There are two questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S4M-16030, in the name of Nicola Sturgeon, on the motion of condolence for Brussels, be agreed to.
Motion agreed to,
That the Parliament expresses its heartfelt condolences, and those of the people of Scotland, to all those affected by the appalling terrorist attacks in Brussels on 22 March 2016; stands in solidarity with the people of Belgium, and all those communities that have been the victims of terrorism in recent weeks, including the people of Turkey following the terrorist attacks in Ankara; reaffirms its commitment to a diverse and multicultural society, and calls on people across Scotland to unite as one community, both here at home and in solidarity with all those countries affected, to make clear that acts of terrorism will not succeed in dividing us or destroying the freedoms and way of life that we value so highly.
The second question is, that motion S4M-16027, in the name of Nicola Sturgeon, on the motion of thanks to the Presiding Officer, be agreed to.
Motion agreed to,
That the Parliament expresses its thanks to its Presiding Officer, Tricia Marwick, for her dedicated service to the Parliament and pays tribute to all of those other Members who are standing down at the end of this session.
Before I invite the Presiding Officer to give her valedictory speech, on behalf of the Parliament’s Deputy Presiding Officers, John Scott and me, I thank the Presiding Officer for her service to the Scottish Parliament over many years but particularly over this parliamentary session as Presiding Officer. Presiding Officer, both John and I have greatly enjoyed working with you and we wish you all the best for the future.
On behalf of the Deputy Presiding Officers, I thank Sir Paul Grice and all the parliamentary staff, as well as our own staff, who have helped us through this session.
Previous
Motion of Thanks