That this House congratulates the Harpenden Hopper bus service on a decade of serving members of the Harpenden community, founded by several volunteers, including the late Rosemary Farmer, the 10 year anniversary of this organisation is a testament to their work in combating loneliness, increasing accessibility and reducing congestion for residents in the area; highlights the work of the 5 trustees, 22 volunteer drivers and mechanic, without whom the Harpenden Hopper would not have been able to coordinate 250 weekly journeys; and wishes the organisation many more successful years of devoted community service.

That this House congratulates the Harpenden Hopper bus service on a decade of serving members of the Harpenden community, founded by several volunteers, including the late Rosemary Farmer, the 10 year anniversary of this organisation is a testament to their work in combating loneliness, increasing accessibility and reducing congestion for...

That this House believes that social media platforms and online services must be designed with children’s safety in mind; notes that under current UK law, children as young as 13 can have their personal data collected, processed, and used for targeted advertising and algorithm-driven content; further notes that the majority of EU Member States set 16 as the minimum age for personal data processing; further believes that younger users are particularly vulnerable to manipulation by addictive platform design and invasive data collection practices; also notes that algorithms fuelled by children’s personal data can lead to addictive engagement loops, exposure to harmful content, and increased risks of online exploitation; and calls on the Government to set the UK’s digital age of consent for data processing at 16, in line with many other European jurisdictions, ensuring that social media platforms and other online services prioritise children’s rights, safety, and wellbeing by default.

That this House believes that social media platforms and online services must be designed with children’s safety in mind; notes that under current UK law, children as young as 13 can have their personal data collected, processed, and used for targeted advertising and algorithm-driven content; further notes that the majority...

That this House notes that, according to a study by KPMG, 72% of the UK public are now unsure whether online content can be trusted due to the proliferation of AI-generated material; further notes that AI-generated content is fuelling misinformation and eroding public trust; also notes that mandatory AI content labelling is a straightforward, proportionate, and technically feasible measure that would restore transparency online by enabling users to clearly identify when content is AI-generated; notes with concern that without such labelling, the public is left unable to make informed judgements about the content they consume; and calls on the Government to introduce legislation requiring the mandatory labelling of AI-generated content across all online platforms.

That this House notes that, according to a study by KPMG, 72% of the UK public are now unsure whether online content can be trusted due to the proliferation of AI-generated material; further notes that AI-generated content is fuelling misinformation and eroding public trust; also notes that mandatory AI content...

That this House notes that we live in an increasingly digitised world, with our jobs, finance, transport and national security depending on technological solutions; further notes that many of these services, including Government services and critical national infrastructure, depend on technology and/or supply chains that are not owned or located within the UK; highlights the economic benefits and employment opportunities that increasing support for British technology over foreign alternatives in sectors such as AI, digital infrastructure, the semi-conductor industry and cloud computing could have; additionally notes that dependencies on technology such as cloud computing from outside the UK pose potential national security threats due to possible disruptions to accessing these services caused by geopolitical tensions, foreign policy decisions, service withdrawal, sanctions, foreign data scraping and changes to service terms; further notes that digital sovereignty goes hand in hand with the UK’s military power and subsequently the protection of the country’s national security; further notes that current Government procurement processes for digital services favours big multinational technology companies, as opposed to smaller domestic companies; calls on the Government to publish a digital sovereignty strategy that sets out how the Government intends to secure opportunities for UK technology companies whilst tackling the risks posed by over reliance on foreign technologies; and further calls on the Government to adopt a sovereign public procurement strategy ensuring economic resilience in the technological world and the management of possible national risks caused by technological dependencies.

That this House notes that we live in an increasingly digitised world, with our jobs, finance, transport and national security depending on technological solutions; further notes that many of these services, including Government services and critical national infrastructure, depend on technology and/or supply chains that are not owned or located...

That this House notes with alarm the findings of recent legal proceedings in the United States in which Meta and YouTube have been found liable for creating platforms with addictive features that cause mental health distress and social media addiction, and in which Meta has further been found liable for endangering children by exposing them to sexually explicit material and contact with sexual predators, with both rulings delivered within a single day of one another; further notes that TikTok and Snapchat reached a settlement to avoid being involved in the trial; is deeply troubled that in the UK no action has been taken to safeguard children from addictive social media features despite mounting medical and legal evidence of the mental and physical harm they cause; recognises that practical measures such as a doomscrolling cap and raising the age of data consent to 16, alongside harms-based age ratings for online platforms, would meaningfully reduce the exposure of children in the UK to these harms; expresses concern that the Government's ongoing social media consultation is resulting in further delay to the legislative action that is urgently needed; and calls on the Government to bring forward robust, future-proof legislation that places the responsibility squarely on social media platforms to make the internet safer for children, rather than placing the burden on families and young people.

That this House notes with alarm the findings of recent legal proceedings in the United States in which Meta and YouTube have been found liable for creating platforms with addictive features that cause mental health distress and social media addiction, and in which Meta has further been found liable for...

That this House acknowledges the devastating impact of social media on children's mental health, development, and safety; believes that tech companies have for too long prioritised profit over protection, exploiting children through addictive algorithms and treating young people as data to be mined rather than individuals whose wellbeing must be safeguarded; calls for a ban on harmful social media for under-16s based on a children’s risk assessment with age-appropriate guidance, including risk of addiction; recognises the urgent need to take action and set a default age of 16 for social media use; understands the need to protect children’s rights and wellbeing online with access to safe online spaces; further recognises the need to build on lessons from Australia’s social media ban to future proof against new platforms, other online harms such as games and emerging technology such as AI; highlights it is vital that the burden of age-appropriate proof lies with social media companies and the responsibility for safe design stays with tech companies; and calls on the Government to support this framework to ensure big tech is held to account and children are protected online.

That this House acknowledges the devastating impact of social media on children's mental health, development, and safety; believes that tech companies have for too long prioritised profit over protection, exploiting children through addictive algorithms and treating young people as data to be mined rather than individuals whose wellbeing must be...

That this House notes with serious concern the cumulative cost pressures facing independent hospitality businesses across the United Kingdom; recognises that the simultaneous impact of rising National Minimum Wage, increased employer National Insurance contributions, rising energy costs, food price volatility, and the reduction of business rates relief is pushing viable, long-established businesses to the brink; acknowledges that these pressures do not exist in isolation but compound one another in ways that make sustainable operation increasingly impossible for small operators; further notes that in Berkhamsted alone, three long-established restaurants have closed in the last four months, with their premises now sitting empty on one of the most vibrant high streets in the country; is deeply troubled that small business owners are being forced to cut staff hours, cancel investment in UK suppliers and manufacturers, remove themselves from payroll, and abandon plans for growth simply to survive; and calls on the Government to work collaboratively with the sector to create conditions in which independent businesses can operate, invest and grow.

That this House notes with serious concern the cumulative cost pressures facing independent hospitality businesses across the United Kingdom; recognises that the simultaneous impact of rising National Minimum Wage, increased employer National Insurance contributions, rising energy costs, food price volatility, and the reduction of business rates relief is pushing viable,...

That this House notes with alarm the findings of recent legal proceedings in the United States in which Meta and YouTube have been found liable for creating platforms with addictive features that cause mental health distress and social media addiction, and in which Meta has further been found liable for endangering children by exposing them to sexually explicit material and contact with sexual predators, with both rulings delivered within a single day of one another; further notes that TikTok and Snapchat reached a settlement to avoid being involved in the trial; is deeply troubled that in the UK no action has been taken to safeguard children from addictive social media features despite mounting medical and legal evidence of the mental and physical harm they cause; recognises that practical measures such as a doomscrolling cap and raising the age of data consent to 16, alongside harms-based age ratings for online platforms, would meaningfully reduce the exposure of children in the UK to these harms; expresses concern that the Government's ongoing social media consultation is resulting in further delay to the legislative action that is urgently needed; and calls on the Government to bring forward robust, future-proof legislation that places the responsibility squarely on social media platforms to make the internet safer for children, rather than placing the burden on families and young people

That this House notes with alarm the findings of recent legal proceedings in the United States in which Meta and YouTube have been found liable for creating platforms with addictive features that cause mental health distress and social media addiction, and in which Meta has further been found liable for...

That this House celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Wednesday 11 February 2026; recognises the vital contributions of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics throughout history, including those whose achievements have been overlooked; acknowledges that stereotypes in education, a lack of female role models and systemic biases continue to act as barriers to women's participation and progression in STEM careers; notes the importance of promoting STEM subjects and careers to address these gaps; and urges the Government to continue to support initiatives that widen participations and breakdown barriers to entry in STEM fields for women and girls.

That this House celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Wednesday 11 February 2026; recognises the vital contributions of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics throughout history, including those whose achievements have been overlooked; acknowledges that stereotypes in education, a lack of female role models...

That this House notes that the December 2024 National Planning Policy Framework, and the December 2025 consultation version, defines the term grey belt planning applications as those on Green Belt land that does not strongly contribute to three Green Belt purposes which all relate to towns and large built-up areas, and excludes the green belt purpose c, namely safeguarding the countryside from encroachment from policy for determining such applications; further notes growing evidence that this town-focused test is shifting development pressure toward open agricultural land on the edges of villages and smaller settlements, contrary to long-standing settlement hierarchy principles designed to combat commercial pressures for unplanned development in the open countryside; believes that this risks the gradual coalescence of settlements, and the loss of distinctive rural and village character; calls on the Government to review the definition and associated guidance on grey belt; and also notes the importance of getting grey belt development right, so as to ensure that 150,000 social homes can be built per year, in well-connected locations, and that this will best be achieved by giving local communities and the councillors who represent them more, not less involvement in decision making.

That this House notes that the December 2024 National Planning Policy Framework, and the December 2025 consultation version, defines the term grey belt planning applications as those on Green Belt land that does not strongly contribute to three Green Belt purposes which all relate to towns and large built-up areas,...

That this House acknowledges the devastating impact of social media on children's mental health, development, and safety; believes that tech companies have for too long prioritised profit over protection, exploiting children through addictive algorithms and treating young people as data to be mined rather than individuals whose wellbeing must be safeguarded; calls for a ban on harmful social media for under-16s based on a children’s risk assessment with age-appropriate guidance, including risk of addiction; recognises the urgent need to take action and set a default age of 16 for social media use; understands the need to protect children’s rights and wellbeing online with access to safe online spaces; further recognises the need to build on lessons from Australia’s social media ban to future proof against new platforms, other online harms such as games and emerging technology such as AI; highlights it is vital that the burden of age-appropriate proof lies with social media companies and the responsibility for safe design stays with tech companies; and calls on the Government to support this framework to ensure big tech is held to account and children are protected online.

That this House acknowledges the devastating impact of social media on children's mental health, development, and safety; believes that tech companies have for too long prioritised profit over protection, exploiting children through addictive algorithms and treating young people as data to be mined rather than individuals whose wellbeing must be...

That this House recognises the severe impact that thefts from and of work vans have on tradespeople and small business owners across the United Kingdom, including loss of income, business disruption and emotional distress; notes that tradespeople rely on their vehicles and tools to earn a living and that repeated thefts can put individuals out of business; further notes that nationally only a very small proportion of vehicle offences of any kind lead to a suspect being charged, and that information released by police forces shows similarly low detection rates for thefts from and of work vans; also notes that stolen tools are often quickly resold, making recovery difficult and creating a strong market incentive for offending; welcomes the work being undertaken by police forces, local policing oversight bodies and industry partners to disrupt the resale of stolen tools and support prevention; notes the Government’s decision not to extend the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 to tradespeople’s power tools at this time; and calls on the Government to work with policing bodies, manufacturers, insurers and trade organisations to develop a coordinated national approach that improves prevention, strengthens disruption of stolen-goods markets, increases detection, and better protects tradespeople from crime.

That this House recognises the severe impact that thefts from and of work vans have on tradespeople and small business owners across the United Kingdom, including loss of income, business disruption and emotional distress; notes that tradespeople rely on their vehicles and tools to earn a living and that repeated...

That this House expresses deep concern at Government proposals for a mandatory digital ID system; believes such a scheme would cross a red line for civil liberties, threatening privacy while doing little to meet the Government’s stated aims on immigration; further believes that digital tools should empower individuals with control over their data, not extend state control over their lives; notes that mandatory digital ID risks deepening digital exclusion, particularly for older people, disabled people and those on low incomes; is alarmed at the potential cost to taxpayers and the Government’s poor record on data security, including recent breaches at the Legal Aid Agency and Ministry of Defence; further notes that the Cyber Resilience Bill, which should form the bedrock of any such scheme, has yet to be laid before Parliament; is concerned that Ministers continue to conflate digital ID with e-government tools and improving public services; and therefore calls on the Government to abandon plans for a mandatory digital ID.

That this House expresses deep concern at Government proposals for a mandatory digital ID system; believes such a scheme would cross a red line for civil liberties, threatening privacy while doing little to meet the Government’s stated aims on immigration; further believes that digital tools should empower individuals with control...

That this House acknowledges the more than 44,000 people who have signed a petition expressing concern at the wrongful closure of social media accounts by Meta; recognises the importance of removing illegal or harmful content while upholding due process, transparency and effective redress but calls on Meta to provide clear explanations when accounts are closed and to enable complete data exports for affected users; and calls for the establishment of a UK escalation route, urging Ofcom and the Information Commissioner’s Office to require transparent accuracy and appeals metrics, to audit automated enforcement systems, and to ensure meaningful remedies for users adversely affected by enforcement errors.

That this House acknowledges the more than 44,000 people who have signed a petition expressing concern at the wrongful closure of social media accounts by Meta; recognises the importance of removing illegal or harmful content while upholding due process, transparency and effective redress but calls on Meta to provide clear...

That this House notes with concern the significant impact of long covid on children and young people across the UK, with thousands experiencing prolonged symptoms following covid-19 infection; regrets the serious consequences for children’s health, education, and family wellbeing; further notes the strain on schools and healthcare services; recognises the need for more research into long covid in children; calls on the Government to work with relevant organisations to ensure affected children receive proper recognition, care, and support; and further calls on the Government to create a register for those suffering from long covid alongside establishing care pathways to ensure that all practitioners have the guidance to treat long-term covid-19 patients effectively.

That this House notes with concern the significant impact of long covid on children and young people across the UK, with thousands experiencing prolonged symptoms following covid-19 infection; regrets the serious consequences for children’s health, education, and family wellbeing; further notes the strain on schools and healthcare services; recognises the...

That this House expresses concern about the potential impact of new developments on local water and drainage systems, particularly in areas with chalk streams, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and other protected habitats; notes that water companies often claim a site holds sufficient capacity despite local systems being under strain and environmental standards at risk; believes the current assessment process for wastewater capacity in planning applications lacks rigor and fails to account for long-term environmental costs; is disappointed that the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill fails to address this; urges the Government to include provision for sustainable drainage in future developments in the Bill by implementing Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010; calls on the Government to require water companies to provide independent infrastructure capacity assessments that consider local environmental pressures; further urges the Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Communities to grant local authorities greater powers to commission independent assessments; and further calls for all new developments to align with the UK's clean river objectives and protection of vulnerable habitats.

That this House expresses concern about the potential impact of new developments on local water and drainage systems, particularly in areas with chalk streams, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and other protected habitats; notes that water companies often claim a site holds sufficient capacity despite local systems being under strain...

That this House deeply regrets the decision to approve the expansion of London Luton Airport despite overwhelming concerns from local communities and environmental experts; notes that this expansion will lead to worsening air quality, increased noise pollution, and a near doubling of carbon emissions, further undermining the UK’s climate commitments; recognises the establishment of an independent body and the Green Controlled Growth framework as key mechanisms to mitigate these harms, but stresses that they must be more than symbolic; calls on the Government to ensure that the independent body has genuine enforcement powers, publishes regular, publicly accessible reports on environmental and public health impacts, and holds the airport operator accountable for any failure to meet its commitments; urges Ministers to confirm clear consequences for breaches of climate targets, noise reduction promises, and air quality standards, including financial penalties and operational restrictions if necessary; and believes that local residents must not be forced to bear the costs of broken promises, weak oversight, or corporate negligence.

That this House deeply regrets the decision to approve the expansion of London Luton Airport despite overwhelming concerns from local communities and environmental experts; notes that this expansion will lead to worsening air quality, increased noise pollution, and a near doubling of carbon emissions, further undermining the UK’s climate commitments;...

That this House acknowledges the unwavering dedication of the Flamstead Toad Patrol, a community-led initiative that guides common toads safely through hazardous areas during their annual journey to ancient breeding grounds; commends the volunteers who brave the cold, dark and wet conditions to protect this native species now facing decline; expresses deep concern over the severe health hazards posed by sewage discharges in the River Ver downstream of the Markyate Sewage Works; acknowledges the grave risk of contamination from E. coli and other dangerous pathogens that volunteers encounter; highlights the mental toll on volunteers who, despite their love for nature, are burdened by the fear of exposure to poorly treated sewage; and calls for immediate action to address the pollution, safeguarding both the environment and the valiant community members who strive to make a difference.

That this House acknowledges the unwavering dedication of the Flamstead Toad Patrol, a community-led initiative that guides common toads safely through hazardous areas during their annual journey to ancient breeding grounds; commends the volunteers who brave the cold, dark and wet conditions to protect this native species now facing decline;...

That this House believes that social media platforms and online services must be designed with children’s safety in mind; notes that under current UK law, children as young as 13 can have their personal data collected, processed, and used for targeted advertising and algorithm-driven content; further notes that the majority of EU Member States set 16 as the minimum age for personal data processing; further believes that younger users are particularly vulnerable to manipulation by addictive platform design and invasive data collection practices; also notes that algorithms fuelled by children’s personal data can lead to addictive engagement loops, exposure to harmful content, and increased risks of online exploitation; and calls on the Government to set the UK’s digital age of consent for data processing at 16, in line with many other European jurisdictions, ensuring that social media platforms and other online services prioritise children’s rights, safety, and wellbeing by default.

That this House believes that social media platforms and online services must be designed with children’s safety in mind; notes that under current UK law, children as young as 13 can have their personal data collected, processed, and used for targeted advertising and algorithm-driven content; further notes that the majority...

That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Harpenden and Wheathampstead Gang Show, a variety show that has been running since 1949, making it the longest continuously running Gang Show in the world that celebrates the talent of the young people around the Harpenden and Wheathampstead area; notes the commendable efforts of all of the backstage crew and cast members in their dedication to keep the tradition of the Gang Show alive whilst performing entertaining acts for the community; commends the hard work of Ewan Murray for his 37 years as Musical Director and 32 years as Show Director of the Gang Show; and highlights the community spirit of Harpenden and Wheathampstead for keeping this tradition alive.

That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Harpenden and Wheathampstead Gang Show, a variety show that has been running since 1949, making it the longest continuously running Gang Show in the world that celebrates the talent of the young people around the Harpenden and Wheathampstead area; notes the...