That the Parliament congratulates Professor David Hutchison, who was born in Ayrshire and is based in West Kilbride, on the world premiere of his play, The Blood is Strong, at the award-winning Finborough Theatre in London on 26 May 2013; notes that there will be further performances on 27 and 28 May and 2, 3 and 4 June; understands that, while telling a compelling human story, the production explores what has been happening politically in Scotland as the country approaches the independence referendum and what this might mean for both Scotland and England; considers the play to be timely and wishes it every success; hopes that it will be performed north of the border in the near future, and notes that further details of the production can be found at finboroughtheatre.co.uk/productions/2013/the-blood-is-strong.php.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Professor David Hutchison, who was born in Ayrshire and is based in West Kilbride, on the world premiere of his play, The Blood is Strong, at the award-winning Finborough Theatre in London on 26 May 2013; notes that there will be further performances on 27 and 28 May and 2, 3 and 4 June; understands that, while telling a compelling human story, the production explores what has been happening politically in Scotland as the country approaches the independence referendum and what this might mean for both Scotland and England; considers the play to be timely and wishes it every success; hopes that it will be performed north of the border in the near future, and notes that further details of the production can be found at finboroughtheatre.co.uk/productions/2013/the-blood-is-strong.php.
Supported by: Joan McAlpine, John Wilson, Chic Brodie, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Adam Ingram, Dave Thompson, Rob Gibson, Annabelle Ewing, Jean Urquhart
|
|
That the Parliament congratulates West Kilbride Community Association on the opening of a new leisure facility in the recently-refurbished Moffat wing of West Kilbride Community Centre; recognises the dedication over many years of the community association's volunteers in bringing the project to fruition; greatly appreciates the Moffat Trust's generosity in contributing £400,000 toward the total cost of £730,000 and the additional financial support provided by North Ayrshire Council, the Ayrshire Leader programme, the Robertson Trust and Magnox; acknowledges the partnership working of all concerned and understands that the facility will establish four jobs, provide a state-of-the-art fitness suite that can be used by disabled people, a dance studio and a multi-purpose space, and wishes KA: Leisure, which will run the facility, every success when its opens on 27 May 2013.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates West Kilbride Community Association on the opening of a new leisure facility in the recently-refurbished Moffat wing of West Kilbride Community Centre; recognises the dedication over many years of the community association's volunteers in bringing the project to fruition; greatly appreciates the Moffat Trust's generosity in contributing £400,000 toward the total cost of £730,000 and the additional financial support provided by North Ayrshire Council, the Ayrshire Leader programme, the Robertson Trust and Magnox; acknowledges the partnership working of all concerned and understands that the facility will establish four jobs, provide a state-of-the-art fitness suite that can be used by disabled people, a dance studio and a multi-purpose space, and wishes KA: Leisure, which will run the facility, every success when its opens on 27 May 2013.
Supported by: George Adam, John Lamont, Bill Kidd, Nigel Don, Gil Paterson, Joan McAlpine, Dennis Robertson, Stuart McMillan, Kevin Stewart, Adam Ingram, Richard Lyle, Colin Keir, Annabelle Ewing, Mike MacKenzie, Chic Brodie, Stewart Maxwell, David Torrance, Colin Beattie, Sandra White, Margaret McDougall, Maureen Watt
|
|
That the Parliament congratulates Mrs Nan Whiteside on being awarded Kilbirnie Volunteer of the Year for 2013 at a reception held in her honour on 17 May 2013; considers that Mrs Whiteside has worked selflessly on behalf of Age Concern and Kilbirnie's older people since 1985, and sends her best wishes for her continuing work in the months and years ahead.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Mrs Nan Whiteside on being awarded Kilbirnie Volunteer of the Year for 2013 at a reception held in her honour on 17 May 2013; considers that Mrs Whiteside has worked selflessly on behalf of Age Concern and Kilbirnie's older people since 1985, and sends her best wishes for her continuing work in the months and years ahead.
Supported by: Nigel Don, Joan McAlpine, Dennis Robertson, Rob Gibson, Adam Ingram, Bill Kidd, Gil Paterson, Richard Lyle, Kevin Stewart, Stuart McMillan, Colin Keir, Annabelle Ewing, Mike MacKenzie, Fiona McLeod, Chic Brodie, Stewart Maxwell, David Torrance, Colin Beattie, Sandra White, Margaret McDougall, Maureen Watt
|
|
That the Parliament looks forward to the art exhibition, Nepal Old and New, which will run throughout June and July 2013 at the Isle of Arran Distillery, Lochranza, starting on 8 June; understands that the exhibition, which will be opened by the Nepal's UK ambassador, will have a display of old and new paintings by the Scottish landscape artist, Gordon Davidson, and children from the Happy Children Home in Budhanilkantha, which cares for orphans; notes that this sustainable art project was set up following a request from solidiers from the Gurkha regiment; welcomes the news that all sales from the exhibition will go to the art project set up by Gordon and the Gurkha Museum in Winchester, and encourages people to both visit the exhibition and look at the children's work at gordondavidson.com.
Current Status:
That the Parliament looks forward to the art exhibition, Nepal Old and New, which will run throughout June and July 2013 at the Isle of Arran Distillery, Lochranza, starting on 8 June; understands that the exhibition, which will be opened by the Nepal's UK ambassador, will have a display of old and new paintings by the Scottish landscape artist, Gordon Davidson, and children from the Happy Children Home in Budhanilkantha, which cares for orphans; notes that this sustainable art project was set up following a request from solidiers from the Gurkha regiment; welcomes the news that all sales from the exhibition will go to the art project set up by Gordon and the Gurkha Museum in Winchester, and encourages people to both visit the exhibition and look at the children's work at gordondavidson.com.
Supported by: Nigel Don, John Lamont, Roderick Campbell, Joan McAlpine, Dennis Robertson, Bill Kidd, Rob Gibson, Adam Ingram, John Mason, Gil Paterson, Richard Lyle, Kevin Stewart, Angus MacDonald, Stuart McMillan, Colin Keir, Annabelle Ewing, Mike MacKenzie, Chic Brodie, Liam McArthur, Colin Beattie, Sandra White, David Torrance, Maureen Watt
|
|
That the Parliament notes with concern the contents of a recently released 2011 document, written by then Head of Tax at HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Dave Hartnett, in which he explains that so-called sweetheart deals in excess of £1 billion between HMRC and corporations are “not uncommon”; understands that Mr Hartnett further advised that £4.5 billion had come “from just four settlements with bespoke governance” of this kind; further understands that such deals are secretive, with no company names or details of the deals disclosed, which, it considers, allows corporations to develop unfitting relationships with tax officials; agrees with the sentiments of Margaret Hodge MP, chair of the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee, who questioned how much HMRC had written off in such deals and has called for greater transparency in dealings between HMRC and such companies; believes that this is yet another blow to the credibility of HMRC, following recent controversy regarding large accountancy firms seconding staff to HMRC to advise on technical issues in the drafting of tax legislation, only for the individuals concerned to return to advise clients on how to use those laws to avoid paying tax; considers that permitting large and successful corporations to avoid paying all of the tax that they are due to pay is reprehensible during such straightened economic times and puts paid to the notion that we are "all in it together", and is of the view that tax collection would be fairer and better managed by an independent Scottish treasury.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes with concern the contents of a recently released 2011 document, written by then Head of Tax at HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Dave Hartnett, in which he explains that so-called sweetheart deals in excess of £1 billion between HMRC and corporations are “not uncommon”; understands that Mr Hartnett further advised that £4.5 billion had come “from just four settlements with bespoke governance” of this kind; further understands that such deals are secretive, with no company names or details of the deals disclosed, which, it considers, allows corporations to develop unfitting relationships with tax officials; agrees with the sentiments of Margaret Hodge MP, chair of the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee, who questioned how much HMRC had written off in such deals and has called for greater transparency in dealings between HMRC and such companies; believes that this is yet another blow to the credibility of HMRC, following recent controversy regarding large accountancy firms seconding staff to HMRC to advise on technical issues in the drafting of tax legislation, only for the individuals concerned to return to advise clients on how to use those laws to avoid paying tax; considers that permitting large and successful corporations to avoid paying all of the tax that they are due to pay is reprehensible during such straightened economic times and puts paid to the notion that we are "all in it together", and is of the view that tax collection would be fairer and better managed by an independent Scottish treasury.
Supported by: Nigel Don, Clare Adamson, John Finnie, Jamie Hepburn, Sandra White, Linda Fabiani
|
|
That the Parliament recognises the 170th anniversary of the birth of Dr Henry Faulds, on 1 June 1843 in Beith, North Ayrshire; is aware of his enduring scientific contribution and legacy in pioneering forensic fingerprint identification; acknowledges that Dr Faulds lived and was educated in Beith until the age of 13 before moving to Glasgow, where he worked and studied to become a physician before moving to India and then Japan to set up missionary hospitals; understands that, while on an archaeological dig in Japan, Faulds was struck by the impression of fingerprints still visible on the ancient clay pots and, through further examination of his own fingertips and those of his friends, became convinced that fingerprints were unique to every individual; is aware that Faulds subsequently used this idea to prove the innocence of a man wrongly arrested by local police officers for breaking into the hospital that Faulds had recently founded; appreciates that fingerprints are a fundamental tool for the identification of people with a criminal history in every police agency in the world and that the technique has been used in some of the world’s most famous criminal cases, including the Great Train Robbery and the assassination of JFK, and acknowledges what it considers the genius of Dr Faulds in making this great discovery and in laying the groundwork for modern criminal forensic science.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises the 170th anniversary of the birth of Dr Henry Faulds, on 1 June 1843 in Beith, North Ayrshire; is aware of his enduring scientific contribution and legacy in pioneering forensic fingerprint identification; acknowledges that Dr Faulds lived and was educated in Beith until the age of 13 before moving to Glasgow, where he worked and studied to become a physician before moving to India and then Japan to set up missionary hospitals; understands that, while on an archaeological dig in Japan, Faulds was struck by the impression of fingerprints still visible on the ancient clay pots and, through further examination of his own fingertips and those of his friends, became convinced that fingerprints were unique to every individual; is aware that Faulds subsequently used this idea to prove the innocence of a man wrongly arrested by local police officers for breaking into the hospital that Faulds had recently founded; appreciates that fingerprints are a fundamental tool for the identification of people with a criminal history in every police agency in the world and that the technique has been used in some of the world’s most famous criminal cases, including the Great Train Robbery and the assassination of JFK, and acknowledges what it considers the genius of Dr Faulds in making this great discovery and in laying the groundwork for modern criminal forensic science.
Supported by: Nigel Don, Liam McArthur, Christina McKelvie, Joan McAlpine, Bill Kidd, Stewart Stevenson, David Torrance, Kevin Stewart, Mike MacKenzie, Adam Ingram, Dennis Robertson, Stuart McMillan, Roderick Campbell, Rob Gibson, Chic Brodie, Annabelle Ewing, Colin Beattie, Bill Walker, John Mason, Richard Lyle, Maureen Watt, Colin Keir, Clare Adamson, Stewart Maxwell, Jamie Hepburn, Sandra White, Gil Paterson
|
|
That the Parliament is concerned that Caledonian MacBrayne proposals could see some port staff, in offices such as Largs, Ardrossan and Brodick, receive pay cuts of up to 25%, effectively putting some employees on wages that they were on 20 years ago and putting them under severe financial pressure; understands that Caledonian MacBrayne made a pre-tax profit of £4.1 million in 2012-13, achieved technical reliability and punctuality levels of 99.9% and 99.7% respectively and also achieved 100% in customer service efficiency; believes that these excellent results are due to the hard work and professionalism of Caledonian MacBrayne staff, including those whose pay and conditions would be dramatically lowered should these proposals go ahead, and notes calls for Caledonian MacBrayne not to proceed with these proposals and to honour existing staff contracts.
Current Status:
That the Parliament is concerned that Caledonian MacBrayne proposals could see some port staff, in offices such as Largs, Ardrossan and Brodick, receive pay cuts of up to 25%, effectively putting some employees on wages that they were on 20 years ago and putting them under severe financial pressure; understands that Caledonian MacBrayne made a pre-tax profit of £4.1 million in 2012-13, achieved technical reliability and punctuality levels of 99.9% and 99.7% respectively and also achieved 100% in customer service efficiency; believes that these excellent results are due to the hard work and professionalism of Caledonian MacBrayne staff, including those whose pay and conditions would be dramatically lowered should these proposals go ahead, and notes calls for Caledonian MacBrayne not to proceed with these proposals and to honour existing staff contracts.
Supported by: Nigel Don, John Finnie, Christina McKelvie, Annabelle Ewing, Joan McAlpine, Rob Gibson, Chic Brodie, John Wilson, Elaine Murray, Roderick Campbell, Hugh Henry, Duncan McNeil, Hanzala Malik, Anne McTaggart, Jamie Hepburn, Neil Bibby, Claudia Beamish, Adam Ingram, Stewart Maxwell, Graeme Pearson, David Torrance, Tavish Scott, Richard Simpson, Colin Beattie, Margaret McDougall R, Dave Thompson, Richard Lyle, Jean Urquhart, Patricia Ferguson, Drew Smith, Colin Keir, Stuart McMillan, James Kelly, Clare Adamson, Sandra White, Siobhan McMahon, Gil Paterson, Richard Baker, Rhoda Grant, Jackie Baillie, David Stewart
Current Status: Achieved Cross Party Support
|
|
That the Parliament expresses concern that, despite UK military forces having been engaged in Afghanistan since 2001, the UK Government has never put the deployment of troops in that country to a vote in the House of Commons; believes that the lack of provision for parliamentary scrutiny and accountability, and what it considers to be the unchecked power wielded by the UK executive in matters of war and peace, makes the UK unusual in comparison to most of its neighbours in Europe; notes reports that both the current Prime Minister and his predecessor pledged reform in this area before each respectively became Prime Minister, but considers that this rhetoric has been followed up with little concrete action once in government; notes that, in his evidence to the House of Lords Constitution Committee, Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman pointed out that “since the end of the Second World War Britain has been involved in more military operations than any other country, including the United States”; believes that sending men and women to fight, and in some cases die, in armed conflict is one of the most serious decisions that any government can ever take, and welcomes the opportunity presented by the prospect of developing a written constitution in an independent Scotland to more precisely define the framework through which Scottish defence forces are engaged abroad and to ensure that this includes ample provision for parliamentary scrutiny and accountability.
Current Status:
That the Parliament expresses concern that, despite UK military forces having been engaged in Afghanistan since 2001, the UK Government has never put the deployment of troops in that country to a vote in the House of Commons; believes that the lack of provision for parliamentary scrutiny and accountability, and what it considers to be the unchecked power wielded by the UK executive in matters of war and peace, makes the UK unusual in comparison to most of its neighbours in Europe; notes reports that both the current Prime Minister and his predecessor pledged reform in this area before each respectively became Prime Minister, but considers that this rhetoric has been followed up with little concrete action once in government; notes that, in his evidence to the House of Lords Constitution Committee, Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman pointed out that “since the end of the Second World War Britain has been involved in more military operations than any other country, including the United States”; believes that sending men and women to fight, and in some cases die, in armed conflict is one of the most serious decisions that any government can ever take, and welcomes the opportunity presented by the prospect of developing a written constitution in an independent Scotland to more precisely define the framework through which Scottish defence forces are engaged abroad and to ensure that this includes ample provision for parliamentary scrutiny and accountability.
Supported by: John Mason, David Torrance, Chic Brodie, Joan McAlpine, Annabelle Ewing, Mike MacKenzie, Bill Walker, Bill Kidd, John Finnie, Adam Ingram, Richard Lyle, Jean Urquhart, Jamie Hepburn, Kevin Stewart, Colin Beattie, Dave Thompson, Christine Grahame, Clare Adamson, Sandra White, Gil Paterson
|
|
That the Parliament looks forward to the second Ardrossan Music Experience (AME) to be held in Ardrossan Civic Centre on 24 and 25 May 2013; understands that the aim of the AME includes fostering an appreciation of music, encouraging community engagement and the development of learning opportunities; understands that the AME will offer the opportunity to engage with renowned musicians to learn the craft of songwriting and stage presence, guitar construction with Bailey guitars and the opportunity for people to actively participate and demonstrate their talents; wishes the event every success, and notes that more information is available at www.ardrossanmusicexperience.com.
Current Status:
That the Parliament looks forward to the second Ardrossan Music Experience (AME) to be held in Ardrossan Civic Centre on 24 and 25 May 2013; understands that the aim of the AME includes fostering an appreciation of music, encouraging community engagement and the development of learning opportunities; understands that the AME will offer the opportunity to engage with renowned musicians to learn the craft of songwriting and stage presence, guitar construction with Bailey guitars and the opportunity for people to actively participate and demonstrate their talents; wishes the event every success, and notes that more information is available at www.ardrossanmusicexperience.com.
Supported by: Bill Walker, Roderick Campbell, John Lamont, Joan McAlpine, Rob Gibson, Adam Ingram, Mike MacKenzie, Richard Lyle, Bill Kidd, Kevin Stewart, Stuart McMillan, Nigel Don, Margaret McDougall, Annabelle Ewing, Jamie Hepburn, Sandra White, Jean Urquhart, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Stewart Maxwell, Colin Keir, David Torrance, Gil Paterson, Maureen Watt, Annabel Goldie
|
|
That the Parliament congratulates Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Giglets Limited on what it considers the successful launch of their free ebook, Ayrshire’s Famous People, on 26 April 2013, which is supported by all three Ayrshire local authorities; notes that 96 men and 18 women are included, ranging from scientists, engineers and inventors to politicians, writers and entrepreneurs; acknowledges what it sees as the hard work and dedication that has gone into producing a work that shows Ayrshire’s positive contribution to Scotland and the wider world over many generations, up to and including the present day; recognises what it sees as the leading role of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce in Ayrshire’s business community and considers that Giglets is an increasingly successful Ayrshire company that produces ebooks in English and Gaelic, which are sold to 52 countries, and encourages people to log on to www.giglets.net/media or www.ayrshire-chamber.org to access Ayrshire’s Famous People, which it hopes will be read particularly by young people in Ayrshire, to show them the achievements of their forebears and inspire their own aspirations.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Giglets Limited on what it considers the successful launch of their free ebook, Ayrshire’s Famous People, on 26 April 2013, which is supported by all three Ayrshire local authorities; notes that 96 men and 18 women are included, ranging from scientists, engineers and inventors to politicians, writers and entrepreneurs; acknowledges what it sees as the hard work and dedication that has gone into producing a work that shows Ayrshire’s positive contribution to Scotland and the wider world over many generations, up to and including the present day; recognises what it sees as the leading role of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce in Ayrshire’s business community and considers that Giglets is an increasingly successful Ayrshire company that produces ebooks in English and Gaelic, which are sold to 52 countries, and encourages people to log on to www.giglets.net/media or www.ayrshire-chamber.org to access Ayrshire’s Famous People, which it hopes will be read particularly by young people in Ayrshire, to show them the achievements of their forebears and inspire their own aspirations.
Supported by: Joan McAlpine, Chic Brodie, Roderick Campbell, Adam Ingram, Richard Lyle, Willie Coffey, Graeme Dey, Kevin Stewart, Mike MacKenzie, Margaret McDougall, Jamie Hepburn, Jim Hume, Sandra White, Annabelle Ewing, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Maureen Watt, Stewart Maxwell, Colin Keir, David Torrance, Gil Paterson, Stuart McMillan, Rob Gibson
|
|