That this House notes with concern that demand for the 2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive had allocated 75% of the window 1 budget within weeks of the scheme opening; pays tribute to farmers across the country, particularly smaller and hill farms, for producing food, caring for the countryside and tackling climate change, during a cost of doing farming crisis; further notes that for many of them SFI is now their only direct financial support; expresses concern that England remains an outlier among European nations in providing no direct payments to farmers, making properly funded and accessible environmental schemes essential to their survival; recognises that farmers need confidence that schemes will remain open and funded during their advertised duration; also notes that the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pledged there would be no more sudden and unexpected closures of farming schemes following the abrupt suspension of SFI in 2024; believes that SFI26 must remain open and accessible to all farmers who need it; regrets that farmers are being forced into a race against the clock to apply before funds run out; and calls on the Government to guarantee sufficient, long-term funding for all eligible SFI26 applicants regardless of landscape or designation, by committing to an additional £1 billion a year for environmental land management schemes, so that farmers have the certainty they need to invest in nature-friendly farming, food security and climate resilience.

That this House notes with concern that demand for the 2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive had allocated 75% of the window 1 budget within weeks of the scheme opening; pays tribute to farmers across the country, particularly smaller and hill farms, for producing food, caring for the countryside and tackling climate...

That this House notes with concern the wildfires that broke out near Ilminster in Somerset recently, one of several simultaneous incidents that placed significant strain on fire crews from multiple counties amid warnings of exceptional wildfire risk; further notes that Somerset has this year experienced both devastating flash flooding and dangerous heat leading to wildfires, underlining the county's exposure to the extremes of a changing climate; recognises that farmers and landowners in Somerset are on the front line of this challenge and that wildfires can spread quickly in built-up areas as well as the countryside; further recognises that fire ponds serve a critical dual purpose, providing a store of water for irrigation and livestock through dry spells and a reliable water source for fire crews in rural areas where mains hydrants cannot reach; believes that wildfire resilience should be treated as part of the same interconnected challenge as drought and flood adaptation, rather than a separate issue, within the Farming Roadmap 2050; calls on the Government to make fire pond creation and restoration an explicit, eligible, funded action within the Sustainable Farming Incentive, with clear capital grant support for Somerset's landowners; further calls on the Government to work with the National Fire Chiefs Council to map the areas of Somerset most at risk of wildfire and least served by water access; and urges the Government to set out how fire pond provision will be monitored and reported on as part of wider climate adaptation delivery.

That this House notes with concern the wildfires that broke out near Ilminster in Somerset recently, one of several simultaneous incidents that placed significant strain on fire crews from multiple counties amid warnings of exceptional wildfire risk; further notes that Somerset has this year experienced both devastating flash flooding and...

That this House condemns the ongoing, unprovoked, and illegal aggression of the Russian Federation both at home and across Europe; notes with grave concern the increasing hostility by Russian naval vessels and aircraft across northern European waters, including within the British Channel and the Norwegian Sea, which pose a direct threat to UK security; expresses alarm at the Russian shadow fleet actively bypassing international price caps and national sanctions to move roughly 40% of Russian oil; regrets that these illicit vessels transport sanctioned cargo near to UK territorial waters, bankrolling the Kremlin's brutal war machine in Ukraine; urges the Government to take a decisive stance by working alongside international allies to completely ban the provision of all maritime services for the export of Russian oil, oil products, gas, and coal, thereby choking off the critical energy revenues funding Putin's hybrid warfare and hostile regional aggression; and further urges the Government to expand its interdiction of Russian shadow vessels transporting oil illegally near UK waters, selling the captured cargo to raise money for Ukraine.

That this House condemns the ongoing, unprovoked, and illegal aggression of the Russian Federation both at home and across Europe; notes with grave concern the increasing hostility by Russian naval vessels and aircraft across northern European waters, including within the British Channel and the Norwegian Sea, which pose a direct...

That this House acknowledges the second anniversary of the International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion on 19 July 2024, which noted that Israel’s continuing presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) is unlawful; regrets the Government's continuing and unjustifiable failure to provide the UK's assessment on the Court's opinion; believes that the UK is failing to meet its obligations in relation to the Court's opinion; recognises that only a two-state solution and a lasting peace can deliver security and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians; further recognises that securing progress towards a two-state solution requires consistent and robust action to end Israel's occupation; further regrets the continuing administrative and arbitrary detention of Palestinians across the OPTs ; calls therefore on the UK Government to immediately publish its response to the Court; urges the Government to work with international partners to press the Israeli Government to allow journalists and human rights investigators full access to Gaza to support the collection of evidence of war crimes there; further calls on the UK Government to meet its commitments to uphold international law, including by banning all UK trade in goods and services with illegal Israeli settlements, by sanctioning Ministers responsible for facilitating and encouraging illegal expansion, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, and by banning all UK arms exports to Israel including F-35 components.

That this House acknowledges the second anniversary of the International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion on 19 July 2024, which noted that Israel’s continuing presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) is unlawful; regrets the Government's continuing and unjustifiable failure to provide the UK's assessment on the Court's opinion; believes...

That this House congratulates The Boar’s Head in Auchtermuchty on being named AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year Scotland 2026; recognises this outstanding achievement for the historic 300-year-old coaching inn, which reopened in 2021 following extensive renovation by owners David and Justina Jonikaite; notes that the award comes only a year after the introduction of its four boutique guest rooms and follows the establishment receiving a four-star AA rating; commends the owners and staff for their commitment to excellence in hospitality, customer service and the promotion of high-quality Scottish food and drink; further notes the positive contribution the business makes to the local economy and tourism sector in North East Fife; and wishes The Boar’s Head every success as it goes on to represent Scotland at the AA Hospitality Awards in London, where it will compete for the overall UK title.

That this House congratulates The Boar’s Head in Auchtermuchty on being named AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year Scotland 2026; recognises this outstanding achievement for the historic 300-year-old coaching inn, which reopened in 2021 following extensive renovation by owners David and Justina Jonikaite; notes that the award comes only...

That this House congratulates Masala City in Chichester on being named Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year at the British Curry Championship 2026; recognises the hard work and dedication of the entire team in delivering outstanding food and service; notes that Masala City has been a proudly family-owned restaurant serving Chichester since 2002; and wishes them continued success in representing Chichester on the national stage.

That this House congratulates Masala City in Chichester on being named Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year at the British Curry Championship 2026; recognises the hard work and dedication of the entire team in delivering outstanding food and service; notes that Masala City has been a proudly family-owned restaurant serving...

That this House congratulates Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, Stockton Town Centre Ward, Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, Port Talbot, Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham on being shortlisted for the first UK Town of Culture competition; applauds the creativity and hard work of volunteer groups and organisations such as One Ilfracombe in championing their communities; believes that culture and the arts enrich people's quality of life while adding more than £8.5bn to the UK economy each year; and supports efforts to strengthen local pride in towns across Britain.

That this House congratulates Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, Stockton Town Centre Ward, Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, Port Talbot, Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham on being shortlisted for the first UK Town of Culture competition; applauds the creativity and hard work of volunteer groups and organisations such...

That this House commends Donald MacDonald on his outstanding contribution to Scotland’s cultural life and to the success of the East Neuk Festival following his decision to step away after 22 years; recognises his role in co-founding the festival in 2004 alongside his wife Louise MacDonald and Svend McEwan-Brown; notes that the festival has attracted internationally renowned musicians and audiences from around the world, contributing significantly to the cultural, social and economic vitality of the East Neuk of Fife; further recognises his long-standing commitment to music and the arts, including his service to the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and wider support for musical excellence across Scotland; welcomes his appointment as Honorary President for Life of the East Neuk Festival; pays tribute to his enthusiasm, leadership, generosity and dedication over more than two decades; thanks him for the lasting legacy he has created for performers, audiences and communities alike; and wishes him every success, happiness and good health in the years ahead as he continues his association with the festival he helped to create.

That this House commends Donald MacDonald on his outstanding contribution to Scotland’s cultural life and to the success of the East Neuk Festival following his decision to step away after 22 years; recognises his role in co-founding the festival in 2004 alongside his wife Louise MacDonald and Svend McEwan-Brown; notes...

That this House congratulates the Spice Girls on 30 years since the release of their debut single Wannabe on 8 July 1996, which reached number one in 37 countries and launched one of the most remarkable careers in British music; celebrates three decades in which Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm and Geri Halliwell Horner became the best-selling girl group of all time, selling over 100 million records worldwide and achieving nine UK number one singles and two UK number one albums, including beloved hits such as Say You'll Be There, 2 Become 1 and Spice Up Your Life; recognises that their message of Girl Power inspired and empowered a generation of young women, both across the world and within our local communities, championing confidence, ambition and solidarity at a formative moment in many young lives; acknowledges their lasting influence on British popular culture, on the generations of artists who have followed them, and on the global standing of UK music; and concludes that three decades later, the Spice Girls look very well placed to make it last forever.

That this House congratulates the Spice Girls on 30 years since the release of their debut single Wannabe on 8 July 1996, which reached number one in 37 countries and launched one of the most remarkable careers in British music; celebrates three decades in which Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Emma...

That this House congratulates Charlotte Payne of Newbury on her selection to represent England in the hammer throw at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow; recognises this as a thoroughly deserved milestone following years of perseverance and outstanding performances, including her recent silver medal at the UK Athletics Championships; commends her resilience in returning successfully to elite competition following cochlear implant surgery in 2024, having lived with profound hearing loss since the age of three; celebrates the inspiration she provides to aspiring athletes across West Berkshire and beyond; notes with pride her roots in Newbury Athletic Club and her continued success on the national stage; and wishes Charlotte every success as she represents England at this summer’s Commonwealth Games.

That this House congratulates Charlotte Payne of Newbury on her selection to represent England in the hammer throw at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow; recognises this as a thoroughly deserved milestone following years of perseverance and outstanding performances, including her recent silver medal at the UK Athletics Championships; commends...

That this House commends the tireless campaigning of EDS UK to raise awareness about hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD); recognises that these multisystem conditions are often undiagnosed for years, leaving patients to suffer a litany of seemingly unconnected symptoms; highlights that this means that those with hEDS/HSD are often left without adequate support or care to manage their symptoms, which can be devastating; underlines that hEDS/HSD ought not be called rare but rather a realistic possibility; celebrates the work of Dr Reinhold in Winchester to develop the RCGP EDS Toolkit which is available worldwide to support medical practitioners to recognise hEDS/HSD earlier; urges the Government to promote this toolkit as a means of raising awareness about EDS; and calls on the Government to meet with EDS UK to discuss next steps.

That this House commends the tireless campaigning of EDS UK to raise awareness about hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD); recognises that these multisystem conditions are often undiagnosed for years, leaving patients to suffer a litany of seemingly unconnected symptoms; highlights that this means that those...

That this House welcomes the transformation of school meals at Compton and Up-Marden Primary School, part of the Downland Village Schools Federation in West Sussex; recognises the leadership of Executive Headteacher David Bertwistle in raising concerns about the quality of pre-packaged, microwave meals previously served to pupils; commends the Federation for developing a bold solution, including a hub kitchen providing fresh, nutritious meals designed around varied, seasonal menus and local suppliers; further welcomes the vital role played by the Compton Foodies, a group of pupils whose feedback has directly helped shape the school menu; notes with approval that meal uptake across the Federation has more than doubled, from 25% to 63%; further notes that this model demonstrates how small rural schools can pool resources to deliver excellent food for children; and calls on local and national Government to promote and support this model as an example of best practice for other small rural schools seeking to improve the quality and uptake of school meals.

That this House welcomes the transformation of school meals at Compton and Up-Marden Primary School, part of the Downland Village Schools Federation in West Sussex; recognises the leadership of Executive Headteacher David Bertwistle in raising concerns about the quality of pre-packaged, microwave meals previously served to pupils; commends the Federation...

That this House notes the important contribution of hockey clubs to health and wellbeing; further notes with over 600 competitive players across three Chichester hockey clubs, that this sport contributes to youth development, encourages activity for all ages and creates a sense of belonging for many in the community; recognises that 3G pitches, although favourable to football and rugby, create unsuitable conditions for competitive hockey; expresses concern that as astroturf pitches reach the end of their lifespan, they are increasingly being replaced with 3G pitches, seeing the number of available hockey facilities shrink rapidly; and calls for the Government to work with governing bodies to protect hockey pitch provision and review financial support available to grassroot hockey clubs.

That this House notes the important contribution of hockey clubs to health and wellbeing; further notes with over 600 competitive players across three Chichester hockey clubs, that this sport contributes to youth development, encourages activity for all ages and creates a sense of belonging for many in the community; recognises...

That this House celebrates Hampshire Day on 15 July 2026; commends the people of Hampshire for their pride, friendliness and camaraderie; expresses gratitude to the small businesses, charities and public sector workers who form the bedrock of the county; further thanks the farming and hospitality industries for enabling rural life to thrive through their economic, social and cultural contributions; recognises the natural beauty of Hampshire's countryside, woodlands and rivers, which weave through villages each filled with their own character; notes Hampshire's rich history as the birthplace of Jane Austen, providing a setting that inspired one of the country's most-loved authors, and boasting a wealth of historic houses, castles and gardens; acknowledges Hampshire as home to a thriving Armed Forces community, with several active and historic military sites across the county, as well as a large veteran population to whom the UK is indebted; further acknowledges Hampshire as a powerhouse for technology and innovation, attracting industry experts and investment from around the world; and calls on the Government to enable rural communities like those in Hampshire to thrive by ensuring adequate transport links, access to vital healthcare and wellbeing services, and protection from crime.

That this House celebrates Hampshire Day on 15 July 2026; commends the people of Hampshire for their pride, friendliness and camaraderie; expresses gratitude to the small businesses, charities and public sector workers who form the bedrock of the county; further thanks the farming and hospitality industries for enabling rural life...

That this House notes with concern recent polling indicating that almost half of Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, do not expect the State Pension will exist by the time they reach retirement age; recognises the vital role of the State Pension in providing a foundation of financial security in later life, and the importance of a secure retirement as a reward for decades of work and contribution; is concerned that declining confidence among young workers, including in Yeovil constituency, in the future of the State Pension risks undermining the post-war social contract between generations and eroding confidence in the long-term value of work; further notes the scale of the challenge facing Generation Z in the labour market, including reports that, without intervention, one in six young people could be outside education, employment or training within five years; and calls on the Government to protect long-term confidence in the State Pension, including by maintaining the Triple Lock, and to provide greater support and opportunities, including through apprenticeship reform and action to address youth unemployment, so that young people can build secure and sustainable working lives.

That this House notes with concern recent polling indicating that almost half of Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, do not expect the State Pension will exist by the time they reach retirement age; recognises the vital role of the State Pension in providing a foundation of financial...

That this House recognises the vital role post offices play in supporting rural communities by providing access to banking, cash withdrawals and deposits, parcel services and essential retail facilities; notes that, following widespread high street bank closures, post offices have become the primary point of access to in-person banking for many residents, particularly older or digitally excluded people in rural economies such as West Dorset; further notes with concern that changes by banks to services available through post offices risk undermining their long-term viability and reducing access to essential services; further recognises the dedication of postal workers serving rural communities despite the challenges of longer delivery routes and dispersed populations; expresses concern that postal delivery performance remains well below target, with first-class mail delivery at 79.2% in the Dorchester postcode area against a 93% target; also notes persistent parcel delivery failures in rural areas from delivery companies like EVRI, including missed deliveries, inaccurate tracking, incorrect delivery locations and inadequate customer support; believes rural consumers deserve reliable and transparent postal and parcel services; and calls on the Government to support the long-term sustainability of the Post Office network, work with Royal Mail to improve rural delivery performance, strengthen Ofcom's oversight of parcel delivery operators, require retailers to inform customers at the point of purchase which courier will be used, and work with the Post Office, banks and other stakeholders to safeguard banking services, ensure key financial services remain available through post offices, and secure their future at the heart of communities.

That this House recognises the vital role post offices play in supporting rural communities by providing access to banking, cash withdrawals and deposits, parcel services and essential retail facilities; notes that, following widespread high street bank closures, post offices have become the primary point of access to in-person banking for...

This House congratulates Wokingham’s Nina Barough CBE on being awarded Freedom of the City of London; celebrates her important charitable work in public health and cancer support; puts on record its thanks to her for her role in founding Walk the Walk, a charitable organisation fundraising for breast cancer support and advocacy; looks forward to the next MoonWalk London event in 2027 which will raise vital funds for this cause; and further congratulates Walk the Walk on having already raised over £2,270,000 in 2026 alone and £146 million in total.

This House congratulates Wokingham’s Nina Barough CBE on being awarded Freedom of the City of London; celebrates her important charitable work in public health and cancer support; puts on record its thanks to her for her role in founding Walk the Walk, a charitable organisation fundraising for breast cancer support...

That this House celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), founded in 1926 as the Council for the Preservation of Rural England; recognises a century of outstanding work protecting, enhancing and championing England’s countryside for the benefit of communities, nature and future generations; notes CPRE’s historic contribution to the establishment of Green Belts, National Parks, protections for hedgerows and dark skies, and its long-standing advocacy for sustainable land use and planning policies; commends the dedication of its members, volunteers, supporters and local branches across England who have helped safeguard cherished landscapes and promote access to green spaces; further recognises the important work of CPRE Oxfordshire and local campaigners across the Henley and Thame constituency in protecting valued landscapes, green spaces and rural communities; acknowledges the organisation’s continuing work to address the challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, rural sustainability and equitable access to nature; and wishes CPRE every success in its centenary year as it continues to protect and regenerate the countryside for the next hundred years.

That this House celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), founded in 1926 as the Council for the Preservation of Rural England; recognises a century of outstanding work protecting, enhancing and championing England’s countryside for the benefit of communities, nature and future generations; notes CPRE’s...

That this House congratulates Caitlyn Payne on the first birthday of The Bookmonger, the bookshop, wine and cheese bar she opened on New Kirk Road at Bearsden Cross; notes that Caitlyn was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at the age of 39 and received treatment at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre; recognises that this experience led her to build a business that gives back, including a Book of the Month initiative donating 100% of proceeds to Beatson Cancer Charity; commends her fundraising activities in support of the charity, including prize draws and themed sales during Breast Cancer Awareness Month; and thanks Caitlyn for her contribution to the Bearsden high street and to cancer care in Glasgow.

That this House congratulates Caitlyn Payne on the first birthday of The Bookmonger, the bookshop, wine and cheese bar she opened on New Kirk Road at Bearsden Cross; notes that Caitlyn was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at the age of 39 and received treatment at NHS Greater Glasgow...

That this House believes that Parliament and political parties should better reflect the diversity of the communities they serve; notes ongoing concerns regarding the underrepresentation of women and disabled people, alongside other groups with protected characteristics, in elected office across the United Kingdom; further notes that section 106 of the Equality Act 2010, which would require political parties to collect and publish anonymised data on the protected characteristics of election candidates, has not yet been commenced despite Parliament approving the legislation more than a decade ago; recognises the importance of robust and accessible data in identifying barriers to participation in democratic life and informing evidence-based policy responses; further recognises that transparency can support efforts to improve accessibility and representation across political parties and public institutions; and calls on the Government to take steps to improve the collection and publication of information relating to candidate diversity in UK elections.

That this House believes that Parliament and political parties should better reflect the diversity of the communities they serve; notes ongoing concerns regarding the underrepresentation of women and disabled people, alongside other groups with protected characteristics, in elected office across the United Kingdom; further notes that section 106 of the...