That the Parliament supports National Epilepsy Awareness Week, which runs from 20 to 26 May 2012; notes that, during the week, charities, healthcare groups and people with epilepsy from across the UK will collaborate and host events to raise awareness of living with epilepsy and remove taboos that are associated with the condition; understands that this year's theme is Achievement; notes that the charity, Epilepsy Action, has launched a new website, Record of Achievement, which allows people with epilepsy to highlight their proudest achievements and inspire others to achieve their goals; notes the ceremony, the Edwards, which takes place during awareness week, in which a further 10 schools will receive an award highlighting the supportive learning environment provided to students with epilepsy; notes that the other events taking place throughout Scotland during the week include the City of Glasgow College's epilepsy exhibition and the Stuart Ritchie Family Walk in Strathclyde Park; thanks those members who participated in what was seen as a successful epilepsy photo call, and encourages members to further support epilepsy services during awareness week and beyond.
Current Status:
That the Parliament supports National Epilepsy Awareness Week, which runs from 20 to 26 May 2012; notes that, during the week, charities, healthcare groups and people with epilepsy from across the UK will collaborate and host events to raise awareness of living with epilepsy and remove taboos that are associated with the condition; understands that this year's theme is Achievement; notes that the charity, Epilepsy Action, has launched a new website, Record of Achievement, which allows people with epilepsy to highlight their proudest achievements and inspire others to achieve their goals; notes the ceremony, the Edwards, which takes place during awareness week, in which a further 10 schools will receive an award highlighting the supportive learning environment provided to students with epilepsy; notes that the other events taking place throughout Scotland during the week include the City of Glasgow College's epilepsy exhibition and the Stuart Ritchie Family Walk in Strathclyde Park; thanks those members who participated in what was seen as a successful epilepsy photo call, and encourages members to further support epilepsy services during awareness week and beyond.
Supported by: Liz Smith, Stuart McMillan, Humza Yousaf, John Finnie, Angus MacDonald, Rob Gibson, Bill Kidd, Hanzala Malik, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Annabelle Ewing, Jackie Baillie, Nanette Milne, Jean Urquhart, Mary Scanlon, Chic Brodie, Adam Ingram, Aileen McLeod, Richard Simpson, James Kelly, George Adam, John Wilson, Roderick Campbell, Kevin Stewart, Margaret McCulloch, Bill Walker, Paul Wheelhouse, Mike MacKenzie, Joan McAlpine, Mark McDonald, David Torrance
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That the Parliament notes the UK Government’s ongoing review of the so-called Moscow criterion, which, it understands, still informs the size of the UK’s current nuclear arsenal; encourages the UK Government to give the utmost consideration to the view that the Moscow criterion is rooted in a now obsolete Cold War mentality, if it can even be considered to have been a sensible approach within that historical context, and considers that an independent Scotland, with control over its own defence forces, would have long rid itself of nuclear weapons and instead have invested that money to address the issues of the greatest importance to the people of Scotland, such as health, education and doing all it can to nurture a robust Scottish economy.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the UK Government’s ongoing review of the so-called Moscow criterion, which, it understands, still informs the size of the UK’s current nuclear arsenal; encourages the UK Government to give the utmost consideration to the view that the Moscow criterion is rooted in a now obsolete Cold War mentality, if it can even be considered to have been a sensible approach within that historical context, and considers that an independent Scotland, with control over its own defence forces, would have long rid itself of nuclear weapons and instead have invested that money to address the issues of the greatest importance to the people of Scotland, such as health, education and doing all it can to nurture a robust Scottish economy.
Supported by: David Torrance, Gordon MacDonald, Mike MacKenzie, Kevin Stewart, Margaret Burgess, Roderick Campbell, Gil Paterson, Jean Urquhart, Maureen Watt, Fiona McLeod, Annabelle Ewing, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Bill Kidd, Rob Gibson, Richard Lyle, John Finnie, Humza Yousaf, Jamie Hepburn
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That the Parliament congratulates St Bride's Church in Lochranza on celebrating its 300th anniversary; notes that, while the present building dates from 1712, a church has existed on the present site for five centuries; is aware that, as part of a long summer of celebration, there will be a floral festival in the church and a display of 19th and 20th century wedding dresses; notes that there will also be an arts and crafts exhibition, which will be in Lochranza and Catacol Village Hall on 26 and 27 May 2012, and understands that further tercentenary celebration events will be held throughout the year.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates St Bride's Church in Lochranza on celebrating its 300th anniversary; notes that, while the present building dates from 1712, a church has existed on the present site for five centuries; is aware that, as part of a long summer of celebration, there will be a floral festival in the church and a display of 19th and 20th century wedding dresses; notes that there will also be an arts and crafts exhibition, which will be in Lochranza and Catacol Village Hall on 26 and 27 May 2012, and understands that further tercentenary celebration events will be held throughout the year.
Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Rob Gibson, Annabelle Ewing, Annabel Goldie
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That the Parliament congratulates Scottish and Southern Energy on its investment of £22 million in an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant at Barkip near Dalry, North Ayrshire; notes that this follows the plant's official opening on 11 May 2012 by HRH Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay; understands that the plant will provide 10 full-time permanent jobs and is the most technologically-advanced AD plant in Europe; notes that it will break down food waste and other organic matter into the biogases, methane and CO2; understands that, in the absence of oxygen that is created by the micro-organisms called methanogens, this will involve breaking down biodegradable material; notes that it is expected that the plant will generate up to 2.2 MW of renewable energy annually and that this is enough to fuel 5,500 homes and produce up to 40,000 tonnes of digestate, a nutrient-rich and inexpensive liquid biofertiliser; understands that capturing biogas from one tonne of food waste that is anaerobically digested rather than sent to landfill will avoid emissions of between half and one tonne of methane, which, it understands is 22 times more climate-damaging than CO2, and believes that, by processing up to 75,000 tonnes of organic waste in a 100% sustainable way, the Barkip plant will save up to 37,000 tonnes of waste from going into landfill each year and help Scotland reach its target of 70% of waste recycled by 2025 under the Zero Waste Plan.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Scottish and Southern Energy on its investment of £22 million in an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant at Barkip near Dalry, North Ayrshire; notes that this follows the plant's official opening on 11 May 2012 by HRH Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay; understands that the plant will provide 10 full-time permanent jobs and is the most technologically-advanced AD plant in Europe; notes that it will break down food waste and other organic matter into the biogases, methane and CO2; understands that, in the absence of oxygen that is created by the micro-organisms called methanogens, this will involve breaking down biodegradable material; notes that it is expected that the plant will generate up to 2.2 MW of renewable energy annually and that this is enough to fuel 5,500 homes and produce up to 40,000 tonnes of digestate, a nutrient-rich and inexpensive liquid biofertiliser; understands that capturing biogas from one tonne of food waste that is anaerobically digested rather than sent to landfill will avoid emissions of between half and one tonne of methane, which, it understands is 22 times more climate-damaging than CO2, and believes that, by processing up to 75,000 tonnes of organic waste in a 100% sustainable way, the Barkip plant will save up to 37,000 tonnes of waste from going into landfill each year and help Scotland reach its target of 70% of waste recycled by 2025 under the Zero Waste Plan.
Supported by: Margaret Burgess, David Torrance, Kevin Stewart, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Colin Keir, Jackie Baillie, Jean Urquhart, Maureen Watt, Sandra White, Annabelle Ewing, Fiona McLeod, Adam Ingram, Gil Paterson, Dennis Robertson, Colin Beattie, Rob Gibson, Bill Kidd, Jamie Hepburn, Liam McArthur, Margaret McDougall, Richard Lyle, Humza Yousaf
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That the Parliament congratulates Seamill Hydro Hotel and Resort and the Auchrannie Resort in Arran on receiving what it considers the prestigious Travellers’ Choice 2012 award for family hotels, presented by TripAdvisor; understands that the Thomas Cook-sponsored award is presented to the 25 hotels that have achieved the best reviews from travellers in the UK, and highlights that four of the top 25 hotels are based in Scotland, emphasising what it believes is Scotland’s prestige as a family holiday destination; understands that Seamill Hydro is renowned for its luxury spa and leisure suites and the Auchrannie Resort offers a unique, relaxed and tailored experience in the town of Brodick; understands that TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site, with more than 60 million reviews and opinions on resorts in over 30 countries, and acknowledges the high distinction and merit that Ayrshire and Arran have achieved in winning these awards.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Seamill Hydro Hotel and Resort and the Auchrannie Resort in Arran on receiving what it considers the prestigious Travellers’ Choice 2012 award for family hotels, presented by TripAdvisor; understands that the Thomas Cook-sponsored award is presented to the 25 hotels that have achieved the best reviews from travellers in the UK, and highlights that four of the top 25 hotels are based in Scotland, emphasising what it believes is Scotland’s prestige as a family holiday destination; understands that Seamill Hydro is renowned for its luxury spa and leisure suites and the Auchrannie Resort offers a unique, relaxed and tailored experience in the town of Brodick; understands that TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site, with more than 60 million reviews and opinions on resorts in over 30 countries, and acknowledges the high distinction and merit that Ayrshire and Arran have achieved in winning these awards.
Supported by: Margaret Burgess, Kevin Stewart, David Torrance, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Mark McDonald, Colin Keir, Jean Urquhart, Maureen Watt, Annabel Goldie, Annabelle Ewing, Fiona McLeod, Roderick Campbell, George Adam, Sandra White, Adam Ingram, Jamie McGrigor, Gil Paterson, Dennis Robertson, Colin Beattie, Rob Gibson, Jackson Carlaw, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Jim Hume, Margaret McDougall, Humza Yousaf
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That the Parliament supports Arthritis Care Awareness Week, which takes place from 14 to 20 May 2012 when charities, healthcare centres and people with arthritis across the UK will collaborate to raise awareness about living with arthritis, treatments available to reduce pain and to encourage patient and family support; understands that arthritis, of which there are over 200 types, affects over 700,000 people in Scotland and is an incurable chronic condition that causes inflammation to the joints, creating severe and unbearable pain and discomfort; notes the publication of the OANation 2012 survey by the charity, Arthritis Care, which coincides with the awareness week and highlights that 71% of arthritic patients suffer from constant pain, and considers essential preparation to tackle this painful condition in light of the future increase in the prevalence of arthritis, with cases set to double by 2030 due to the ageing population.
Current Status:
That the Parliament supports Arthritis Care Awareness Week, which takes place from 14 to 20 May 2012 when charities, healthcare centres and people with arthritis across the UK will collaborate to raise awareness about living with arthritis, treatments available to reduce pain and to encourage patient and family support; understands that arthritis, of which there are over 200 types, affects over 700,000 people in Scotland and is an incurable chronic condition that causes inflammation to the joints, creating severe and unbearable pain and discomfort; notes the publication of the OANation 2012 survey by the charity, Arthritis Care, which coincides with the awareness week and highlights that 71% of arthritic patients suffer from constant pain, and considers essential preparation to tackle this painful condition in light of the future increase in the prevalence of arthritis, with cases set to double by 2030 due to the ageing population.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Humza Yousaf, Joe FitzPatrick, Liam McArthur, Jamie Hepburn, Stuart McMillan, Bill Kidd, Rob Gibson, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Gil Paterson, Adam Ingram, George Adam, Aileen McLeod, Roderick Campbell, Fiona McLeod, Annabelle Ewing, Nanette Milne, Maureen Watt, Jean Urquhart, Colin Keir, Mark McDonald, Mike MacKenzie, Joan McAlpine, Paul Wheelhouse, Jim Eadie, Kevin Stewart, Gordon MacDonald, Mary Fee, David Torrance, Bill Walker, John Mason
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That the Parliament highlights a study published by The Lancet, which emphasises the need for radical changes in the NHS in terms of its approach toward treating patients who have multimorbidity conditions; understands that the study analysed a database containing 1.75 million patient records from 314 medical practices across Scotland and discovered that 23.2% of patients were multimorbid, whereby patients have multiple chronic conditions that could include coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer and depression; notes the findings that show a trend between the increasing prevalence of multimorbidity with increasing age and that people living in the most deprived areas received poorly coordinated and inefficient care; believes that there is a need to adapt the current single-disease framework approach, which it understands is used by most healthcare services, medical education and research in order to improve the continuity and coordination of care and to remove fragmented care, and notes that Dr Chris Salisbury of the School of Social Community Medicine at the University of Bristol has highlighted the financial pressures of increasing multimorbidity rates and the need to develop multimorbidity care, saying "expenditure on health care rises almost exponentially with the number of chronic disorders. This economic burden heightens the need to manage people with several chronic illnesses in more efficient ways."
Current Status:
That the Parliament highlights a study published by The Lancet, which emphasises the need for radical changes in the NHS in terms of its approach toward treating patients who have multimorbidity conditions; understands that the study analysed a database containing 1.75 million patient records from 314 medical practices across Scotland and discovered that 23.2% of patients were multimorbid, whereby patients have multiple chronic conditions that could include coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer and depression; notes the findings that show a trend between the increasing prevalence of multimorbidity with increasing age and that people living in the most deprived areas received poorly coordinated and inefficient care; believes that there is a need to adapt the current single-disease framework approach, which it understands is used by most healthcare services, medical education and research in order to improve the continuity and coordination of care and to remove fragmented care, and notes that Dr Chris Salisbury of the School of Social Community Medicine at the University of Bristol has highlighted the financial pressures of increasing multimorbidity rates and the need to develop multimorbidity care, saying "expenditure on health care rises almost exponentially with the number of chronic disorders. This economic burden heightens the need to manage people with several chronic illnesses in more efficient ways."
Supported by: Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, Humza Yousaf, Margaret McDougall, Bill Kidd, Colin Beattie, Gil Paterson, Adam Ingram, Fiona McLeod, Jean Urquhart, Maureen Watt, Mark McDonald, Jim Eadie, Colin Keir, Mike MacKenzie, Kevin Stewart, David Torrance, Bill Walker, John Mason
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That the Parliament notes the summary of evidence of the Finance Committee’s series of roundtable discussions on fiscal sustainability.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the summary of evidence of the Finance Committee’s series of roundtable discussions on fiscal sustainability.
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That the Parliament supports the FairFuelUK Campaign, which aims to reverse the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s decision to increase fuel duty by 3.06p per litre plus VAT in August 2012; understands that the campaign is supported by the RAC, the Road Haulage Association, the Freight Transport Association and the Fuelcard Company; notes that these groups have worked with the campaign to highlight the economic implications of the levels of fuel duty in the UK, which, it understands, is among the highest in Europe and places businesses at a competitive disadvantage by impacting on the cost of goods, services and inflation; considers that high fuel prices have an adverse economic effect, have been a contributory factor to the UK recently re-entering recession and limit economic recovery and growth; notes the research by the Centre of Economics and Business Research, which suggests that a 2.5p per litre reduction in fuel duty would generate 175,000 jobs and boost GDP by 0.32% over a year; notes that the campaign has gained support from over 250,000 members of the public and over 150 parliamentarians, and urges members to support this cause and help prevent what it sees as an unjustifiable fuel tax increase.
Current Status:
That the Parliament supports the FairFuelUK Campaign, which aims to reverse the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s decision to increase fuel duty by 3.06p per litre plus VAT in August 2012; understands that the campaign is supported by the RAC, the Road Haulage Association, the Freight Transport Association and the Fuelcard Company; notes that these groups have worked with the campaign to highlight the economic implications of the levels of fuel duty in the UK, which, it understands, is among the highest in Europe and places businesses at a competitive disadvantage by impacting on the cost of goods, services and inflation; considers that high fuel prices have an adverse economic effect, have been a contributory factor to the UK recently re-entering recession and limit economic recovery and growth; notes the research by the Centre of Economics and Business Research, which suggests that a 2.5p per litre reduction in fuel duty would generate 175,000 jobs and boost GDP by 0.32% over a year; notes that the campaign has gained support from over 250,000 members of the public and over 150 parliamentarians, and urges members to support this cause and help prevent what it sees as an unjustifiable fuel tax increase.
Supported by: Maureen Watt, Jean Urquhart, Annabelle Ewing, Adam Ingram, Sandra White, Gil Paterson, Chic Brodie, George Adam, John Wilson, Aileen McLeod, Rob Gibson, Dave Thompson, Roderick Campbell, Dennis Robertson, Nigel Don, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Stuart McMillan, Humza Yousaf, Angus MacDonald, Richard Lyle, Mike MacKenzie, John Finnie, Paul Wheelhouse, Joan McAlpine, Colin Keir, Jim Eadie, Gordon MacDonald, David Torrance, Bill Walker, John Mason, Margaret Burgess, Graeme Dey, Kevin Stewart
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That the Parliament congratulates the West Kilbride Community Initiative on the official opening of the Barony Centre in the village on 1 May 2012; considers this to be a magnificent cultural, artistic and social facility; notes what it understands has been the hard work, professionalism, commitment, tenacity, energy and enthusiasm of craft development manager, Maggie Broadley, and her team of volunteers and professionals who have invested their time and imagination for years to make this project happen; acknowledges the support and partnership working of the Big Lottery, the Scottish Government, Ayrshire Leader Fund, North Ayrshire Council, the Robertson Trust and others, and believes that, as well as attracting numerous visitors and providing an invaluable exhibition space, the Barony Centre will bring employment and prove vital to the sustainable regeneration of the village.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the West Kilbride Community Initiative on the official opening of the Barony Centre in the village on 1 May 2012; considers this to be a magnificent cultural, artistic and social facility; notes what it understands has been the hard work, professionalism, commitment, tenacity, energy and enthusiasm of craft development manager, Maggie Broadley, and her team of volunteers and professionals who have invested their time and imagination for years to make this project happen; acknowledges the support and partnership working of the Big Lottery, the Scottish Government, Ayrshire Leader Fund, North Ayrshire Council, the Robertson Trust and others, and believes that, as well as attracting numerous visitors and providing an invaluable exhibition space, the Barony Centre will bring employment and prove vital to the sustainable regeneration of the village.
Supported by: Margaret Burgess, Kevin Stewart, Bill Walker, David Torrance, Mark McDonald, Paul Wheelhouse, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Humza Yousaf, Richard Lyle, John Lamont, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Stewart Maxwell, Bill Kidd, Rob Gibson, Roderick Campbell, Aileen McLeod, Gil Paterson, Sandra White, Adam Ingram, Jean Urquhart, Jackie Baillie, Fiona McLeod, Annabelle Ewing
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