That the Parliament notes that 6 to 14 June 2020 is Bike Week; recognises that this event is an annual celebration to showcase cycling and is co-ordinated by Cycling UK and in Scotland by Cycling Scotland; notes that, with the COVID-19 restrictions this year, Bike Week will include virtual events and will encourage people to enjoy cycling every day during the week; recognises that cycling is a physical activity that can improve physical and mental health and air quality; notes that, since the beginning of the COVID-19 restrictions, bike sales are booming and levels of cycling have increased significantly in Scotland in response to quieter roads and people cycling for their daily exercise, and recognises what it sees is the urgent need to provide safe cycling infrastructure across Scotland to support and encourage this trend and to secure the economic, environmental and health gains as a result of increased levels of cycling.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that 6 to 14 June 2020 is Bike Week; recognises that this event is an annual celebration to showcase cycling and is co-ordinated by Cycling UK and in Scotland by Cycling Scotland; notes that, with the COVID-19 restrictions this year, Bike Week will include virtual events and will encourage people to enjoy cycling every day during the week; recognises that cycling is a physical activity that can improve physical and mental health and air quality; notes that, since the beginning of the COVID-19 restrictions, bike sales are booming and levels of cycling have increased significantly in Scotland in response to quieter roads and people cycling for their daily exercise, and recognises what it sees is the urgent need to provide safe cycling infrastructure across Scotland to support and encourage this trend and to secure the economic, environmental and health gains as a result of increased levels of cycling.
Supported by: Graham Simpson, Dean Lockhart, Claudia Beamish, Sarah Boyack, David Stewart, John Finnie, Andy Wightman
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That the Parliament notes that on 26 May 2020 over 350 organisations representing over 40 million health professionals, as well as over 4,500 individual health professionals from 90 different countries, wrote to the G20 leaders calling for a #HealthyRecovery from the COVID-19 crisis; considers that the public health impact of the COVID-19 outbreak has been exacerbated by inequality and under-investment in public health systems; further considers that these effects could have been mitigated by adequate investments in pandemic preparedness, public health and environmental stewardship; notes the letter’s call that people learn from these mistakes and build healthier, more resilient societies; notes the demand that leaders commit to tackling air pollution and climate change, which it considers, if left unaddressed, will have a catastrophic impact on public health; agrees with the call for chief medical officers and chief scientific advisers to be directly involved in the production of all economic stimulus packages and report on the short- and long-term public health repercussions that these may have, and calls on the Scottish Government to embed efforts to improve public health and tackle climate change in any economic recovery package.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that on 26 May 2020 over 350 organisations representing over 40 million health professionals, as well as over 4,500 individual health professionals from 90 different countries, wrote to the G20 leaders calling for a #HealthyRecovery from the COVID-19 crisis; considers that the public health impact of the COVID-19 outbreak has been exacerbated by inequality and under-investment in public health systems; further considers that these effects could have been mitigated by adequate investments in pandemic preparedness, public health and environmental stewardship; notes the letter’s call that people learn from these mistakes and build healthier, more resilient societies; notes the demand that leaders commit to tackling air pollution and climate change, which it considers, if left unaddressed, will have a catastrophic impact on public health; agrees with the call for chief medical officers and chief scientific advisers to be directly involved in the production of all economic stimulus packages and report on the short- and long-term public health repercussions that these may have, and calls on the Scottish Government to embed efforts to improve public health and tackle climate change in any economic recovery package.
Supported by: Patrick Harvie, Mark McDonald, Andy Wightman, Mark Ruskell, Pauline McNeill, John Finnie
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That the Parliament understands that the benefit cap is an overall limit on the amount of social security payments a household can receive; expresses disappointment that that recent improvements to the rates of some social security payments will not be received in full by some households due to the application of the benefit cap; understands that the independent Social Security Advisory Committee has brought these concerns to the attention of the Department for Work and Pensions, additionally pointing out that “claimants would normally have the option to move into paid work or to move home to avoid the impact of the benefit cap, but neither of these are realistic choices for many people at the current time”; believes that the provision of social security support should be based on need, not an arbitrary limit, and calls on the UK Government to permanently abolish the benefit cap.
Current Status:
That the Parliament understands that the benefit cap is an overall limit on the amount of social security payments a household can receive; expresses disappointment that that recent improvements to the rates of some social security payments will not be received in full by some households due to the application of the benefit cap; understands that the independent Social Security Advisory Committee has brought these concerns to the attention of the Department for Work and Pensions, additionally pointing out that “claimants would normally have the option to move into paid work or to move home to avoid the impact of the benefit cap, but neither of these are realistic choices for many people at the current time”; believes that the provision of social security support should be based on need, not an arbitrary limit, and calls on the UK Government to permanently abolish the benefit cap.
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That the Parliament notes recent findings from the Office of National Statistics, using Ordnance Survey data, that 13% of households in Scotland have no access to a garden; understands that access can be more restricted for those living in places such as the city of Edinburgh, which contain highly densely populated areas; recognises that, in instances where a back garden is shared, current lockdown and physical distancing requirements can make it accessible only to one household at a time; understands that, all year round, the physical and mental health benefits of accessing outside space should be available to all, regardless of the type of home a person lives in; believes that this demonstrates the need for local parks and green spaces to be given greater priority in designing and improving communities, and commends the work of Fields in Trust, Greenspace Scotland and other groups championing the value of parks and green spaces.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes recent findings from the Office of National Statistics, using Ordnance Survey data, that 13% of households in Scotland have no access to a garden; understands that access can be more restricted for those living in places such as the city of Edinburgh, which contain highly densely populated areas; recognises that, in instances where a back garden is shared, current lockdown and physical distancing requirements can make it accessible only to one household at a time; understands that, all year round, the physical and mental health benefits of accessing outside space should be available to all, regardless of the type of home a person lives in; believes that this demonstrates the need for local parks and green spaces to be given greater priority in designing and improving communities, and commends the work of Fields in Trust, Greenspace Scotland and other groups championing the value of parks and green spaces.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Sandra White, Andy Wightman, David Torrance, Gail Ross, John Finnie, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament notes that the week beginning 18 May 2020 is Mental Health Awareness Week and that the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on mental health may be long-lasting and severe; agrees that this should be highlighted during Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond and that people should be encouraged to talk about how the crisis is affecting their mental wellbeing; understands that financial uncertainty during the pandemic may exacerbate mental health issues; notes the findings of research on COVID-19, inequalities and mental health, published by the Mental Health Foundation; is concerned that a third of Scottish adults surveyed and in full-time work are concerned about losing their jobs; is further concerned that one in six unemployed people surveyed say they have had suicidal thoughts and feelings within the last two weeks; notes that nearly a third of Scottish adults say they are worrying about their finances, such as bill payments and debt; supports the Mental Health Foundation’s call for the Scottish and UK governments to provide an economic safety net for all, both during and after the pandemic; agrees that, as a first step, the Universal Credit advance payment should immediately be made a grant, removing the current requirement to repay it over the following 12 months, and agrees that mental health support must be available to all who need it.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that the week beginning 18 May 2020 is Mental Health Awareness Week and that the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on mental health may be long-lasting and severe; agrees that this should be highlighted during Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond and that people should be encouraged to talk about how the crisis is affecting their mental wellbeing; understands that financial uncertainty during the pandemic may exacerbate mental health issues; notes the findings of research on COVID-19, inequalities and mental health, published by the Mental Health Foundation; is concerned that a third of Scottish adults surveyed and in full-time work are concerned about losing their jobs; is further concerned that one in six unemployed people surveyed say they have had suicidal thoughts and feelings within the last two weeks; notes that nearly a third of Scottish adults say they are worrying about their finances, such as bill payments and debt; supports the Mental Health Foundation’s call for the Scottish and UK governments to provide an economic safety net for all, both during and after the pandemic; agrees that, as a first step, the Universal Credit advance payment should immediately be made a grant, removing the current requirement to repay it over the following 12 months, and agrees that mental health support must be available to all who need it.
Supported by: Andy Wightman, Mark McDonald, Patrick Harvie, Alex Cole-Hamilton, John Finnie, Neil Findlay
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That the Parliament notes that the Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards recognise extraordinary young people aged 11 to 26 who improve the lives of people in their community and have shown spirit, dedication and determination; congratulates all the finalists on their achievement and thanks them for the incredible work that they do in their communities; highlights, in particular, the 14 young people and youth organisations from the Lothian region, including Nicole Gray, founder of Musselburgh-based Send A Smile Care Packages, which provides care packages to people with chronic illness, mental health issues and disabilities, the Edinburgh-based founders of the Scottish Youth Climate Strike, who are organisers of climate strikes, including the strike in Edinburgh in September 2019 that attracted over 20,000 people, the Edinburgh members of Intercultural Youth Scotland, which works to support the social inclusion of BME young people, and Rob Scott-Branton of Livingston, founder of Kids Gone Wild, which was established to deliver outdoor learning programmes for more than 700 children who are struggling in the school environment, and wishes them well for the awards night, which will be held in September 2020 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that the Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards recognise extraordinary young people aged 11 to 26 who improve the lives of people in their community and have shown spirit, dedication and determination; congratulates all the finalists on their achievement and thanks them for the incredible work that they do in their communities; highlights, in particular, the 14 young people and youth organisations from the Lothian region, including Nicole Gray, founder of Musselburgh-based Send A Smile Care Packages, which provides care packages to people with chronic illness, mental health issues and disabilities, the Edinburgh-based founders of the Scottish Youth Climate Strike, who are organisers of climate strikes, including the strike in Edinburgh in September 2019 that attracted over 20,000 people, the Edinburgh members of Intercultural Youth Scotland, which works to support the social inclusion of BME young people, and Rob Scott-Branton of Livingston, founder of Kids Gone Wild, which was established to deliver outdoor learning programmes for more than 700 children who are struggling in the school environment, and wishes them well for the awards night, which will be held in September 2020 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
Supported by: Clare Adamson, Tom Arthur
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That the Parliament welcomes the Mind to Walk campaign from Paths For All; understands that the campaign has been launched as part of National Walking Month to highlight the mental health benefits that exercise can offer; notes that the campaign includes a guided walking meditation podcast combining physical exercise with mindfulness; recognises that the current experience of physical distancing, isolation and uncertainty have seen increased feelings of anxiety for many people, and applauds this effort to support everyday walking in Scotland.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the Mind to Walk campaign from Paths For All; understands that the campaign has been launched as part of National Walking Month to highlight the mental health benefits that exercise can offer; notes that the campaign includes a guided walking meditation podcast combining physical exercise with mindfulness; recognises that the current experience of physical distancing, isolation and uncertainty have seen increased feelings of anxiety for many people, and applauds this effort to support everyday walking in Scotland.
Supported by: David Torrance, Rona Mackay, Liam McArthur, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Sandra White, Jeremy Balfour, Mark McDonald, Stewart Stevenson, Clare Adamson, John Finnie, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament applauds the efforts being made by cycling shops and groups in Edinburgh, across the Lothian region and further afield, to provide NHS staff and other key workers with bikes, essential supplies and servicing; understands that those involved include The Bike Station, Edinburgh Bike Co-op, Leith Cycle Co, Electric Cycle Co, Bikes For Refugees, Edinburgh Festival of Cycling, Belhaven Bikes and West Lothian Bike Library; understands that Spokes.org.uk has collated links to information about how to access the support available; recognises that this initiative is aimed at ensuring that those protecting the public from COVID-19) are able to get to work by bike as much as possible, and believes that this reflects the gratitude that communities feel for key workers.
Current Status:
That the Parliament applauds the efforts being made by cycling shops and groups in Edinburgh, across the Lothian region and further afield, to provide NHS staff and other key workers with bikes, essential supplies and servicing; understands that those involved include The Bike Station, Edinburgh Bike Co-op, Leith Cycle Co, Electric Cycle Co, Bikes For Refugees, Edinburgh Festival of Cycling, Belhaven Bikes and West Lothian Bike Library; understands that Spokes.org.uk has collated links to information about how to access the support available; recognises that this initiative is aimed at ensuring that those protecting the public from COVID-19) are able to get to work by bike as much as possible, and believes that this reflects the gratitude that communities feel for key workers.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Patrick Harvie, Miles Briggs, David Torrance, Andy Wightman, Sandra White, Jeremy Balfour, Clare Adamson, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament notes that, from the start of the 2020-21 football season, Hibernian's home shirt will display a ‘Thank You NHS’ message and that fans will have the option to this applied to their replica top for a £5 fee, with profits going to charity; applauds the club’s aim to fundraise a six-figure donation for the NHS charity, the Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation; understands that Hibs' first home league game of the campaign will be a "Thank You NHS Day" with hundreds of frontline workers to be invited along as guests; notes that the club will donate 100 tickets for every home game throughout the season to NHS staff, and applauds this tribute to the incredible work of NHS workers during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that, from the start of the 2020-21 football season, Hibernian's home shirt will display a ‘Thank You NHS’ message and that fans will have the option to this applied to their replica top for a £5 fee, with profits going to charity; applauds the club’s aim to fundraise a six-figure donation for the NHS charity, the Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation; understands that Hibs' first home league game of the campaign will be a "Thank You NHS Day" with hundreds of frontline workers to be invited along as guests; notes that the club will donate 100 tickets for every home game throughout the season to NHS staff, and applauds this tribute to the incredible work of NHS workers during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond.
Supported by: Miles Briggs, Iain Gray R, Kenneth Gibson, Rona Mackay, Edward Mountain, James Kelly, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, Stuart McMillan, Sarah Boyack, Jeremy Balfour, Bruce Crawford, Fulton MacGregor, Clare Adamson, Ruth Maguire
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As an amendment to motion S5M-21177 in the name of Jamie Greene (Expansion of Funded Childcare), leave out from "is concerned" to "these services" and insert “agrees that occupational gender segregation must be addressed to meet the increased staffing requirements; is concerned that the report notes that it is likely that flexibility and choice for parents will not be fully implemented by August 2020, and that any delays to the expansion will impact service delivery and families who are planning to use these services; agrees that a sustainable rate must be offered to all providers”.
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S5M-21177 in the name of Jamie Greene (Expansion of Funded Childcare), leave out from "is concerned" to "these services" and insert “agrees that occupational gender segregation must be addressed to meet the increased staffing requirements; is concerned that the report notes that it is likely that flexibility and choice for parents will not be fully implemented by August 2020, and that any delays to the expansion will impact service delivery and families who are planning to use these services; agrees that a sustainable rate must be offered to all providers”.
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