That this House notes with concern the challenges facing the barbering and hairdressing sector with a 23% employment decline in 2025; further notes the damage done to future employment in the sector, with the number of young people starting apprenticeships in hairdressers or barbers falling from 13,180 in 2015 to 4,160 in 2023; celebrates within that context the tireless work done by Mike Taylor and the Great British Barbering Academy to provide training opportunities and welcomes the work he and others are doing to support men's mental health and support for neurodiverse customers through their holistic approach to barbering; acknowledges that one in two salon owners now say they are considering closure before the end of the year, yet highlights that more than 750 new barbers opened in 2024 alone; shares the view of industry experts and the National Crime Agency that some new barbershops are illegitimate businesses with practices that are unsafe for customers; highlights that 13 barbershops were listed as having received illegal working civil penalties across the UK between 1 January and 31 March 2026; urges the Government to support the work of industry organisations such as the Hair and Barber Council to ensure the security and future of the sector; and calls for mandatory registration for barbershops and hairdressers in England to guarantee a level playing field for all hairdressers and barbers, to support the provision of clear pathways for hairdressing and barbering careers and to enable the effective targeting of enforcement activity where necessary.

That this House notes with concern the challenges facing the barbering and hairdressing sector with a 23% employment decline in 2025; further notes the damage done to future employment in the sector, with the number of young people starting apprenticeships in hairdressers or barbers falling from 13,180 in 2015 to...

That this House celebrates the outstanding work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which for more than 200 years has stood ready to save lives at sea, regardless of who is in danger; recognises the thousands of RNLI volunteers who give their time, often at considerable personal risk, to respond to emergencies and bring people safely home, providing an essential service to the nation; further celebrates the RNLI’s unique place in the life of communities across the United Kingdom and Ireland, and particularly recognises the important contribution made by the organisation to the town of Poole, where its headquarters and the RNLI College are based; expresses its pride in the RNLI’s world-leading role in international drowning prevention and in providing water safety education and awareness campaigns; notes that the RNLI is an independent charity whose lifeboat crews work in partnership with HM Coastguard to respond to people in distress at sea and whose lifeguards patrol our beaches; condemns the recent abuse, threats, and misinformation directed towards brave RNLI volunteers and staffers; insists that the RNLI’s volunteers should be able to carry out their lifesaving work without political pressure, prejudice or fear for their own safety; and urges the Government and the public to continue their support for this vital organisation to guarantee their future as a national institution of which communities across the country can be proud and so that the RNLI team can continue to act with courage, compassion and without discrimination.

That this House celebrates the outstanding work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which for more than 200 years has stood ready to save lives at sea, regardless of who is in danger; recognises the thousands of RNLI volunteers who give their time, often at considerable personal risk, to...

That this House celebrates the 150th year of St John’s Church in Wimborne; commends the role the Church has played and continues to play at the centre of its community through numerous events open to all; further commends the Church for the education offer they deliver through St John’s Pre-School and through the closely linked St John’s Church of England First School; welcomes the new Vicar, Reverend Tim Partridge, to his place at the Church next month; recognises the building as a fine example of the work of the Victorian architect Thomas Jackson; recommends visitors enjoy the ornate Italianate floor mosaics in the Church’s Chancel and Sanctuary; encourages locals and tourists to explore other beautiful churches dotted throughout Mid Dorset and North Poole; and urges the Government to do more to support the preservation of important places of worship across the country.

That this House celebrates the 150th year of St John’s Church in Wimborne; commends the role the Church has played and continues to play at the centre of its community through numerous events open to all; further commends the Church for the education offer they deliver through St John’s Pre-School...

That this House celebrates the 40th anniversary of Walford Mill Crafts, a cherished artistic hub formed from a grade II listed water mill in the heart of Wimborne; commends the work of the Mill’s artists, designers and makers in hosting open studios, pop-ups, craft workshops for adults and children, exhibitions and monthly craft markets in their riverside courtyard; recognises that the Mill is a valuable asset to the people of Wimborne, providing them with varied and creative talent to enjoy, and doing so in collaboration with other local businesses in the community; further celebrates the Mill’s charitable work, with this year also marking the 30th anniversary of the Mill delivering art and craft through their charity, the Walford Mill Education Trust Ltd; offers thanks to Debby Kirby, the Mill’s silk weaver and the heartbeat of the Mill, who has worked with the Mill since its doors first opened 40 years ago, inspiring others with her story, dedication and craftsmanship; recognises that despite the Mill having to temporarily close its doors earlier this year due to flooding from the River Allen, the Mill’s artists worked together tirelessly to open the doors up again; also celebrates the hard work of the Trustees and volunteers who maintain and run the historic building; and wholeheartedly wishes Walford Mill Crafts continued success for many years to come.

That this House celebrates the 40th anniversary of Walford Mill Crafts, a cherished artistic hub formed from a grade II listed water mill in the heart of Wimborne; commends the work of the Mill’s artists, designers and makers in hosting open studios, pop-ups, craft workshops for adults and children, exhibitions...

That this House congratulates Wimborne Rugby Club on celebrating its 75th anniversary; values the immense positive social impact the club has had on the area since its establishment; commends the dedication of its members who work tirelessly to maintain a strong community and develop young people; recognises in particular Chubby’s dedication for watching every game; welcomes their hard work in securing a new home at Quarter Jack Park to build on their success; and looks forward to watching the Badgers win for many years to come.

That this House congratulates Wimborne Rugby Club on celebrating its 75th anniversary; values the immense positive social impact the club has had on the area since its establishment; commends the dedication of its members who work tirelessly to maintain a strong community and develop young people; recognises in particular Chubby’s...

That this House condemns the Knesset’s decision to approve its Penal Law in March 2026, which expands the use of the death penalty in both military and civilian courts; recognises that the law’s provisions will de facto apply exclusively to Palestinians; affirms that discriminating against Palestinians is inhumane and contravenes Israel's obligations under international law; believes that the passage of this law constitutes an affront to decency, fairness and the rule of law; further believes it was introduced with the main political aim of appeasing far-right Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir; further recognises longstanding and grave concerns about the conduct of military courts in Israel, including the continuing practice of administrative detention without charge; welcomes the joint statement made by the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Italy and New Zealand which describes the de facto discriminatory character of the bill; calls on the UK Government to go further to condemn this discriminatory and inhumane legislation, including by summoning the Israeli Ambassador and calling for the revocation of the law; and further calls on the Government to show leadership in standing up for international law and securing progress towards a two-state solution, which is the only political settlement that can deliver peace, security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis.

That this House condemns the Knesset’s decision to approve its Penal Law in March 2026, which expands the use of the death penalty in both military and civilian courts; recognises that the law’s provisions will de facto apply exclusively to Palestinians; affirms that discriminating against Palestinians is inhumane and contravenes...

That this House notes with concern the drop in the number of public toilets, which the British Toilet Association estimates as a decrease of 40% in the last 25 years; recognises, that when mapped onto an increasing population, that equates to roughly one public toilet for every 17,200 people, with worse ratios in more rural parts of the country; highlights the importance of public toilet provision for all, but particularly for those working in outdoor professions, older people, people that are unhoused and people with disabilities; stresses that public toilet provision should be made up of fully accessible and inclusive spaces, equipped to any individual’s requirements; insists on a higher basic standard of public toilet that prioritises cleanliness and safety; therefore urges the Government to develop and publish a plan for increased, quality, public toilet provision across the country; and further urges the Government to introduce a statutory duty for Local Authorities to develop a toilet strategy, supported by Government funding.

That this House notes with concern the drop in the number of public toilets, which the British Toilet Association estimates as a decrease of 40% in the last 25 years; recognises, that when mapped onto an increasing population, that equates to roughly one public toilet for every 17,200 people, with...

That this House celebrates the awarding of Wimborne as Dorset’s Town of Culture for 2026; eagerly anticipates a packed programme of performances, exhibitions and cultural events; commends our museums and galleries, such as the Museum of East Dorset, Walford Mill and Fossil Blue Gallery, the Tivoli theatre and performance groups such as the Millstream Theatre Group and Wimborne Drama Productions, our local radio stations and community spaces, such as Wimborne Radio and the Allendale Centre, our festivals and annual shows, such as the Wimborne Folk Festival and the yearly QE School Musical Theatre performance, our local bands and our church choirs, such as the Quarterjacks and the Wimborne Minster choir, all for their inclusivity, innovation and work in this space which has marked Wimborne out as a cultural hub; recommends people to visit attractions including the Model Town and Kingston Lacy Estate; offers thanks to the town council for their hard work on the bid ensuring Wimborne has the opportunity to fulfil the stated vision of bridging past and future to foster accessible, vibrant cultural experiences throughout the year; and welcomes with open arms visitors from across the county and the country to Wimborne to share in the festivities and experience all this great town of ours has to offer.

That this House celebrates the awarding of Wimborne as Dorset’s Town of Culture for 2026; eagerly anticipates a packed programme of performances, exhibitions and cultural events; commends our museums and galleries, such as the Museum of East Dorset, Walford Mill and Fossil Blue Gallery, the Tivoli theatre and performance groups...

That this House celebrates the awarding of Tobias Gutteridge, constituent of Mid Dorset and North Poole, with an Honorary Degree from Bournemouth University; commends in this week of remembrance Mr Gutteridge’s exemplary service as part of the Royal Marines and Special Boat Service; recognises the sacrifice Mr Gutteridge made as part of his military career, returning from Afghanistan with injuries sustained in service and permanently reliant on a ventilator; celebrates his resilience through the rehabilitation process and his recommitment to education, completing his GCSEs, A Levels and a First Class Degree in Business Studies from Bournemouth University; expresses its gratitude to Mr Gutteridge for the example he sets, sharing his story of enduring strength through his memoir ‘Never Will I Die’ and in person as part of his speech to Bournemouth University graduates; and remembers other veterans injured or who gave their lives serving this country.

That this House celebrates the awarding of Tobias Gutteridge, constituent of Mid Dorset and North Poole, with an Honorary Degree from Bournemouth University; commends in this week of remembrance Mr Gutteridge’s exemplary service as part of the Royal Marines and Special Boat Service; recognises the sacrifice Mr Gutteridge made as...

That this House congratulates Stewarts Garden Centres based in Dorset for the seventieth birthday of the UK’s first garden centre in Ferndown; celebrates the role Edward Stewart, founder of the garden centre, played in the development of gardening as a hobby; recognises the contribution of the wider horticultural sector to our understanding of nature and the environment in this country; pays tribute to gardeners across the UK for their green-fingered additions to our communities; and commends the Stewart family for continuing Edward’s legacy with their three current garden centres that are part of a family business dating back to 1742.

That this House congratulates Stewarts Garden Centres based in Dorset for the seventieth birthday of the UK’s first garden centre in Ferndown; celebrates the role Edward Stewart, founder of the garden centre, played in the development of gardening as a hobby; recognises the contribution of the wider horticultural sector to...

That this House congratulates Dr Anjana Khatwa on the publication of her book Whispers of Rock, which effortlessly entwines the history of planet earth through its geology and the stories of the indigenous people whose culture is embedded in them; acknowledges her work in educating young people and the wider community as an earth scientist, through the Jurassic Coast Trust and the Open University; thanks her for sharing her love of geology with small communities like Corfe Mullen; recognises the impact that she has had through her work with the Dorset Race Equality Council in making our natural world more accessible to diverse communities here in the UK; commends her efforts to bring forward a greater understanding of the lives and culture of first nations people around the world; and wishes her the very best as she continues her mission to engage and educate as she showcases her book around the world.

That this House congratulates Dr Anjana Khatwa on the publication of her book Whispers of Rock, which effortlessly entwines the history of planet earth through its geology and the stories of the indigenous people whose culture is embedded in them; acknowledges her work in educating young people and the wider...

That this House celebrates the life and achievements of Dame Annette Brooke, Privy Counsellor, former hon. Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole, Deputy Leader of Poole Borough Council, Liberal Democrat Group Leader and Mayor of Poole, and expresses deep sadness at her death on 20 August 2025; commends Annette’s commitment to Dorset, for almost 40 years since her first election to council and in the 14 years as an hon. Member, making Annette the Liberal Democrats’ longest serving female hon. Member; further celebrates her role in protecting Dorset’s precious heathlands; recognises her commitment to public service, including her work protecting disabled and disadvantaged children’s rights, being an ambassador for Julia’s House, founding the Dorset Equality Group and championing women setting up micro-businesses in the developing world; further commends her charitable work as Patron of Forest Holme Hospice Charity; commends her community group work, particularly through the creation of Stepping Stones Group to support people living with dementia; celebrates that her work won her an OBE in 2013, the Women in Public Life award, and MP of the Year in 2010; pays tribute to the dedication of her family in supporting her work, and notes how she went about her work in an understated, modest and determined manner, providing a strong role model for others; thanks her for her role in supporting fellow Liberal Democrats into their political and public service roles; and extends its heartfelt sympathies to her family, friends and colleagues at this time of loss.

That this House celebrates the life and achievements of Dame Annette Brooke, Privy Counsellor, former hon. Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole, Deputy Leader of Poole Borough Council, Liberal Democrat Group Leader and Mayor of Poole, and expresses deep sadness at her death on 20 August 2025; commends Annette’s...

That this House is deeply concerned by the crisis in local government funding and the findings of the Thirty-First Report of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 2024–25 on Local Government Financial Sustainability, published on 18 June 2025, and the estimate that local authority deficits will reach between £2.9bn and £3.9bn per year by 2027–28; regrets that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government cannot guarantee local government funding increases will result in improved outcomes for residents; understands that a reduction in local authority funding directly impacts the provision of social care, SEND and vital local public services; is shocked that neither the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government nor HM Treasury undertook an assessment ahead of increases to national insurance contributions on the impact to local authority budgets; notes that the crisis in local government funding was exacerbated by the previous Government which ultimately failed to fix the social care crisis; recognises the burdens on local government budgets are compounded by the Government’s plans for local government re-organisation; and calls on the Government to publish a proper plan to end the crises in social care and SEND provision which are pushing councils to the brink of collapse and ensure local authorities have the resources they require to provide the vital local public services communities deserve and desperately need.

That this House is deeply concerned by the crisis in local government funding and the findings of the Thirty-First Report of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 2024–25 on Local Government Financial Sustainability, published on 18 June 2025, and the estimate that local authority deficits will reach between £2.9bn...

That this House recognises the significant impact of Citizens Advice working to provide information and support to people in need across the country; commends the East Dorset and Purbeck branch of Citizens Advice for their Advice Bus scheme which provides residents with free advice on issues such as debt, benefits access, employment and housing at visits to rural locations, and which has already supported 3,000 people; celebrates the Advice Bus’ second anniversary and the accompanying Royal visit made by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to mark the occasion; acknowledges the hard work of advisers at East Dorset and Purbeck Citizens Advice, and at other sites around the country; further recognises the need for such services is increasing due to the ongoing cost of living crisis; encourages the Government to engage with the reports produced by branches including the East Dorset and Purbeck branch that note the most pressing issues those seeking advice are facing; and urges the Government to consider the recommendations made by Citizens Advice in each area of support.

That this House recognises the significant impact of Citizens Advice working to provide information and support to people in need across the country; commends the East Dorset and Purbeck branch of Citizens Advice for their Advice Bus scheme which provides residents with free advice on issues such as debt, benefits...

That this House recognises there is a rough sleeping emergency; highlights with concern the Rough Sleeping Inquiry's findings, published on 14 February 2025, of gaps between public institutions and housing support which put vulnerable people at greater risk of rough sleeping following discharge from health care settings or prison; notes that the inquiry reports that young people in particular are struggling to receive in-person assessments from councils which delays their access to temporary accommodation; agrees with the inquiry’s recommendation for the Government to provide local authorities with long-term funding to tackle homelessness; regrets that the current funding system for rough sleeping prevention is fragmented; further recognises that the loss of affordable social rent and the increase in the number of long-term empty homes are key factors in the rise in homelessness; urges the Government to increase the building of new social homes to 150,000 per year; calls on the Government to assess the capacity of local authorities to address homelessness, especially following the additional financial pressures on their budgets following the Government’s changes to National Insurance Contributions; further urges the Government to introduce a somewhere safe to stay legal duty to ensure that everyone who is at risk of sleeping rough is provided with emergency accommodation and an assessment of their needs; and further calls on the Government to publish a cross-Whitehall plan to end all forms of homelessness.

That this House recognises there is a rough sleeping emergency; highlights with concern the Rough Sleeping Inquiry's findings, published on 14 February 2025, of gaps between public institutions and housing support which put vulnerable people at greater risk of rough sleeping following discharge from health care settings or prison; notes...

That this House celebrates the life and achievements of Bob Williams, former Dorset County Councillor, Deputy Leader of Borough of Poole and President of Mid Dorset & North Poole Lib Dems, who has sadly passed away; acknowledges Bob’s dedication and commitment to Broadstone and Poole, firstly through 28 years as an elected member and latterly as a much valued community volunteer; recognises his commitment to local authority service in particular supporting youth services, planning and setting up Pride in Poole; notes the key role that he played, alongside fellow Liberal Democrat Brian Clements, in securing and building the Twin Sails Bridge; commends his support for Broadstone after his political career ended being the voice of the Broadstone Christmas Parade and serving as secretary for the Broadstone Chamber of Trade and Commerce for many years; pays tribute to his dedication to his wife Shelagh, children Christian and Kerry and his wider family, and to the Liberal Democrats where he served first as Chair of the local party and then as President, and notes his qualities as a kind and gentle man who had a talent for singing and always offered his practical help putting up Christmas lights, fixing the community hall and setting out the fun day; and thanks him for the role he played in securing the election of many councillors in Dorset and to Parliament of Dame Annette Brooke MP and Vikki Slade MP both of whom consider him a cherished friend.

That this House celebrates the life and achievements of Bob Williams, former Dorset County Councillor, Deputy Leader of Borough of Poole and President of Mid Dorset & North Poole Lib Dems, who has sadly passed away; acknowledges Bob’s dedication and commitment to Broadstone and Poole, firstly through 28 years as...

That this House expresses profound concern over Saudi Arabia's bid to secure a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council; notes with alarm the extensive record of human rights violations in Saudi Arabia, including but not limited to restrictions on freedom of expression, the use of capital punishment, and the suppression of political dissent; highlights the discrepancies between Saudi Arabia's human rights practices and the standards expected of a member of the Human Rights Council; urges the UK Government to take a firm stance against Saudi Arabia's bid and to ensure it does not succeed; and further urges the United Nations to ensure that the selection process for the Human Rights Council reflects a genuine commitment to upholding and promoting universal human rights standards.

That this House expresses profound concern over Saudi Arabia's bid to secure a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council; notes with alarm the extensive record of human rights violations in Saudi Arabia, including but not limited to restrictions on freedom of expression, the use of capital punishment, and...