That the Parliament welcomes the ending of hunger strikes by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails following the decision of the Israeli authorities not to renew detentions of Palestinian prisoners without charge; notes that this decision is to be conditional on a written commitment "not to engage in actions contravening security inside the jails"; understands that more than 1,500 Palestinian prisoners who had been on hunger strike in protest against their conditions and Israel's use of administrative detention; further understands that two prisoners, Bilal Diab and Tha'er Halahlah, had both been without food for more than 70 days; notes that more than 300 prisoners could be freed by November, and recognises Palestinian and international calls to the Israeli Government demanding that international law with regard to administrative detention is respected, that Israel ends its policy of administrative detention and keeping prisoners in solitary confinement and that prisoners are allowed visits from their families.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the ending of hunger strikes by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails following the decision of the Israeli authorities not to renew detentions of Palestinian prisoners without charge; notes that this decision is to be conditional on a written commitment "not to engage in actions contravening security inside the jails"; understands that more than 1,500 Palestinian prisoners who had been on hunger strike in protest against their conditions and Israel's use of administrative detention; further understands that two prisoners, Bilal Diab and Tha'er Halahlah, had both been without food for more than 70 days; notes that more than 300 prisoners could be freed by November, and recognises Palestinian and international calls to the Israeli Government demanding that international law with regard to administrative detention is respected, that Israel ends its policy of administrative detention and keeping prisoners in solitary confinement and that prisoners are allowed visits from their families.
Supported by: Neil Findlay, Anne McTaggart, John Finnie, Humza Yousaf, Mike MacKenzie, Richard Lyle, Joe FitzPatrick, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Bob Doris, Bill Kidd, Roderick Campbell, Richard Simpson, Malcolm Chisholm, Gil Paterson, Iain Gray, Patricia Ferguson, Sarah Boyack, Sandra White, Claudia Beamish, Jean Urquhart, Jackie Baillie
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That the Parliament notes that the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) is taking industrial action on 10 May 2012 at workplaces across Scotland, including the Parliament, as part of its pensions' campaign; supports the position of the PCS, and other public sector trades unions, in arguing that the proposed changes to public sector pension schemes will result in low-paid public servants being asked to "pay more to get less later"; calls on the UK Government to enter meaningful negotiations with public servants and their representatives in order that a resolution to the current dispute can be found; believes that such a resolution should not result in public servants being asked to disproportionately shoulder the responsibility for bailing out the banks; considers that the failure to come to such a resolution so far makes a mockery of the UK Government’s claim that "we are all in this together"; further recognises that, while negotiations regarding UK-wide pension schemes are a matter for the UK Government, there are choices in devolved areas for the Scottish Government, where a pay freeze continues to be imposed and where, it understands, the size of the workforce has reduced substantially, despite what it sees as the welcome commitment to avoiding compulsory redundancies; believes that the three campaigning priorities of the PCS are pensions, pay and jobs, and notes that PCS members will be joined on 10 May by members of UNITE the Union, who, it understands, are also affected by the same pension scheme changes.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) is taking industrial action on 10 May 2012 at workplaces across Scotland, including the Parliament, as part of its pensions' campaign; supports the position of the PCS, and other public sector trades unions, in arguing that the proposed changes to public sector pension schemes will result in low-paid public servants being asked to "pay more to get less later"; calls on the UK Government to enter meaningful negotiations with public servants and their representatives in order that a resolution to the current dispute can be found; believes that such a resolution should not result in public servants being asked to disproportionately shoulder the responsibility for bailing out the banks; considers that the failure to come to such a resolution so far makes a mockery of the UK Government’s claim that "we are all in this together"; further recognises that, while negotiations regarding UK-wide pension schemes are a matter for the UK Government, there are choices in devolved areas for the Scottish Government, where a pay freeze continues to be imposed and where, it understands, the size of the workforce has reduced substantially, despite what it sees as the welcome commitment to avoiding compulsory redundancies; believes that the three campaigning priorities of the PCS are pensions, pay and jobs, and notes that PCS members will be joined on 10 May by members of UNITE the Union, who, it understands, are also affected by the same pension scheme changes.
Supported by: Jackie Baillie, Helen Eadie, Elaine Smith, Elaine Murray, Claudia Beamish, Sarah Boyack, Patricia Ferguson, Iain Gray, Hugh Henry, James Kelly, Malcolm Chisholm, Claire Baker, Richard Simpson, John Pentland, Hanzala Malik, Patrick Harvie, David Stewart, Margaret McCulloch, Kezia Dugdale, Mark Griffin, Siobhan McMahon, Anne McTaggart, Mary Fee, Graeme Pearson, Neil Bibby, Neil Findlay
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That the Parliament sends its warmest congratulations to Monsieur François Hollande on his election as President-elect of France on 6 May 2012; notes that he won the second round of the Presidential election against the incumbent, President Nicolas Sarkozy, with 51.7% of the vote; understands that he will be the first President of the 5th Republic from the Parti socialiste since François Mitterrand left office in 1995; notes his past service to the people of France in his role as leader of the Parti socialiste for more than 10 years; further notes his services to the people of Corrèze, whom he has represented in various capacities since 1988; notes the contribution of President Sarkozy; wishes both of the candidates the very best in the years ahead; supports the vision of a "Europe of hope" that President-elect Hollande has outlined, and looks forward to the UK Government inviting François Hollande to visit in the near future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament sends its warmest congratulations to Monsieur François Hollande on his election as President-elect of France on 6 May 2012; notes that he won the second round of the Presidential election against the incumbent, President Nicolas Sarkozy, with 51.7% of the vote; understands that he will be the first President of the 5th Republic from the Parti socialiste since François Mitterrand left office in 1995; notes his past service to the people of France in his role as leader of the Parti socialiste for more than 10 years; further notes his services to the people of Corrèze, whom he has represented in various capacities since 1988; notes the contribution of President Sarkozy; wishes both of the candidates the very best in the years ahead; supports the vision of a "Europe of hope" that President-elect Hollande has outlined, and looks forward to the UK Government inviting François Hollande to visit in the near future.
Supported by: Neil Findlay, Neil Bibby, Anne McTaggart, Mark Griffin, Jim Eadie, Jenny Marra, Mike MacKenzie, John Finnie, Kezia Dugdale, Richard Lyle, Margaret McDougall, Marco Biagi, Kevin Stewart, Jamie Hepburn, David Stewart, Hanzala Malik, John Pentland, Richard Simpson, Lewis Macdonald, Sarah Boyack, Hugh Henry, Patricia Ferguson, Sandra White, Rhoda Grant, Claudia Beamish, Elaine Murray, Jackie Baillie
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That the Parliament notes with sadness the death of Sammy Barr, former shop steward at Upper Clyde Shipbuilders (UCS) and member of his trades union, the GMB, and the Labour Party; marks the contribution and leadership that Sammy Barr showed alongside Jimmy Airlie, Sammy Gilmore, Jimmy Reid and others as leaders of the UCS work-in of 1971-72, in which the workers of the Clyde yards refused to accept the loss of their jobs and what they believed would be the decimation of shipbuilding on the River Clyde and damage to the communities of Clydeside, including Partick where Sammy Barr lived with his wife, Janet, had the government of the day’s plans proceeded; particularly notes also his Communist Party candidature for the UK Parliament in Glasgow Garscadden and the work that he went on to do as President of GMB retired members and in his local community, including his long association with the Glasgow Trades Council; acknowledges the debt of gratitude that it believes Clydeside and Scotland owe to Sammy Barr and his UCS comrades, which was acknowledged in the Parliament in 2011 with a debate on the 40th anniversary of the work-in; further considers that Sammy Barr's passing is a cause to celebrate the UCS and his life, which it believes continues to be an inspiration to working people around the world, and sends its condolences to all those who worked with him and knew him, particularly his wife, four children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes with sadness the death of Sammy Barr, former shop steward at Upper Clyde Shipbuilders (UCS) and member of his trades union, the GMB, and the Labour Party; marks the contribution and leadership that Sammy Barr showed alongside Jimmy Airlie, Sammy Gilmore, Jimmy Reid and others as leaders of the UCS work-in of 1971-72, in which the workers of the Clyde yards refused to accept the loss of their jobs and what they believed would be the decimation of shipbuilding on the River Clyde and damage to the communities of Clydeside, including Partick where Sammy Barr lived with his wife, Janet, had the government of the day’s plans proceeded; particularly notes also his Communist Party candidature for the UK Parliament in Glasgow Garscadden and the work that he went on to do as President of GMB retired members and in his local community, including his long association with the Glasgow Trades Council; acknowledges the debt of gratitude that it believes Clydeside and Scotland owe to Sammy Barr and his UCS comrades, which was acknowledged in the Parliament in 2011 with a debate on the 40th anniversary of the work-in; further considers that Sammy Barr's passing is a cause to celebrate the UCS and his life, which it believes continues to be an inspiration to working people around the world, and sends its condolences to all those who worked with him and knew him, particularly his wife, four children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Supported by: Jackie Baillie, Claudia Beamish, Helen Eadie, Elaine Murray, Sandra White, Rhoda Grant, Patricia Ferguson, Linda Fabiani, Iain Gray, Hugh Henry, Sarah Boyack, Duncan McNeil, Malcolm Chisholm, James Kelly, Ken Macintosh, Johann Lamont, Michael McMahon, John Pentland, Claire Baker, Hanzala Malik, Stewart Maxwell, Bob Doris, Jamie Hepburn, Graeme Pearson, Margaret McDougall, John Park, Humza Yousaf, Siobhan McMahon, Jenny Marra, Mark Griffin, Anne McTaggart, Neil Bibby
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That the Parliament notes with regret the BBC’s decision to cancel Mary Ann Kennedy’s Global Gathering on BBC Radio Scotland; understands that the show and its predecessor, Celtic Connections, have, over many years, been a major platform for up-and-coming artists and championed Scottish music; further understands that it has been at the forefront of the movement to position Scotland’s contemporary music on a global stage, and, while acknowledging that decisions about content are editorial matters rather than for politicians, urges BBC Scotland to reconsider its specific plans for this show and to reaffirm its commitment to the Scottish music scene and Scottish artists who have over many years benefited from broadcast exposure, in light of the disquiet that has been expressed by the Musicians Union, listeners and others about schedule changes, which also affect Introducing in Scotland and the Janice Forsyth Show.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes with regret the BBC’s decision to cancel Mary Ann Kennedy’s Global Gathering on BBC Radio Scotland; understands that the show and its predecessor, Celtic Connections, have, over many years, been a major platform for up-and-coming artists and championed Scottish music; further understands that it has been at the forefront of the movement to position Scotland’s contemporary music on a global stage, and, while acknowledging that decisions about content are editorial matters rather than for politicians, urges BBC Scotland to reconsider its specific plans for this show and to reaffirm its commitment to the Scottish music scene and Scottish artists who have over many years benefited from broadcast exposure, in light of the disquiet that has been expressed by the Musicians Union, listeners and others about schedule changes, which also affect Introducing in Scotland and the Janice Forsyth Show.
Supported by: Neil Findlay, Anne McTaggart, Angus MacDonald, Richard Lyle, Mark McDonald, Mike MacKenzie, Kezia Dugdale, Graeme Dey, Kevin Stewart, John Mason, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, David Stewart, Bill Kidd, Stewart Maxwell, Rob Gibson, Dave Thompson, Roderick Campbell, Kenneth Gibson, Gil Paterson, Sarah Boyack, Patricia Ferguson, Maureen Watt, Annabelle Ewing, Helen Eadie, Fiona McLeod, Jackie Baillie, Elaine Murray
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That the Parliament welcomes the biennial Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art, which runs from 20 April to 7 May 2012; notes that the festival was launched with the opening of Sacrilege, a major new work by Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller, which is a full-scale, inflatable replica of Stonehenge; notes that the festival showcases work by more than 130 artists across around 50 of Glasgow’s permanent and temporary exhibition venues; understands that, this year, the festival continues its tradition of bringing together exhibitions by the best international and local artists, and commends the festival director, Katrina Brown, for the 18-day programme, which also features a series of newly commissioned works involving disciplines such as dance, film, music, performance and theatre.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the biennial Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art, which runs from 20 April to 7 May 2012; notes that the festival was launched with the opening of Sacrilege, a major new work by Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller, which is a full-scale, inflatable replica of Stonehenge; notes that the festival showcases work by more than 130 artists across around 50 of Glasgow’s permanent and temporary exhibition venues; understands that, this year, the festival continues its tradition of bringing together exhibitions by the best international and local artists, and commends the festival director, Katrina Brown, for the 18-day programme, which also features a series of newly commissioned works involving disciplines such as dance, film, music, performance and theatre.
Supported by: Jackie Baillie, Jean Urquhart, Fiona McLeod, Patricia Ferguson, Sarah Boyack, Gil Paterson, Jamie McGrigor, Kenneth Gibson, Roderick Campbell, Hanzala Malik, Colin Beattie, Bill Kidd, Bob Doris, Jamie Hepburn, John Mason, Margaret McCulloch, David Stewart, Margaret McDougall, Richard Lyle, Humza Yousaf, Mike MacKenzie, Siobhan McMahon, Anne McTaggart, Neil Findlay, Mary Fee
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That the Parliament welcomes the announcement by the leader of Glasgow City Council to make all of the city’s artworks and museum collections available online for the world to see; hopes that it will be a useful resource for teachers, pupils, students and all with an interest in Glasgow's art collection; understands that, currently, 3,000 images from the collection are online but that the entire art collection is over one million strong; believes that Glasgow will be the first city in Scotland to do this, and hopes that this will attract more attention to Glasgow's art collection and attract more visitors to what are considered to be its many well-loved museums and galleries, which, it understands, have seen much investment and sustained support from Glasgow City Council over many years.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the announcement by the leader of Glasgow City Council to make all of the city’s artworks and museum collections available online for the world to see; hopes that it will be a useful resource for teachers, pupils, students and all with an interest in Glasgow's art collection; understands that, currently, 3,000 images from the collection are online but that the entire art collection is over one million strong; believes that Glasgow will be the first city in Scotland to do this, and hopes that this will attract more attention to Glasgow's art collection and attract more visitors to what are considered to be its many well-loved museums and galleries, which, it understands, have seen much investment and sustained support from Glasgow City Council over many years.
Supported by: Mary Fee, Graeme Pearson, Neil Findlay, Anne McTaggart, Siobhan McMahon, Humza Yousaf, Richard Lyle, Margaret McDougall, Margaret McCulloch, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Hanzala Malik, Roderick Campbell, Richard Simpson, Gil Paterson, Patricia Ferguson, Claudia Beamish, Jackie Baillie
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That the Parliament welcomes Scotland’s first third-sector social media conference, Social Media for Social Good, which takes place on 26 April 2012 in Glasgow’s Albany Learning and Conference Centre; further welcomes the involvement of many key third-sector organisations in the conference and its workshops, such as Third Sector Lab, the Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector, Oxfam Scotland, Young Scot and Shelter Scotland; considers that the conference will be a great opportunity for third-sector organisations to share their best practices for maximising the use of social media and discussing the practicalities, and commends the conference’s aim to highlight the potential of social media for charities, social enterprises and non-profit organisations to connect with donors, supporters and partners and measuring their success.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes Scotland’s first third-sector social media conference, Social Media for Social Good, which takes place on 26 April 2012 in Glasgow’s Albany Learning and Conference Centre; further welcomes the involvement of many key third-sector organisations in the conference and its workshops, such as Third Sector Lab, the Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector, Oxfam Scotland, Young Scot and Shelter Scotland; considers that the conference will be a great opportunity for third-sector organisations to share their best practices for maximising the use of social media and discussing the practicalities, and commends the conference’s aim to highlight the potential of social media for charities, social enterprises and non-profit organisations to connect with donors, supporters and partners and measuring their success.
Supported by: Jean Urquhart, Jackie Baillie, Elaine Murray, Fiona McLeod, Linda Fabiani, Sandra White, Gil Paterson, Kenneth Gibson, Richard Simpson, Roderick Campbell, John Pentland, Hanzala Malik, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Jamie Hepburn, Margaret Burgess, David Torrance, John Park, Margaret McDougall, Liam McArthur, John Finnie, Jim Eadie, Mike MacKenzie, Anne McTaggart, Neil Findlay
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That the Parliament notes the announcement that Brendan Barber, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), is to retire after a decade of service to the UK and British labour movement in this role; understands that Mr Barber, who has been a longstanding friend to the STUC, joined the TUC in 1975 and worked his way up the organisation to become deputy general secretary in 1993 after experience in a number of TUC departments; further understands that he played a lead role in TUC initiatives to promote union organising, oversaw the launch of the TUC’s learning and skills operation, UnionLearn, and led the organisation of the TUC’s huge march against public sector spending cuts which took place in London in March 2011, with substantial support from the STUC and Scottish workers; further notes that the election of Mr Barber’s successor will take place at TUC conference in September 2012, and wishes Mr Barber well in his retirement.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the announcement that Brendan Barber, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), is to retire after a decade of service to the UK and British labour movement in this role; understands that Mr Barber, who has been a longstanding friend to the STUC, joined the TUC in 1975 and worked his way up the organisation to become deputy general secretary in 1993 after experience in a number of TUC departments; further understands that he played a lead role in TUC initiatives to promote union organising, oversaw the launch of the TUC’s learning and skills operation, UnionLearn, and led the organisation of the TUC’s huge march against public sector spending cuts which took place in London in March 2011, with substantial support from the STUC and Scottish workers; further notes that the election of Mr Barber’s successor will take place at TUC conference in September 2012, and wishes Mr Barber well in his retirement.
Supported by: Neil Bibby, Neil Findlay, Anne McTaggart, Siobhan McMahon, Jenny Marra, Jim Eadie, Mike MacKenzie, John Finnie, Richard Lyle, John Park, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Hanzala Malik, Claire Baker, Richard Simpson, Lewis Macdonald, James Kelly, Iain Gray, Hugh Henry, Sandra White, Elaine Smith, Elaine Murray, Helen Eadie, Jackie Baillie
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That the Health and Sport Committee recommends that the National Health Service (Superannuation Scheme and Pension Scheme) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2012 (SSI 2012/69) be annulled.
Current Status:
That the Health and Sport Committee recommends that the National Health Service (Superannuation Scheme and Pension Scheme) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2012 (SSI 2012/69) be annulled.
Supported by: Jackie Baillie
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