Chamber and committees

That the Parliament welcomes the open letter and campaign initiative led by Stand Up To Racism Scotland through Women Against the Far Right Scotland, which has been supported by more than 600 women, allies and organisations; condemns the recent racist, Islamophobic and misogynistic attacks, harassment and intimidation experienced across Scotland by women, people of colour, Muslims, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers; deplores attacks on mosques and violence associated with far-right rallies; recognises the danger of far-right groups weaponising violence against women and girls to promote racism, division and hatred; commends what it believes is the vital work of women’s, anti-racist, trade union, migrant and community organisations in challenging the far right and protecting targeted communities; calls on all MSPs and political parties to unequivocally condemn far-right activity, reject dehumanising and inflammatory rhetoric about migrants and asylum seekers and take action against members who participate in far-right activities; notes that people can read the open letter and add their name to the campaign petition through the Action Network petition page, which can be found at actionnetwork.org/petitions/women-against-the-far-right-scotland, and calls on the Scottish Government to strengthen action against far-right violence and disinformation, protect targeted community organisations, invest in services supporting women experiencing violence and accelerate action to tackle poverty and inequality.

That the Parliament marks Purple Day, which will take place on 26 March 2026; recognises the 80,000 people in Scotland living with epilepsy; affirms that access to any life-changing treatment for the condition is a right, not a privilege; commends the work of Epilepsy Scotland, and other charities, in supporting individuals and families affected by epilepsy; honours the tireless campaigning of Lanarkshire families, including Lisa Quarrell on behalf of her son, Cole Thomson, whose journey with drug-resistant epilepsy has inspired many across Scotland, and Lindsey Greer Johnston, in memory of her daughter, Jessica, whose bravery in the face of loss continues to drive the fight for accountability and better care, and calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that the NHS is fully resourced to deliver world-class specialist services, ensuring that no family is left to struggle alone and that every person with epilepsy can live a full, safe and dignified life.

That the Parliament congratulates Equi’s Ice Cream, based in Rutherglen, on its extraordinary success at the inaugural Ice Cream Alliance Golden Scoop Awards, held recently in Birmingham; notes that the family-run business achieved a "clean sweep" with all 12 of its entries receiving a five-star rating, the highest possible accolade, which requires a score of at least 95% for flavour, texture and appearance; further notes that eight of these entries placed in the top five of their respective categories, including second place for Belgian Chocolate, White Chocolate, Pomegranate and Pistachio, and the Vegan Pistachio with Sea Salt, which is made using Scottish oat milk; recognises the hard work and dedication of CEO David Equi and the entire team at their solar-powered dairy in Rutherglen; commends Equi’s for continuing to build on over a century of Italian-Scottish heritage, while leading the way in modern, sustainable production and innovation; wishes the company continued success as it expands its footprint across the retail and foodservice sectors, and celebrates this significant contribution to Scotland's world-class food and drink industry.

That the Parliament recognises that February 2026 marked the launch of International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD UK); understands that IAPMD UK is the first charity in the UK with a specific focus on advancing research into Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which is a severe hormone-based mood condition that affects one million women and people who menstruate, with an estimated one in two self-harming and most having suicidal thoughts; acknowledges that this major milestone in the advancement of research into the life-altering condition involves academics from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), including Dr Lynsay Matthews, who leads on PMDD research at UWS, as a trustee of the charity; believes that this new charity will advance understanding and improve care for individuals affected by PMDD through research, professional education and collaboration; notes that IAPMD UK is carrying out the UK’s first-ever research agenda into PMDD, and commends the charity’s work.

That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill.

That the Parliament notes the recent paper, MSP Briefing - Health and Safety in the Salmon industry, which was produced by the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) and is based on FOI data released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE); acknowledges that the briefing outlines the severity and regularity of reportable accidents across the salmon industry in Scotland; is concerned at the level and nature of accidents; notes that these include injuries, such as finger amputations, fractures, including those to the back, neck, ankle, lower and upper limbs, finger, heel and foot, and fatalities; is alarmed at the potential long-term respiratory impacts for workers arising from the inhalation of fish proteins, which were also raised in the briefing; suggests that unionised workplaces where collective bargaining agreements are in place are safer workplaces; believes that the industry should work with trade unions, such as BFAWU, to help drive improvements to health and safety, and urges the Scottish Government to request the HSE to conduct an urgent review of the health and safety practices and processes across the salmon industry, with a view to making the improvements that, it believes, salmon workers need.

That the Parliament congratulates John D’Ambrosio, head of coaching and development at Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion, on winning the sportscotland Janice Eaglesham Disability Coach of the Year Award 2025; recognises John’s outstanding contribution to making sport accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities and additional support needs since founding Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion in 2019; commends his leadership in creating inclusive, adaptive judo sessions and the pioneering initiative, Falls prevention through judo, in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture; notes that the club now welcomes over 100 members each week and has delivered more than 400 inclusion sessions in 2025; applauds John’s commitment to training future coaches so that inclusion remains at the heart of community sport, and celebrates the social, physical and emotional benefits his work and Hamilton Judo Club have brought to participants and their families across Lanarkshire.

That the Parliament congratulates New College Lanarkshire on launching Scotland’s first Brain Health Centre for Health and Social Care, in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland; notes that the launch on 29 October 2025 was marked by an event showcasing Scotland’s commitment to brain health, with the college’s Principal and Chief Executive, Professor Christopher Moore, and Alzheimer Scotland Chief Executive, Henry Simmons, alongside partners and community representatives; understands that this pioneering partnership aims to provide education and resources to empower people to protect their brain health and reduce their risk of dementia; acknowledges that the initiative will support individuals, families and communities by promoting preventative strategies and raising awareness of brain health across all ages; believes that this development represents a significant step forward in Scotland’s efforts to tackle dementia through education and early intervention; commends the vision and commitment of New College Lanarkshire and Alzheimer Scotland in creating this innovative centre, and hopes that this example will inspire similar collaborations across Scotland to improve brain health and wellbeing for future generations.

That the Parliament commends Philip Whyte, a remarkable 17-year-old pupil at Rutherglen High School, for what it sees as his exceptional initiative in launching Big Phil’s Pasta Project; recognises that Philip, who is autistic and has a learning disability, identified a critical shortage of essential supplies, particularly pasta, at local food banks in Blantyre and Hamilton, and took immediate and decisive action to fill those shelves; notes that Philip's entrepreneurial kindness has inspired dozens of local organisations to back the project, including the Early Learning Unit in Hamilton, where Philip attended nursery school, helping to make the drop-off point at St Joseph’s Church in Blantyre a hub of community generosity; commends Angela Whyte, who is Philip’s mum, for the instrumental role she has played in supporting and driving the project forward; further commends the people of Lanarkshire and local businesses for their overwhelming kindness, evidenced by cash and food donations including pasta, sauces, pot noodles and super noodles, and especially the heart-warming small acts of kindness, such as the inclusion of recipe cards with their donations, and believes that Philip’s selflessness has provided a vital boost to vulnerable families and people in need of extra support and everyday kindness, making him a genuine community hero.

That the Parliament congratulates Care & Repair in Lanarkshire, which is marking its 21st anniversary of becoming a registered charity; recognises what it sees as the organisation’s vital work across Lanarkshire in supporting older people and people who are disabled to live independently, safely and with dignity in their own homes; celebrates the launch of new projects that will aim to further strengthen its impact in the community; acknowledges the contribution of its staff, volunteers and directors past and present, and wishes Care & Repair continued success in the years ahead.