Chamber and committees

That the Parliament is aware that 22 May is World Pre-Eclampsia Day; notes that pre-eclampsia is a global issue, with most deaths from this condition occurring in low-income countries; is alarmed that an estimated 76,000 mothers and 500,000 babies worldwide lose their lives to pre-eclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy every year; appreciates that 60% of hypertension-related maternal deaths are potentially preventable but there continue to be missed opportunities for appropriate, recommended care of severe maternal hypertension; understands that women who develop pre-eclampsia in pregnancy have an increased lifelong risk of some serious longer-term health conditions, including cardiovascular issues, kidney problems, diabetes and deep vein thrombosis; laments concerns that women across the UK do not currently receive long-term monitoring following pre-eclampsia in pregnancy and are often not aware of, or informed of, the long-term health risks associated with pre-eclampsia; welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to greater support for women who have experienced pre-eclampsia in Phase Two of its Women’s Health Plan, which was published in January 2026, and applauds the work of the charity, Action on Pre-Eclampsia, which is dedicated to raising awareness, improving care and supporting individuals affected by pre-eclampsia.

That the Parliament congratulates the Glasgow Science Festival on its 20th anniversary; acknowledges that, since its inception, the festival has welcomed over 860,000 visitors to events across the city, with more than 200,000 school pupils taking part in outreach activities, including the annual Creating Engineers competition; commends the festival for continuing to deliver events online during the COVID-19 pandemic; recognises its role in showcasing the outstanding contribution of Glasgow-based researchers across science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and social science (STEAM), and in communicating their work to the public in engaging and innovative ways across a wide range of venues; believes that its inclusive approach has helped to inspire new generations of scientists; thanks Dr Deborah McNeill of the University of Glasgow for founding the festival in 2006 and for her service as director over the past two decades; notes that the 2026 festival will include 175 events and will run from 4 to 14 June, and wishes all involved every success now and in the future.

That the Parliament recognises what it sees as a pressing need to end conversion practices in Scotland; condemns any attempts to change and/ or suppress a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or the expression of either; recognises what it considers to be the lifelong mental and physical harms caused by conversion practices; considers that ending conversion practices can only be achieved through a change in legislation, with both criminal and civil sanctions, as well as the introduction of non-legislative measures, including public education and support for survivors; believes that any change in legislation must be comprehensive and cover sexual orientation, including asexuality, and gender identity, across all settings; further believes that ending conversion practices will meet Scotland’s international human rights obligations in line with Resolution 2643 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, dated January 2026, which calls for a comprehensive legislative ban in all Council of Europe member states, and calls on the Scottish Government to take action to end these practices by introducing a Bill as soon as practically possible in the first year of the current parliamentary session. 

That the Parliament recognises the 200th Anniversary of Glasgow City Mission; appreciates that Glasgow City Mission is believed to be the world’s first City Mission and has been caring for marginalised people since 1826; welcomes its spirit-led, faith-filled and inclusive approach to supporting vulnerable adults and children within the city and its ongoing fight against poverty and disadvantage in Glasgow; notes that Glasgow City Mission's current projects includes its City Centre project, which offers a range of support to those in need, its Child and Family Centre in Govan and its Winter Project, which provides assistance to those in need of emergency accommodation; appreciates that Glasgow City Mission is independent and reliant on donations; thanks all donors, volunteers and staff for their dedication over the years, and wishes everyone involved in Glasgow City Mission all the best for the future.

That the Parliament believes that the UK Government must immediately end the Energy Profits Levy and move to a sustainable Oil and Gas Price Mechanism; considers that, while energy policy is reserved, the impact of policy decisions in this field is felt acutely in North East Scotland; understands that during the cost of living crisis around 1,000 jobs per month are being lost because of the Energy Profits Levy, while energy prices continue to rise to record levels; believes that the UK Government must therefore take steps to strengthen energy security by using domestic sources of energy, including through new licences, subject to climate compatibility and energy security tests; further believes that supporting the existing workforce and industry will secure greater investment and accelerate growth in Scotland’s renewables future, and believes that control over Scotland’s oil, gas and renewable energy sources should be devolved to the Parliament immediately.

That the Parliament congratulates Hugh Black & Sons on winning the southeast regional title at the Scottish Craft Butchers Beef Link Sausage Championships 2026; recognises the family business’s strong presence across North Lanarkshire and in Wishaw, as well as through its 13 shops across Scotland; acknowledges that the award reflects the skill and dedication of staff across production and retail in maintaining consistency and high-quality, traditionally crafted products using locally-sourced Scottish beef; believes that this success highlights excellence and innovation within Scotland’s food and drink sector, and wishes the business continued success.

That the Parliament notes with deep sadness the sudden passing of Chris Boyle of Boyle the Ironmonger, which is a long-established family business in Wishaw; recognises that Chris was a well-loved member of the community; understands that his passing will be felt profoundly by family, friends, colleagues and all who knew him; acknowledges his contribution to local business life through his work as a builders’ ironmonger, supplying hardware and DIY materials in Wishaw; believes that his warmth, character and presence made a lasting impact on those around him, and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones at this very difficult time.

That the Parliament notes that farrowing crates are metal cages used on pig farms to confine a sow shortly before she gives birth and throughout the nursing period; understands that these crates are about two metres long and less than one metre wide, preventing the sow from turning around or moving naturally; regrets that over 200,000 mother pigs on UK farms are forced to spend nearly a quarter of their adult lives confined in farrowing crates; welcomes that polling carried out by Humane World for Animals UK earlier in 2026, showed that 84% of respondents from Scotland reject the use of farrowing crates for mother pigs; thanks Humane World for Animals UK for touring Scotland with Penny, the life-size robot pig in a replica farrowing crate, to raise awareness of the distress that the small metal cage causes; regrets what it sees as continued Scottish Government delays to consulting on an end to farrowing crates, and recognises the view that farrowing crates, as well as flexible or temporary crates, which sows are confined in for slightly less time, should be banned, and farms supported to transition to higher-welfare free farrowing pens to protect sows and piglets, including in the North East Scotland Region.  

That the Parliament congratulates Whinhill Primary School in Greenock on being recognised as one of the best schools in Scotland, following an outstanding inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education; notes that the school achieved the highest possible “excellent” grading across all four key areas: leadership of change, learning, teaching and assessment, ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion, and raising attainment and achievement; recognises that this is an accomplishment rarely achieved nationally; commends the inspirational leadership of head teacher, Liz Ruddy, alongside the dedication and professionalism of the teaching staff and wider school community; recognises the achievements of pupils who were praised as highly motivated, articulate and engaged in their learning; acknowledges the school’s commitment to inclusion, celebrating diverse backgrounds and cultures, and providing a wide range of opportunities in sport, culture and citizenship; notes the strong partnership between the school, families and the wider community in supporting young people to thrive, and wishes Whinhill Primary School continued success in delivering excellence in education for the children and families of Inverclyde.

That the Parliament notes with concern reports that the UK Government has quietly eased restrictions to allow greater access to Russian oil-derived products; further notes reports that this has taken place without a full debate, ministerial statement, or vote in the UK Parliament; believes that Scotland’s oil and gas sector continues to face significant challenges, including regulatory barriers, high taxes, and what it considers to be a lack of clear long-term support from government; acknowledges what it sees as the vital role that the North Sea oil and gas industry plays in supporting jobs, economic growth, and energy security across Scotland and the wider UK; considers that there is a contradiction between restricting domestic production, where environmental and regulatory standards are among the highest in the world, while potentially increasing reliance on imported energy sources; believes that reducing domestic production, without any reduction in demand, risks offshoring jobs and investment, and calls on the Scottish Government to urge the UK Government to provide full transparency on its policy regarding energy imports, to ensure proper parliamentary scrutiny of such decisions, and to prioritise support for the domestic oil and gas sector, including providing clear and unequivocal backing for North Sea developments and future licensing.