That the Parliament acknowledges René González's return to Cuba, after serving 13 years in a US prison; notes that González is one of the so-called Miami Five, who were convicted in 2001 while trying to gather information on Miami-based groups that were allegedly responsible for terrorist attacks against the Cuban people; understands that he has called for President Obama to show courage in changing US policy toward the socialist republic of Cuba, and urges the US Government to release the remaining members of the Miami Five.
Current Status:
That the Parliament acknowledges René González's return to Cuba, after serving 13 years in a US prison; notes that González is one of the so-called Miami Five, who were convicted in 2001 while trying to gather information on Miami-based groups that were allegedly responsible for terrorist attacks against the Cuban people; understands that he has called for President Obama to show courage in changing US policy toward the socialist republic of Cuba, and urges the US Government to release the remaining members of the Miami Five.
Supported by: Drew Smith, Patricia Ferguson, David Torrance, Hugh Henry, Mike MacKenzie, Anne McTaggart, Jean Urquhart, Neil Findlay
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That the Parliament congratulates the boxer Ricky Burns, from Coatbridge, on his third successful defence of the WBO World Lightweight Championship at the Emirates Arena on 11 May 2013; salutes what it sees as the courage and commitment he displayed in his winning performance; acknowledges that he is a two-weight WBO world champion; considers that boxing makes a positive contribution to communities such as Coatbridge, and looks forward to Ricky's next world title contest.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the boxer Ricky Burns, from Coatbridge, on his third successful defence of the WBO World Lightweight Championship at the Emirates Arena on 11 May 2013; salutes what it sees as the courage and commitment he displayed in his winning performance; acknowledges that he is a two-weight WBO world champion; considers that boxing makes a positive contribution to communities such as Coatbridge, and looks forward to Ricky's next world title contest.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Stuart McMillan, Anne McTaggart, Margaret Mitchell, Nanette Milne, Margaret McCulloch, Roderick Campbell, Bill Kidd, John Mason, Helen Eadie, Annabelle Ewing, Kevin Stewart, Mike MacKenzie, Richard Lyle, Nigel Don, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Jackie Baillie, Willie Coffey, George Adam, Sandra White, Margaret McDougall, Patricia Ferguson, Neil Findlay, John Pentland, Jamie Hepburn, Stewart Maxwell, Maureen Watt
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That the Parliament welcomes Unison’s calls for a debate regarding the council tax freeze; understands that Unison has stated that the freeze is unfair on poorer households and disproportionally benefits wealthy households; understands that, under the council tax freeze, Band H households are saving on average £441 per year while Band A households save only £147 a year; believes that local authorities are being starved of cash and local services are failing or being withdrawn as a result of this freeze, and encourages an open and honest debate about how to create a fairer, more equal system.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes Unison’s calls for a debate regarding the council tax freeze; understands that Unison has stated that the freeze is unfair on poorer households and disproportionally benefits wealthy households; understands that, under the council tax freeze, Band H households are saving on average £441 per year while Band A households save only £147 a year; believes that local authorities are being starved of cash and local services are failing or being withdrawn as a result of this freeze, and encourages an open and honest debate about how to create a fairer, more equal system.
Supported by: Patrick Harvie, Neil Findlay, Elaine Murray, Jayne Baxter, Alison Johnstone, Michael McMahon, Anne McTaggart, Hanzala Malik, Margaret McDougall, Duncan McNeil, Richard Simpson
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That the Parliament notes with concern reports that two prominent Syrian bishops have been kidnapped; understands that the Syriac and Greek Orthodox Archbishops of Aleppo, Yohanna Ibrahim and Paul Yazigi, have been taken hostage by Syrian rebels; notes that the bishops previously warned that the two-year conflict in Syria posed a threat to religious tolerance and diversity; understands that Bishop Ibrahim was returning from an attempt to negotiate the release of two priests who had been kidnapped; believes that it has been reported that over 70,000 people have been killed in the Syrian conflict, and hopes for successful peace talks and for the bishops to be found safely.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes with concern reports that two prominent Syrian bishops have been kidnapped; understands that the Syriac and Greek Orthodox Archbishops of Aleppo, Yohanna Ibrahim and Paul Yazigi, have been taken hostage by Syrian rebels; notes that the bishops previously warned that the two-year conflict in Syria posed a threat to religious tolerance and diversity; understands that Bishop Ibrahim was returning from an attempt to negotiate the release of two priests who had been kidnapped; believes that it has been reported that over 70,000 people have been killed in the Syrian conflict, and hopes for successful peace talks and for the bishops to be found safely.
Supported by: Annabelle Ewing, Bill Walker, Bill Kidd, Christina McKelvie, Margaret McCulloch, Anne McTaggart, Jim Hume, John Mason, Roderick Campbell, Patricia Ferguson, Richard Lyle, Hanzala Malik, Hugh Henry, Stuart McMillan, Bob Doris, Neil Findlay, Mike MacKenzie, Kenneth Gibson, Colin Beattie, Jean Urquhart, John Finnie, Kevin Stewart, Margaret McDougall, Jamie Hepburn, Sandra White, Clare Adamson, Dave Thompson, Colin Keir, Gil Paterson
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That the Parliament congratulates Kirkshaws Parent Action for Safe Play Group on the launch of its Growing Greener project, which aims to encourage young people and families in Coatbridge to become more involved in recycling, cooking and gardening; understands that David Payne, the group’s environmental officer, is working in the Coatbridge area to help residents to reduce their energy bills and waste; notes that the work of the project is aimed at helping individuals to provide the means to grow their own food, and wishes the Kirkshaws Parent Action for Safe Play Group every success in building on this achievement.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Kirkshaws Parent Action for Safe Play Group on the launch of its Growing Greener project, which aims to encourage young people and families in Coatbridge to become more involved in recycling, cooking and gardening; understands that David Payne, the group’s environmental officer, is working in the Coatbridge area to help residents to reduce their energy bills and waste; notes that the work of the project is aimed at helping individuals to provide the means to grow their own food, and wishes the Kirkshaws Parent Action for Safe Play Group every success in building on this achievement.
Supported by: Jackie Baillie, Roderick Campbell, Annabelle Ewing, Graeme Dey, John Wilson, Margaret McCulloch, Colin Beattie, Rob Gibson, Iain Gray, Jim Hume, Bill Walker, Hugh Henry, Gil Paterson, Hanzala Malik, Kenneth Gibson, Anne McTaggart, Bill Kidd, Elaine Murray, Richard Lyle, Stuart McMillan, Mike MacKenzie, Kevin Stewart, Nigel Don, Margaret McDougall, Siobhan McMahon, Jamie Hepburn, Sandra White, Clare Adamson, Maureen Watt, Richard Simpson
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That the Parliament notes with concern the position in which St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society finds itself; understands that the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator has upheld its warning that the adoption agency could lose its charitable status over its refusal to place children with same-sex couples; believes that, when the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Bill was considered, assurances were given that faith-based adoption agencies would be protected by the legislation; recalls the Deputy Minister for Children and Young People rejecting an amendment at stage 3 to protect faith-based adoption agencies by arguing that “standard 20 of the national care standards for adoption agencies includes a power to refer people who cannot be assessed to another agency, so the amendment will make no difference to what happens in practice. I hope that the Roman Catholic adoption agencies will be reassured by the reassurances given”; considers that it is important for the beliefs of faith-based agencies to be protected from unintended consequences of legislation; acknowledges that "religion or belief" and "sexual orientation" are recognised as protected characteristics by the Equality Act 2010; trusts that people of the Roman Catholic faith can practise their beliefs free from discrimination and prejudice and believes that their right to do so should be respected; considers that St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society does an excellent job for many children and families throughout the country, and calls on the Scottish Government to clarify the situation.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes with concern the position in which St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society finds itself; understands that the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator has upheld its warning that the adoption agency could lose its charitable status over its refusal to place children with same-sex couples; believes that, when the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Bill was considered, assurances were given that faith-based adoption agencies would be protected by the legislation; recalls the Deputy Minister for Children and Young People rejecting an amendment at stage 3 to protect faith-based adoption agencies by arguing that “standard 20 of the national care standards for adoption agencies includes a power to refer people who cannot be assessed to another agency, so the amendment will make no difference to what happens in practice. I hope that the Roman Catholic adoption agencies will be reassured by the reassurances given”; considers that it is important for the beliefs of faith-based agencies to be protected from unintended consequences of legislation; acknowledges that "religion or belief" and "sexual orientation" are recognised as protected characteristics by the Equality Act 2010; trusts that people of the Roman Catholic faith can practise their beliefs free from discrimination and prejudice and believes that their right to do so should be respected; considers that St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society does an excellent job for many children and families throughout the country, and calls on the Scottish Government to clarify the situation.
Supported by: Michael McMahon, Elaine Murray, Richard Lyle, Anne McTaggart, Bill Walker
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That the Parliament recognises calls from UNISON and other trade unions for free meals to be made available in schools; understands that the first International School Meals Day took place in schools across the UK and USA on 8 March 2013; notes that this aimed to raise awareness of the poverty issues that are caused by hunger; believes that more events of this nature are required to raise awareness of the importance of healthy, fresh meals for children in schools; considers that free school meals are essential in combating child poverty and obesity, and encourages the implementation of a fully funded free school meals policy for Scotland's children.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises calls from UNISON and other trade unions for free meals to be made available in schools; understands that the first International School Meals Day took place in schools across the UK and USA on 8 March 2013; notes that this aimed to raise awareness of the poverty issues that are caused by hunger; believes that more events of this nature are required to raise awareness of the importance of healthy, fresh meals for children in schools; considers that free school meals are essential in combating child poverty and obesity, and encourages the implementation of a fully funded free school meals policy for Scotland's children.
Supported by: Patrick Harvie, Anne McTaggart, John Finnie, Helen Eadie, Mark Griffin, Mike MacKenzie, Dave Thompson, Gil Paterson, Hanzala Malik, Jean Urquhart, Stuart McMillan, Margaret McDougall, Colin Keir
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That the Parliament congratulates Coatbridge College Students’ Association on its success in the recent NUS Scotland Awards 2013, winning College Students’ Association of the Year; understands that the award acknowledges the association's strong student influence, its work to improve the lives of its members and its leading role in providing a high quality student experience; considers that these awards celebrate the great success of the student movement and that it is a huge achievement for all those nominated; further considers that all those involved with Coatbridge College Students’ Association play a significant part in providing a more fulfilling student experience, and wishes them continued success in the future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Coatbridge College Students’ Association on its success in the recent NUS Scotland Awards 2013, winning College Students’ Association of the Year; understands that the award acknowledges the association's strong student influence, its work to improve the lives of its members and its leading role in providing a high quality student experience; considers that these awards celebrate the great success of the student movement and that it is a huge achievement for all those nominated; further considers that all those involved with Coatbridge College Students’ Association play a significant part in providing a more fulfilling student experience, and wishes them continued success in the future.
Supported by: Stuart McMillan, Patricia Ferguson, John Wilson, Roderick Campbell, Jean Urquhart, Annabelle Ewing, Nigel Don, Gil Paterson, Neil Findlay, Anne McTaggart, Margaret Mitchell, Mike MacKenzie, Kevin Stewart, Christina McKelvie, Iain Gray, Jackie Baillie, Maureen Watt, Colin Beattie, Jamie Hepburn, Siobhan McMahon, Margaret McCulloch, Hanzala Malik, Clare Adamson, Colin Keir
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That the Parliament welcomes the 2013 St Patrick’s Day Festival in Coatbridge, which ran from 28 February to 16 March; considers that the festival brings economic, social and cultural benefits to the town, with around 15,000 people visiting every year; understands that events range from Gaelic football tournaments to historical lectures and culminates in the family street festival; congratulates the organising committee who, it considers, do an excellent job each year of bringing all events together, and wishes them every success with the celebrations.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the 2013 St Patrick’s Day Festival in Coatbridge, which ran from 28 February to 16 March; considers that the festival brings economic, social and cultural benefits to the town, with around 15,000 people visiting every year; understands that events range from Gaelic football tournaments to historical lectures and culminates in the family street festival; congratulates the organising committee who, it considers, do an excellent job each year of bringing all events together, and wishes them every success with the celebrations.
Supported by: Jim Eadie, Roderick Campbell, Patricia Ferguson, Clare Adamson, Bill Walker, Neil Findlay, Colin Keir, Kevin Stewart, Helen Eadie, Hanzala Malik, Michael McMahon, Bruce Crawford, Annabelle Ewing, Richard Lyle, Mike MacKenzie, Siobhan McMahon, Jackie Baillie, Jamie Hepburn, Gil Paterson, Sandra White, Richard Simpson
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That the Parliament congratulates the dance group, Mini Moves, on reaching the final of the Sky1 TV show, Got to Dance; understands that the group performed in the live semi-final and was voted through to the final by the public on 17 February 2013; recognises that the group is made up of five girls aged between 10 and 11 including Jo Dempsey, a primary seven pupil at Stepps Primary School; commends the group’s trainer, Robert Hamilton of Dancepoint Musical Theatre School in Glasgow; wishes Mini Moves all the best for the Got to Dance final on 17 March 2013, and hopes that the group is successful in securing the £250,000 prize to improve its dance school.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the dance group, Mini Moves, on reaching the final of the Sky1 TV show, Got to Dance; understands that the group performed in the live semi-final and was voted through to the final by the public on 17 February 2013; recognises that the group is made up of five girls aged between 10 and 11 including Jo Dempsey, a primary seven pupil at Stepps Primary School; commends the group’s trainer, Robert Hamilton of Dancepoint Musical Theatre School in Glasgow; wishes Mini Moves all the best for the Got to Dance final on 17 March 2013, and hopes that the group is successful in securing the £250,000 prize to improve its dance school.
Supported by: Anne McTaggart, Mike MacKenzie, Annabelle Ewing, Dennis Robertson, Jamie Hepburn, Hanzala Malik, Bruce Crawford, Bob Doris, Helen Eadie, Jackie Baillie, David Torrance, Iain Gray, Colin Beattie, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Gil Paterson, Kevin Stewart, Maureen Watt, Joan McAlpine, Sandra White, Stewart Maxwell, Siobhan McMahon, Nigel Don
Current Status: Fallen on 08/05/2013
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