expresses grave concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis and violations of human rights in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories; reiterates the urgent need for all parties to adhere to international law and the principles of proportionality in the use of force; calls for the UK Government to work closely with European partners to push for a sustainable peace settlement based on a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine are recognised as independent, viable, and democratic states with secure borders based on pre-1967 lines; recognises the critical role of the European Union in fostering peace through diplomatic initiatives and humanitarian aid; urges the UK Government to adopt a policy of presumption of denial for arms exports to countries with poor human rights records, as identified in the FCDO’s Human Rights and Democracy Report; highlights the importance of ensuring that UK and EU arms exports do not contribute to violations of international law or exacerbate conflicts, including the Israel-Gaza conflict; and calls on the UK to prioritise collaboration with European allies to strengthen global accountability for human rights violations and uphold the values of liberalism, internationalism, and the rule of law.