That the Parliament believes that the export of live animals for slaughter or fattening can entail considerable suffering; notes that the export of sheep for slaughter on the continent involves lengthy journeys; further notes that around 3,000 calves were exported from Scotland in 2016 on extremely long journeys to Spain, where the legislation allows calves over two weeks of age to be reared without bedding, which would be illegal in Scotland, and urges the Scottish Government to support moves to end the export of live animals for slaughter or fattening.
Current Status:
That the Parliament believes that the export of live animals for slaughter or fattening can entail considerable suffering; notes that the export of sheep for slaughter on the continent involves lengthy journeys; further notes that around 3,000 calves were exported from Scotland in 2016 on extremely long journeys to Spain, where the legislation allows calves over two weeks of age to be reared without bedding, which would be illegal in Scotland, and urges the Scottish Government to support moves to end the export of live animals for slaughter or fattening.
Supported by: James Dornan, Mark Ruskell, Pauline McNeill, Patrick Harvie, Rona Mackay, Bill Kidd, Clare Haughey, Ben Macpherson, David Torrance, Ross Greer, Ivan McKee, Joan McAlpine, Emma Harper, Jenny Gilruth, Sandra White, Alison Johnstone, Fulton MacGregor, Gail Ross, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament notes the campaign by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and other animal welfare organisations to increase maximum prison sentences for serious animal abuse cases across the UK; welcomes the Scottish Government’s recent announcement that it will introduce a Bill to increase maximum sentences in Scotland from 12 months to five years; believes that this will much better reflect the heinous nature of offending in the most serious animal abuse cases and reinforces that there is no place for animal cruelty in society; understands that the charity will be continuing this campaign in England and Wales where the maximum sentence remains six months, and wishes it every success.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the campaign by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and other animal welfare organisations to increase maximum prison sentences for serious animal abuse cases across the UK; welcomes the Scottish Government’s recent announcement that it will introduce a Bill to increase maximum sentences in Scotland from 12 months to five years; believes that this will much better reflect the heinous nature of offending in the most serious animal abuse cases and reinforces that there is no place for animal cruelty in society; understands that the charity will be continuing this campaign in England and Wales where the maximum sentence remains six months, and wishes it every success.
Supported by: Ruth Maguire, Colin Beattie, Ivan McKee, Sandra White, Emma Harper, Graeme Dey, Richard Lochhead, Bill Kidd, Rona Mackay, Richard Lyle, Kenneth Gibson, Jenny Gilruth, David Torrance, Clare Adamson, Stuart McMillan, John Finnie, Maree Todd, John Mason, Ben Macpherson, Alison Johnstone
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As an amendment to motion S5M-07627 in the name of Neil Findlay (GP Crisis Impact), leave out from "and that these practices" to end and insert "notes that at General Questions on 7 September 2017, Neil Findlay claimed that 'All practices in Midlothian have closed lists' (Official Report, c.5), but understands that NHS Lothian Patient Services has confirmed that, of the 13 practices across Midlothian, while seven do have closed lists, six, including Eastfield Practice in Penicuik and Penicuik Practice, both in the Midlothian South Tweeddale and Lauderdale constituency, are registering new patients, and is concerned that the inaccuracy contained in Mr Findlay's comments are misleading people living in the constituency."
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S5M-07627 in the name of Neil Findlay (GP Crisis Impact), leave out from "and that these practices" to end and insert "notes that at General Questions on 7 September 2017, Neil Findlay claimed that 'All practices in Midlothian have closed lists' (Official Report, c.5), but understands that NHS Lothian Patient Services has confirmed that, of the 13 practices across Midlothian, while seven do have closed lists, six, including Eastfield Practice in Penicuik and Penicuik Practice, both in the Midlothian South Tweeddale and Lauderdale constituency, are registering new patients, and is concerned that the inaccuracy contained in Mr Findlay's comments are misleading people living in the constituency."
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Emma Harper, Clare Haughey, David Torrance, Jenny Gilruth
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That the Parliament notes with concern that the inquiry by Police Scotland into allegations of criminality by the force relating to the Lockerbie bombing is the subject of Public Petition PE1370, which was lodged in 2010 by the Justice for Megrahi Campaign and is still live, but that Police Scotland's inquiry, Operation Sandwood, has still not concluded; understands that, in March 2016, Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone stated to the Justice Committee that, “I can nevertheless confirm that the investigation has entered its final phase. A detailed report will be submitted by the senior investigating officer to me within the next two months”, and that, "To ensure the critical requirement of demonstrating independence from the Crown, the report will be scrutinised by the independent Queen's Council appointed by Police Scotland"; highlights that, according to the answer to question S5W-06832 on 2 March 2017, no report has been received by the Crown Office and no counsel has been appointed; expresses concern over what it considers this extraordinary delay; is further concerned that the delay may impact on and impede the latest application to the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission by the Megrahi family, and considers that the Scottish Government must now intervene to progress the conclusion of this report.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes with concern that the inquiry by Police Scotland into allegations of criminality by the force relating to the Lockerbie bombing is the subject of Public Petition PE1370, which was lodged in 2010 by the Justice for Megrahi Campaign and is still live, but that Police Scotland's inquiry, Operation Sandwood, has still not concluded; understands that, in March 2016, Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone stated to the Justice Committee that, “I can nevertheless confirm that the investigation has entered its final phase. A detailed report will be submitted by the senior investigating officer to me within the next two months”, and that, "To ensure the critical requirement of demonstrating independence from the Crown, the report will be scrutinised by the independent Queen's Council appointed by Police Scotland"; highlights that, according to the answer to question S5W-06832 on 2 March 2017, no report has been received by the Crown Office and no counsel has been appointed; expresses concern over what it considers this extraordinary delay; is further concerned that the delay may impact on and impede the latest application to the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission by the Megrahi family, and considers that the Scottish Government must now intervene to progress the conclusion of this report.
Supported by: Alex Neil, Neil Findlay
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That the Parliament congratulates the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, which is Scotland’s oldest animal welfare organisation, on celebrating 60 years at its iconic site on Seafield Road, having originally started its work in the centre of the city in 1883; notes that it organises an Open Day every other year to allow the wider Edinburgh and Lothian community to come in and celebrate its work and enjoy a fun family day out; understands that the 2017 Open Day was a huge success, with doggy displays, competitions, shop stalls and a bouncy castle, but notes that there is a serious side to the day in raising awareness of the home’s work; acknowledges that it now has a sponsorship wall on site to display the support that many people give to it each month and year toward the running of its dog and cat rehoming pens, often with a tribute to a lost loved one or family pet; recognises the commitment of the staff and volunteers, which is integral to its achievements, and wishes the home more success over the coming years, in particular with increasing the sponsorship of dog and cat pens.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, which is Scotland’s oldest animal welfare organisation, on celebrating 60 years at its iconic site on Seafield Road, having originally started its work in the centre of the city in 1883; notes that it organises an Open Day every other year to allow the wider Edinburgh and Lothian community to come in and celebrate its work and enjoy a fun family day out; understands that the 2017 Open Day was a huge success, with doggy displays, competitions, shop stalls and a bouncy castle, but notes that there is a serious side to the day in raising awareness of the home’s work; acknowledges that it now has a sponsorship wall on site to display the support that many people give to it each month and year toward the running of its dog and cat rehoming pens, often with a tribute to a lost loved one or family pet; recognises the commitment of the staff and volunteers, which is integral to its achievements, and wishes the home more success over the coming years, in particular with increasing the sponsorship of dog and cat pens.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Ash Denham, Emma Harper, Kenneth Gibson, Ruth Maguire, Joan McAlpine, Miles Briggs, Richard Lyle, Stewart Stevenson, Stuart McMillan, Jeremy Balfour, Ivan McKee, Sandra White, David Torrance, Alison Johnstone, Fulton MacGregor, Angus MacDonald, Jenny Gilruth, Ben Macpherson, Tom Arthur, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament recognises the work done by Borders Talking Newspaper; notes that the charity delivers weekly recordings of local newspapers to some 200 listeners who are unable to read because of visual impairment; acknowledges that it has over 60 volunteers who make this possible and congratulates them all: believes that this service is beneficial in ensuring that visually impaired people feel connected to their communities, and recognises the work done by similar organisations, including Talking Peeblesshire News, in the Borders and across the country.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises the work done by Borders Talking Newspaper; notes that the charity delivers weekly recordings of local newspapers to some 200 listeners who are unable to read because of visual impairment; acknowledges that it has over 60 volunteers who make this possible and congratulates them all: believes that this service is beneficial in ensuring that visually impaired people feel connected to their communities, and recognises the work done by similar organisations, including Talking Peeblesshire News, in the Borders and across the country.
Supported by: Miles Briggs, Mairi Gougeon, Annie Wells, Rona Mackay, Gail Ross, Ivan McKee, Fulton MacGregor, Bill Kidd, Bruce Crawford, Ruth Maguire, Kenneth Gibson, Ash Denham, Emma Harper, Clare Haughey, Jenny Gilruth, Stewart Stevenson, Ben Macpherson, Sandra White, Gordon Lindhurst, Monica Lennon, Michelle Ballantyne, David Torrance, Richard Lyle, Clare Adamson, Tom Arthur, Maree Todd
Current Status: Achieved Cross Party Support
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That the Parliament welcomes the recent impact report of Interest Link Borders on its work in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities in the region; notes that it does this through volunteer befriending with the aim of mitigating the social isolation that can impact those with learning disabilities; considers that, as well as benefitting the wellbeing of service users and volunteers, this also has a positive impact on family and carers; recognises the work of all staff, volunteers and service users who have made this possible, and believes that such initiatives form an important part of enabling people with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives throughout the Borders and elsewhere in Scotland.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the recent impact report of Interest Link Borders on its work in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities in the region; notes that it does this through volunteer befriending with the aim of mitigating the social isolation that can impact those with learning disabilities; considers that, as well as benefitting the wellbeing of service users and volunteers, this also has a positive impact on family and carers; recognises the work of all staff, volunteers and service users who have made this possible, and believes that such initiatives form an important part of enabling people with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives throughout the Borders and elsewhere in Scotland.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Colin Beattie, Graeme Dey, Clare Haughey, Alison Johnstone, Richard Lyle, Stewart Stevenson, Monica Lennon, Rachael Hamilton, Joan McAlpine, Fulton MacGregor, David Torrance, Ben Macpherson, Ash Denham, Ivan McKee, Jenny Gilruth, Sandra White, Alexander Stewart, Clare Adamson, Jackie Baillie, Tom Arthur, Maree Todd
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That the Parliament notes the innovative collaboration between Newbyres Village and Newbyres Nursery in Gorebridge, where children visit older residents on a weekly basis; considers that this is to the mutual benefit of the children and the older residents; understands that, on these visits, the children paint with the residents, are told stories, plant sunflowers, are taught nursery rhymes and play hilarious games, which assist hand and eye co-ordination of both young and old; congratulates the charity, Generations Working Together, and Newbyres Village and Newbyres Nursery, on supporting this initiative, and notes the recommendations for similar projects elsewhere in Scotland.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the innovative collaboration between Newbyres Village and Newbyres Nursery in Gorebridge, where children visit older residents on a weekly basis; considers that this is to the mutual benefit of the children and the older residents; understands that, on these visits, the children paint with the residents, are told stories, plant sunflowers, are taught nursery rhymes and play hilarious games, which assist hand and eye co-ordination of both young and old; congratulates the charity, Generations Working Together, and Newbyres Village and Newbyres Nursery, on supporting this initiative, and notes the recommendations for similar projects elsewhere in Scotland.
Supported by: Mairi Gougeon, David Torrance, Clare Haughey, Ruth Maguire, Joan McAlpine, Stewart Stevenson, Bill Kidd, Miles Briggs, Ben Macpherson, Kenneth Gibson, Ash Denham, Stuart McMillan, Jenny Gilruth, Fulton MacGregor, Sandra White, James Dornan, Jeremy Balfour, Michelle Ballantyne, Ivan McKee, Gordon Lindhurst, Alexander Stewart, Emma Harper, Alexander Burnett, Clare Adamson, John Finnie, Monica Lennon, Alison Johnstone, Tom Arthur, John Scott, Rhoda Grant
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 06/09/2017
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That the Parliament welcomes the recent application to the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission by the relatives of victims of the Lockerbie atrocity and of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi; notes that a dying Abdelbaset al-Megrahi abandoned his appeals in 2009 as he believed it would assist in returning him home; notes that evidence from that second appeal was therefore never heard, and considers that this application, if successful, would allow, after some 29 years since the horrendous crime, everyone, and most importantly the families of the victims, the opportunity to have all the available evidence tested in court.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the recent application to the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission by the relatives of victims of the Lockerbie atrocity and of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi; notes that a dying Abdelbaset al-Megrahi abandoned his appeals in 2009 as he believed it would assist in returning him home; notes that evidence from that second appeal was therefore never heard, and considers that this application, if successful, would allow, after some 29 years since the horrendous crime, everyone, and most importantly the families of the victims, the opportunity to have all the available evidence tested in court.
Supported by: Neil Findlay, John Finnie, Ivan McKee
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That the Parliament understands that 45% of cats in Scotland are not microchipped, compared with the UK average of 32%; supports microchipping and neutering of cats as a safe and permanent method of identification to help reunite cats with their owners and to prevent unwanted litters; welcomes the Cats Protection campaign, Snip & Chip, to help low-income cat owners across Edinburgh and Lothians have their cats neutered and microchipped; commends the charity on its work across Scotland in microchipping more than 2,600 cats and neutering over 12,000 in 2016, and believes that all cat owners across Scotland would benefit just like Mr Smokey, who lives in the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale constituency, from neutering and microchipping.
Current Status:
That the Parliament understands that 45% of cats in Scotland are not microchipped, compared with the UK average of 32%; supports microchipping and neutering of cats as a safe and permanent method of identification to help reunite cats with their owners and to prevent unwanted litters; welcomes the Cats Protection campaign, Snip & Chip, to help low-income cat owners across Edinburgh and Lothians have their cats neutered and microchipped; commends the charity on its work across Scotland in microchipping more than 2,600 cats and neutering over 12,000 in 2016, and believes that all cat owners across Scotland would benefit just like Mr Smokey, who lives in the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale constituency, from neutering and microchipping.
Supported by: Murdo Fraser, Emma Harper, Ivan McKee, Joan McAlpine, Miles Briggs, Clare Haughey, Fulton MacGregor, Jackie Baillie, Colin Beattie, Elaine Smith, John Mason, Stewart Stevenson, David Torrance, Colin Smyth, Clare Adamson
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