That this House applauds the two-thirds of English local authorities which issue, to each disabled person who cannot travel without a companion, a bus pass enabling both to travel free of charge; notes that a free bus pass for someone who cannot travel alone is of little practical value unless it covers a companion; and calls upon the Government to include free companion bus travel for disabled people who cannot travel alone within the statutory obligations on local authorities under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.

That this House applauds the two-thirds of English local authorities which issue, to each disabled person who cannot travel without a companion, a bus pass enabling both to travel free of charge; notes that a free bus pass for someone who cannot travel alone is of little practical value unless...

That this House celebrates the 90th anniversary of the Council for At-Risk Academics (Cara), a charity founded – as the Academic Assistance Council – at the The Royal Society on 22 May 1933 by leading academics and scientists in the UK to rescue their counterparts in Nazi Germany who were being forced out of their posts; notes with approval the subsequent widening of Cara’s mission to rescue university academics and their families at risk from persecution, violence and conflict anywhere in the world; congratulates Cara for helping thousands of academics to find refuge and work in the UK and its universities, where they have greatly contributed to this country’s scientific, cultural and artistic life; applauds the vital role of UK universities and research institutes in working in partnership with Cara to provide places, funding and other essential support for those whom Cara rescues, as well as the generosity of the many foundations, other institutions and individuals who also support Cara’s work; commends the determination of many current Cara scholars, most recently from Ukraine, Afghanistan and the Middle East, to return home when they can safely do so, in order to help build better societies in their own countries; and encourages Cara to continue and redouble its life-changing efforts.

That this House celebrates the 90th anniversary of the Council for At-Risk Academics (Cara), a charity founded – as the Academic Assistance Council – at the The Royal Society on 22 May 1933 by leading academics and scientists in the UK to rescue their counterparts in Nazi Germany who were...

That this House welcomes the fact that three days after Early Day Motion 338 on the Mountbatten Diaries was published in July 2021, almost all of the material withheld from public access began to be disclosed online; notes that this was the direct result of a six-year campaign by the accomplished biographer, Andrew Lownie, with the support of the Information Commissioner’s Office; deplores the fact that, in order to achieve this result, Dr Lownie had to accumulate legal costs approaching half-a-million pounds on account of protracted Cabinet Office resistance to the release of material almost all of which was known to be innocuous; notes that the Mountbatten Diaries had been purchased from the Broadlands Archive with public money and that very large further sums were spent by the Cabinet Office and Southampton University on their legal fight against disclosure; views it as oppressive and reprehensible that a distinguished historian should face severe financial loss under such circumstances; and consequently calls on the Cabinet Office to reimburse the legal costs which its unnecessary obstructiveness caused him to incur.

That this House welcomes the fact that three days after Early Day Motion 338 on the Mountbatten Diaries was published in July 2021, almost all of the material withheld from public access began to be disclosed online; notes that this was the direct result of a six-year campaign by the...

That this House expresses its support and appreciation for local community, parish and town councils which are the first tier of local government in England and Wales and play a vital role in our communities; notes with concern that whilst the vast majority of local councils are well run, there remain behavioural issues in a small minority of councils and by members of the public which involve bullying, intimidation and harassment of both councillors and their staff, as confirmed through a dedicated Civility and Respect project led by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC), One Voice Wales (OVW), county associations of local councils, and also highlighted by the Association of Local Council Clerks (ALCC); further notes with concern this is leading to councillors and staff leaving the sector and is creating difficulties in recruiting to those roles; and calls on the Government to re-visit its response to the Committee on Standards in Public Life report on local government ethical standards and introduce the report’s recommendations in full including tougher sanctions such as suspension for poorly behaving councillors.

That this House expresses its support and appreciation for local community, parish and town councils which are the first tier of local government in England and Wales and play a vital role in our communities; notes with concern that whilst the vast majority of local councils are well run, there...

That this House notes with deep concern convincing evidence collected by the Association of Local Council Clerks showing that, far from being untypical, the toxic behaviour by Parish Councillors in Cheshire exposed online in December 2020, is endemic in a significant minority of Town and Parish Councils; deplores the departure from their roles of dozens of part-time and full-time Clerks, as a result of bullying by Councillors who face negligible sanctions for such misbehaviour; regrets the anguish thus generated and the substantial cost to the public purse arising from settlements following breakdown in employer and employee relations; and calls on the Government to establish an appropriate and effective sanctions mechanism, including financial penalties, to deal with local Councillors found guilty of such misconduct.

That this House notes with deep concern convincing evidence collected by the Association of Local Council Clerks showing that, far from being untypical, the toxic behaviour by Parish Councillors in Cheshire exposed online in December 2020, is endemic in a significant minority of Town and Parish Councils; deplores the departure...

That this House notes with concern that the personal diaries of Lord and Lady Mountbatten were purchased from the family's Broadlands Archive Trust, a decade ago, by Southampton University with a substantial sum of public money including almost £2 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund; that, until the sale to the University, the Mountbatten family had made the diaries available to historians upon request; that Lady Mountbatten was never a public servant and consequently her writings are not subject to Freedom of Information restrictions; that in December 2019 the Information Commissioner's Office ordered the University to disclose the Mountbatten diaries and correspondence; that this continues to be resisted at the apparent direction of the Cabinet Office, citing FOI exemptions but refusing to identify the criteria relevant to the Mountbatten diaries; that it is 42 years since the death of Lord Mountbatten and 61 years since that of Lady Mountbatten; that it is deeply regrettable that their distinguished biographer, Dr Andrew Lownie, has so far had to pay £250,000 pursuing a campaign for the diaries' release to historians; and accordingly calls for their disclosure for publication without further obfuscation and delay.

That this House notes with concern that the personal diaries of Lord and Lady Mountbatten were purchased from the family's Broadlands Archive Trust, a decade ago, by Southampton University with a substantial sum of public money including almost £2 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund; that, until the sale to...

That this House celebrates the forthcoming 75th anniversary on 28 March 2020 of the Blinded Veterans Association of America and recognises its close and developing partnership with Blind Veterans UK, formerly known as St Dunstan’s, in the area of research into sight loss; acknowledges the unique value of the proposed UK-US Joint Ocular Trauma Task Force; and urges the Government to support that Task Force and endorse the planned joint Centre of Research and Innovation for Blind Veterans.

That this House celebrates the forthcoming 75th anniversary on 28 March 2020 of the Blinded Veterans Association of America and recognises its close and developing partnership with Blind Veterans UK, formerly known as St Dunstan’s, in the area of research into sight loss; acknowledges the unique value of the proposed...

That this House commends the establishment and operation by key utility companies, such as Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, of priority services registers; notes that these registers encourage consumers with children under five, or with hearing, sight or other disabilities, or who are chronically ill, or rely on electricity for medical equipment, or are over 60, to register with the company for priority treatment, advice and support in the event of power loss; welcomes the fact that the priority services registration scheme is free of charge; and accordingly encourages all who fall into the various categories of vulnerability qualifying for the scheme to register and take advantage of this commendable service.

That this House commends the establishment and operation by key utility companies, such as Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, of priority services registers; notes that these registers encourage consumers with children under five, or with hearing, sight or other disabilities, or who are chronically ill, or rely on electricity for...

That this House greatly values the service, over decades, of the Post Office counter staff in the Members' Lobby Post Office; views with concern the proposal to shut down the counter service in that Office; regrets that hon. Members have not had this properly drawn to their attention; acknowledges that an additional 32 hon. Members have also expressed opposition to the proposed closure; and accordingly requires a proper consultation to be held, to which all hon. Members are invited to contribute, before any such loss of service is implemented.

That this House greatly values the service, over decades, of the Post Office counter staff in the Members' Lobby Post Office; views with concern the proposal to shut down the counter service in that Office; regrets that hon. Members have not had this properly drawn to their attention; acknowledges that...

That this House salutes the extraordinary courage of the three crew members of HMS Petard who, on 30 October 1942, boarded the sinking German submarine U-559 in circumstances of extreme peril; recognises that the Enigma material they retrieved proved vital in saving countless Allied ships and lives; deeply regrets that two of them were drowned when the submarine foundered and the third did not survive the war; and believes that the example and self-sacrifice of Lieutenant Anthony Fasson GC, Able Seaman Colin Grazier GC and Canteen Assistant Tommy Brown GM must never be forgotten.

That this House salutes the extraordinary courage of the three crew members of HMS Petard who, on 30 October 1942, boarded the sinking German submarine U-559 in circumstances of extreme peril; recognises that the Enigma material they retrieved proved vital in saving countless Allied ships and lives; deeply regrets that...

That this House recognises the great historical significance of the World War One submarine-hunter, the former Q-ship, HMS President; further recognises her service to the country through both World Wars, and in the Cold War as Drill Ship for the London Division, Royal Naval Reserve; acknowledges her value as a heritage site; believes that, as one of the UK's last three remaining World War One warships, the President must be preserved and maintained; and accordingly urges HM Treasury to support the HMS President (1918) Preservation Trust bid for restoration funding, through the distribution of Libor fines in the 2016 Autumn Statement.

That this House recognises the great historical significance of the World War One submarine-hunter, the former Q-ship, HMS President; further recognises her service to the country through both World Wars, and in the Cold War as Drill Ship for the London Division, Royal Naval Reserve; acknowledges her value as a...

That this House recognises the need for greater co-operation between separate service charities and those charities and the Armed Forces of the Crown; accordingly welcomes the launch of the Shipmates and Oppos programme for the support of all Service Leavers of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and their Reserves; congratulates Greenwich Hospital, the Royal Naval Association, the White Ensign Association, the Royal Marines Association, the Association of Royal Naval Officers and the personnel staff of the Royal Navy on a programme to provide proactive support to veterans for five years after service, signposting all naval and joint service charitable support services and the Veterans Support Service, and providing an arm around the shoulder to vulnerable service leavers; and encourages other military charities to establish cross-sector programmes too.

That this House recognises the need for greater co-operation between separate service charities and those charities and the Armed Forces of the Crown; accordingly welcomes the launch of the Shipmates and Oppos programme for the support of all Service Leavers of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and their Reserves; congratulates...

That this House recognises the need for greater co-operation between separate Services Charities: accordingly, welcomes the recent battlefield tour, for wounded veterans of all ages, to Ypres, organised and run by The Not Forgotten Association in co-operation with the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association and Combat Stress; acknowledges, in this Great War centenary period, the huge medical advances for injured personnel made at Lijssenthoek Military Hospital in World War One, and the continuing ceremonies at the Menin Gate; and encourages similar future collaboration by Service Charities in support of wounded and disabled veterans.

That this House recognises the need for greater co-operation between separate Services Charities: accordingly, welcomes the recent battlefield tour, for wounded veterans of all ages, to Ypres, organised and run by The Not Forgotten Association in co-operation with the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association and Combat Stress; acknowledges, in this Great...

That this House recognises with respect and gratitude all who fought in the war in Burma 70 years ago; notes that this was the longest land campaign of the Second World War; salutes the memory of nearly 40,000 British and Commonwealth Service personnel who died in the fighting, as well as the thousands more killed in captivity; and commends the work of The Not Forgotten Association, a tri-service charity for the wounded in keeping alive the memory of such sacrifices.

That this House recognises with respect and gratitude all who fought in the war in Burma 70 years ago; notes that this was the longest land campaign of the Second World War; salutes the memory of nearly 40,000 British and Commonwealth Service personnel who died in the fighting, as well...

That this House salutes the many volunteers throughout the UK who raise substantial funds for Help for Heroes; congratulates, in particular, Elaine Husband, Mary and Nick Pattison, Shelagh Morgan, Lynn England and Claire Parsons of Brockenhurst, whose October 2013 Charity Weekend at the Balmer Lawn Hotel raised £30,348; notes that previously, in October 2011, the same team had raised £23,500; and wishes them every success in surpassing even these totals in October 2015, when the next in this admirable, enjoyable and productive series of events is to be held.

That this House salutes the many volunteers throughout the UK who raise substantial funds for Help for Heroes; congratulates, in particular, Elaine Husband, Mary and Nick Pattison, Shelagh Morgan, Lynn England and Claire Parsons of Brockenhurst, whose October 2013 Charity Weekend at the Balmer Lawn Hotel raised £30,348; notes that...

That this House congratulates Calshot Activities Centre, on the Solent, for its 50 years of training, education, recreation and adventure courses provided to tens of thousands of children and adults from Hampshire and beyond; notes that its outstanding facilities include skiing, climbing, sailing, canoeing and velodrome cycling; believes that its character-building work is a fitting successor to Calshot's historic role as home to Royal Air Force flying boat squadrons, Schneider Trophy contests and Royal Air Force High Speed Flight attempts on the world speed record; welcomes the vital support it receives from Hampshire County Council; and, accordingly, wishes all present and former participants, instructors, staff and supporters a successful week of 50th anniversary celebrations in July 2013.

That this House congratulates Calshot Activities Centre, on the Solent, for its 50 years of training, education, recreation and adventure courses provided to tens of thousands of children and adults from Hampshire and beyond; notes that its outstanding facilities include skiing, climbing, sailing, canoeing and velodrome cycling; believes that its...

That this House congratulates the award-winning Southern Water Learn to Swim scheme, which is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year; notes that the scheme has now helped to teach more than 600,000 children to swim; recognises the work of Southern Water in continuing to promote the scheme, in addition to the dedicated staff who act as voluntary pool co-ordinators, and the army of more than 1,000 swimming instructors who make the scheme possible; and values the contribution of this scheme in helping children aged four to 12complete this vital part of the National Curriculum and attain a life-enhancing and life-saving skill.

That this House congratulates the award-winning Southern Water Learn to Swim scheme, which is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year; notes that the scheme has now helped to teach more than 600,000 children to swim; recognises the work of Southern Water in continuing to promote the scheme, in addition to...

That this House notes the Morning Star is a national daily newspaper available in shops across the UK; further notes that it is the only socialist daily newspaper in the English language worldwide; further notes that the Morning Star and its management have strong links with the trade union movement; welcomes the different light it shines on news and current affairs from that of other daily newspapers; expresses concern that the Morning Star is rarely ever shown on or reported by the BBC on television and radio; and calls on the Director General of the BBC to ensure that the Morning Star is featured regularly and as a matter of course in broadcast newspaper reviews in the interests of fair and balanced reporting.

That this House notes the Morning Star is a national daily newspaper available in shops across the UK; further notes that it is the only socialist daily newspaper in the English language worldwide; further notes that the Morning Star and its management have strong links with the trade union movement;...

That this House regrets the continuing decline in importance of Early Day Motions which have become a campaign tool for external organisations; notes the role of public affairs professionals in drafting Early Day Motions and encouraging members of the organisations they represent to send pro forma emails and postcards to hon. Members; further notes the huge volume of correspondence that this generates and the consequent office and postage costs incurred; believes that the organisations involved derive little benefit from Early Day Motions, which very rarely have any influence on policy; further believes that public affairs professionals are aware of the ineffectiveness of Early Day Motions, but continue to use them to attempt to justify their services; questions the value for money to the taxpayer of Early Day Motions of whatever origin; and calls for the system of Early Day Motions to be reformed or abolished.

That this House regrets the continuing decline in importance of Early Day Motions which have become a campaign tool for external organisations; notes the role of public affairs professionals in drafting Early Day Motions and encouraging members of the organisations they represent to send pro forma emails and postcards to...

That this House applauds the outstanding mental health services hitherto provided at Ellingham Ward Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Woodhaven Hospital and the excellent 24-hour support given at Crowlin House residential rehabilitation unit in the New Forest; deplores the so-called temporary closure of the former and the continuing threat to the future of the latter; notes that without Ellingham Ward, there would not have been enough PICU beds in the Trust area for 80 per cent. of the time; fears for the welfare of vulnerable residents currently in Crowlin House and for everyone who will need half-way house 24-hour care in future; and accordingly calls upon the Hampshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to reopen Ellingham Ward, to restore its highly-skilled and dedicated staff team, and to remove the threat to Crowlin House immediately.

That this House applauds the outstanding mental health services hitherto provided at Ellingham Ward Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Woodhaven Hospital and the excellent 24-hour support given at Crowlin House residential rehabilitation unit in the New Forest; deplores the so-called temporary closure of the former and the continuing threat...