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: George Adam, Nigel Don, Bill Kidd, Hugh Henry, Kenneth Gibson, Jamie McGrigor, Annabelle Ewing, Jean Urquhart, Adam Ingram, Dennis Robertson, Christina McKelvie, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Stuart McMillan, Humza Yousaf, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Colin Keir, Anne McTaggart, Margaret Burgess, Kevin Stewart, David Torrance
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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, Bill Walker, David Torrance, Kevin Stewart, Jenny Marra, Colin Keir, Mike MacKenzie, John Finnie, Humza Yousaf, Richard Lyle, Liam McArthur, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Jamie Hepburn, Christina McKelvie, Adam Ingram, Sandra White, Jean Urquhart, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Rob Gibson
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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: Rob Gibson, Stewart Maxwell, Aileen McLeod, Jean Urquhart, Fiona McLeod, Annabelle Ewing, Annabel Goldie, Maureen Watt, Mary Scanlon, Gil Paterson, Adam Ingram, Christina McKelvie, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Nigel Don, Jackson Carlaw, Bill Kidd, Dennis Robertson, Joe FitzPatrick, Margaret McDougall, Richard Lyle, Humza Yousaf, Mike MacKenzie, John Finnie, Paul Wheelhouse, Joan McAlpine, David Torrance, Mark McDonald, Kevin Stewart, Bill Walker, 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: Kevin Stewart, Margaret Burgess, Bill Walker, David Torrance, Mark McDonald, Colin Keir, Paul Wheelhouse, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Humza Yousaf, Richard Lyle, Jim Hume, Bob Doris, Dennis Robertson, Nigel Don, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Adam Ingram, Gil Paterson, Annabelle Ewing, Jamie McGrigor, Stewart Maxwell, James Dornan, Bill Kidd, Hanzala Malik
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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: Stewart Maxwell, Linda Fabiani, Jamie Hepburn
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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: Jamie Hepburn, Dennis Robertson, Nigel Don, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, Humza Yousaf, Angus MacDonald, Annabelle Ewing, Gil Paterson, Adam Ingram, Jamie McGrigor, Kenneth Gibson, George Adam, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Colin Keir, Mark McDonald, Kevin Stewart, David Torrance, 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, Rob Gibson, Dave Thompson, Bill Kidd, George Adam, Kenneth Gibson, Gil Paterson, Maureen Watt, Linda Fabiani, Adam Ingram, Fiona McLeod, Jean Urquhart, Annabelle Ewing, Angus MacDonald, John Finnie, Mike MacKenzie, Humza Yousaf, Richard Lyle, Stuart McMillan, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Christina McKelvie, Jamie Hepburn
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That the Parliament congratulates Madras College under-16s rugby team on winning the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Under-16 Bowl final; recognises that Madras led from early on against Hawick High School and never gave up its load; congratulates the team on its performance and victory, and wishes the team all the best for the future as well as the coach, Jim Tarvit, who announced that he is giving up extracurricular rugby at the end of the season.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Madras College under-16s rugby team on winning the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Under-16 Bowl final; recognises that Madras led from early on against Hawick High School and never gave up its load; congratulates the team on its performance and victory, and wishes the team all the best for the future as well as the coach, Jim Tarvit, who announced that he is giving up extracurricular rugby at the end of the season.
Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Dennis Robertson, Colin Beattie, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, Humza Yousaf, Annabelle Ewing, Adam Ingram, Sandra White, Gil Paterson, Jamie McGrigor, Kenneth Gibson, Richard Simpson, Stewart Maxwell, Bill Kidd, Mike MacKenzie, Joan McAlpine, Colin Keir, Mark McDonald, David Torrance, Gordon MacDonald, Kevin Stewart, Margaret Burgess
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That the Parliament congratulates the town of Cupar, in North East Fife, on achieving five years of Fairtrade status and on the promotion of a market-based initiative through the recent Fairtrade Fortnight; believes that the expansion of fairly traded goods represents an advance toward a fairer market system, improving sustainable economies wherever the Fairtrade logo is found, whereby producers receive a just price for their goods and can reinvest properly in their communities, and hopes to see further participation in such schemes, and the greater use of fairly traded produce across North East Fife and Scotland.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the town of Cupar, in North East Fife, on achieving five years of Fairtrade status and on the promotion of a market-based initiative through the recent Fairtrade Fortnight; believes that the expansion of fairly traded goods represents an advance toward a fairer market system, improving sustainable economies wherever the Fairtrade logo is found, whereby producers receive a just price for their goods and can reinvest properly in their communities, and hopes to see further participation in such schemes, and the greater use of fairly traded produce across North East Fife and Scotland.
Supported by: John Mason, Margaret Burgess, Kevin Stewart, David Torrance, Neil Bibby, Mark McDonald, Colin Keir, Paul Wheelhouse, Joan McAlpine, Bill Kidd, Hanzala Malik, Rob Gibson, George Adam, Kenneth Gibson, James Kelly, Gil Paterson, Adam Ingram, Sandra White, Maureen Watt, Annabelle Ewing, Jean Urquhart, Fiona McLeod, Mike MacKenzie, John Finnie, Humza Yousaf, Angus MacDonald, Richard Lyle, Liz Smith, Stuart McMillan, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Jamie Hepburn
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That the Parliament welcomes Keep Scotland Beautiful’s National Spring Clean 2012 campaign, which aims to recruit 200,000 participants to reduce the amount of litter and waste in their local area and approves of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s efforts to engage with local groups and individuals through the provision of clean-up kits to volunteers and information on the website, http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/springclean.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes Keep Scotland Beautiful’s National Spring Clean 2012 campaign, which aims to recruit 200,000 participants to reduce the amount of litter and waste in their local area and approves of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s efforts to engage with local groups and individuals through the provision of clean-up kits to volunteers and information on the website, http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/springclean.
Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Linda Fabiani
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