That this House notes that between April and December 2017,669 assaults were carried out against serving officers in the West Midlands Police Force area; recognises that reports of assaults carried out against on-duty police officers and other members of the emergency services are wholly unacceptable; and calls on the Government to undertake an urgent review of current legislation to ensure that greater protections may be afforded to on-duty emergency service workers, including police officers, through the introduction of tougher penalties for people who cause harm or injury.

That this House notes that between April and December 2017,669 assaults were carried out against serving officers in the West Midlands Police Force area; recognises that reports of assaults carried out against on-duty police officers and other members of the emergency services are wholly unacceptable; and calls on the Government...

That this House has considered in full the contents of the WWF Living Planet Report 2016 and recognises the significant threat presented to the natural world through a 58 per cent decline in the recorded global populations of fish, birds, mammals and amphibians from 1970 to 2012; believes that without continued political intervention, improved corporate responsibility and individual passion, the world risks the loss of two thirds of all wildlife by 2020; welcomes government action to protect marine habitats by establishing blue zone conservation areas in ecologically diverse territories; calls on the Government to play a constructive role in the forthcoming Conference of the Parties by encouraging greater international collaboration to tackle the effects of climate change, habitat loss and degradation, species over-exploitation, pollution and animal diseases; and further calls on the Government to use its influence as a global leader in environmental sustainability to assist less economically developed nations to achieve the Nagoya UN biodiversity obligations and build a resilient global ecology for the sake of future generations.

That this House has considered in full the contents of the WWF Living Planet Report 2016 and recognises the significant threat presented to the natural world through a 58 per cent decline in the recorded global populations of fish, birds, mammals and amphibians from 1970 to 2012; believes that without...

That this House understands poverty reduction among vulnerable people and countries in the developing world to be seriously jeopardised by extreme weather events, such as major droughts, storms and floods, which are being intensified and made more frequent by climate change; highlights the importance of insurance as a mechanism to transform climate risk management approaches and to build resilience to climate shocks amongst the poorest communities; commends the development of innovative climate risk insurance tools, such as weather-indexed microinsurance, and recognises the potential of microinsurance to provide a safety net, foster financial inclusion and secure poverty reduction; and supports the G7 InsuResilience Initiative, which aims to deliver climate-related protection to an additional 400 million poor vulnerable people by 2020 through a mix of indirect and direct approaches.

That this House understands poverty reduction among vulnerable people and countries in the developing world to be seriously jeopardised by extreme weather events, such as major droughts, storms and floods, which are being intensified and made more frequent by climate change; highlights the importance of insurance as a mechanism to...

That this House views with alarm the increase in homelessness, which presently stands at 380,000 and is currently at its highest level since 1997; accepts the need for a census of the UK's hidden homeless to be taken in order to determine the true extent of Britain's homelessness problem; expresses great concern that some organisations predict that homelessness could rise to 650,000 by 2010; acknowledges the squalor and degradation experienced by those without a home as well as the physical and psychological trauma associated with homelessness; deplores the Government's failure to maintain the social house-building record of the previous Conservative administration; and calls on the Government to take urgent action to address this growing problem.

That this House views with alarm the increase in homelessness, which presently stands at 380,000 and is currently at its highest level since 1997; accepts the need for a census of the UK's hidden homeless to be taken in order to determine the true extent of Britain's homelessness problem; expresses...

That this House notes that industry sources have recently indicated that 3G technology will require a substantial increase in the number of mobile phone masts, with as many as four times the present number, suggesting up to 200 more masts in every constituency; believes that the current planning process in England is inadequate, failing to consider local, environmental and safety concerns; observes that the Government is reviewing planning regulations for masts and that tougher protection is already in place in Scotland and Northern Ireland; and calls on the Government to introduce full planning permission for all masts, including Network Rail and TETRA masts, and to allow health concerns to be taken into account near homes, schools and hospitals.

That this House notes that industry sources have recently indicated that 3G technology will require a substantial increase in the number of mobile phone masts, with as many as four times the present number, suggesting up to 200 more masts in every constituency; believes that the current planning process in...

That this House recognises the environmental advantages of degradable plastics, namely that they can be composted, that they will degrade when exposed to a normal environment and that they are environmentally friendly in their production; notes that 80 per cent. of post-consumer plastic goes to landfill, with only 7 per cent. being recycled; and calls upon the Government to recognise a distinction on environmental grounds between conventional plastics and degradable plastic bags.

That this House recognises the environmental advantages of degradable plastics, namely that they can be composted, that they will degrade when exposed to a normal environment and that they are environmentally friendly in their production; notes that 80 per cent. of post-consumer plastic goes to landfill, with only 7 per...

That this House expresses with regret that it is currently not possible to show that the House of Commons writing paper is made from recycled paper or sustainable forestry; urges the House authorities to use paper produced by organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council or other groups, who use recycled or recovered materials, such as totally chlorine-free de-inked post-consumer waste, recycled mall broke waste, and vegetable-based inks; and strongly believes that honourable Members should be able to support this sustainable effort and show their commitment to recycling by displaying the relevant logo.

That this House expresses with regret that it is currently not possible to show that the House of Commons writing paper is made from recycled paper or sustainable forestry; urges the House authorities to use paper produced by organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council or other groups, who use...

That this House welcomes the C/o British Farming campaign; applauds this initiative by the agricultural and horticultural industry to reconnect with its customers; recognises that nearly two-thirds of the food eaten in Britain is grown by British farmers, that farmers and growers provide the production base for this country's food processing industry and that the rural landscape which millions of people enjoy and which is a prime attraction for tourism has been created and is maintained by farmers and land managers; believes that a thriving rural economy should have a profitable and enterprising farming sector at its heart; congratulates the campaign partners, ABNA, the Agricultural Engineers Association, the Country Land and Business Association, HSBC Bank, the National Farmers' Club, the Royal Agricultural Society of England, the Tenant Farmers Association, the United Kingdom Agricultural Supply Association, the Ulster Farmers' Union and the Women's Food and Farming Union on their efforts so far; and calls upon the Government to support the objectives of the campaign.

That this House welcomes the C/o British Farming campaign; applauds this initiative by the agricultural and horticultural industry to reconnect with its customers; recognises that nearly two-thirds of the food eaten in Britain is grown by British farmers, that farmers and growers provide the production base for this country's food...

That this House welcomes Lord Haskins' Rural Review; expresses concern that DEFRA's commitment to a range of targets for rural delivery is described by Lord Haskins as, 'at one extreme over-ambitious and unrealistic, and at another, too focused on processes rather than results'; acknowledges the good work that English Nature does, in particular in the area of biodiversity; expresses further concern that English Nature will lose its independent and effective voice if subsumed into one large rural-agency; and calls upon the Government to put safeguards in place so English Nature and other bodies can retain their independent nature from the Government.

That this House welcomes Lord Haskins' Rural Review; expresses concern that DEFRA's commitment to a range of targets for rural delivery is described by Lord Haskins as, 'at one extreme over-ambitious and unrealistic, and at another, too focused on processes rather than results'; acknowledges the good work that English Nature...

That this House welcomes the DEFRA Select Committee's investigation into the handling of the ghost ships; expresses concern about the confusion and lack of joined-up thinking surrounding the ghost ships' arrival in Hartlepool; expresses further concern about the environmental damage these ships may pose; and calls upon the Government to fulfil its promise to return these ships as soon as practicable.

That this House welcomes the DEFRA Select Committee's investigation into the handling of the ghost ships; expresses concern about the confusion and lack of joined-up thinking surrounding the ghost ships' arrival in Hartlepool; expresses further concern about the environmental damage these ships may pose; and calls upon the Government to...

That this House recognises the importance of tropical rainforests in the balance of the global climate; notes that the Brazilian Amazon covers 5.2 million square kilometres, more than 60 per cent. of the country; further notes that the Brazilian Amazon contains about a third of the world's rainforest and 30 per cent. of the world's biodiversity; expresses concern that the number of trees felled in the Amazon region has risen by 40 per cent. in the past year with almost 10,000 square miles of virgin rainforest being cut down; deplores the fact that the Government is cutting its programme aimed at saving the Amazon rainforest and preserving the culture of its people in order to fund its reconstruction effort in Iraq; warns that this will have a detrimental effect on the global environment and the lives of the indigenous Amazonian people; and calls upon the Government to reconsider its decision.

That this House recognises the importance of tropical rainforests in the balance of the global climate; notes that the Brazilian Amazon covers 5.2 million square kilometres, more than 60 per cent. of the country; further notes that the Brazilian Amazon contains about a third of the world's rainforest and 30...

That this House recognises the importance of tropical rainforests in the balance of the global climate; notes the threat posed by illegal felling; believes that Britain should not be the recipient of illegally logged timber; further believes that all timber used in government projects should be supplied from certified sustainable sources; notes that the timber used in the refurbishment of the Cabinet Office was from Cameroon for which no recognised certification scheme exists; is concerned that the Department for International Development installed rainforest timber in its property last year; and urges the Government to honour its pledges and cancel unsustainable timber contracts and ensure that all suspect shipments are fully investigated and seized where appropriate.

That this House recognises the importance of tropical rainforests in the balance of the global climate; notes the threat posed by illegal felling; believes that Britain should not be the recipient of illegally logged timber; further believes that all timber used in government projects should be supplied from certified sustainable...

That this House calls on the European Commission to work for the improvement of animal welfare throughout the community; and to this end, calls on the Commission to ensure that animal welfare standards across the Continent are raised to meet the very high standards which pertain in the United Kingdom, thus allowing British farmers to compete on a level playing field.

That this House calls on the European Commission to work for the improvement of animal welfare throughout the community; and to this end, calls on the Commission to ensure that animal welfare standards across the Continent are raised to meet the very high standards which pertain in the United Kingdom,...

That this House notes with concern that the United Kingdom lags far behind its European counterparts on the environment, particulary when just 13.5 per cent. of household waste is recycled; recognises that the Government has set a target that this rate would rise to 25 per cent. by 2005, 30 per cent. by 2010 and 33 per cent. by 2015; expresses concern that, according to the DEFRA-commissioned Review of the United Kingdom Landfill Tax published in October 2002, 25 per cent. of local authorities are likely to miss their statutory recycling targets in 2005-06; notes that eight out of 10 top recycling councils are Conservative-controlled; further expresses concern that the Environmental Audit Committee believes that the United Kingdom will not come close to meeting any of the national targets set for recycling, and that the 2010 and 2015 targets will be missed by a wide margin; urges Parliament and all government departments to make a greater effort by increasing recycling of waste, using recycled materials, reducing energy use and increasing renewable energy supplies; and calls on the Government to increase public awareness and action on the environment.

That this House notes with concern that the United Kingdom lags far behind its European counterparts on the environment, particulary when just 13.5 per cent. of household waste is recycled; recognises that the Government has set a target that this rate would rise to 25 per cent. by 2005, 30...

That this House regrets that DEFRA ministers have been slow to address farmers' concerns about the EU Animal By-Products Regulation and specifically the arrangements for the implementation of these regulations; believes that DEFRA ministers continue to underestimate the scale of the problem and have failed to promote clear guidance for farmers relating to the issue; notes that there is no sound scientific evidence that demonstrates that the correct burying of dead animals on-farm causes either human or animal health problems; has grave concerns about the financial implications for the industry that a fallen stock charge would bring; given the financial arrangements for fallen stock schemes in other countries, also has grave concerns about its effects on the competitiveness of British agriculture; and urges the Government to address the uneven geographical distribution of disposal facilities; notably incineration plants, in implementing such a policy.

That this House regrets that DEFRA ministers have been slow to address farmers' concerns about the EU Animal By-Products Regulation and specifically the arrangements for the implementation of these regulations; believes that DEFRA ministers continue to underestimate the scale of the problem and have failed to promote clear guidance for...

That this House supports the Western Morning News Campaign to highlight the proposed resumption of the live export of horses, ponies and donkeys to the Continent; urges the Government to stand firm over these live exports; and calls on the Government to insist that an opt-out clause is inserted into the new regulations so that the UK retains the right to impose additional restrictions of its own in order to safeguard horses, ponies and donkeys.

That this House supports the Western Morning News Campaign to highlight the proposed resumption of the live export of horses, ponies and donkeys to the Continent; urges the Government to stand firm over these live exports; and calls on the Government to insist that an opt-out clause is inserted into...

That this House expresses great concern about the deepening food shortages facing countries in Eastern and Southern Africa; highlights in particular Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe where the recent shortfalls in rainfall have meant that the provision of adequate food aid is not imperative; notes that the failure of crops in recent years has put up to 15 million people in Ethiopia in danger of starvation; further notes that the vulnerability of food supplies in Zimbabwe has left over half the population facing starvation; notes that significant numbers of people in Tanzania face starvation, with the Singida region badly affected; further notes that water aid is necessary if long-term crops and cattle shortages are to be averted; and calls upon the Government to act swiftly in the provision of food and water aid to avert widespread starvation in Eastern and Southern Africa.

That this House expresses great concern about the deepening food shortages facing countries in Eastern and Southern Africa; highlights in particular Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe where the recent shortfalls in rainfall have meant that the provision of adequate food aid is not imperative; notes that the failure of crops in...

That this House shares the concern of the Trade Justice Movement about the plight of the poorest people in the world, and congratulates them on bringing them to the attention of the public; notes with concern the fact that a billion live on less than a dollar a day, that life expectancy in many African countries is declining, and that 30 million people in Africa have HIV/AIDS; believes that rising levels of international trade and trade liberalisation offer the best hope of alleviating poverty in the developing world; calls for quality legal and economic advice for developing countries on trade issues; believes that the Government has failed to do enough to promote trade liberalisation, reform agricultural subsidies and phase out European trade barriers; and further calls on the Government to use the World Trade Organisation meeting at Cancun to do more to reform the international trade rules to give poor countries a fair deal on international trade.

That this House shares the concern of the Trade Justice Movement about the plight of the poorest people in the world, and congratulates them on bringing them to the attention of the public; notes with concern the fact that a billion live on less than a dollar a day, that...

That this House is appalled by the recent arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi; congratulates Aung San Suu Kyi for her courage, determination and commitment to Burma; expresses concern about the closure of the National League for Democracy headquarters in Rangoon; further expresses concern about the closure of universities in Burma; condemns the State Peace and Development Council in Burma for continued human rights abuses against the Burmese people; urges the Government to intensify international pressure to secure the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi; and calls upon the government to do more to relieve the suffering of the people of Burma.

That this House is appalled by the recent arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi; congratulates Aung San Suu Kyi for her courage, determination and commitment to Burma; expresses concern about the closure of the National League for Democracy headquarters in Rangoon; further expresses concern about the closure of universities in...

That this House condemns the recent violence seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the Ituri region; expresses extreme concern about the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo; notes that Kofi Annan recently warned of massive killings of civilians; further notes that Carla del Ponte, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, described the situation as potentially genocidal; highlights the fact that since 1998, the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed up to four million lives; supports the recent deployment of British troops; in view of the present demands on British forces urges the Government to ask other governments to help to build a sufficient multi-national peace-keeping force; and calls for greater diplomatic and political engagement by the British Government to avert a potential genocide in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

That this House condemns the recent violence seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the Ituri region; expresses extreme concern about the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo; notes that Kofi Annan recently warned of massive killings of civilians; further notes that Carla del Ponte, Prosecutor...