Honouring 60 Years of Support: Martin Rhodes MP Presents Early Day Motion

On 1 December, we were honoured to welcome Martin Rhodes MP, who visited our team to mark a significant milestone in our history.

During his visit, Martin presented us with a framed copy of an Early Day Motion (EDM) he tabled in the UK Parliament to recognise our 60 years of service. The motion was signed by seven Members of Parliament, highlighting cross-parliamentary recognition of the impact we have had on people and communities across Scotland.

The text of the Early Day Motion reads:

“That this House congratulates Glasgow Council on Alcohol on its 60th anniversary; recognises its vital work supporting over 200,000 people affected by alcohol and drug misuse since 1965; commends its dedicated staff and volunteers, many with lived experience, for delivering counselling, wellbeing, and recovery services; notes the ongoing alcohol crisis in Scotland; and calls for continued support for community-led addiction services tackling stigma and saving lives.”

The motion was tabled before our recent rebrand, when we were still known as Glasgow Council on Alcohol. While our name has changed to Murray’s Initiative, this recognition speaks directly to the same values, people and mission that have guided our work for six decades.

What is an Early Day Motion?

An Early Day Motion is a formal motion submitted by an MP for debate in the House of Commons, although most are not debated. Instead, EDMs are used to draw attention to important issues, campaigns, or achievements, and to record support from other MPs who choose to sign them.

For us, this EDM reflects the importance of advocacy and visibility for people affected by alcohol, drugs and trauma. Parliamentary recognition helps amplify the voices of communities we work with and underlines the need for continued support for community-led services tackling stigma and saving lives - a core part of our work both locally and nationally.

A moment of thanks

Lisa Cheatley, Head of Community Services, said:

“We are extremely grateful to Martin Rhodes MP and to all the MPs who signed this Early Day Motion for recognising the contribution our organisation has made over the last 60 years. This acknowledgment means a great deal to our staff, volunteers and - most importantly - to the people we support. It reinforces the importance of community-based services and the need to continue advocating for those affected by alcohol, drugs and trauma.”

We were proud to receive this recognition and to share our ongoing work with Martin during his visit. As Murray’s Initiative, we continue to build on the legacy recognised in this motion - supporting individuals, families and communities to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.