That the Parliament welcomes the decision by the UK Parliament on 25 June 2018 to formally approve the expansion of Heathrow Airport; notes that MPs approved the move by 415 votes to 119; understands that the new runway will afford Scotland an additional 200 flights to and from London each week, which will provide a significant boost to its economy; notes that the Heathrow expansion is estimated to create an additional 16,000 jobs in Scotland; commits to supporting the Scottish aviation industry and appreciates the importance of upgrading critical airport infrastructure to ensure that the industry can continue to thrive for generations to come; understands that Scotland will host a central logistics hub, which has been guaranteed in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Scottish Government, which will help it to participate in the off-site construction of the runway and play a key role in Heathrow’s supply chain; notes that Prestwick Airport is being considered for the logistics hub, which could spur economic growth and development in the West Scotland region, and pledges to continue to support Scotland’s airports and its aviation industry.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the decision by the UK Parliament on 25 June 2018 to formally approve the expansion of Heathrow Airport; notes that MPs approved the move by 415 votes to 119; understands that the new runway will afford Scotland an additional 200 flights to and from London each week, which will provide a significant boost to its economy; notes that the Heathrow expansion is estimated to create an additional 16,000 jobs in Scotland; commits to supporting the Scottish aviation industry and appreciates the importance of upgrading critical airport infrastructure to ensure that the industry can continue to thrive for generations to come; understands that Scotland will host a central logistics hub, which has been guaranteed in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Scottish Government, which will help it to participate in the off-site construction of the runway and play a key role in Heathrow’s supply chain; notes that Prestwick Airport is being considered for the logistics hub, which could spur economic growth and development in the West Scotland region, and pledges to continue to support Scotland’s airports and its aviation industry.
Supported by: Jeremy Balfour, Margaret Mitchell, Murdo Fraser, Annie Wells, Liz Smith, Michelle Ballantyne, Maurice Corry, Miles Briggs, Bill Bowman, Alexander Stewart, Edward Mountain, Alison Harris, Gordon Lindhurst, Liam Kerr, Jackson Carlaw, Tom Mason, Alexander Burnett, John Scott, Brian Whittle, Maurice Golden
Current Status: Eligible for Members’ Business, Pending Cross Party Support
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That the Parliament congratulates Gavin Findlay on winning the Silver Tablet award at St Columba’s School in Kilmacolm; further congratulates his fellow participants Emily Capell, Lauren Baker and Amy Crawford on their spectacular performances; recognises that the Silver Tablet Concert has delivered over 100 years of musical excellence at St Columba’s; notes what it sees as the importance of encouraging young people in Scotland to take up a musical instrument, and recognises the great educational and recreational benefits of doing so, and wishes both the school and the concert the best of success during its next 100 years.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Gavin Findlay on winning the Silver Tablet award at St Columba’s School in Kilmacolm; further congratulates his fellow participants Emily Capell, Lauren Baker and Amy Crawford on their spectacular performances; recognises that the Silver Tablet Concert has delivered over 100 years of musical excellence at St Columba’s; notes what it sees as the importance of encouraging young people in Scotland to take up a musical instrument, and recognises the great educational and recreational benefits of doing so, and wishes both the school and the concert the best of success during its next 100 years.
Supported by: Liam Kerr, Michelle Ballantyne, Margaret Mitchell, Alexander Stewart, Miles Briggs, Liz Smith, Jeremy Balfour, Bill Bowman, Maurice Corry, Bill Kidd, Rachael Hamilton, Edward Mountain, Alison Harris, Alexander Burnett, Gordon Lindhurst, Tom Mason, Colin Beattie, Jackson Carlaw, Tom Arthur, Maurice Golden
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That the Parliament welcomes the announcement by the French train manufacture, Alstom, on 14 May 2018, that it would convert a fleet of Class 321 train carriages to run on hydrogen fuel; understands that this is the first instance in the UK where any trains would be powered using hydrogen technology; recognises that hydrogen generally does not emit CO2 and that its only major exhaust is condensed steam and water; understands that Germany expects to launch the Cordinia iLint model onto its railways this year with a view to rolling them out to its commercial fleet in the coming years, becoming the world’s first hydrogen-powered consumer train service; underlines that hydrogen trains do not require full electrification lines and carriages, potentially minimising the potential cost or disruption that occurs in large-scale electrification projects and offering a viable alternative to diesel-driven carriages; notes the view that Scotland’s transport strategy must be future-proofed, for the benefit of passengers in the West Scotland region and across the country; further notes the view that investment decisions should take into account the potential that hydrogen fuel can play in rail, marine, aviation and road strategies; understands the significance that this technology could have, and notes the calls for there to be a sensible, wide-ranging conversation at policy and government level on the potential that hydrogen technology can bring to the transport network.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the announcement by the French train manufacture, Alstom, on 14 May 2018, that it would convert a fleet of Class 321 train carriages to run on hydrogen fuel; understands that this is the first instance in the UK where any trains would be powered using hydrogen technology; recognises that hydrogen generally does not emit CO2 and that its only major exhaust is condensed steam and water; understands that Germany expects to launch the Cordinia iLint model onto its railways this year with a view to rolling them out to its commercial fleet in the coming years, becoming the world’s first hydrogen-powered consumer train service; underlines that hydrogen trains do not require full electrification lines and carriages, potentially minimising the potential cost or disruption that occurs in large-scale electrification projects and offering a viable alternative to diesel-driven carriages; notes the view that Scotland’s transport strategy must be future-proofed, for the benefit of passengers in the West Scotland region and across the country; further notes the view that investment decisions should take into account the potential that hydrogen fuel can play in rail, marine, aviation and road strategies; understands the significance that this technology could have, and notes the calls for there to be a sensible, wide-ranging conversation at policy and government level on the potential that hydrogen technology can bring to the transport network.
Supported by: Maurice Corry, Peter Chapman, Alison Harris, Michelle Ballantyne, Alexander Stewart, Gordon Lindhurst, Miles Briggs, Jeremy Balfour, Tom Mason, Liz Smith, Murdo Fraser, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Bill Bowman, John Mason, Finlay Carson, Liam McArthur, Liam Kerr, Rachael Hamilton, Alexander Burnett, Maurice Golden
Current Status: Achieved Cross Party Support
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That the Parliament welcomes Emirates Airline’s announcement that it is introducing a daily Edinburgh-Dubai route from October 2018; believes that this direct route between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Scotland’s capital will bring long-term economic growth and help develop new business links; notes that, in 2017, the Global Power City Index ranked Dubai among the world’s top 25 cities; considers that there is great significance in developing stronger tourism links between Scotland and the UAE; recognises what it sees as the importance of having a competitive aviation industry, which it believes is necessary in growing the economy, attracting investment and creating well-paid jobs across the country, and pledges to re-double its efforts to create a competitive environment that facilitates airport growth and opens new routes between Scotland and emerging markets.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes Emirates Airline’s announcement that it is introducing a daily Edinburgh-Dubai route from October 2018; believes that this direct route between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Scotland’s capital will bring long-term economic growth and help develop new business links; notes that, in 2017, the Global Power City Index ranked Dubai among the world’s top 25 cities; considers that there is great significance in developing stronger tourism links between Scotland and the UAE; recognises what it sees as the importance of having a competitive aviation industry, which it believes is necessary in growing the economy, attracting investment and creating well-paid jobs across the country, and pledges to re-double its efforts to create a competitive environment that facilitates airport growth and opens new routes between Scotland and emerging markets.
Supported by: Miles Briggs, Michelle Ballantyne, Alexander Burnett, Liz Smith, Jamie Halcro Johnston, David Stewart, Murdo Fraser, Alexander Stewart, Jeremy Balfour, Edward Mountain, Kenneth Gibson, Maurice Corry, Brian Whittle, Margaret Mitchell, Peter Chapman, Tom Mason, Bill Bowman, Liam Kerr, Rachael Hamilton, Alison Harris, Tom Arthur, Maurice Golden
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As an amendment to motion S5M-11289 in the name of John Finnie (Better Buses), insert at end ", or via another appropriate but measurable method in relevant Scottish Government transport strategies, and calls on the Scottish Government to work with local authorities to ensure that timetabling and bus provision better meet local demands."
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S5M-11289 in the name of John Finnie (Better Buses), insert at end ", or via another appropriate but measurable method in relevant Scottish Government transport strategies, and calls on the Scottish Government to work with local authorities to ensure that timetabling and bus provision better meet local demands."
Supported by: Liam Kerr, Jeremy Balfour, Annie Wells, Jackson Carlaw
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 28/03/2018
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That the Parliament notes with increasing concern what it sees as the growing political and economic crisis engulfing the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, where 82% of people are now deemed as living in poverty and over 90% of people cannot afford living basics to survive under the current governance of President Nicolas Maduro; understands that this in light of evidence showing that consumer prices rose by over 800% in 2016 at levels unsustainable to the majority; believes that Venezuela is considered one of the most unsafe countries in the world, where authorities have stopped recording violent crime as it is so prevalent, understands that President Maduro is planning to hold a “mega-election” to cement his power across the country; is concerned that this may be, as many opposition parties have stated, “fraudulent and illegitimate”; expresses its concern regarding the country’s economy that, despite substantial central revenues from oil exports, has effectively collapsed under what it considers extreme socialist policies, which have resulted in what The Economist described in 2017 as the “steepest [economic decline] in modern Latin America history”; notes that inflation is currently at 2,616%, with the International Monetary Fund projecting it to rise to 13,000% later in 2018; understands that many EU member states, among other international political institutions, have introduced a variety of sanctions in relation to both the freezing of financial assets and the expulsion of Venezuelan ambassador, and considers that the current regime is imposing the severest of conditions on its citizens that require urgent redress.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes with increasing concern what it sees as the growing political and economic crisis engulfing the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, where 82% of people are now deemed as living in poverty and over 90% of people cannot afford living basics to survive under the current governance of President Nicolas Maduro; understands that this in light of evidence showing that consumer prices rose by over 800% in 2016 at levels unsustainable to the majority; believes that Venezuela is considered one of the most unsafe countries in the world, where authorities have stopped recording violent crime as it is so prevalent, understands that President Maduro is planning to hold a “mega-election” to cement his power across the country; is concerned that this may be, as many opposition parties have stated, “fraudulent and illegitimate”; expresses its concern regarding the country’s economy that, despite substantial central revenues from oil exports, has effectively collapsed under what it considers extreme socialist policies, which have resulted in what The Economist described in 2017 as the “steepest [economic decline] in modern Latin America history”; notes that inflation is currently at 2,616%, with the International Monetary Fund projecting it to rise to 13,000% later in 2018; understands that many EU member states, among other international political institutions, have introduced a variety of sanctions in relation to both the freezing of financial assets and the expulsion of Venezuelan ambassador, and considers that the current regime is imposing the severest of conditions on its citizens that require urgent redress.
Supported by: Peter Chapman, Miles Briggs, Alexander Stewart, Tom Mason, Alison Harris, Edward Mountain, Michelle Ballantyne, Murdo Fraser, Kenneth Gibson, Alexander Burnett, Liam Kerr, Annie Wells, Rachael Hamilton
Current Status: Fallen on 09/05/2018
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That the Parliament notes with concern Bermuda’s reported decision to repeal same-sex marriage legislation, becoming the first country in the world to do so; understands that the bill was approved following its parliament passing the legislation to do so in December 2017; notes that same-sex couples already married will not have their status annulled but any future couples seeking legal status will only be offered a domestic partnership; believes that this is an unfortunate and significant regression in reaching the goal of global LGBTI+ equality; hopes that the people of Bermuda, its parliament and its government will reconsider this decision in the future and reintroduce same-sex marriage; expresses its support to Bermudian LGBTI+ people; understands that the Prime Minister and UK Foreign Office have expressed disappointment with the decision, notwithstanding that it was a decision made by the country's democratically elected parliament, and hopes that the examples of commitment to marriage equality in other jurisdictions will act as a catalyst to encourage the government of Bermuda to reconsider its position on this move and work towards future LGBTI+ equality.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes with concern Bermuda’s reported decision to repeal same-sex marriage legislation, becoming the first country in the world to do so; understands that the bill was approved following its parliament passing the legislation to do so in December 2017; notes that same-sex couples already married will not have their status annulled but any future couples seeking legal status will only be offered a domestic partnership; believes that this is an unfortunate and significant regression in reaching the goal of global LGBTI+ equality; hopes that the people of Bermuda, its parliament and its government will reconsider this decision in the future and reintroduce same-sex marriage; expresses its support to Bermudian LGBTI+ people; understands that the Prime Minister and UK Foreign Office have expressed disappointment with the decision, notwithstanding that it was a decision made by the country's democratically elected parliament, and hopes that the examples of commitment to marriage equality in other jurisdictions will act as a catalyst to encourage the government of Bermuda to reconsider its position on this move and work towards future LGBTI+ equality.
Supported by: Liam Kerr, Annie Wells, Tom Mason, Rachael Hamilton, Michelle Ballantyne, Alison Harris, David Torrance, Pauline McNeill, Bill Bowman, John Finnie, Ivan McKee, Mark Ruskell, Alexander Burnett, Jackson Carlaw, Brian Whittle
Current Status: Fallen on 09/05/2018
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As an amendment to motion S5M-09269 in the name of Kenneth Gibson (More to the Chancellor's VAT Announcement Than Meets the Eye), leave out from "sustained pressure" to end and insert "a sustained approach of dialogue and cooperation between Scotland's Conservative MPs and the UK Government, which will exempt Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service from VAT as of April 2018; understands that £140 million was lost because of a decision taken by the Scottish Government to create separate forces, despite reportedly receiving legal advice warning that this would result in the loss of VAT exemption; underlines the Chancellor’s comments that this exemption has arisen following discussions with Scottish Conservative MPs; applauds the efforts of these 13 MPs who, it understands, in just six months have delivered a saving of £35 million a year for frontline services; believes that Scotland benefits most when it works with its neighbours across the UK, and recognises what it sees as the damaging effect to Scotland, including its economy and the fabric of its many communities, that has resulted from a decade of an unnecessary confrontational approach with the UK Government."
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S5M-09269 in the name of Kenneth Gibson (More to the Chancellor's VAT Announcement Than Meets the Eye), leave out from "sustained pressure" to end and insert "a sustained approach of dialogue and cooperation between Scotland's Conservative MPs and the UK Government, which will exempt Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service from VAT as of April 2018; understands that £140 million was lost because of a decision taken by the Scottish Government to create separate forces, despite reportedly receiving legal advice warning that this would result in the loss of VAT exemption; underlines the Chancellor’s comments that this exemption has arisen following discussions with Scottish Conservative MPs; applauds the efforts of these 13 MPs who, it understands, in just six months have delivered a saving of £35 million a year for frontline services; believes that Scotland benefits most when it works with its neighbours across the UK, and recognises what it sees as the damaging effect to Scotland, including its economy and the fabric of its many communities, that has resulted from a decade of an unnecessary confrontational approach with the UK Government."
Supported by: Annie Wells
Current Status: Fallen on 13/03/2018
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That the Parliament congratulates James O’Neill on being named College Candidate of the Year at the annual SQA Star Awards for his community coaching efforts; notes that James graduated from Ayrshire College and is now studying at Glasgow Caledonian University for a degree in international sports management; recognises that the last four College Candidate of the Year awards have gone to Ayrshire College sport and fitness students; commends Ayrshire College and James for this tremendous achievement, and wishes him continued success in the future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates James O’Neill on being named College Candidate of the Year at the annual SQA Star Awards for his community coaching efforts; notes that James graduated from Ayrshire College and is now studying at Glasgow Caledonian University for a degree in international sports management; recognises that the last four College Candidate of the Year awards have gone to Ayrshire College sport and fitness students; commends Ayrshire College and James for this tremendous achievement, and wishes him continued success in the future.
Supported by: Ruth Maguire, Jeremy Balfour, Tom Mason, Margaret Mitchell, David Torrance, Miles Briggs, Michelle Ballantyne, Alexander Stewart, Liz Smith, Murdo Fraser, Bill Kidd, Alison Harris, Gordon Lindhurst, Donald Cameron, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Bowman, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Rachael Hamilton, Alexander Burnett, Annie Wells, Liam Kerr, Tom Arthur, Brian Whittle, Maurice Golden
Current Status: Fallen on 24/01/2018
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That the Parliament congratulates Sheriff Iona Sara McDonald MA LLB DL on her appointment as the new Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran; recognises that Sheriff McDonald, an Ayrshire native, was educated at Cumnock Academy and the University of Glasgow, and thereafter joined the Ayr firm, Mathie-Morton, Black and Buchanan, where she was named partner in 1982; notes that she became a Senior Sheriff in the Sheriffdom of North Strathclyde at Kilmarnock in 2007; congratulates Sheriff McDonald on this tremendous achievement, and wishes her success in the position.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Sheriff Iona Sara McDonald MA LLB DL on her appointment as the new Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran; recognises that Sheriff McDonald, an Ayrshire native, was educated at Cumnock Academy and the University of Glasgow, and thereafter joined the Ayr firm, Mathie-Morton, Black and Buchanan, where she was named partner in 1982; notes that she became a Senior Sheriff in the Sheriffdom of North Strathclyde at Kilmarnock in 2007; congratulates Sheriff McDonald on this tremendous achievement, and wishes her success in the position.
Supported by: Maurice Corry, Tom Mason, Ruth Maguire, Jeremy Balfour, Margaret Mitchell, Miles Briggs, Michelle Ballantyne, Liz Smith, Murdo Fraser, James Dornan, Alison Harris, Donald Cameron, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Bowman, Rachael Hamilton, Alexander Burnett, Annie Wells, Liam Kerr, Tom Arthur, Brian Whittle, Maurice Golden
Current Status: Fallen on 24/01/2018
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