That the Parliament notes with extreme concern the findings of a report carried out by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) into a close-quarters' incident between the roll-on/roll-off Stena Superfast VII ferry and a Royal Navy submarine in the North Channel between Cairnryan and Northern Ireland on 6 November 2018; notes that the report, which was published on 16 July 2020, found that, on 6 November 2018, the lookout officer on board the ferry spotted a submarine’s periscope close ahead and alerted the Officer of the Watch, who took immediate and effective action, turning the ferry to avoid a genuine risk of collision with the submerged submarine; notes that the report concluded that this incident occurred because the submarine’s control room team had underestimated the ferry’s speed and overestimated its range, resulting in safety-critical decisions being made based on inaccurate information; understands that, despite a significant and life-threatening collision not taking place on this particular occasion, this is the third occasion over a four-year period in which a Royal Navy dived-submarine and surface vessel have either come into contact or have been at immediate risk of doing so; agrees with the MAIB that these incidents are a significant cause for concern and joins it in calling for an independent review of the actions that have been taken by the Royal Navy both pre- and post- the November 2018 incident, to ensure that such occurrences are avoided in future, and agrees with the position of the Scottish Government that weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, have no place in Scotland and that these weapons pose a significant and unnecessary risk to the safety of the people of Scotland and the wider international community.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes with extreme concern the findings of a report carried out by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) into a close-quarters' incident between the roll-on/roll-off Stena Superfast VII ferry and a Royal Navy submarine in the North Channel between Cairnryan and Northern Ireland on 6 November 2018; notes that the report, which was published on 16 July 2020, found that, on 6 November 2018, the lookout officer on board the ferry spotted a submarine’s periscope close ahead and alerted the Officer of the Watch, who took immediate and effective action, turning the ferry to avoid a genuine risk of collision with the submerged submarine; notes that the report concluded that this incident occurred because the submarine’s control room team had underestimated the ferry’s speed and overestimated its range, resulting in safety-critical decisions being made based on inaccurate information; understands that, despite a significant and life-threatening collision not taking place on this particular occasion, this is the third occasion over a four-year period in which a Royal Navy dived-submarine and surface vessel have either come into contact or have been at immediate risk of doing so; agrees with the MAIB that these incidents are a significant cause for concern and joins it in calling for an independent review of the actions that have been taken by the Royal Navy both pre- and post- the November 2018 incident, to ensure that such occurrences are avoided in future, and agrees with the position of the Scottish Government that weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, have no place in Scotland and that these weapons pose a significant and unnecessary risk to the safety of the people of Scotland and the wider international community.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, John Mason, Stewart Stevenson, David Torrance, Sandra White, Richard Lyle, Gillian Martin, Bill Kidd, Maureen Watt, Fulton MacGregor
|
|
That the Parliament congratulates the Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association (DGBA) on finding an innovative video message solution to mark the 75th anniversary of the annual club gathering at the Brow Well on the Solway Coast to lay a wreath in commemoration of the death of the National Bard, Robert Burns, on 21 July 1796; recognises that, this year, the newly-appointed President, Fiona Evans, and other club presidents, members, friends, Doonhamers and dignitaries participated in a group recitation, recording themselves reciting lines of the Bards’ poem, Man Was Made to Mourn, which was written in 1784; welcomes the eulogy by Bill Nolan, immediate Past President of the Robert Burns World Federation, and the Brow Well oration by Professor Gerry Carruthers, who is the Francis Hutchison Chair of Scottish Literature at the University of Glasgow; notes that the Reverend Gerald Moule from Ruthwell Kirk will present a prayer in memory of the Bard, and that Burns Howff Club piper, Callum Watson, will play a lament; further notes that this will be viewable via the YouTube channel, DGBA Burns Association, from 22 July, which was the proposed day of the annual ceremony for 2020; acknowledges that the ceremony has not been able to take place due to the social distancing restrictions in place because of COVID-19; congratulates everyone who participated in the virtual ceremony for 2020, and wishes everyone well in advance of the event in 2021, which will mark 225 years since the death of Robert Burns. R
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association (DGBA) on finding an innovative video message solution to mark the 75th anniversary of the annual club gathering at the Brow Well on the Solway Coast to lay a wreath in commemoration of the death of the National Bard, Robert Burns, on 21 July 1796; recognises that, this year, the newly-appointed President, Fiona Evans, and other club presidents, members, friends, Doonhamers and dignitaries participated in a group recitation, recording themselves reciting lines of the Bards’ poem, Man Was Made to Mourn, which was written in 1784; welcomes the eulogy by Bill Nolan, immediate Past President of the Robert Burns World Federation, and the Brow Well oration by Professor Gerry Carruthers, who is the Francis Hutchison Chair of Scottish Literature at the University of Glasgow; notes that the Reverend Gerald Moule from Ruthwell Kirk will present a prayer in memory of the Bard, and that Burns Howff Club piper, Callum Watson, will play a lament; further notes that this will be viewable via the YouTube channel, DGBA Burns Association, from 22 July, which was the proposed day of the annual ceremony for 2020; acknowledges that the ceremony has not been able to take place due to the social distancing restrictions in place because of COVID-19; congratulates everyone who participated in the virtual ceremony for 2020, and wishes everyone well in advance of the event in 2021, which will mark 225 years since the death of Robert Burns. R
Supported by: Sandra White, Kenneth Gibson, Joan McAlpine, Richard Lyle, Stewart Stevenson, Bill Kidd, Gillian Martin, Maureen Watt, Fulton MacGregor
|
|
That the Parliament congratulates the pupils at Drummore Primary School on being named regional winners in the Better Energy School Awards 2020; celebrates that the school’s Science Magic was named Scottish Winner in the Totally Scientific Award category; praises the school's efforts in achieving runner-up status with its Healthy Habits Project in the Totally Active category; recognises that these are outstanding achievements for a small rural school in a competition that attracted almost 30,000 entries from across the UK; wishes everyone involved well in spending the £750 prize money; hopes that they are successful in next year’s competition, and commends the Young People’s Trust for the Environment for providing young people aged five to 11 with challenging opportunities to think about and identify sustainable energy resources.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the pupils at Drummore Primary School on being named regional winners in the Better Energy School Awards 2020; celebrates that the school’s Science Magic was named Scottish Winner in the Totally Scientific Award category; praises the school's efforts in achieving runner-up status with its Healthy Habits Project in the Totally Active category; recognises that these are outstanding achievements for a small rural school in a competition that attracted almost 30,000 entries from across the UK; wishes everyone involved well in spending the £750 prize money; hopes that they are successful in next year’s competition, and commends the Young People’s Trust for the Environment for providing young people aged five to 11 with challenging opportunities to think about and identify sustainable energy resources.
Supported by: Sandra White, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Stewart Stevenson, David Torrance, Fulton MacGregor, Joan McAlpine, Bruce Crawford, Gil Paterson, Gillian Martin
|
|
That the Parliament congratulates Stena Line, which operates the crossing between the Port of Cairnryan in south west Scotland to Port of Belfast, on producing comprehensive guidance to ensure the safety of its passengers when travelling aboard its ferries; understands that the guidance, which is based on the advice from the Scottish and UK governments, covers everything from checking in, to boarding to eating and drinking, and includes social distancing when onboard; notes that Stena Line has taken many actions to make the crossing as safe as possible for its passengers, including reducing the capacity of its ships to allow for more room to socially distance, creating safe standing zones for boarding, having social distancing marshals in place both at the port and onboard the ships, only serving packaged food and drink and stopping its buffet service, introducing increased opportunities for hand washing and disinfection in public areas, and introducing regular onboard announcements, posters and digital signage about hygiene guidelines; thanks Stena Line for all it is doing to prevent the risk of spreading COVID-19, and for reminding all customers to familiarise themselves with the increased safety practices before boarding, and encourages and thanks everyone, including Stena Line staff, for continuing to follow the regulations in relation to COVID-19.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Stena Line, which operates the crossing between the Port of Cairnryan in south west Scotland to Port of Belfast, on producing comprehensive guidance to ensure the safety of its passengers when travelling aboard its ferries; understands that the guidance, which is based on the advice from the Scottish and UK governments, covers everything from checking in, to boarding to eating and drinking, and includes social distancing when onboard; notes that Stena Line has taken many actions to make the crossing as safe as possible for its passengers, including reducing the capacity of its ships to allow for more room to socially distance, creating safe standing zones for boarding, having social distancing marshals in place both at the port and onboard the ships, only serving packaged food and drink and stopping its buffet service, introducing increased opportunities for hand washing and disinfection in public areas, and introducing regular onboard announcements, posters and digital signage about hygiene guidelines; thanks Stena Line for all it is doing to prevent the risk of spreading COVID-19, and for reminding all customers to familiarise themselves with the increased safety practices before boarding, and encourages and thanks everyone, including Stena Line staff, for continuing to follow the regulations in relation to COVID-19.
Supported by: David Torrance, Sandra White, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Stewart Stevenson, Gil Paterson, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, Maureen Watt
|
|
That the Parliament notes the recent introduction of six months free broadband by BT in England for people of school-age to help with their education; understands that this scheme has been introduced in England as the result of discussions between the UK Department for Education and BT; notes that it is designed to help those young people to complete assigned education who have been challenged to do so but who have a lack of internet access in their households; notes that lack of internet access can be due to a number of reasons, from affordability to parental choice; agrees that this scheme is a welcome step as it considers that it will undoubtedly help many with education at home; expresses concern that BT has not yet made provisions for such a scheme to be rolled out across Scotland, where many young people would equally benefit from having six months of free internet access; calls on BT to set out whether it plans to offer such a scheme to school-age people across Scotland to provide equality of education across the four nations of the UK, and thanks Scotland’s young people for all they are doing to ensure that the spread of COVID-19 remains as low as it possibly can be in Scotland.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the recent introduction of six months free broadband by BT in England for people of school-age to help with their education; understands that this scheme has been introduced in England as the result of discussions between the UK Department for Education and BT; notes that it is designed to help those young people to complete assigned education who have been challenged to do so but who have a lack of internet access in their households; notes that lack of internet access can be due to a number of reasons, from affordability to parental choice; agrees that this scheme is a welcome step as it considers that it will undoubtedly help many with education at home; expresses concern that BT has not yet made provisions for such a scheme to be rolled out across Scotland, where many young people would equally benefit from having six months of free internet access; calls on BT to set out whether it plans to offer such a scheme to school-age people across Scotland to provide equality of education across the four nations of the UK, and thanks Scotland’s young people for all they are doing to ensure that the spread of COVID-19 remains as low as it possibly can be in Scotland.
Supported by: Bob Doris, Stuart McMillan, Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lyle, David Torrance, Alex Neil, Bill Kidd, Stewart Stevenson, Fulton MacGregor, Sandra White, Willie Coffey, Clare Adamson, Joan McAlpine, Gillian Martin
|
|
That the Parliament notes the cancellation of the annual Minden Day celebrations on 1 August 2020; supports the ex-servicemen and women from The Royal Scots Borderers, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, as successors to the 25th Regiment of Foot (King's Own Scottish Borderers), who will hold their own parades locally, in line with current COVID-19 requirements, to commemorate the participation of their forerunners and those of other regiments in the Battle of Minden during the Seven Years’ War in 1759; remembers the sacrifices of the service personnel who have served their country in many conflicts and wars over the years, and continues to support international measures, from governments and NGOs, which aim to promote peace, acceptance and tolerance.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the cancellation of the annual Minden Day celebrations on 1 August 2020; supports the ex-servicemen and women from The Royal Scots Borderers, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, as successors to the 25th Regiment of Foot (King's Own Scottish Borderers), who will hold their own parades locally, in line with current COVID-19 requirements, to commemorate the participation of their forerunners and those of other regiments in the Battle of Minden during the Seven Years’ War in 1759; remembers the sacrifices of the service personnel who have served their country in many conflicts and wars over the years, and continues to support international measures, from governments and NGOs, which aim to promote peace, acceptance and tolerance.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lyle, Sandra White, Stuart McMillan, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, Fulton MacGregor, Stewart Stevenson, Angela Constance, Maureen Watt, Joan McAlpine, Willie Coffey, Maurice Corry, Clare Adamson, Gillian Martin
|
|
That the Parliament congratulates Dumfries and Galloway LGBT+ on being awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services; understands that Dumfries and Galloway LGBT+, which aims to ensure that the LGBT+ community across the region feels safe, supported and able to engage more confidently in its local communities, was awarded this prestigious honour for its staff and volunteers' dedication to investing in and supporting local people; acknowledges that the organisation's volunteers across the region deliver activities and events, such as community outreach, education drop-ins, safe spaces for young people, cinema and leisure excursions and that it also attends local events such as agricultural shows to provide support and information to anyone who may need it; wishes all the staff, volunteers and service users at Dumfries and Galloway LGBT+ well for the future, and continues to support the value of inclusion across Scotland’s diverse communities.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Dumfries and Galloway LGBT+ on being awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services; understands that Dumfries and Galloway LGBT+, which aims to ensure that the LGBT+ community across the region feels safe, supported and able to engage more confidently in its local communities, was awarded this prestigious honour for its staff and volunteers' dedication to investing in and supporting local people; acknowledges that the organisation's volunteers across the region deliver activities and events, such as community outreach, education drop-ins, safe spaces for young people, cinema and leisure excursions and that it also attends local events such as agricultural shows to provide support and information to anyone who may need it; wishes all the staff, volunteers and service users at Dumfries and Galloway LGBT+ well for the future, and continues to support the value of inclusion across Scotland’s diverse communities.
Supported by: Sandra White, David Torrance, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, John Finnie, Willie Coffey, Bill Kidd, Clare Adamson, Maureen Watt, Colin Smyth, Gil Paterson, Fulton MacGregor, Angela Constance, Joan McAlpine, Gillian Martin
|
|
That the Parliament congratulates the Galloway Mountain Rescue Team on receiving the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services; notes that the Rescue Team, which is made up of committed and dedicated volunteers and is based in Newton Stewart, provides search and rescue services in support of partner emergency services and covers a large area of the south west; understands that it has been awarded this title in recognition of its unquestionable commitment to providing voluntary services in, what can often be, harsh weather conditions to rescue and provide first aid; notes that it is one of 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the award in 2020, and wishes its members well.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Galloway Mountain Rescue Team on receiving the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services; notes that the Rescue Team, which is made up of committed and dedicated volunteers and is based in Newton Stewart, provides search and rescue services in support of partner emergency services and covers a large area of the south west; understands that it has been awarded this title in recognition of its unquestionable commitment to providing voluntary services in, what can often be, harsh weather conditions to rescue and provide first aid; notes that it is one of 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the award in 2020, and wishes its members well.
Supported by: David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lyle, Sandra White, Stuart McMillan, Joan McAlpine, Stewart Stevenson, Tom Arthur, Fulton MacGregor, Willie Coffey, Clare Adamson, Colin Smyth, Gil Paterson, Gillian Martin
|
|
That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish SPCA for its continued and essential work during the COVID-19 outbreak to help ensure that Scotland’s high standards of animal welfare are maintained; understands that, over the course of the pandemic, its staff across the country, both responders and centre employees, have been working as normal to respond to concerns of animal welfare, to look after stray and unwanted pets and to prevent animal cruelty offences, including incidences of puppy trafficking, from occurring; understands and expresses its concern that, since the lockdown began, there have been puppy trafficking attempts, including through the Port of Cairnryan, and thanks the charity and all others involved in the efforts to stop this cruel and unlawful act, including HMRC, Trading Standards and Police Scotland; reaffirms the combined message of Say No to Puppy Dealers and encourages the public to always check that a potential puppy is with its mum, and, if there is anything suspicious or if something doesn’t seem right, then to walk away and report the incident; understands that, as a result of the pandemic, it is expected that the charity could lose up to 20% of its income, which could have an impact on the vital work that it carries out every day; encourages anyone who is able to do so to make a donation to allow this vital animal welfare work to continue by donating at scottishspca.org; notes that it has developed a guide on looking after pets during the pandemic which can be accessed online or by contacting it; wishes the Scottish SPCA every success for the future, and thanks it, and Scotland’s other animal welfare charities, for their continued hard work.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish SPCA for its continued and essential work during the COVID-19 outbreak to help ensure that Scotland’s high standards of animal welfare are maintained; understands that, over the course of the pandemic, its staff across the country, both responders and centre employees, have been working as normal to respond to concerns of animal welfare, to look after stray and unwanted pets and to prevent animal cruelty offences, including incidences of puppy trafficking, from occurring; understands and expresses its concern that, since the lockdown began, there have been puppy trafficking attempts, including through the Port of Cairnryan, and thanks the charity and all others involved in the efforts to stop this cruel and unlawful act, including HMRC, Trading Standards and Police Scotland; reaffirms the combined message of Say No to Puppy Dealers and encourages the public to always check that a potential puppy is with its mum, and, if there is anything suspicious or if something doesn’t seem right, then to walk away and report the incident; understands that, as a result of the pandemic, it is expected that the charity could lose up to 20% of its income, which could have an impact on the vital work that it carries out every day; encourages anyone who is able to do so to make a donation to allow this vital animal welfare work to continue by donating at scottishspca.org; notes that it has developed a guide on looking after pets during the pandemic which can be accessed online or by contacting it; wishes the Scottish SPCA every success for the future, and thanks it, and Scotland’s other animal welfare charities, for their continued hard work.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Jeremy Balfour, Kenneth Gibson, Mark McDonald, David Torrance, Alex Neil, John Mason, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, Stewart Stevenson, Sandra White, Gail Ross, Pauline McNeill, Clare Adamson, Annabelle Ewing, Fulton MacGregor, Willie Coffey, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire, Joan McAlpine, Gillian Martin
|
|
That the Parliament notes that 18 to 24 May 2020 marks Mental Health Awareness Week, which is promoting the theme of kindness; understands that the Awareness Week, which was established in 2001, aims to promote the importance of positive health and wellbeing for everyone and reduce stigma through raising awareness of topics such as stress, body image and relationships; notes that the kindness theme celebrates the unprecedented levels of this, which it believes, have been seen across communities in Scotland and internationally in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; acknowledges that it aims to encourage people to continue with this approach after the lockdown restrictions are lifted; thanks all across Scotland who have been playing their part in responding to the pandemic and who have observed the lockdown restrictions by staying home, protecting the NHS and saving lives; applauds all mental health charities, including SAMH, Support in Mind Scotland, Breathing Space and the Samaritans, for their outstanding effort in helping to support people during these challenging times; wishes all across the country well for the future, and reminds everyone who might be struggling that help and support is available to help maintain positive health and wellbeing and that it is "okay not to be okay".
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that 18 to 24 May 2020 marks Mental Health Awareness Week, which is promoting the theme of kindness; understands that the Awareness Week, which was established in 2001, aims to promote the importance of positive health and wellbeing for everyone and reduce stigma through raising awareness of topics such as stress, body image and relationships; notes that the kindness theme celebrates the unprecedented levels of this, which it believes, have been seen across communities in Scotland and internationally in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; acknowledges that it aims to encourage people to continue with this approach after the lockdown restrictions are lifted; thanks all across Scotland who have been playing their part in responding to the pandemic and who have observed the lockdown restrictions by staying home, protecting the NHS and saving lives; applauds all mental health charities, including SAMH, Support in Mind Scotland, Breathing Space and the Samaritans, for their outstanding effort in helping to support people during these challenging times; wishes all across the country well for the future, and reminds everyone who might be struggling that help and support is available to help maintain positive health and wellbeing and that it is "okay not to be okay".
Supported by: Alex Neil, James Kelly, Stewart Stevenson, David Torrance, Kenneth Gibson, Annabelle Ewing, Rona Mackay, Monica Lennon, Stuart McMillan, Mark McDonald, Fulton MacGregor, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Bob Doris, Bill Kidd, Sandra White, John Mason, Alison Johnstone, Neil Findlay, Willie Coffey, Joan McAlpine, Gillian Martin, Richard Lyle, Tom Arthur, Clare Adamson, Ruth Maguire, Maureen Watt
|
|