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: Mike MacKenzie, Gordon MacDonald, Kevin Stewart, Margaret Burgess, Humza Yousaf, John Finnie, Richard Lyle, Dennis Robertson, Bill Kidd, Rob Gibson, Gil Paterson, Jean Urquhart, Fiona McLeod, Annabelle Ewing
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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: Annabelle Ewing, Annabel Goldie, Rob Gibson, Jamie Hepburn
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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, Colin Keir, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Liam McArthur, Margaret McDougall, Richard Lyle, Humza Yousaf, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Jamie Hepburn, Bill Kidd, Rob Gibson, Gil Paterson, Jean Urquhart, Maureen Watt, Adam Ingram, Sandra White, Jackie Baillie, Annabelle Ewing
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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, Mark McDonald, Colin Keir, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Jamie Hepburn, Stuart McMillan, Margaret McDougall, Humza Yousaf, Jim Hume, Dennis Robertson, Jackson Carlaw, Colin Beattie, Bill Kidd, Roderick Campbell, George Adam, Rob Gibson, Adam Ingram, Jamie McGrigor, Gil Paterson, Maureen Watt, Jean Urquhart, Sandra White, Annabel Goldie, Annabelle Ewing
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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: Jean Urquhart, Fiona McLeod, Annabelle Ewing, Maureen Watt, Gil Paterson, Aileen McLeod, Nanette Milne, Adam Ingram, Rob Gibson, George Adam, Roderick Campbell, Dennis Robertson, Bill Kidd, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Humza Yousaf, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, Joe FitzPatrick, Liam McArthur, Mike MacKenzie, Joan McAlpine, Jim Eadie, Colin Keir, Gordon MacDonald, Mary Fee, Mark McDonald, Kevin Stewart, 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: Fiona McLeod, Jean Urquhart, Maureen Watt, Gil Paterson, Adam Ingram, Bill Kidd, Colin Beattie, Richard Lyle, Humza Yousaf, Margaret McDougall, Stuart McMillan, Mike MacKenzie, Mark McDonald, Colin Keir, Jim Eadie, Bill Walker, David Torrance, Kevin Stewart, 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: John Mason, Margaret Burgess, Graeme Dey, Kevin Stewart, Bill Walker, David Torrance, Colin Keir, Jim Eadie, Gordon MacDonald, Joan McAlpine, Paul Wheelhouse, Mike MacKenzie, John Finnie, Angus MacDonald, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, Humza Yousaf, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Nigel Don, Rob Gibson, Dave Thompson, Roderick Campbell, George Adam, John Wilson, Aileen McLeod, Adam Ingram, Gil Paterson, Chic Brodie, Annabelle Ewing, Maureen Watt, Jean Urquhart, Sandra White
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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: Jean Urquhart, Jackie Baillie, Fiona McLeod, Annabelle Ewing, Sandra White, Adam Ingram, Gil Paterson, Aileen McLeod, Roderick Campbell, Rob Gibson, Bill Kidd, Stewart Maxwell, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Jamie Hepburn, Humza Yousaf, John Lamont, Richard Lyle, Mike MacKenzie, Joan McAlpine, Mark McDonald, Paul Wheelhouse, Bill Walker, David Torrance, Kevin Stewart, Margaret Burgess
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That the Parliament supports World Asthma Day on 1 May 2012, when health care groups and asthma educators collaborate with the Global Initiative for Asthma to raise awareness about asthma and seek to improve asthma care throughout the world; highlights the theme of World Asthma Day, You Can Control Your Asthma, whereby charities will seek to emphasise asthma control in events including the Edinburgh Salt Cave open day, in which salt therapy offers an alternative treatment for asthma, and the Edinburgh awareness evening organised by the Institute of Occupational Medicine; understands that asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects 368,000 people in Scotland and is characterised by recurring episodes of inflammation of the bronchi manifested by laboured breathing; further understands that, in 2009, three people per day died of the condition and that an estimated 90% of these deaths were avoidable; acknowledges asthma campaigns in Scotland, including the Get it Off Your Chest campaign, in which asthma sufferers are encouraged to share experiences of their condition, and supports research into the treatment, prevention and biology of asthma, including research into immunotherapy treatment by the Medical Research Council and Asthma UK research centre in London, which aims to reduce the debilitating effect of the condition on people in the UK.
Current Status:
That the Parliament supports World Asthma Day on 1 May 2012, when health care groups and asthma educators collaborate with the Global Initiative for Asthma to raise awareness about asthma and seek to improve asthma care throughout the world; highlights the theme of World Asthma Day, You Can Control Your Asthma, whereby charities will seek to emphasise asthma control in events including the Edinburgh Salt Cave open day, in which salt therapy offers an alternative treatment for asthma, and the Edinburgh awareness evening organised by the Institute of Occupational Medicine; understands that asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects 368,000 people in Scotland and is characterised by recurring episodes of inflammation of the bronchi manifested by laboured breathing; further understands that, in 2009, three people per day died of the condition and that an estimated 90% of these deaths were avoidable; acknowledges asthma campaigns in Scotland, including the Get it Off Your Chest campaign, in which asthma sufferers are encouraged to share experiences of their condition, and supports research into the treatment, prevention and biology of asthma, including research into immunotherapy treatment by the Medical Research Council and Asthma UK research centre in London, which aims to reduce the debilitating effect of the condition on people in the UK.
Supported by: John Mason, Margaret Burgess, Kevin Stewart, David Torrance, Colin Keir, Paul Wheelhouse, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, John Finnie, Humza Yousaf, Angus MacDonald, Richard Lyle, Alison Johnstone, Joe FitzPatrick, Liam McArthur, Bob Doris, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Jackson Carlaw, Bill Kidd, Hanzala Malik, Rob Gibson, George Adam, Hugh Henry, Gil Paterson, Adam Ingram, Nanette Milne, Maureen Watt, Mary Scanlon, Annabelle Ewing, Annabel Goldie
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