That this House expresses concern about the decline in the number of children's playgrounds; notes that the latest figures suggest that around 450 playgrounds have been closed in England alone since 2015; believes that outdoor playtime for children is essential to their development and is important in promoting social cohesion and in combatting childhood obesity, mental health problems and excessive use of screens and social media; welcomes Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as initiatives in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland which recognise the right of every child to engage in play; further welcomes the Association of Play Industries Play Must Stay and Movement for Movement campaigns; and calls on the next Government to acknowledge the importance of outdoor play, to provide greater funding to create and maintain playgrounds and to appoint a Minister for Children and Young People, one of whose tasks should be to co-ordinate Policy in this area.

That this House expresses concern about the decline in the number of children's playgrounds; notes that the latest figures suggest that around 450 playgrounds have been closed in England alone since 2015; believes that outdoor playtime for children is essential to their development and is important in promoting social cohesion...

That this House notes that the student protests over transport fare hikes in Chile have transformed into a nationwide protest including a general strike on 24 and 25 October 2019; recognises that this spontaneous national uprising has its roots in three decades of increasing economic inequality in Chile; condemns President Piñera's declaration that the Chilean government is at war with the protesters; expresses its deep concern at the numerous allegations of human rights violations and sexual violence reported by Chile's National Human Rights Institution; supports the announcement of a UN High Commission on Human Rights investigation into these allegations by former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet; and calls on the UK Government to use all diplomatic and international means at its disposal to assist in a peaceful resolution to the ongoing protests.

That this House notes that the student protests over transport fare hikes in Chile have transformed into a nationwide protest including a general strike on 24 and 25 October 2019; recognises that this spontaneous national uprising has its roots in three decades of increasing economic inequality in Chile; condemns President...

That this House congratulates Prestonpans’ Josh Taylor on making Scottish boxing history by becoming a double world champion with his latest victory, a majority decision over American fighter Regis Prograis, which resulted in him adding the WBA and Ring Magazine titles to his IBF super-lightweight crown; notes that this was also the final of the World Boxing Super Series; commends Josh and his team on his ongoing outstanding progress, which has seen him compared with Scotland’s all-time boxing greats; and wishes him continued success in the ring in the future.

That this House congratulates Prestonpans’ Josh Taylor on making Scottish boxing history by becoming a double world champion with his latest victory, a majority decision over American fighter Regis Prograis, which resulted in him adding the WBA and Ring Magazine titles to his IBF super-lightweight crown; notes that this was...

That this House welcomes the Government's decision to purchase five new type 31 frigates for the Royal Navy; recognises that the name Coventry has been associated with the Royal Navy since 1658; further recognises that six ships have borne the name Coventry in this time until 2002; acknowledges the need to honour the 30 crew members who lost their lives on board HMS Coventry in 1982; calls on the Government to name one of the new frigates HMS Coventry; and notes that this would be a fitting and lasting legacy for Coventry as UK City of Culture in 2021.

That this House welcomes the Government's decision to purchase five new type 31 frigates for the Royal Navy; recognises that the name Coventry has been associated with the Royal Navy since 1658; further recognises that six ships have borne the name Coventry in this time until 2002; acknowledges the need...

That this House recognises that intimidation experienced by those in public life poses a threat to the diversity, integrity, and vibrancy of representative democracy in the UK and that tackling intimidation is a cross-party issue; notes that abuse and intimidation know no political boundaries; welcomes the ongoing work on developing a joint standard of conduct for all political parties, which was one of the key recommendations in the Intimidation in Public Life Report published by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) in December 2017; further welcomes the partnership between the CSPL and the Jo Cox Foundation to expedite this work; calls on all party leaders to commit in principle to the joint standard of conduct and to undertake to uphold the joint standard of conduct alongside their parties’ existing internal frameworks; further calls on all party leaders to do all in their power to facilitate mutual agreement of the terms of the joint standard of conduct before the next general election; further notes that polls show that the British public reject the current toxicity of discourse and debate; and believes that a common, cross-party commitment to the joint standard of conduct will send a powerful, positive and hopeful message at a time when it is sorely needed.

That this House recognises that intimidation experienced by those in public life poses a threat to the diversity, integrity, and vibrancy of representative democracy in the UK and that tackling intimidation is a cross-party issue; notes that abuse and intimidation know no political boundaries; welcomes the ongoing work on developing...

That this House is concerned by the growing body of evidence, including research reports by Doctors of the World, Maternity Action and the BMA, that the NHS England overseas visitors charging regime is deterring vulnerable migrant women living in the UK from seeking essential maternity care, and is resulting in some women being wrongly denied maternity care and wrongly told that they have to pay in advance; is further concerned by the conclusion of Maternity Action's September 2019 report, Duty of care: midwives' experience of the NHS charging regime, that charging has a pronounced effect on midwives' ability to look after women in their care; notes that in December 2018, the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the Faculty of Public Health published a joint statement calling for the suspension of the charging regime; further notes that in March 2019, the heads of the Academy of Royal Colleges, the Royal College of General Practitioners, the Royal College of Midwives and others wrote jointly to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to urge him to suspend the charging regime pending a full independent review of its effect on individual and public health; and urges the Government to respond positively to Maternity Action’s call, supported by the Royal College of Midwives, for the immediate suspension of charging for NHS maternity care.

That this House is concerned by the growing body of evidence, including research reports by Doctors of the World, Maternity Action and the BMA, that the NHS England overseas visitors charging regime is deterring vulnerable migrant women living in the UK from seeking essential maternity care, and is resulting in...

That this House endorses the letter of support put together by the Hope Not Hate campaign expressing solidarity with, and for, Representative Rashida Tlaib, Representative Ilhan Omar, Representative Ayanna Pressley and Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez; condemns without equivocation the inflammatory, hurtful and racist comments from the President of the United States; expresses its solidarity with the democratically elected Members of Congress that the President of the United States targeted with his appalling comments; rededicates itself to standing up for tolerance, inclusion and diversity and pledges to fight bigotry and hatred wherever it finds it, at home and abroad; and reiterates the call and need for national parliaments and legislatures, across the world, to look like the communities they seek to serve.

That this House endorses the letter of support put together by the Hope Not Hate campaign expressing solidarity with, and for, Representative Rashida Tlaib, Representative Ilhan Omar, Representative Ayanna Pressley and Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez; condemns without equivocation the inflammatory, hurtful and racist comments from the President of the United...

That this House notes the success of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit through its intelligence-led role in prevention and detection of crimes relating to a wide range of wildlife issues; recognises that the unit provides specialist skills, knowledge and expertise to the Police, UK Border Force, HM Revenue and Customs, Animal Plant and Health Agency, EUROPOL and INTERPOL, the UK Government and a significant network of non-government and civil society organisations; considers that the Unit has a vital role to play in fulfilling the UK's commitments to combating illegal wildlife trade internationally; recognises the pro-active steps taken by the unit in the formation of a cyber-enabled wildlife crime priority delivery group; further recognises that permanent funding would allow the unit to plan ahead and retain expert staff; and calls on the Government to provide permanent funding to the National Wildlife Crime Unit.

That this House notes the success of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit through its intelligence-led role in prevention and detection of crimes relating to a wide range of wildlife issues; recognises that the unit provides specialist skills, knowledge and expertise to the Police, UK Border Force, HM Revenue and...

That this House notes that an estimated 60 per cent of recipients of homecare and 70 per cent of care home residents live with dementia; acknowledges that dementia is a condition caused by diseases of the brain with complex support needs that should be met by the NHS, like any other health condition; recognises that the typical cost of dementia care of £100,000 can be financially devastating for individuals and families; welcomes the Alzheimer’s Society’s proposal for a Dementia Fund as a financial injection into the social care system in the short-to-medium term, allowing for greater provision of safe and quality care, longer visits and savings to the NHS; believes that this could be financed through unallocated funding for community and preventative support in the NHS Long-Term Plan; and urges the Government to include a Dementia Fund in the forthcoming Spending Review to break the deadlock on reforming the social care system and end the unfairness facing people with dementia.

That this House notes that an estimated 60 per cent of recipients of homecare and 70 per cent of care home residents live with dementia; acknowledges that dementia is a condition caused by diseases of the brain with complex support needs that should be met by the NHS, like any...

That this House notes the recent risk of a reversal in the movement towards increasing the number of free-to-use cash machines; further notes that free-to-use cash machines are the biggest single aspect of free banking that most affects the poor; believes that the attack on this service should immediately cease; and calls on the Minister responsible to call in, as a matter of urgency, all relevant parties so that the commitment to increasing the number of free-to-use cash machines, particularly in the most deprived communities, can be reaffirmed.

That this House notes the recent risk of a reversal in the movement towards increasing the number of free-to-use cash machines; further notes that free-to-use cash machines are the biggest single aspect of free banking that most affects the poor; believes that the attack on this service should immediately cease;...

That this House recognises that there are two million pensioners living in poverty; further recognises that the level of pensioner poverty is rising; notes that free television licences for pensioners can help to combat loneliness and provide a window to the world; acknowledges the need to support some of the most vulnerable people in society; regrets the calls to abolish free television licences for the over-75s; and calls on the Government to provide all pensioners with free television licences.

That this House recognises that there are two million pensioners living in poverty; further recognises that the level of pensioner poverty is rising; notes that free television licences for pensioners can help to combat loneliness and provide a window to the world; acknowledges the need to support some of the...

That this House welcomes the positive interventions from many hon. Members from across the House on behalf of women born in the 1950s who have lost their pensions; welcomes the equalisation of retirement ages between women and men; recalls that women born in the 1950s were subject to discriminatory employment and pension laws; recognises that this included being excluded from some pensions schemes; recognises that this had the negative effect for them of losing the opportunity to have the same level of pension as their partner or spouse; further recognises that this has had the consequence of women in this position never being able to have equal pensions to men; further notes that this has negatively and profoundly impacted on them including increased poverty, deteriorating health and homelessness; notes that at least 3.8 million women have been impacted by the loss of their pensions from the age of 60 in three separate age hikes; and calls on the Government to enact a temporary special measure as permitted by international law to provide restitution to women born in the 1950s who have lost their pensions from the age of 60 because of the impact of the rise in retirement age.

That this House welcomes the positive interventions from many hon. Members from across the House on behalf of women born in the 1950s who have lost their pensions; welcomes the equalisation of retirement ages between women and men; recalls that women born in the 1950s were subject to discriminatory employment...

That this House expresses deep concern at the planned introduction of a new penal code in Brunei; notes the UN Secretary-General’s belief that these new laws are in clear violation of human rights principles; expresses solidarity with LGBT+ Bruneians and grave concern about the impact of this legislation upon the LGBT+ community; condemns the planned introduction of the death penalty for gay sex in Brunei; notes that women and Bruneians from religious minorities are also at significant risk; expresses concern that British forces continue to operate in Brunei; believes that the protection of human rights should be central to UK foreign policy; and calls on the UK government to exert pressure and influence upon Brunei and all Commonwealth nations to protect the rights of LGBT+ people and other minority groups.

That this House expresses deep concern at the planned introduction of a new penal code in Brunei; notes the UN Secretary-General’s belief that these new laws are in clear violation of human rights principles; expresses solidarity with LGBT+ Bruneians and grave concern about the impact of this legislation upon the...

That this House welcomes the independent UN Commission of Inquiry report on protests in Gaza; notes with the deepest concern its findings that, in its widespread use of force against demonstrators, Israeli security forces committed violations of international law which may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity; condemns the prevailing impunity for the killing and injuring of medics, journalists, children, and persons who pose no imminent threat of death or serious injury to those around them; further notes with concern the finding that, while the protests were civilian in nature, the de-facto authorities in Gaza encouraged or defended the use of incendiary kites and balloons which caused damage and fear in southern Israel; and calls on the Government to support the Commission's report at the Human Rights Council and do its part in implementing the report's recommendations relating to preventing future violations, ensuring accountability, and lifting the blockade and closure of Gaza.

That this House welcomes the independent UN Commission of Inquiry report on protests in Gaza; notes with the deepest concern its findings that, in its widespread use of force against demonstrators, Israeli security forces committed violations of international law which may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity; condemns the...

That this House notes that the Health and Care Professions Council plans to increase its registration fees by 18 per cent from October 2019; believes that this increase is effectively a tax on practicing, as those who are regulated by the HCPC must pay this annual fee in order to continue doing their jobs; notes that this affects a wide range of staff working in 15 health and care professions across the UK, including paramedics, occupation therapists, operating department practitioners, physiotherapists, radiographers, dieticians, chiropodists, podiatrists, orthoptists, clinical scientists, and speech and language therapists; regrets that such an increase will mean HCPC fees rising by 40 per cent since 2014, outstripping inflation as well as the smaller pay increases that health and care staff have had across this period; considers such an increase to be excessive and unreasonable, with further concerns about the lack of public scrutiny around such a large rise in fees; and therefore calls on the HSPC to reconsider this increase as a matter of urgency.

That this House notes that the Health and Care Professions Council plans to increase its registration fees by 18 per cent from October 2019; believes that this increase is effectively a tax on practicing, as those who are regulated by the HCPC must pay this annual fee in order to...

That this House welcomes the 300th anniversary of the iconic Belhaven Brewery in Dunbar, the oldest working brewery in Scotland and one of the oldest in Britain; notes that brewing has taken place on the site for hundreds of years, while the brew house's lintel is engraved with the date 1719, recognised as the founding of the present brewery when it was taken over by local market gardener John Johnstone; further notes that Belhaven has produced some of Scotland's most popular beers, including Belhaven Best, Scotland's best-selling ale; acknowledges that Belhaven has nearly 100 pubs across Scotland, and exports its products to markets around the world; congratulates all the staff at the brewery on its 300 years of continuous brewing innovation; and wishes everyone at Belhaven many more years of success in the future.

That this House welcomes the 300th anniversary of the iconic Belhaven Brewery in Dunbar, the oldest working brewery in Scotland and one of the oldest in Britain; notes that brewing has taken place on the site for hundreds of years, while the brew house's lintel is engraved with the date...

That this House notes with concern that hundreds of hunting trophies have been imported into the UK in recent years, including from species threatened with extinction such as elephants, lions, hippopotamuses, leopards and rhinoceroses; further notes that trophy hunting is having a negative effect on wildlife through the loss of significant numbers of healthy individuals that are key to the survival of rapidly declining populations, that unsustainable rates of trophy hunting have caused some populations of Africa's big cats to decline, and that hunting and poaching of elephants is outpacing their rate of reproduction; considers that trophy hunting is cruel, immoral, archaic and unjustifiable, and can act as a cover for illegal poaching; further considers that a global end to trophy hunting is desirable, and that nature tourism is a humane and more effective means of conserving wildlife and supporting local communities; and calls on the Government to commit to halting imports of hunting trophies as a matter of urgency.

That this House notes with concern that hundreds of hunting trophies have been imported into the UK in recent years, including from species threatened with extinction such as elephants, lions, hippopotamuses, leopards and rhinoceroses; further notes that trophy hunting is having a negative effect on wildlife through the loss of...

That this House expresses deep sorrow at the tragic death of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha the chairman of Leicester City Football Club in a horrific accident on 27 October 2018; also mourns the loss of the other four victims of the tragedy; recognises Khun Vichai's outstanding leadership of the club; further recognises his unshakable belief, drive and vision which led to Leicester winning the Premier League in 2016; and sends its deepest condolences to his family and the supporters and staff of Leicester City Football Club.

That this House expresses deep sorrow at the tragic death of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha the chairman of Leicester City Football Club in a horrific accident on 27 October 2018; also mourns the loss of the other four victims of the tragedy; recognises Khun Vichai's outstanding leadership of the club; further recognises...

That this House is deeply concerned by the recent announcement that 74 Crown post offices will be closed and franchised to WHSmith, which will mean a total loss of 60 per cent of Crown offices since 2013; notes the use of public funds to finance the closure and franchise programme despite the fact that the public has never endorsed the closures, and has only ever protested against such closures; further notes that in 2014-15, £13 million of public funds was used to pay compensation to reduce the number of post office staff and that the Communication Workers Union (CWU) estimates the staff compensation cost of the latest privatisation will be at least £30 million, with 800 jobs now at risk; recognises that research by Consumer Focus in 2012 and Citizens Advice in 2016 shows that WHSmith franchises result in longer queuing times, inferior service and advice and poor disabled access; questions the privatisation of profit-making Crown offices and handing them to a retailer which is closing stores and relies on a business model of low pay and part-time employment; notes that this round of privatisation will also see the loss of prime high street Crown office stores and that this will contribute to the demise of town centres; and urges the Government to stop this wasteful and unpopular franchising programme and to work with stakeholders, including the CWU, to develop a new strategy that safeguards the future of the post office.

That this House is deeply concerned by the recent announcement that 74 Crown post offices will be closed and franchised to WHSmith, which will mean a total loss of 60 per cent of Crown offices since 2013; notes the use of public funds to finance the closure and franchise programme...

That this House welcomes International Stammering Awareness Day on 22 October 2018, which aims to raise awareness and increase understanding of stammering, a speech condition that affects around one in 20 young children and one in 100 adults; recognises individuals and groups of volunteers and professionals who do incredible work helping people who stammer; acknowledges that talking about stammering is one of the best ways to remove the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding the condition, and to improve the lives of those who have a stammer; commits to doing all it can to ensure that people with a stammer are able to have their voice heard in the democratic process; and further commits to ensuring that recruitment practices and employee support for all roles are inclusive of the needs of people who stammer.

That this House welcomes International Stammering Awareness Day on 22 October 2018, which aims to raise awareness and increase understanding of stammering, a speech condition that affects around one in 20 young children and one in 100 adults; recognises individuals and groups of volunteers and professionals who do incredible work...