That this House supports calls to implement an essentials guarantee into Universal Credit to ensure no one goes without life’s essentials; commends the Trussell Trust and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on their Essentials Guarantee campaign; congratulates these organisations on securing more than 150,000 petition signatures in support of the campaign; recognises an essentials guarantee would create a standard allowance for Universal Credit which always covers the cost of essentials including food, fuel, essential travel, communications, and sundries; regrets the existing Universal Credit standard allowance is exacerbating experiences of poverty; believes that while everyone’s needs are different, an essentials guarantee would provide baseline support to the benefit of all claimants; acknowledges that an essentials guarantee would guarantee a baseline income which, at a minimum, guarantees affordability for the cost of essentials; notes that relative needs would be further supported on top of the standard allowance for Universal Credit; recognises that benefit levels in the UK are insufficient in supporting families; further commends the efforts of the Scottish Government in exploring the possibility of a minimum income guarantee for all; and further calls on the Government to reform the UK welfare system to adequately support those who are unemployed or in low paid work.

That this House supports calls to implement an essentials guarantee into Universal Credit to ensure no one goes without life’s essentials; commends the Trussell Trust and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on their Essentials Guarantee campaign; congratulates these organisations on securing more than 150,000 petition signatures in support of the campaign;...

That this House expresses its deep concerns regarding the Israeli offensive on Rafah, which it believes will seriously worsen what is already one of the world’s worst man-made humanitarian crises; reiterates its calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire; further expresses its frustration at the Government’s continued refusal to suspend arms exports to Israel; echoes the warnings issued by Lady Hale and over six hundred distinguished members of the legal profession in their correspondence to the Prime Minister of 3 April 2024 that the provision of military assistance and material to Israel may render the UK complicit in genocide as well as in serious breaches of International Humanitarian Law; notes that, as a result of his not having a seat in the House of Commons, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs has been unable to participate in departmental questions in the House and that Members have been restricted in their ability to scrutinise his work and that of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, particularly in relation to arms licences to Israel; believes that the moral imperative of ending arms exports to Israel is now so great as to warrant the House taking exceptional measures; and therefore calls on the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to work with the Speaker to make necessary preparations for the Secretary of State to answer questions on this and other matters from hon. Members from the Bar of the House of Commons as soon as possible.

That this House expresses its deep concerns regarding the Israeli offensive on Rafah, which it believes will seriously worsen what is already one of the world’s worst man-made humanitarian crises; reiterates its calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire; further expresses its frustration at the Government’s continued refusal to suspend...

That this House notes that civil service pay has been eroded over the past 40 years, which has seen wages fall from above the national average to below average; regrets that, despite this, the Government did not ring-fence funding for a pay rise for civil servants in the recent Budget; expresses solidarity with the almost 150,000 members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union who are currently balloting for national industrial action in their ongoing dispute over pay, pensions and working conditions; and calls on the Government to get back around the negotiating table with PCS and show respect for their workforce by offering them an inflation-proofed pay rise, pay equity across Government departments, a living wage of £15 per hour, a London weighting provision of at least £5,000 a year, and a minimum of 35 days annual leave.

That this House notes that civil service pay has been eroded over the past 40 years, which has seen wages fall from above the national average to below average; regrets that, despite this, the Government did not ring-fence funding for a pay rise for civil servants in the recent Budget;...

That this House notes with concern that the Constitutional Court of Uganda recently upheld the provisions of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 which, it believes, is in defiance of international law; is aware that the legislation, adopted in May 2023, has been described as being among the world's harshest anti-gay laws and has, it believes, rightly drawn condemnation from human rights campaigners across the world; condemns the legislation, which, it understands, imposes penalties of up to life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations and contains provisions that make aggravated homosexuality an offence punishable by death; understands that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said that close to 600 people are reported to have been subjected to human rights violations and abuses based on their actual or imputed sexual orientation or gender identity since the Act was enacted; welcomes the strong international condemnation by elements of the international community, including the United Nations and countries such as the United States; acknowledges reports that activists, including Executive Director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, Frank Mugisha, have filed an appeal to Uganda's Supreme Court; and expresses its support to them by backing the repeal of what it considers to be a homophobic and draconian piece of legislation.

That this House notes with concern that the Constitutional Court of Uganda recently upheld the provisions of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 which, it believes, is in defiance of international law; is aware that the legislation, adopted in May 2023, has been described as being among the world's harshest anti-gay laws...

That this House mourns the first anniversary of the outbreak of the civil war in Sudan, which began on 15 April 2023; regrets the tragic conflict, which has resulted in a humanitarian and refugee crisis across the country and its neighbours, with more than 8.5 million residents of Sudan displaced due to the fighting as of March 2024; notes that in November, the UN found that the conflict had created the largest child displacement crisis in the world, affecting around three million Sudanese children; acknowledges the disturbing and widespread use of war crimes by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, the two main factions of the conflict; recognises that these war crimes have included indiscriminate attacks on residential neighbourhoods, disruption of humanitarian aid, targeting of hospitals and medical services, sexual violence, and massacres against ethnic minorities, in particular the Masalit of West Darfur; condemns all those complicit in war crimes during the conflict; demands an end to the fighting and a resumption of Sudan's democratic transition; calls on the UK Government to meet its obligations to Sudanese nationals displaced by the civil war at home and abroad; and urges the UK Government to do everything in its power to help end the conflict.

That this House mourns the first anniversary of the outbreak of the civil war in Sudan, which began on 15 April 2023; regrets the tragic conflict, which has resulted in a humanitarian and refugee crisis across the country and its neighbours, with more than 8.5 million residents of Sudan displaced...

That this House expresses its deep concern regarding the Gambian National Assembly’s consideration of a Bill which would repeal that country’s ban on female genital mutilation (FGM); offers its unqualified condemnation of the practice of FGM; considers FGM to be a violation of the human rights of girls and women, including the right to freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, the right to the highest attainable standard of health, the right to physical integrity, and the rights of the child; notes the World Health Organization evaluation of the practice as one which has no health benefits and can lead to excessive bleeding, urinary problems, shock, psychological problems and even death; recognises that the United Nations Population Fund estimates that over four million girls are at risk of FGM each year; believes that no justification for the practice can be found from the religion of either Islam or Christianity; understands that FGM has been outlawed in The Gambia since 2015 with the imposition of fines and prison sentences of up to three years for individuals who engage in the practice, and life imprisonment in instances where the practice led to death; further understands that the bill has been referred to a parliamentary committee for further consideration before moving to a final vote of all members of the Gambian National Assembly; and urges lawmakers in The Gambia to retain the ban on FGM and uphold the human rights of Gambian women.

That this House expresses its deep concern regarding the Gambian National Assembly’s consideration of a Bill which would repeal that country’s ban on female genital mutilation (FGM); offers its unqualified condemnation of the practice of FGM; considers FGM to be a violation of the human rights of girls and women,...

That this House notes that today marks the one year anniversary of the kidnapping of Elizabeth Tsurkov, a dual Russian-Israeli national, who is being held hostage in Iraq by the militant group Kata'ib Hezbollah; expresses dismay at her kidnapping and calls for her immediate release; extends solidarity to her family as they campaign for her safe release; further notes that the Iraqi Government has opened an investigation last year into the kidnapping and expresses hope that this will now move swiftly and without undue delay; notes that the Popular Mobilisation Force (PMF) consisting of Kata'ib Hezbollah and other militant groups is funded by the Iraqi government; expresses concern at the potential risk of UK Government funding to Iraq benefiting the PMF; urges the UK Government to ensure robust procedures are in place to ensure that funding is not rediverted to these groups; and further urges the UK Government to use all diplomatic pressure and tools at its disposal to secure the release of Ms Tsurkov.

That this House notes that today marks the one year anniversary of the kidnapping of Elizabeth Tsurkov, a dual Russian-Israeli national, who is being held hostage in Iraq by the militant group Kata'ib Hezbollah; expresses dismay at her kidnapping and calls for her immediate release; extends solidarity to her family...

That this House congratulates the Ukrainian Community Group South Ayrshire (UCG), a charity, on the opening of the Ukrainian Community Group Centre, in Ayr, which was officially opened by Mr Yevhen Mankovskyi, vice-consul at the Ukrainian Consulate in Edinburgh, on Friday 15 March 2024; notes the Centre will provide the more than 350 Ukrainian refugees resident in South Ayrshire fleeing from conflict with a safe place, where they can take part in numerous individual and collective activities including supporting families displaced by the devastating conflict in Ukraine, promoting language skills, social inclusion, new friendships, and facilitating mental health and wellbeing; further notes the outstanding contribution of the Management Committee and volunteers who have made this possible; recognises the benefits of such a Centre in providing support to maintain and reconnect with Ukrainian cultural ties and identities whilst integrating with the local community; further recognises and thanks local businesses, volunteer fundraisers, the National Lottery Community Fund, South Ayrshire HSCP and The Scottish Government Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund locally allocated through VASA, for substantial funding for this project; notes the Ukraine Community Centre in Ayr stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity, offering a sanctuary for Ukrainian refugees in South Ayrshire to come together, share their stories, and support each other through the challenges of displacement and the ongoing crisis in their homeland; and, finally, reconfirms that the people of South Ayrshire, Scotland and the United Kingdom stand in unity and solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

That this House congratulates the Ukrainian Community Group South Ayrshire (UCG), a charity, on the opening of the Ukrainian Community Group Centre, in Ayr, which was officially opened by Mr Yevhen Mankovskyi, vice-consul at the Ukrainian Consulate in Edinburgh, on Friday 15 March 2024; notes the Centre will provide the...

That this House commends the University of Aberdeen for its efforts in training the next generation on the impact of female genital mutilation (FGM); notes that since its free online course on this topic launched in 2022, over 1,000 learners have participated; and welcomes that it continues to expand the capacity of the course to ensure that anyone with an interest in women's health feels prepared to deal with FGM in a professional capacity.

That this House commends the University of Aberdeen for its efforts in training the next generation on the impact of female genital mutilation (FGM); notes that since its free online course on this topic launched in 2022, over 1,000 learners have participated; and welcomes that it continues to expand the...

That this House recognises that Purple Day, the international day for epilepsy, is taking place on Tuesday 26 March 2024; notes epilepsy is the most common neurological condition with an estimated 55,000 people living with the condition in Scotland; applauds the work of Epilepsy Scotland who fight to reduce the stigma experienced by people living with the condition and to influence public policy to ensure appropriate support is available; highlights the wide range of services provided by Epilepsy Scotland including a helpline, a check-in service, a youth service, a well-being service, and online support groups; understands that Purple Day is a time where thousands of people will come together across the world to raise awareness of epilepsy, dispel myths, and support those individuals living with the condition; acknowledges that Epilepsy Scotland is encouraging people to wear the colour purple and lighting buildings purple to mark the occasion and to take part in fundraising activities such as a sponsored run or hosting a quiz night or coffee morning; and wishes Epilepsy Scotland all the very best as they continue to advocate for people with epilepsy.

That this House recognises that Purple Day, the international day for epilepsy, is taking place on Tuesday 26 March 2024; notes epilepsy is the most common neurological condition with an estimated 55,000 people living with the condition in Scotland; applauds the work of Epilepsy Scotland who fight to reduce the...

That this House celebrates with pride, World Down Syndrome Day 2024, which is a global event that aims to raise awareness, and advocate for the rights of individuals with Down syndrome; marked each year on March 21st, this signifies the triplication of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome; highlights the lots of socks campaign which aims to get a conversation started on raising awareness for people with Down syndrome and the importance of inclusion within society; recalls that the Down Syndrome Act 2022 makes provision for the needs and rights of people in the U.K. with Down syndrome; notes the necessity of ending stereotypes and empowering those diagnosed with Down syndrome; and thanks charities such as Down Syndrome UK for providing resources, training and support to parents and professionals in maternity, health and education to enable society to learn more about supporting people with Down syndrome.

That this House celebrates with pride, World Down Syndrome Day 2024, which is a global event that aims to raise awareness, and advocate for the rights of individuals with Down syndrome; marked each year on March 21st, this signifies the triplication of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome; highlights...

This House commends the Researchers at Risk scheme instituted by the British Academy in partnership with the Council for At-Risk Academics and with support from the Academy of Medical Sciences, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society; notes that the scheme was funded primarily by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and is currently restricted to Ukrainian academics and their families; observes that every higher education institution in Gaza has been destroyed or severely damaged during the war waged by the Israeli government in the wake of the horrific terror attacks of 7 October 2023; deplores that an estimated 30,000 civilians have been killed in Gaza in this time, including historians, economists, scholars of English literature and language, poets, physicists, gynaecologists, political scientists, psychologists, surgeons and lawyers; believes the academic community in Gaza is currently one of the most at risk in the world; and therefore calls on the UK Government to provide specific protection by renewing the funding for the Researchers at Risk scheme and opening it to Palestinian academics immediately and without delay.

This House commends the Researchers at Risk scheme instituted by the British Academy in partnership with the Council for At-Risk Academics and with support from the Academy of Medical Sciences, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society; notes that the scheme was funded primarily by the Department for...

That this House supports the National Union of Journalists' (NUJ) Artificial Intelligence (AI) campaign and its concerns over rapid advancements in AI technologies using journalistic content without consent or permission; recognises the risk of grave harm to journalism and the subsequent undermining of democracy should public trust in journalism erode; acknowledges that opportunities for AI within journalism must be approached with transparency and engagement with journalists and representative organisations; further recognises that the unique skillset, creativity and experience held by journalists cannot be replaced by algorithms and technology; and therefore supports the NUJ’s calls for Government action to require AI developers and firms to comply with laws regarding the intellectual property rights of journalists.

That this House supports the National Union of Journalists' (NUJ) Artificial Intelligence (AI) campaign and its concerns over rapid advancements in AI technologies using journalistic content without consent or permission; recognises the risk of grave harm to journalism and the subsequent undermining of democracy should public trust in journalism erode;...

That this House acknowledges that two years after the unprovoked, brutal and illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the conflict still rages; notes that hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and maimed, with vast areas of Ukraine and many of its towns and cities devastated and millions displaced; believes that, as the world’s eyes have been averted elsewhere, Ukraine’s army is becoming increasingly exhausted and bloodied in a war against a numerically superior opponent with greater material resources; further notes that Russia is prepared to sacrifice tens of thousands of its citizens in an ongoing war of attrition; considers that the US and its allies from the start appear to have had an undeclared policy of stopping Ukraine losing while providing far too little of the materiel required to liberate the 18% of Ukraine under Russian occupation; is aware that Hungary’s veto in the EU and internal politics in the US have combined to starve Ukraine of critical munitions and financial support, forcing it on the defensive; recognises the UK’s £12 billion of military and financial assistance committed to Ukraine since the invasion; and further believes that only with the provision of EU and US funding and weaponry previously promised and more, can Ukraine hope to liberate its territory, ultimately end the conflict and secure a peaceful future for its people and Russia’s.

That this House acknowledges that two years after the unprovoked, brutal and illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the conflict still rages; notes that hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and maimed, with vast areas of Ukraine and many of its towns and cities devastated and millions...

That this House notes the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 26 January 2024, which found that it is plausible that Israel’s ongoing attacks on the Palestinian people in Gaza are in breach of the Genocide Convention; further notes that the ICJ issued provisional measures, including ordering Israel and its military to prevent acts against Palestinians in Gaza prohibited by Article II of the Genocide Convention, such as killings of Palestinians in Gaza, as well as ordering Israel to prevent and punish incitement to genocide and to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza; supports the ICJ call for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages; notes that as a signatory to the Genocide Convention the UK has a duty to prevent genocide and to ensure that the Convention is not breached; believes the UK has a responsibility to act to ensure this ruling is upheld, and not to undermine it; therefore calls on the UK Government to support the ICJ’s provisional measures; further believes that it is not possible for Israel to fulfil the ICJ’s order without an immediate end to its military assault on Gaza; and therefore, in light of plausible breaches of the Genocide Convention, further calls on the UK Government to demand an immediate ceasefire and suspend all arms exports to Israel.

That this House notes the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 26 January 2024, which found that it is plausible that Israel’s ongoing attacks on the Palestinian people in Gaza are in breach of the Genocide Convention; further notes that the ICJ issued provisional measures, including ordering...

That this House notes that Jagtar Singh Johal, a Sikh activist and resident of Dumbarton, will be marking his 37th birthday on 9 February, his sixth in arbitrary detention in India since being abducted from the street during his honeymoon by unidentified assailants who turned out to be undercover police agents on 4 November 2017; notes that during his incarceration it is alleged that he was tortured both physically and through electric shocks to his nipples and genitals, something which led him to signing a confession, a confession that has subsequently been used when filing charges against him; supports the ruling of the UN Working Group on arbitrary detention which in May 2022 gave its opinion that Jagtar’s detention was an arbitrary one; urges the Government to also support this opinion and do what it can to achieve Jagtar’s immediate release to ensure that his birthday will be marked, in person, at home with his family.

That this House notes that Jagtar Singh Johal, a Sikh activist and resident of Dumbarton, will be marking his 37th birthday on 9 February, his sixth in arbitrary detention in India since being abducted from the street during his honeymoon by unidentified assailants who turned out to be undercover police...

That this House recognises the immense challenges facing the hospitality sector during the cost of living crisis; notes that the Government implemented a temporary cut of 5% on VAT for hospitality businesses during the pandemic; further notes that VAT is not devolved and can therefore only be set by the UK Government; notes that the UK is an outlier for having a higher rate of VAT for the hospitality sector compared to other European economies; further notes that organisations such as the Scottish License and Trade Association, Scottish Beer and Pub Association and Scottish Hospitality Group support a cut of 5% on VAT as the most straightforward and effective policy measure to help many small and local businesses get through the current crisis; acknowledges that local hospitality businesses deliver an important social good to their communities as well as bring in vital income and jobs; and calls on the UK Government to implement a permanent cut of 5% on VAT for the hospitality sector to help hospitality businesses meet the challenges of the cost of living crisis.

That this House recognises the immense challenges facing the hospitality sector during the cost of living crisis; notes that the Government implemented a temporary cut of 5% on VAT for hospitality businesses during the pandemic; further notes that VAT is not devolved and can therefore only be set by the...

That this House notes the new campaign launched by the UK Mortgage Prisoners Action Group which calls for urgent and sweeping legislative reforms to mortgages to avert further homeowner crises and go some way to righting the current wrongs; understands that there are nearly 200,000 mortgage prisoners who are still suffering severe financial hardship due to decisions made by the Government and regulator in the course of bailing out the banks following the 2008 global financial crash; and believes urgent action must be taken to address the injustice that so many have suffered through no fault of their own and rather as a consequence of sales of mortgages to non lenders, repeated securitisation and regulatory changes further trapping many thousands of historic interest only customers.

That this House notes the new campaign launched by the UK Mortgage Prisoners Action Group which calls for urgent and sweeping legislative reforms to mortgages to avert further homeowner crises and go some way to righting the current wrongs; understands that there are nearly 200,000 mortgage prisoners who are still...

That this House recognises and celebrates February as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month 2024; welcomes this month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans history; notes that LGBTQ+ people have a long history of making incredible contributions to the UK; further notes that LGBTQ+ History month is much needed to challenge discrimination and educate; commemorates the progress we have made in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and related civil rights through the past decades; further celebrates the increasing freedoms and equality afforded to the LGBTQ+ community in recent years; notes that there is still a lot of work needed to challenge discriminatory rhetoric and attitudes in society; acknowledges that hate crime against the trans community is on the rise and the LGBT community is still discriminated against in many areas of society; and pledges to fight for full equality for all members of the LGBTQ+ community to allow LGBTQ+ people achieve their full potential and contribute fully to society.

That this House recognises and celebrates February as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month 2024; welcomes this month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans history; notes that LGBTQ+ people have a long history of making incredible contributions to the UK; further notes that LGBTQ+ History month is...

That this House congratulates Logan Carson, Tia Laurie, Archie Hyslop and Holly Burke on winning gold in the mixed team curling at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea; understands that they came from behind to defeat Denmark 7-5 after an extra end in the gold medal match; further congratulates Callie Soutar and Ethan Brewster for winning gold in the mixed doubles curling completing a clean sweep of curling golds at the games; praises the curlers and their coaches for their collective efforts, hard work and determination to succeed throughout the competition; commends them for upholding the spirit of curling at the games; and wishes them well in their future sporting endeavours.

That this House congratulates Logan Carson, Tia Laurie, Archie Hyslop and Holly Burke on winning gold in the mixed team curling at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea; understands that they came from behind to defeat Denmark 7-5 after an extra end in the gold medal match;...