Motions, Questions and Answers Search

That the Parliament considers that interns make a valuable contribution to the workings of the Parliament; recognises, however, that unpaid positions are accessible only to those who can afford to work for free; believes that the Parliament must lead the way to a more equal and fair society by breaking down barriers, and hopes that MSPs resolve to pay their interns serving one month or more a living wage of £7.15 an hour.

That the Parliament notes the enormous impact of Edinburgh’s festivals on the economy of Scotland and Edinburgh in particular; notes that the 2010 festivals generated over a quarter of a billion pounds worth of additional tourism revenue for Scotland; believes that the festivals play a large part in shaping the world-wide profile and culture of the city; notes with concern the rising prices of the Fringe Festival over recent years; believes that all stakeholders should seek to set the prices at the Fringe Festival at a level that encourages participation from people of all backgrounds; welcomes the value of the festivals in inspiring children and adults alike to become interested and involved in the arts, and wishes the organisers and performers in this year’s festivals the best of luck.

That the Parliament congratulates Amnesty International on what it considers its excellent programme of work at the 2011 Edinburgh Festival; believes that events such as Stand Up For Freedom, the Comics versus Critics football match, Amnesty’s imprisoned writers series and the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award, which this year has received a record number of entries, are excellent means of celebrating and promoting freedom of expression, and further congratulates Amnesty on 50 years of relentlessly campaigning for human rights across the world and never letting legislators or governments forget that human rights are important and should be enjoyed by all by virtue of their common humanity.

That the Parliament understands that, since 2008, 17 people in Scotland have died from carbon monoxide poisoning and that a further 28 have been treated in hospital; supports the Carbon Monoxide, Be Alarmed campaign, which aims to ensure that all homes in Scotland are fitted with audible carbon monoxide alarms; welcomes the visit to the Parliament on 2 November of leading US campaigners Ken and Kim Hanson who, following the tragic death of their daughter from carbon monoxide poisoning, successfully campaigned in New York State for what is known as Amanda’s Law, which makes the fitting of carbon monoxide alarms in all homes compulsory; asks the Scottish Government to consider changes to legislation to ensure that carbon monoxide alarms are fitted in all new homes and rented properties across Scotland, and encourages householders to fit alarms in existing properties.

That the Parliament notes that 16 December 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the UK’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; considers it important to ensure that children’s rights underpin all legislation, policy and practice affecting children and young people to ensure that every child is able to develop to his or her full potential; notes the progress that has been made over the last 20 years to bring children’s rights into the mainstream in Scotland, but also the significant challenges that remain; acknowledges the proposals from the Scottish Government to give statutory force to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in Scots law, and calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that it does its utmost to fulfil its human rights obligations to children and that every child in Scotland, regardless of background or circumstances, is able to access and enjoy all the rights set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.