Mediation UK

EDM number 80 in 1993-94, proposed by Jean Corston on 24/11/1993.

That this House accepts that Mediation is an important process of alternative dispute resolution, which helps communities and individuals to learn to handle their own conflicts, leading to a saving in time and money by local government and in the civil and criminal courts; notes that mediation UK is the only umbrella organisation for all those actively interested in constructive conflict resolution and that this organisation's aim is to make available conflict resolution skills to every citizen in pursuit of the growth of community participation and protection of human rights; acknowledges that the number of local mediation services has risen from 17 to 60 in the last two years, comprising 35 neighbour/community, 25 victim/offender and 10 school schemes and that Mediation UK is increasingly consulted by other organisations, including Victim Support and the Home Office; notes that the Home Office seconded the Organisation's Director for the initial two year period, and that funding had been available from a number of charitable trusts, but that these are now coming to an end and that the future existence of Mediation UK is therefore under threat; and accordingly calls on the Government to make available funding to enable Mediation UK to continue its valuable work.

This motion has been signed by a total of 70 MPs.