That the Parliament welcomes the report in the spring/summer 2012 edition of the Scottish Natural Heritage publication, The Nature of Scotland, indicating an increase in the red squirrel population in Tentsmuir Forest; considers that this is a welcome respite for a species totemic of the Caledonian pine forest; believes that Tentsmuir, as a national nature reserve, represents an important wild space useful for recreation and exercise; believes that Scotland's natural spaces are sadly all too often undervalued by wider society, and considers that initiatives that could further protect wild land would be part of a welcome, and much needed, effort to protect Scotland's natural heritage.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the report in the spring/summer 2012 edition of the Scottish Natural Heritage publication, The Nature of Scotland, indicating an increase in the red squirrel population in Tentsmuir Forest; considers that this is a welcome respite for a species totemic of the Caledonian pine forest; believes that Tentsmuir, as a national nature reserve, represents an important wild space useful for recreation and exercise; believes that Scotland's natural spaces are sadly all too often undervalued by wider society, and considers that initiatives that could further protect wild land would be part of a welcome, and much needed, effort to protect Scotland's natural heritage.
Supported by: Kevin Stewart, Drew Smith, Bill Walker, Margaret Burgess, Mike MacKenzie, Jean Urquhart, Chic Brodie, John Wilson, Murdo Fraser, Angus MacDonald, Joe FitzPatrick, Bill Kidd, Dennis Robertson, Colin Beattie
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That the Parliament congratulates the University of St Andrews on being named by The Guardian University Guide 2013 as the best university in Scotland; notes that the guide ranked St Andrews as fourth overall in the UK; understands that this is the second league table published in 2012 that has rated the university as the top higher education institution in Scotland; notes that the rating system that The Guardian uses is based on the annual National Student Survey, which considers spending per student, the student to staff ratio, graduate career prospects, grade requirements and how happy final-year students are believed to be with their courses; notes that, along with St Andrews, Heriot-Watt University and the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh also appeared in the list of the top 20 UK institutions, and warmly welcomes this news, which, it considers, demonstrates that Scotland’s finest universities continue to live up to their excellent reputations.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the University of St Andrews on being named by The Guardian University Guide 2013 as the best university in Scotland; notes that the guide ranked St Andrews as fourth overall in the UK; understands that this is the second league table published in 2012 that has rated the university as the top higher education institution in Scotland; notes that the rating system that The Guardian uses is based on the annual National Student Survey, which considers spending per student, the student to staff ratio, graduate career prospects, grade requirements and how happy final-year students are believed to be with their courses; notes that, along with St Andrews, Heriot-Watt University and the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh also appeared in the list of the top 20 UK institutions, and warmly welcomes this news, which, it considers, demonstrates that Scotland’s finest universities continue to live up to their excellent reputations.
Supported by: Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Jamie Hepburn, Stuart McMillan, Liz Smith, Humza Yousaf, Richard Lyle, Murdo Fraser, Richard Simpson, Rob Gibson, Hanzala Malik, Gil Paterson, Adam Ingram, Annabelle Ewing, Mary Scanlon, Jean Urquhart, Jenny Marra, Mark McDonald, David Torrance, Gordon MacDonald, Mike MacKenzie, Paul Wheelhouse, Margaret Burgess, Graeme Dey
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That the Parliament welcomes the start of the trial, on 16 May 2012, of the former commander of the Vojska Republike Srpske (VRS), the Bosnian Serb army, Ratko Mladic, by the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia (ICTY); notes that Mladic is accused of 11 types of war crime, including genocide, murder and persecution; believes that a full, free hearing is the correct form of justice; hopes that the trial will bring closure to the families and friends of people who allegedly suffered at the hands of the VRS, including at the siege of Sarajevo and the Srebrenica massacre, where it believes 17,000 people died; notes that Mladic, Goran Hadžic and Radovan Karadžic are the last of the 161 people who were indicted from across the former Yugoslavia to face trial by the ICTY, and looks forward to the end of these trials.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the start of the trial, on 16 May 2012, of the former commander of the Vojska Republike Srpske (VRS), the Bosnian Serb army, Ratko Mladic, by the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia (ICTY); notes that Mladic is accused of 11 types of war crime, including genocide, murder and persecution; believes that a full, free hearing is the correct form of justice; hopes that the trial will bring closure to the families and friends of people who allegedly suffered at the hands of the VRS, including at the siege of Sarajevo and the Srebrenica massacre, where it believes 17,000 people died; notes that Mladic, Goran Hadžic and Radovan Karadžic are the last of the 161 people who were indicted from across the former Yugoslavia to face trial by the ICTY, and looks forward to the end of these trials.
Supported by: John Mason, Margaret Burgess, Bill Walker, Kevin Stewart, Paul Wheelhouse, John Finnie, Gordon MacDonald, David Torrance, Colin Keir, Jean Urquhart, Fiona McLeod, Sandra White, Gil Paterson, Bill Kidd, John Pentland, Rob Gibson, Humza Yousaf, Mike MacKenzie, Richard Lyle, Joe FitzPatrick, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie
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That the Parliament applauds the premiere of Ever to Excel, a film history of the University of St Andrews, directed by Murray Grigor OBE and starring Sir Sean Connery; understands that the film reflects on the 600-year history of the institution, which is the oldest and, some might say, finest university in Scotland; believes that the university continues to play a leading role in research and academic achievement and spearheading remarkable investigations into new fields of science and the arts, and congratulates the institution, which it believes has a very bright future, on the anniversary of its founding.
Current Status:
That the Parliament applauds the premiere of Ever to Excel, a film history of the University of St Andrews, directed by Murray Grigor OBE and starring Sir Sean Connery; understands that the film reflects on the 600-year history of the institution, which is the oldest and, some might say, finest university in Scotland; believes that the university continues to play a leading role in research and academic achievement and spearheading remarkable investigations into new fields of science and the arts, and congratulates the institution, which it believes has a very bright future, on the anniversary of its founding.
Supported by: Christina McKelvie, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Nigel Don, Bill Kidd, Dennis Robertson, Stuart McMillan, Humza Yousaf, Jamie McGrigor, Hugh Henry, Kenneth Gibson, George Adam, Adam Ingram, Gil Paterson, Annabelle Ewing, Jean Urquhart, Colin Keir, David Torrance, Anne McTaggart, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Kevin Stewart, Margaret Burgess
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That the Parliament notes with concern the apparent abuse of former Ukrainian Prime Minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, at the hands of the Ukrainian prison authorities; notes that the Ukrainian authorities deny any allegations of Ms Tymoshenko’s abuse in prison, which Ms Tymoshenko considers to be revenge by the state for her involvement in the 2004 Orange Revolution; understands that Ms Tymoshenko was imprisoned in October 2011 for seven years for abuse of office while she was Prime Minister and is currently awaiting trial for tax-evasion charges, which she denies; further understands that Ms Tymoshenko is reluctant to go to trial owing to chronic back pain and that her recent hunger strike was a protest against her violent assault by guards; notes the refusal of German President, Joachim Gauck, to accept an invitation to visit the Ukraine because of, it believes, his concerns over the treatment of Ms Tymoshenko in prison, as well as calls from the Russian foreign office for the Ukrainian authorities to “show a human approach”; notes the decision by many high-profile leaders, including the President of the European Commission, to boycott the Euro 2012 Football Championships while, it believes, Yulia Tymoshenko continues to endure a serious breach of human rights in custody, and calls on the Ukrainian Government to immediately exercise its duty to protect the basic human rights of all its citizens.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes with concern the apparent abuse of former Ukrainian Prime Minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, at the hands of the Ukrainian prison authorities; notes that the Ukrainian authorities deny any allegations of Ms Tymoshenko’s abuse in prison, which Ms Tymoshenko considers to be revenge by the state for her involvement in the 2004 Orange Revolution; understands that Ms Tymoshenko was imprisoned in October 2011 for seven years for abuse of office while she was Prime Minister and is currently awaiting trial for tax-evasion charges, which she denies; further understands that Ms Tymoshenko is reluctant to go to trial owing to chronic back pain and that her recent hunger strike was a protest against her violent assault by guards; notes the refusal of German President, Joachim Gauck, to accept an invitation to visit the Ukraine because of, it believes, his concerns over the treatment of Ms Tymoshenko in prison, as well as calls from the Russian foreign office for the Ukrainian authorities to “show a human approach”; notes the decision by many high-profile leaders, including the President of the European Commission, to boycott the Euro 2012 Football Championships while, it believes, Yulia Tymoshenko continues to endure a serious breach of human rights in custody, and calls on the Ukrainian Government to immediately exercise its duty to protect the basic human rights of all its citizens.
Supported by: Margaret Burgess, John Mason, Kevin Stewart, David Torrance, Bill Walker, John Finnie, Mike MacKenzie, Jenny Marra, Colin Keir, Jean Urquhart, Gil Paterson, Adam Ingram, Sandra White, Rob Gibson, Bill Kidd, Kenneth Gibson, Humza Yousaf, Richard Lyle, Christina McKelvie, Liam McArthur, Dennis Robertson, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie
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That the Parliament is concerned about an increase in the incidence of skin cancer among Scots as reported in ISD Scotland’s report, Cancer Incidence in Scotland (2010), published on 24 April 2012; notes that the report shows that there has been a 62% rise in the incidence of skin cancer between 2000 and 2010; further notes the warning issued jointly on 24 April by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy and Jacqui Carruthers, someone who has recovered from skin cancer, which stated that people should exercise caution when considering the use of a sunbed; asks the public to give serious thought to what it considers is the conclusive link between sunbed use and malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer; recognises that part of the purpose of the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early Programme is to raise awareness of all types of cancer, given the correlation between early detection, early treatment and higher survival rates, and hopes that the Scottish Government will continue to make curing and avoiding cancer a health priority.
Current Status:
That the Parliament is concerned about an increase in the incidence of skin cancer among Scots as reported in ISD Scotland’s report, Cancer Incidence in Scotland (2010), published on 24 April 2012; notes that the report shows that there has been a 62% rise in the incidence of skin cancer between 2000 and 2010; further notes the warning issued jointly on 24 April by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy and Jacqui Carruthers, someone who has recovered from skin cancer, which stated that people should exercise caution when considering the use of a sunbed; asks the public to give serious thought to what it considers is the conclusive link between sunbed use and malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer; recognises that part of the purpose of the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early Programme is to raise awareness of all types of cancer, given the correlation between early detection, early treatment and higher survival rates, and hopes that the Scottish Government will continue to make curing and avoiding cancer a health priority.
Supported by: Christina McKelvie, Colin Beattie, Nigel Don, Dennis Robertson, Bill Kidd, Margaret McDougall, Jamie Hepburn, Joe FitzPatrick, Humza Yousaf, Richard Lyle, Mike MacKenzie, Rob Gibson, Aileen McLeod, Gil Paterson, Stewart Maxwell, Jackson Carlaw, Adam Ingram, Maureen Watt, Mary Scanlon, Annabelle Ewing, Annabel Goldie, Jean Urquhart, Fiona McLeod, Mark McDonald, Paul Wheelhouse, Joan McAlpine, John Finnie, David Torrance, Bill Walker, Kevin Stewart, John Mason, Margaret Burgess
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That the Parliament welcomes the celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) on 1 April 2012; notes that, to celebrate this, the year's Ohakea air show, which was held on 31 March, saw the RNZAF's full complement of military aircraft on public show for the first time since 2009; understands that the man described as the founding father of the RNZAF was Sir Ralph Alexander Cochrane of Springfield, Fife; believes that, due to his work, Sir Ralph was appointed as the RNZAF's first chief of air staff and became known as Cochrane the Architect, and hopes that the RNZAF continues to grow and appreciates the far-reaching influence of North East Fifers throughout the world.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) on 1 April 2012; notes that, to celebrate this, the year's Ohakea air show, which was held on 31 March, saw the RNZAF's full complement of military aircraft on public show for the first time since 2009; understands that the man described as the founding father of the RNZAF was Sir Ralph Alexander Cochrane of Springfield, Fife; believes that, due to his work, Sir Ralph was appointed as the RNZAF's first chief of air staff and became known as Cochrane the Architect, and hopes that the RNZAF continues to grow and appreciates the far-reaching influence of North East Fifers throughout the world.
Supported by: Margaret Burgess, Kevin Stewart, Bill Walker, David Torrance, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Paul Wheelhouse, Mark McDonald, Colin Keir, Annabelle Ewing, Adam Ingram, Gil Paterson, James Dornan, Jamie McGrigor, Bill Kidd, Hanzala Malik, Stewart Maxwell, Humza Yousaf, Richard Lyle, Jim Hume, Bob Doris, Dennis Robertson, Nigel Don, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie
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That the Parliament welcomes the award of a £5.6 million research grant to the University of St Andrews' School of Physics and Astronomy, led by Professor Kishan Dholakia, from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council; notes that the grant will be used in developing new light technologies that could improve diagnosis and treatments of diseases; understands that this work could enable medics to see the inside of the human body in more depth and detail than ever before, and understands the significant potential that there is for further development of photonics technology to improve the understanding of conditions such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the award of a £5.6 million research grant to the University of St Andrews' School of Physics and Astronomy, led by Professor Kishan Dholakia, from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council; notes that the grant will be used in developing new light technologies that could improve diagnosis and treatments of diseases; understands that this work could enable medics to see the inside of the human body in more depth and detail than ever before, and understands the significant potential that there is for further development of photonics technology to improve the understanding of conditions such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Stewart Maxwell, Linda Fabiani
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That the Parliament congratulates the University of St Andrews men’s shinty team on successfully hosting this year's Littlejohn Vase tournament; applauds the University of Edinburgh men's team and the women’s team from Robert Gordon University who won their respective competitions; understands that the Littlejohn Vase is the second most expensive sporting trophy in Scotland, which it believes appropriately reflects the value of this sport to Scotland’s culture and heritage; notes that the vase has been competed for since 1905 and hopes that this will long continue; considers that the presence of this competition in North East Fife represents the ongoing growth of the sport in Scotland and that it should receive assistance and encouragement, and hopes that anyone interested in shinty will get involved and contact their local team, details of which can be found at www.shinty.com.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the University of St Andrews men’s shinty team on successfully hosting this year's Littlejohn Vase tournament; applauds the University of Edinburgh men's team and the women’s team from Robert Gordon University who won their respective competitions; understands that the Littlejohn Vase is the second most expensive sporting trophy in Scotland, which it believes appropriately reflects the value of this sport to Scotland’s culture and heritage; notes that the vase has been competed for since 1905 and hopes that this will long continue; considers that the presence of this competition in North East Fife represents the ongoing growth of the sport in Scotland and that it should receive assistance and encouragement, and hopes that anyone interested in shinty will get involved and contact their local team, details of which can be found at www.shinty.com.
Supported by: Annabelle Ewing, Adam Ingram, Gil Paterson, Kenneth Gibson, Jamie McGrigor, George Adam, Bill Kidd, Dennis Robertson, Nigel Don, Jamie Hepburn, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, Humza Yousaf, Angus MacDonald, Mike MacKenzie, Joan McAlpine, Mark McDonald, Colin Keir, David Torrance, Kevin Stewart, Margaret Burgess
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That the Parliament regrets the decision by the UK Government to implement the Low Pay Commission's suggested freeze of the national minimum wage for workers aged 16 and 17, and 18 to 20; understands that this will be the first time since 1998 that the minimum wage will not rise in line with inflation and that this decision will create an earning disparity of at least £5,220 between 16 and 22-year-olds in full-time employment; considers this move to be contrary to what the young people and economy of Scotland need while the UK Government cuts continue to impact on their daily lives; further understands that research carried out by the Institute for Public Policy Research, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Child Poverty Action Group in recent years all indicate that low pay is a key measure of poverty; recognises that the current devolution settlement means that the Scottish Government cannot alter this arrangement, but believes that it goes against the aims of the Scottish Government, particularly in relation to the commitment to implement a living wage of £7.20 for local government, Scottish Government and NHS employees.
Current Status:
That the Parliament regrets the decision by the UK Government to implement the Low Pay Commission's suggested freeze of the national minimum wage for workers aged 16 and 17, and 18 to 20; understands that this will be the first time since 1998 that the minimum wage will not rise in line with inflation and that this decision will create an earning disparity of at least £5,220 between 16 and 22-year-olds in full-time employment; considers this move to be contrary to what the young people and economy of Scotland need while the UK Government cuts continue to impact on their daily lives; further understands that research carried out by the Institute for Public Policy Research, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Child Poverty Action Group in recent years all indicate that low pay is a key measure of poverty; recognises that the current devolution settlement means that the Scottish Government cannot alter this arrangement, but believes that it goes against the aims of the Scottish Government, particularly in relation to the commitment to implement a living wage of £7.20 for local government, Scottish Government and NHS employees.
Supported by: John Mason, Margaret Burgess, Kevin Stewart, Bill Walker, David Torrance, Mark McDonald, Colin Keir, Paul Wheelhouse, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, John Finnie, Humza Yousaf, Angus MacDonald, Richard Lyle, Stuart McMillan, Christina McKelvie, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Bill Kidd, George Adam, Rob Gibson, Dave Thompson, Kenneth Gibson, Gil Paterson, Adam Ingram, Maureen Watt, Linda Fabiani, Jean Urquhart, Fiona McLeod, Annabelle Ewing
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