WOMEN'S ROYAL VOLUNTARY SERVICE TACKLING LONELINESS THIS CHRISTMAS

Early day motion 1104, tabled 23 November 2005 by Lord Beamish (Labour). Signed by 127 members.

That this House notes that over a million older people are likely to be alone this Christmas; is aware that nearly 2.5 million over 60s have no close friends living nearby and go weeks without seeing a friend or relative; recognises that loneliness and isolation radically reduce quality of life for many older people; commends the outstanding work being done by volunteers all over the UK to provide older people with opportunities to keep in touch with their community; and applauds the work being done by WRVS with its Be a Star campaign to get more people to do something about loneliness this Christmas.

Signatures by party: Labour 82, Conservative 22, Liberal Democrat 18, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 1.