That the Parliament notes that 15 September 2020 is International Day of Democracy; understands that this year has provided a sustained challenge to democratic principles as a result of countries trying to tackle COVID-19; believes that, while all measures taken to suppress the virus may be necessary, it is of the utmost importance that countries uphold the rule of law, maintain and respect international standards and principles of law and maintain the right of access to justice, remedies and due process; considers that the UN’s identified COVID-19 threats to democracies, which include increased misinformation and hate speech, gender-based violence and rising inequality, must be tackled, and condemns events across the globe, such as those in Belarus, that it considers have undermined democratic principles such as free and fair elections and the upholding of the rule of law.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that 15 September 2020 is International Day of Democracy; understands that this year has provided a sustained challenge to democratic principles as a result of countries trying to tackle COVID-19; believes that, while all measures taken to suppress the virus may be necessary, it is of the utmost importance that countries uphold the rule of law, maintain and respect international standards and principles of law and maintain the right of access to justice, remedies and due process; considers that the UN’s identified COVID-19 threats to democracies, which include increased misinformation and hate speech, gender-based violence and rising inequality, must be tackled, and condemns events across the globe, such as those in Belarus, that it considers have undermined democratic principles such as free and fair elections and the upholding of the rule of law.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lyle, Sandra White, David Torrance, Stuart McMillan, Bill Kidd, Mark McDonald, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament notes the publication of a new study by the Expert Advisory Group on Migration and Population; understands that this report has found that Scotland’s population has increased by 137,000 over the past two decades as a result of intra-UK migration; regards this as a positive development that has led to the reversal of a historical trend of it being a country of net population outflow; believes however that it still has population problems due to its record low birth rate and declining populations in rural areas and the west; considers that continued inward migration is essential for the economic and financial stability of communities throughout the country, including in the Glasgow Shettleston constituency, and notes the view that it is important to ensure that all avenues are explored for maintaining net inward migration.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the publication of a new study by the Expert Advisory Group on Migration and Population; understands that this report has found that Scotland’s population has increased by 137,000 over the past two decades as a result of intra-UK migration; regards this as a positive development that has led to the reversal of a historical trend of it being a country of net population outflow; believes however that it still has population problems due to its record low birth rate and declining populations in rural areas and the west; considers that continued inward migration is essential for the economic and financial stability of communities throughout the country, including in the Glasgow Shettleston constituency, and notes the view that it is important to ensure that all avenues are explored for maintaining net inward migration.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Bill Kidd, Gil Paterson, Stuart McMillan, Annabelle Ewing, Clare Adamson, Stewart Stevenson
Current Status: Eligible for Members’ Business, Pending Cross Party Support
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That the Parliament acknowledges that 30 August 2020 is the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances; understands that this is an issue that transcends any one country or region of the world, with enforced disappearances occurring in at least 85 nations; notes that enforced disappearances go beyond human rights violations against a person as they are often used to spread terror in a society, generate feelings of insecurity and are used as a tactic to repress political opponents; recognises that, along with the impact on the victims, such as psychological and physical trauma, enforced disappearances also place an experience of slow mental anguish on friends and family, who can go long time periods not knowing the fate of their loved one, and supports the UN Assembly’s adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons From Enforced Disappearances.
Current Status:
That the Parliament acknowledges that 30 August 2020 is the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances; understands that this is an issue that transcends any one country or region of the world, with enforced disappearances occurring in at least 85 nations; notes that enforced disappearances go beyond human rights violations against a person as they are often used to spread terror in a society, generate feelings of insecurity and are used as a tactic to repress political opponents; recognises that, along with the impact on the victims, such as psychological and physical trauma, enforced disappearances also place an experience of slow mental anguish on friends and family, who can go long time periods not knowing the fate of their loved one, and supports the UN Assembly’s adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons From Enforced Disappearances.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Kenneth Gibson, David Torrance, Stewart Stevenson, Sandra White, Bill Kidd, Christine Grahame, John Finnie, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament acknowledges that 19 August 2020 is World Humanitarian Day; recognises the work of humanitarians around the world, providing life-saving support and protection to some of the most vulnerable people; recognises that, this year, as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, their work has been more difficult due to a lack of resources and increased government restrictions; acknowledges that the awareness day was initiated to commemorate Sergio Vieira de Mello, who died while carrying out humanitarian duties in Iraq in 2003; recognises the severe risks faced by humanitarians in many situations; notes that, in 2019, 277 separate incidents saw 483 aid workers attacked, leading to 125 dying, 234 being wounded and 124 being kidnapped, and believes that, while the day should recognise humanitarian action, it should also be used to call on governments to provide the resources necessary to ensure that humanitarians can provide aid safely.
Current Status:
That the Parliament acknowledges that 19 August 2020 is World Humanitarian Day; recognises the work of humanitarians around the world, providing life-saving support and protection to some of the most vulnerable people; recognises that, this year, as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, their work has been more difficult due to a lack of resources and increased government restrictions; acknowledges that the awareness day was initiated to commemorate Sergio Vieira de Mello, who died while carrying out humanitarian duties in Iraq in 2003; recognises the severe risks faced by humanitarians in many situations; notes that, in 2019, 277 separate incidents saw 483 aid workers attacked, leading to 125 dying, 234 being wounded and 124 being kidnapped, and believes that, while the day should recognise humanitarian action, it should also be used to call on governments to provide the resources necessary to ensure that humanitarians can provide aid safely.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Sandra White, Richard Lyle, Stuart McMillan, Mark McDonald, David Torrance, Fulton MacGregor, Joan McAlpine, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament denounces recent events in Belarus regarding the contested result of President Lukashenko’s re-election; sends its best wishes to Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the main opponent in the election, who has reportedly fled Belarus and is safe in Lithuania; believes that one of the central pillars of a free and democratic society is the right to peaceful protests; condemns reports from Amnesty International of arrests being made resulting in beatings of prisoners and the threat of rape; understands that Amnesty International’s director for Eastern and Central Europe has stated that "they (released prisoners) described being stripped naked and subjected to sadistic beatings while listening to the screams of other victims"; believes that international pressure should be placed on Belarus for what it considers its flagrant violations of human rights, and stands in solidarity with the people of Belarus and their right to peaceful protest and to democratically choose their next leader.
Current Status:
That the Parliament denounces recent events in Belarus regarding the contested result of President Lukashenko’s re-election; sends its best wishes to Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the main opponent in the election, who has reportedly fled Belarus and is safe in Lithuania; believes that one of the central pillars of a free and democratic society is the right to peaceful protests; condemns reports from Amnesty International of arrests being made resulting in beatings of prisoners and the threat of rape; understands that Amnesty International’s director for Eastern and Central Europe has stated that "they (released prisoners) described being stripped naked and subjected to sadistic beatings while listening to the screams of other victims"; believes that international pressure should be placed on Belarus for what it considers its flagrant violations of human rights, and stands in solidarity with the people of Belarus and their right to peaceful protest and to democratically choose their next leader.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Alex Neil, Mark McDonald, Richard Lyle, Bob Doris, Liam McArthur, Gordon MacDonald, David Torrance, Gil Paterson, Stewart Stevenson, Angela Constance, Fulton MacGregor, Willie Rennie, Joan McAlpine, Alasdair Allan
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That the Parliament notes that a study by Hatch Regeneris for the University and College Union shows that Glasgow’s three major universities, the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University, support 21,500 jobs; understands that universities across Scotland generate £4.6 billion in gross value added for Scotland’s economy, of which the three Glasgow universities contribute £1.6 billion; recognises the very severe financial constraints faced by universities as a result of COVID-19, and views their financial stability as central to Scotland’s economic recovery and the maintenance of high quality education.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that a study by Hatch Regeneris for the University and College Union shows that Glasgow’s three major universities, the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University, support 21,500 jobs; understands that universities across Scotland generate £4.6 billion in gross value added for Scotland’s economy, of which the three Glasgow universities contribute £1.6 billion; recognises the very severe financial constraints faced by universities as a result of COVID-19, and views their financial stability as central to Scotland’s economic recovery and the maintenance of high quality education.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Kenneth Gibson, Willie Coffey, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, Stuart McMillan, Sandra White, Pauline McNeill, Gil Paterson, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin
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That the Parliament notes the recent Fraser of Allander publication, Does the case for reform of wealth taxation outweigh the practical challenges?; understands that wealth inequality in Scotland is significant and rising, with COVID-19 likely to contribute further; believes that the current means of wealth taxation are not reducing the inequality gap; notes that, at present in the UK, wealth taxes come in two forms, wealth transfer taxes and capital gains tax; believes however that both of these are set up with many reliefs, allowances and exceptions hindering their effectiveness; recognises the publication’s discussion of a tax on net wealth, which, although posing practicable difficulties, is not insurmountable, and believes that, when Scotland gains greater financial responsibilities, there should be a focus on a more equitable distribution of wealth in the country and that wealth tax reform, and perhaps a serious discussion around a net wealth tax, would help to achieve this.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the recent Fraser of Allander publication, Does the case for reform of wealth taxation outweigh the practical challenges?; understands that wealth inequality in Scotland is significant and rising, with COVID-19 likely to contribute further; believes that the current means of wealth taxation are not reducing the inequality gap; notes that, at present in the UK, wealth taxes come in two forms, wealth transfer taxes and capital gains tax; believes however that both of these are set up with many reliefs, allowances and exceptions hindering their effectiveness; recognises the publication’s discussion of a tax on net wealth, which, although posing practicable difficulties, is not insurmountable, and believes that, when Scotland gains greater financial responsibilities, there should be a focus on a more equitable distribution of wealth in the country and that wealth tax reform, and perhaps a serious discussion around a net wealth tax, would help to achieve this.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Mark McDonald
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That the Parliament recognises that 15 July 2020 is World Youth Skills Day, which seeks to promote the importance of equipping young people with the skills for work, decent employment and entrepreneurship; believes that World Youth Skills Day 2020 occurs within an extremely challenging context with the backdrop of COVID-19 affecting education, apprenticeships and economic opportunities; understands that the International Labour Organisation’s analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the labour market shows that more than one in six young people are now out of work; considers that it is important to ensure that young people in Scotland have access to skills development to enable them to fulfil their potential, and believes that it is important for Scotland to work with its partner countries, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia and Pakistan, to empower the young to succeed and manage changing circumstances in national and world economies.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises that 15 July 2020 is World Youth Skills Day, which seeks to promote the importance of equipping young people with the skills for work, decent employment and entrepreneurship; believes that World Youth Skills Day 2020 occurs within an extremely challenging context with the backdrop of COVID-19 affecting education, apprenticeships and economic opportunities; understands that the International Labour Organisation’s analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the labour market shows that more than one in six young people are now out of work; considers that it is important to ensure that young people in Scotland have access to skills development to enable them to fulfil their potential, and believes that it is important for Scotland to work with its partner countries, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia and Pakistan, to empower the young to succeed and manage changing circumstances in national and world economies.
Supported by: Sandra White, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Gil Paterson, Richard Lyle, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, Stewart Stevenson, Joan McAlpine, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament notes the Expert Advisory Group’s report on migration and population, which looked at the impact of Brexit and resulting UK immigration policy on Scotland; understands that, even with the reduction of the earnings threshold that is required to be met for a visa, from £30,000 to £25,600, female migrants would have access to only 37% of available jobs; believes that 53% of all employees in Scotland earn less than £25,000, with the figure for care workers up to 90%; regards the UK’s immigration rules as being wholly unsuitable to meet Scotland’s economic and population needs, and believes that immigration rules must be devolved to Scotland.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the Expert Advisory Group’s report on migration and population, which looked at the impact of Brexit and resulting UK immigration policy on Scotland; understands that, even with the reduction of the earnings threshold that is required to be met for a visa, from £30,000 to £25,600, female migrants would have access to only 37% of available jobs; believes that 53% of all employees in Scotland earn less than £25,000, with the figure for care workers up to 90%; regards the UK’s immigration rules as being wholly unsuitable to meet Scotland’s economic and population needs, and believes that immigration rules must be devolved to Scotland.
Supported by: Alex Neil, Stewart Stevenson, Bill Kidd, Gil Paterson, Pauline McNeill, Sandra White, Mark McDonald, Fulton MacGregor, Joan McAlpine, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament notes Armed Forces’ Day 2020, which will be marked on 27 June; supports all members of the Armed Forces and recognises the sacrifices that they make; believes however that the Armed Forces have been used on numerous occasions by successive UK administrations to take part in what it considers to have been unjust conflicts; expresses its opposition to nuclear weapons and the UK Government’s storing of these in Scotland; believes that some people reportedly use Armed Forces’ Day to celebrate military might and power and for the promotion of what it considers to be an unhealthy British nationalism, and promotes negotiation and peace-making as the best form of resolving international disputes.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes Armed Forces’ Day 2020, which will be marked on 27 June; supports all members of the Armed Forces and recognises the sacrifices that they make; believes however that the Armed Forces have been used on numerous occasions by successive UK administrations to take part in what it considers to have been unjust conflicts; expresses its opposition to nuclear weapons and the UK Government’s storing of these in Scotland; believes that some people reportedly use Armed Forces’ Day to celebrate military might and power and for the promotion of what it considers to be an unhealthy British nationalism, and promotes negotiation and peace-making as the best form of resolving international disputes.
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