That the Parliament commends Scottish Borders Council (SBC) for providing home education to pupils at every secondary school in the region using the latest digital technology to learn during the COVID-19 pandemic; congratulates SBC on being the first local authority in the UK to deliver such a programme to every secondary school student; recognises the success of the Inspire Learning programme with over 96% of young people accessing learning resources; commends the accelerated roll-out of the programme, including the distribution of 6,300 iPads, and praises local teachers, pupils and parents for their home teaching efforts.
Current Status:
That the Parliament commends Scottish Borders Council (SBC) for providing home education to pupils at every secondary school in the region using the latest digital technology to learn during the COVID-19 pandemic; congratulates SBC on being the first local authority in the UK to deliver such a programme to every secondary school student; recognises the success of the Inspire Learning programme with over 96% of young people accessing learning resources; commends the accelerated roll-out of the programme, including the distribution of 6,300 iPads, and praises local teachers, pupils and parents for their home teaching efforts.
Supported by: Alexander Stewart, Gordon Lindhurst, Jeremy Balfour, David Torrance, Margaret Mitchell, Jackson Carlaw, Peter Chapman, Annie Wells, Donald Cameron, Liam Kerr
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That the Parliament commends the BT/ITV/STV partnership and its Skills for Tomorrow campaign for supporting older and vulnerable people, families, small businesses and jobseekers through providing technology skills and training during the pandemic; recognises the particular importance of this for older and vulnerable people who feel left behind and cut off due to a lack of technological knowledge, and praises the partnership for providing access to a vital service and teaching people the skills they need to stay connected and to help tackle loneliness.
Current Status:
That the Parliament commends the BT/ITV/STV partnership and its Skills for Tomorrow campaign for supporting older and vulnerable people, families, small businesses and jobseekers through providing technology skills and training during the pandemic; recognises the particular importance of this for older and vulnerable people who feel left behind and cut off due to a lack of technological knowledge, and praises the partnership for providing access to a vital service and teaching people the skills they need to stay connected and to help tackle loneliness.
Supported by: Alexander Stewart, Brian Whittle, Kenneth Gibson, Jeremy Balfour, Claire Baker, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, Margaret Mitchell, Jackson Carlaw, Clare Adamson, Peter Chapman, Annie Wells, Donald Cameron, Liam Kerr
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That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Commander, David Girrity, and his wife, Jennifer, on their efforts in cooking over 120 meals in 8 hours for vulnerable and older people self-isolating in Eyemouth during the COVID-19 pandemic; commends their commitment to supporting their local community as part of the Eyemouth Responders Team; recognises the SFRS as a humanitarian organisation for the provision of vital assistance to the most vulnerable in society; praises the incredible community spirit of Mr and Mrs Girrity, and encourages those who are able to show the same.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Commander, David Girrity, and his wife, Jennifer, on their efforts in cooking over 120 meals in 8 hours for vulnerable and older people self-isolating in Eyemouth during the COVID-19 pandemic; commends their commitment to supporting their local community as part of the Eyemouth Responders Team; recognises the SFRS as a humanitarian organisation for the provision of vital assistance to the most vulnerable in society; praises the incredible community spirit of Mr and Mrs Girrity, and encourages those who are able to show the same.
Supported by: Miles Briggs, Alexander Stewart, Richard Lyle, Finlay Carson, Bill Kidd, Margaret Mitchell, Jackson Carlaw, Jeremy Balfour, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Liam Kerr
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That the Parliament congratulates Marks and Spencer on championing and supporting British farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic; notes that it has launched a six-week TV, digital and in-store campaign to encourage support for British farmers; understands that new sales initiatives will support British farmers, including a 100% British meat food box and new bedding plants; recognises that Marks and Spencer is committed to supporting farmers facing issues due to interruptions to the supply chain as a result of the current lockdown; recognises that the retailer supports the Milk Pledge price promise, and thanks all farmers for continuing to produce excellent produce to feed the nation during a time of national crisis.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Marks and Spencer on championing and supporting British farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic; notes that it has launched a six-week TV, digital and in-store campaign to encourage support for British farmers; understands that new sales initiatives will support British farmers, including a 100% British meat food box and new bedding plants; recognises that Marks and Spencer is committed to supporting farmers facing issues due to interruptions to the supply chain as a result of the current lockdown; recognises that the retailer supports the Milk Pledge price promise, and thanks all farmers for continuing to produce excellent produce to feed the nation during a time of national crisis.
Supported by: Miles Briggs, Alexander Stewart, Edward Mountain R, Margaret Mitchell, Gordon Lindhurst, Finlay Carson R, Murdo Fraser, Jeremy Balfour, Jackson Carlaw, Michelle Ballantyne, Jamie Halcro Johnston R, Maurice Corry, Jamie Greene, Liam Kerr
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That the Parliament supports the Farmers Weekly Awards in celebrating the very best in British agriculture by recognising hard-working and innovative farmers from across the entire UK; notes that there are multiple categories, including those for the Arable and Diversification farmers of the year, with nominations closing on 30 April 2020; encourages the nominations of the farmers whom it believes are true unsung heroes of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, by working extraordinarily hard to meet food production demands; notes that everyone in the farming sector is continuing to work throughout the pandemic, producing high-quality produce for the nation, and sends its best wishes and thanks to all farmers, farm workers and other key agricultural workers for their commitment and response to the outbreak.
Current Status:
That the Parliament supports the Farmers Weekly Awards in celebrating the very best in British agriculture by recognising hard-working and innovative farmers from across the entire UK; notes that there are multiple categories, including those for the Arable and Diversification farmers of the year, with nominations closing on 30 April 2020; encourages the nominations of the farmers whom it believes are true unsung heroes of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, by working extraordinarily hard to meet food production demands; notes that everyone in the farming sector is continuing to work throughout the pandemic, producing high-quality produce for the nation, and sends its best wishes and thanks to all farmers, farm workers and other key agricultural workers for their commitment and response to the outbreak.
Supported by: Miles Briggs, Alexander Stewart, Margaret Mitchell, Finlay Carson, Murdo Fraser, Peter Chapman, Gordon Lindhurst, Jeremy Balfour, Alison Harris, Jackson Carlaw, Liam Kerr, Michelle Ballantyne
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That the Parliament congratulates Scottish Racing, the body that promotes the sport of horseracing in Scotland, on its creation of a new sister organisation, the Scottish Racing Academy; understands that the new Academy has collaborated with schools and colleges across Scotland to recruit people wanting a career in horseracing, and offers continuing professional development opportunities for current racing staff; notes that the qualifications are being delivered as part of the national curriculum for excellence at all nine schools in the Scottish Borders, and understands that students can then continue their learning journey by undertaking various horseracing National Qualifications at Borders College or Scotland’s Rural College.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Scottish Racing, the body that promotes the sport of horseracing in Scotland, on its creation of a new sister organisation, the Scottish Racing Academy; understands that the new Academy has collaborated with schools and colleges across Scotland to recruit people wanting a career in horseracing, and offers continuing professional development opportunities for current racing staff; notes that the qualifications are being delivered as part of the national curriculum for excellence at all nine schools in the Scottish Borders, and understands that students can then continue their learning journey by undertaking various horseracing National Qualifications at Borders College or Scotland’s Rural College.
Supported by: Michelle Ballantyne, Liam Kerr
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That the Parliament supports Dee Bradbury, President of the Scottish Rugby Union, who will be undertaking a 50km trek across the Atlas Mountains of Morocco in aid of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation in March 2020; understands that preparations for the trek have included several months of training, which has coincided with the Guinness Six Nations Championship; notes that Dee will take part in the walk over three days, reaching heights of 8,200 feet; wishes all of the 26-strong team taking part in the #marchfordoddie the best of luck, including the former Scottish internationals, Kenny Logan and Stuart Grimes; acknowledges that all participants will be united by the same common cause to raise money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, and supports the charity’s vital work as it continues to raise awareness of MND and raise funds for research.
Current Status:
That the Parliament supports Dee Bradbury, President of the Scottish Rugby Union, who will be undertaking a 50km trek across the Atlas Mountains of Morocco in aid of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation in March 2020; understands that preparations for the trek have included several months of training, which has coincided with the Guinness Six Nations Championship; notes that Dee will take part in the walk over three days, reaching heights of 8,200 feet; wishes all of the 26-strong team taking part in the #marchfordoddie the best of luck, including the former Scottish internationals, Kenny Logan and Stuart Grimes; acknowledges that all participants will be united by the same common cause to raise money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, and supports the charity’s vital work as it continues to raise awareness of MND and raise funds for research.
Supported by: Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament notes the view that Scotland should ban smoking in play parks, outdoor sports facilities and other similar outdoor areas; understands that section 4 of the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005 does not provide powers to do so; acknowledges that the Welsh Government introduced the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017, which imposes a ban there on smoking in these types of places; believes that such a ban in Scotland would improve public health, especially in helping to alleviate the effects of passive smoking on children in the Borders and across the country, and notes the calls for the Scottish Government to legislate accordingly.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the view that Scotland should ban smoking in play parks, outdoor sports facilities and other similar outdoor areas; understands that section 4 of the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005 does not provide powers to do so; acknowledges that the Welsh Government introduced the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017, which imposes a ban there on smoking in these types of places; believes that such a ban in Scotland would improve public health, especially in helping to alleviate the effects of passive smoking on children in the Borders and across the country, and notes the calls for the Scottish Government to legislate accordingly.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Annie Wells, Brian Whittle, Miles Briggs, Stuart McMillan, Bill Kidd, Michelle Ballantyne, Maurice Corry, Jamie Greene, Jeremy Balfour, Alison Harris, Rona Mackay, Mark McDonald, Alexander Stewart, Peter Chapman, Jackson Carlaw, Margaret Mitchell, Finlay Carson, Monica Lennon, Fulton MacGregor, John Finnie, Alexander Burnett, Donald Cameron, Liam Kerr, Alison Johnstone
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 19/02/2020
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That the Parliament welcomes a new clinical drug trial, MND-SMART, for motor neurone disease (MND); recognises that the £1.5 million investment in the UK-wide trial will allow multiple treatments to be tested at once; notes that the trial will enable about 750 patients with the condition to take part in tests of potential treatments; notes that the rugby legend, Doddie Weir, is among those taking part in the trial, and congratulates him on raising £5 million for MND research through his charity, My Name’5 Doddie.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes a new clinical drug trial, MND-SMART, for motor neurone disease (MND); recognises that the £1.5 million investment in the UK-wide trial will allow multiple treatments to be tested at once; notes that the trial will enable about 750 patients with the condition to take part in tests of potential treatments; notes that the rugby legend, Doddie Weir, is among those taking part in the trial, and congratulates him on raising £5 million for MND research through his charity, My Name’5 Doddie.
Supported by: Michelle Ballantyne, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Miles Briggs, Liam McArthur, Gordon Lindhurst, Finlay Carson, Edward Mountain, Kenneth Gibson, Alexander Stewart, Margaret Mitchell, Stewart Stevenson, Brian Whittle, Peter Chapman, Alison Harris, Jackson Carlaw, Bill Kidd, Claire Baker, Bruce Crawford, Jamie Halcro Johnston, John Mason, Maureen Watt, Jeremy Balfour, Annie Wells, Neil Findlay, Ruth Maguire, Alexander Burnett
Current Status: Fallen on 13/03/2020
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As an amendment to motion S5M-19967 in the name of Fiona Hyslop (TV Licences for over 75s), leave out from "UK Government's decision to stop" to end and insert "decision of the BBC to cease funding free TV licences for people aged over 75 is regrettable; recognises that, in 2015, a new funding deal was agreed between the UK Government and the BBC, which the BBC Director General, Tony Hall, acknowledged as a ‘strong deal for the BBC’; recognises that a key element of the deal was that the BBC would take over funding of free TV licences for people aged over 75 in return for certain concessions; acknowledges that, as an independent public service broadcaster, it is the responsibility of the BBC to ensure that its substantial licence fee income is used effectively to ensure that it fully delivers for UK audiences; believes that taxpayers want to see the BBC using its licence fee income in an appropriate way; notes that disadvantaged older people will continue to be helped, as Pension Credit recipients will receive a free TV licence; believes that television is an important educational and entertainment medium for all age cohorts, and, while repeating calls from the UK Government for the BBC to support free TV licences for people aged over 75, calls on the UK Government to find and support a resolution on the matter."
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S5M-19967 in the name of Fiona Hyslop (TV Licences for over 75s), leave out from "UK Government's decision to stop" to end and insert "decision of the BBC to cease funding free TV licences for people aged over 75 is regrettable; recognises that, in 2015, a new funding deal was agreed between the UK Government and the BBC, which the BBC Director General, Tony Hall, acknowledged as a ‘strong deal for the BBC’; recognises that a key element of the deal was that the BBC would take over funding of free TV licences for people aged over 75 in return for certain concessions; acknowledges that, as an independent public service broadcaster, it is the responsibility of the BBC to ensure that its substantial licence fee income is used effectively to ensure that it fully delivers for UK audiences; believes that taxpayers want to see the BBC using its licence fee income in an appropriate way; notes that disadvantaged older people will continue to be helped, as Pension Credit recipients will receive a free TV licence; believes that television is an important educational and entertainment medium for all age cohorts, and, while repeating calls from the UK Government for the BBC to support free TV licences for people aged over 75, calls on the UK Government to find and support a resolution on the matter."
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 21/11/2019
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