That the Parliament believes that low oil prices and COVID-19 pose an existential threat to the North Sea oil and gas industry; notes the Offshore Co-ordinating Group (OCG) of trade unions’ estimate that 3,500 jobs in the supply chain are at immediate risk, with over 1,000 redundancy notices in the drilling sector alone; believes that furlough schemes are an uneven and temporary measure for offshore workers that will not solve deeper, structural problems in the sector, while recognising that they can assist workers who would otherwise face redundancy in the short term; notes the employers’ estimate that 30,000 industry jobs could be lost by autumn 2021; believes that offshore oil and gas supported over 101,000 jobs across the supply chain and £16.2 billion GVA to Scotland’s economy in 2018; calls on oil and gas operators to show leadership by not making dividend payments to shareholders in the midst of the current crisis; welcomes the formation of the Pandemic Steering Group, which includes employers, regulators and OCG unions; believes that a Just Transition to net-zero carbon is impossible for Scotland’s offshore workers if domestic oil and gas reserves are shut down before 2030; notes that the oil and gas reserves under the North Sea are publicly owned, and calls on the Scottish Government to continue working with the OCG trade unions to demand measures from industry and the UK Government that protect Scottish jobs and skills, production, investment, decommissioning and tax revenue from this strategically vital industry.
Current Status:
That the Parliament believes that low oil prices and COVID-19 pose an existential threat to the North Sea oil and gas industry; notes the Offshore Co-ordinating Group (OCG) of trade unions’ estimate that 3,500 jobs in the supply chain are at immediate risk, with over 1,000 redundancy notices in the drilling sector alone; believes that furlough schemes are an uneven and temporary measure for offshore workers that will not solve deeper, structural problems in the sector, while recognising that they can assist workers who would otherwise face redundancy in the short term; notes the employers’ estimate that 30,000 industry jobs could be lost by autumn 2021; believes that offshore oil and gas supported over 101,000 jobs across the supply chain and £16.2 billion GVA to Scotland’s economy in 2018; calls on oil and gas operators to show leadership by not making dividend payments to shareholders in the midst of the current crisis; welcomes the formation of the Pandemic Steering Group, which includes employers, regulators and OCG unions; believes that a Just Transition to net-zero carbon is impossible for Scotland’s offshore workers if domestic oil and gas reserves are shut down before 2030; notes that the oil and gas reserves under the North Sea are publicly owned, and calls on the Scottish Government to continue working with the OCG trade unions to demand measures from industry and the UK Government that protect Scottish jobs and skills, production, investment, decommissioning and tax revenue from this strategically vital industry.
Supported by: Iain Gray, Kenneth Gibson, Mark McDonald, David Torrance, Elaine Smith, Jackie Baillie, Anas Sarwar
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That the Parliament welcomes the launch of an emergency COVID-19 Hardship Fund by the Aberdeen Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust on 1 May 2020, in partnership with the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Council; recognises that early funds raised include £50,000 from the Trades Widows’ Fund Charity, £100,000 from the Common Good Fund of the City of Aberdeen, substantial individual donations and money raised by crowdfunding; understands that all of the money collected through online fundraising will go to local charities to support residents who are struggling to cope with the impact of the current crisis; acknowledges the importance of communities taking action together to get through the COVID-19 lockdown, and commends all those supporting the Lord Provost’s Hardship Fund.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the launch of an emergency COVID-19 Hardship Fund by the Aberdeen Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust on 1 May 2020, in partnership with the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Council; recognises that early funds raised include £50,000 from the Trades Widows’ Fund Charity, £100,000 from the Common Good Fund of the City of Aberdeen, substantial individual donations and money raised by crowdfunding; understands that all of the money collected through online fundraising will go to local charities to support residents who are struggling to cope with the impact of the current crisis; acknowledges the importance of communities taking action together to get through the COVID-19 lockdown, and commends all those supporting the Lord Provost’s Hardship Fund.
Supported by: Mark McDonald, Kenneth Gibson, David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Liam Kerr, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament welcomes Aberdeen Inspired’s support for the Crowdfunder UK Pay It Forward initiative, which allows customers to buy goods and services from local businesses to be redeemed at a later date, after COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted; understands that many small businesses in the city are struggling to survive financially as a result of the current lockdown, and that the Pay It Forward scheme allows them to earn money to pay the costs involved in running a business, with customers able to redeem their purchase at a later date; commends the pioneering participants, Melt cafe, Ellees hairdressers and the community initiative Aberdeensoup, and looks forward to more Aberdeen businesses benefiting from the digital high street with a view to long-term financial survival.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes Aberdeen Inspired’s support for the Crowdfunder UK Pay It Forward initiative, which allows customers to buy goods and services from local businesses to be redeemed at a later date, after COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted; understands that many small businesses in the city are struggling to survive financially as a result of the current lockdown, and that the Pay It Forward scheme allows them to earn money to pay the costs involved in running a business, with customers able to redeem their purchase at a later date; commends the pioneering participants, Melt cafe, Ellees hairdressers and the community initiative Aberdeensoup, and looks forward to more Aberdeen businesses benefiting from the digital high street with a view to long-term financial survival.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Mark McDonald, David Torrance, Liam Kerr, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament recognises the work of the Grampian Assistance Hub in supporting communities in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray during the COVID-19 crisis; understands that it was established by the Local Resilience Partnership with the support of Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Moray Council, NHS Grampian, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Ambulance Service among others to provide a one-stop-shop for online information and advice, as well as working with the local voluntary organisations, ACVO, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Organisation and tsiMoray to provide assistance to people in the community who need extra help; recognises that, since the Hub was set up at the end of March 2020, over 3,000 people and organisations have signed up as volunteers, with thousands of people using the dedicated phone line and website to ask for help for themselves or others; welcomes the creation of the Grampian Assistance Hub to make it easier for people in the region to find the advice and help that they need, and commends all those who have volunteered their time to support their communities at this difficult time.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises the work of the Grampian Assistance Hub in supporting communities in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray during the COVID-19 crisis; understands that it was established by the Local Resilience Partnership with the support of Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Moray Council, NHS Grampian, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Ambulance Service among others to provide a one-stop-shop for online information and advice, as well as working with the local voluntary organisations, ACVO, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Organisation and tsiMoray to provide assistance to people in the community who need extra help; recognises that, since the Hub was set up at the end of March 2020, over 3,000 people and organisations have signed up as volunteers, with thousands of people using the dedicated phone line and website to ask for help for themselves or others; welcomes the creation of the Grampian Assistance Hub to make it easier for people in the region to find the advice and help that they need, and commends all those who have volunteered their time to support their communities at this difficult time.
Supported by: Mark McDonald, David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Liam Kerr, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament welcomes the donation by the Aberdeen Chinese Association of 4,500 protective face masks to health and care workers in the city; understands that, in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, the Chinese Government had been supplying face masks to its citizens living abroad, and that the Aberdeen Chinese Association wanted to donate its surplus masks to local key workers; acknowledges that the Lord Provost of Aberdeen City Council accepted the donation on behalf of the city from Wengan Lui, president of the Aberdeen Chinese Association, and commends the generosity of Aberdeen’s Chinese community at this difficult time.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the donation by the Aberdeen Chinese Association of 4,500 protective face masks to health and care workers in the city; understands that, in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, the Chinese Government had been supplying face masks to its citizens living abroad, and that the Aberdeen Chinese Association wanted to donate its surplus masks to local key workers; acknowledges that the Lord Provost of Aberdeen City Council accepted the donation on behalf of the city from Wengan Lui, president of the Aberdeen Chinese Association, and commends the generosity of Aberdeen’s Chinese community at this difficult time.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Mark McDonald, David Torrance, Maureen Watt, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament recognises that World Curlew Day is celebrated on 21 April 2020; notes that this annual event aims to raise awareness of the various species of curlew and the threats they face around the world; understands that Scotland is host to about 15% of all Eurasian curlew, and that numbers here have declined by 61% since 1994, due mainly to changes in land use as highlighted in the State of Nature Report, Scotland, 2019; appreciates the contributions to curlew conservation that have been made by farmers and land managers, and the Working for Waders initiative, which supports curlew conservation projects across Scotland, and acknowledges the need for ongoing monitoring of the effectiveness of such schemes; recognises the impact of the current COVID-19 crisis on environmental conservation, and on farming and land management, and believes that the lessons learned from the worldwide pandemic should include recognition of the importance of biodiversity and respect for the natural world; looks forward to the time when people are again able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Scotland’s wildlife, including curlew; welcomes the funding that the Biodiversity Challenge Fund has given to curlew conservation, and calls for continued long-term financial support for schemes that work to restore curlew numbers in Scotland.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises that World Curlew Day is celebrated on 21 April 2020; notes that this annual event aims to raise awareness of the various species of curlew and the threats they face around the world; understands that Scotland is host to about 15% of all Eurasian curlew, and that numbers here have declined by 61% since 1994, due mainly to changes in land use as highlighted in the State of Nature Report, Scotland, 2019; appreciates the contributions to curlew conservation that have been made by farmers and land managers, and the Working for Waders initiative, which supports curlew conservation projects across Scotland, and acknowledges the need for ongoing monitoring of the effectiveness of such schemes; recognises the impact of the current COVID-19 crisis on environmental conservation, and on farming and land management, and believes that the lessons learned from the worldwide pandemic should include recognition of the importance of biodiversity and respect for the natural world; looks forward to the time when people are again able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Scotland’s wildlife, including curlew; welcomes the funding that the Biodiversity Challenge Fund has given to curlew conservation, and calls for continued long-term financial support for schemes that work to restore curlew numbers in Scotland.
Supported by: John Mason, David Torrance, Kenneth Gibson, Claudia Beamish, Maureen Watt, Bill Kidd, Clare Adamson, Fulton MacGregor
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That the Parliament acknowledges that the Aberdeen charity, VSA, is celebrating its 150th anniversary, after being founded in March 1870 as the Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor; recognises that VSA, which operates on 47 sites across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, employing over 600 staff, and helping thousands of people every year, provides vital support and services to people of all ages across four core areas: Children and Families, Adult and Community, Education and Learning, and Carers’ Support; understands that the charity has planned a year of celebrations to mark its 150th anniversary, including an Aberdeen City Council civic reception and a charity ball at Balmoral Castle; acknowledges the contribution that VSA has made in supporting the physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing of those in need across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and commends the staff and volunteers who continue to help VSA to build a strong and caring community in the north east.
Current Status:
That the Parliament acknowledges that the Aberdeen charity, VSA, is celebrating its 150th anniversary, after being founded in March 1870 as the Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor; recognises that VSA, which operates on 47 sites across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, employing over 600 staff, and helping thousands of people every year, provides vital support and services to people of all ages across four core areas: Children and Families, Adult and Community, Education and Learning, and Carers’ Support; understands that the charity has planned a year of celebrations to mark its 150th anniversary, including an Aberdeen City Council civic reception and a charity ball at Balmoral Castle; acknowledges the contribution that VSA has made in supporting the physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing of those in need across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and commends the staff and volunteers who continue to help VSA to build a strong and caring community in the north east.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Mark McDonald, Kenneth Gibson, Stewart Stevenson, Clare Adamson, David Torrance, Liam Kerr, Fulton MacGregor, Alexander Burnett
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That the Parliament notes reports that rugby union’s Six Nations tournament may disappear behind a television paywall, after many years of attracting large audiences on free-to-air public broadcasting services; further notes reports that joint bids for the next franchise period are set to be rejected, meaning that the current televising of the Six Nations by ITV/STV and the BBC will come to an end; believes that free-to-air access increases interest in rugby union, and increases physical activity in the population as a whole, and calls on the custodians of rugby in Scotland to do everything they can to enable free-to-air broadcasting of the Six Nations tournament to continue.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes reports that rugby union’s Six Nations tournament may disappear behind a television paywall, after many years of attracting large audiences on free-to-air public broadcasting services; further notes reports that joint bids for the next franchise period are set to be rejected, meaning that the current televising of the Six Nations by ITV/STV and the BBC will come to an end; believes that free-to-air access increases interest in rugby union, and increases physical activity in the population as a whole, and calls on the custodians of rugby in Scotland to do everything they can to enable free-to-air broadcasting of the Six Nations tournament to continue.
Supported by: Liam McArthur, Sarah Boyack, David Stewart, Bill Kidd, Sandra White, Stuart McMillan, Kenneth Gibson, Iain Gray, Jeremy Balfour, Clare Adamson, John Mason, Neil Findlay, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament recognises that The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) was named Commercial Development of the Year at the recent seventh annual Scottish Property Awards; understands that TECA incorporates the 15,000-capacity P&J Live venue, which has already hosted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, Premier League darts and many top music and comedy performers, along with several exhibition halls, conference and meeting rooms, a 200-room Hilton Hotel and restaurant and Scotland’s first Aloft Hotel; notes that the judges recognised the environmental and sustainability credentials of TECA, including an onsite energy centre which provides clean, sustainable, and reliable energy from the largest hydrogen fuel cell installation in the UK; understands that current projections are that TECA will contribute an additional 4.5 million visitors, £113 million in visitor spend and £63 million net Gross Value Added to the Scotland's economy over the next 10 years, as well as creating over 350 full-time equivalent permanent jobs in Aberdeen; congratulates Aberdeen City Council and its partners on winning this prestigious award, and looks forward to many more successful events at TECA and P&J Live.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises that The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) was named Commercial Development of the Year at the recent seventh annual Scottish Property Awards; understands that TECA incorporates the 15,000-capacity P&J Live venue, which has already hosted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, Premier League darts and many top music and comedy performers, along with several exhibition halls, conference and meeting rooms, a 200-room Hilton Hotel and restaurant and Scotland’s first Aloft Hotel; notes that the judges recognised the environmental and sustainability credentials of TECA, including an onsite energy centre which provides clean, sustainable, and reliable energy from the largest hydrogen fuel cell installation in the UK; understands that current projections are that TECA will contribute an additional 4.5 million visitors, £113 million in visitor spend and £63 million net Gross Value Added to the Scotland's economy over the next 10 years, as well as creating over 350 full-time equivalent permanent jobs in Aberdeen; congratulates Aberdeen City Council and its partners on winning this prestigious award, and looks forward to many more successful events at TECA and P&J Live.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, David Stewart, Stuart McMillan, Mark McDonald, Alex Rowley, Gil Paterson, Alexander Burnett, Liam Kerr
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That the Parliament welcomes the appointment of Professor Stephen Logan as the new chair of the board of the Aberdeen Science Centre, which was the first of the public science centres in Scotland’s cities when it opened in 1988; recognises that Stephen, who was the former senior vice-principal of the University of Aberdeen University and chair of NHS Grampian, also serves as a director of Opportunity North East (ONE), where he chairs the Life Sciences board; understands that he will oversee the Science Centre through the final stages of its £4.7 million redevelopment and expansion, which will increase exhibition space and corporate capabilities at its Constitution Street site before it reopens later in 2020; acknowledges his continued commitment to STEM subjects in Aberdeen, and congratulates Stephen on his new role at the Aberdeen Science Centre.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the appointment of Professor Stephen Logan as the new chair of the board of the Aberdeen Science Centre, which was the first of the public science centres in Scotland’s cities when it opened in 1988; recognises that Stephen, who was the former senior vice-principal of the University of Aberdeen University and chair of NHS Grampian, also serves as a director of Opportunity North East (ONE), where he chairs the Life Sciences board; understands that he will oversee the Science Centre through the final stages of its £4.7 million redevelopment and expansion, which will increase exhibition space and corporate capabilities at its Constitution Street site before it reopens later in 2020; acknowledges his continued commitment to STEM subjects in Aberdeen, and congratulates Stephen on his new role at the Aberdeen Science Centre.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Mark McDonald, Gil Paterson, Clare Adamson, Jackie Baillie, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin, Alexander Burnett, Liam Kerr
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