Contents

Published: Thursday 30 March 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 29 March 2023

Early Day Motions (EDMs) are motions for which no days have been fixed.

The number of signatories includes all members who have added their names in support of the Early Day Motion (EDM), including the Member in charge of the Motion.

EDMs and added names are also published on the EDM database at www.parliament.uk/edm

[R] Indicates that a relevant interest has been declared.

New EDMs

1025Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 1

Dave Doogan

That this House congratulates Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery for winning the Green Distilleries Competition; notes the £3 million grant awarded to pursue green projects; commends the installation of a one megawatt wind turbine and progress towards becoming the first green hydrogen-powered distillery; applauds their creation of Nàdar, the world's first climate-positive gin and vodka; and appreciates the great strides Arbikie Distillery have made towards a fully renewable and sustainable future in the drinks industry.

1026Award for Big T at the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates Downtown Radio presenter and veteran DJ Big T, Trevor Campbell, who was was named Favourite Radio Presenter for the third year running at the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards, and who also received a radio hall of fame award last month; notes that it has been 47 years since Downtown Radio first started and that it runs from Newtownards in Strangford constituency; highlights that during his five decades in the business, Big T has interviewed and befriended some of country music's biggest stars including Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson; further notes his contribution to the Northern Ireland radio industry and the respect so many have for him for being open about his past struggles; and wishes him all the best for many more years to come on Northern Ireland radio.

1027Clwb Rygbi Rhydaman, Ammanford Rugby Club

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 1

Jonathan Edwards [R]

That this House recognises the achievements of both the Ammanford Rugby Club First and Youth teams during the 2022-23 season; congratulates the Youth team on winning their semi final game against Builth Wells to reach the final of the Wales Youth Plate competition where they will compete against Burry Port at the National Stadium; notes that the First team will also play a semi final game on Saturday 1 April against Newbridge RFC for the right to also compete at the National Stadium for the Division 1 Cup; further congratulates all the players, coaches committee and supporters for their achievements; and thanks them for making the town of Ammanford, the wider Amman Valley and the Club's Honorary President, the hon. Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, extremely proud.

1028Paul O'Grady

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 1

Mick Whitley

That this House expresses its sadness on the untimely passing of Paul O’Grady; celebrates the life of a much-loved entertainer, writer, actor, and comedian; recognises the great pride that the people of Birkenhead have taken over many years in the continued success of their favourite son; commends the trailblazing work that he did to introduce drag to a wider, mainstream audience in the persona of Lily Savage; applauds his extensive support for a number of charitable causes, most notably in the field of animal welfare but also as fundraiser for HIV AIDs research, amongst others; remembers him also as a man of great political principle and as a sometimes trenchant critic of Government policy, including the Thatcher Government’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights and cuts to frontline services implemented by the Conservative-Liberal Democratic coalition; and extends heartfelt sympathies to his husband Andre, family, friends and many fans.

1029Scotland men’s national football team

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 6

Gavin Newlands

Stephen Flynn

Mhairi Black

Alan Brown

Alison Thewliss

Stuart C McDonald

That this House congratulates the Scotland men’s national team’s 2-0 victory over Spain in their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying fixture; applauds Scott McTominay on his two goals to secure all three points; acknowledges that the victory made it two wins from two games and that Scotland sit atop the group table; notes that the result marks the first defeat Spain have encountered in European Championship qualifying since 2014; regrets that coverage of the men’s national team and their success requires a paid subscription to view while games featuring the Wales and England men’s national teams are available free-to-air for all to watch and be inspired by; and welcomes any moves which may result in live coverage of Scotland men’s game being made available to supporters regardless of their ability to pay.

1030Paradise Golf Resort, Morocco

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House understands that some 300 British nationals made investments in the Moroccan Paradise Golf and Beach Resort and Atlantic View development which launched in 2006 with an estimated completion date of 2009; notes the development was subsequently promoted in 2010 as part of Morocco’s Vision 2020 tourism plan receiving some £35 million of foreign investment of which just £12 million can be accounted for today; further notes that the development was marketed as a luxurious five-star tourist resort near the city of Tangier but remains incomplete; recognises that the Larbi Tadlaoui, the project’s developer, was jailed in 2017 and ordered to reimburse investors on the orders of the public prosecutor in Tangier but has not paid back money owed to investors to date; and urges the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to make representations to the Moroccan Government to bring a swift resolution to this unfortunate dispute.

1031Botley covid memorial

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 1

Layla Moran

That this House recognises the grief caused by the pandemic that is felt every day by millions in the UK who lost loved ones or found their lives profoundly altered by Long Covid; notes the importance of memorials in creating space for reflection; congratulates North Hinksey Parish Council, the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment and Hinksey Heights Nature Trail volunteers for creating a covid memorial site, planting six wild cherry trees on 25 March 2023 in Botley; further notes that the site offers a place to remember those whose lives were lost or permanently affected by the pandemic; and calls on the Government to provide funding for covid memorials across the country.

1032National Lottery funding for Steps to Hope SCIO

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 1

Christine Jardine

That this House congratulates Edinburgh-based charity Steps to Hope SCIO on its recent award of £10,000 from the National Lottery Community fund; notes that Steps provides a wide range of support services for homeless people in Edinburgh and those living with an addiction; further notes that Steps plans to use the grant to continue delivering services for people living in their accommodation and taking part in recovery programmes for drug and alcohol addiction; and wishes Steps much success in the future.

1033National Lottery funding for Corstorphine Community Centre

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 1

Christine Jardine

That this House congratulates Corstorphine Community Centre on its recent award of £98,550 from the National Lottery; notes the Community Centre will use the funding to provide activities and volunteering opportunities for residents; acknowledges that this substantial grant will allow the centre to continue its work with a wide range of residents in Corstorphine and the surrounding community of northwest Edinburgh; and wishes Corstorphine Community Centre all the best for the future.

1034National Lottery funding for the Governors of Dean Orphanage and Cauvins Trust

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 1

Christine Jardine

That this House congratulates Governors of Dean Orphanage and Cauvins Trust on their recent National Lottery funding awards totalling more than £47,000; notes the charity plans to use its Awards for All grant to fit out new accommodation for care-experienced young people; further notes their plan for a Medium Grant to support young care-experienced people with the cost of living crisis; applauds their work supporting young people who face challenges when leaving care such as managing money, accessing accommodation and dealing with breakdowns in their placement; and wishes the group all the best for the future.

1035Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 1

Daisy Cooper

That this House recognises the dedication and determination of community groups in Sopwell ward, St Albans, to build a new community centre and St Albans Cycle Hub; applauds the collaboration between Sopwell Community Trust, the Cottonmill and Sopwell Hub campaign group and Verulam Cycling Club in campaigning for this new facility; commends their inclusive, cooperative approach to give all sectors of the community a voice in the process; acknowledges the work of the Liberal Democrat-run Council to identify the needs of the Sopwell community and deliver this outstanding facility; congratulates all concerned on the successful opening of the Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre on 4 March 2023 which includes a new hall and community kitchen for hire, a changing places toilet for the disabled, Wudu washing facilities, a quiet room for SEND children and people living with dementia, a cafe, changing rooms for clubs using the football pitch and outdoor court, a cyclo-cross track, MOT type 2 aggregate track for learner cyclists, dirt jumps for cyclists and a pump track suitable for both skateboarders and cyclists, and an accessible car park including electric vehicle charging points; and commends Councillors for enabling a unique and inclusive community committee which has enabled meaningful consultation and collaboration with St Albans District Council to successfully bring this project to fruition; and notes that the centre is proving to be a lifeline for residents to access foodbank services, 'warm hubs' and support services to help during the current cost of living emergency.

Added Names

Below are EDMs tabled in the last two weeks to which names have been added. Only the first 6 names and any new names are included.

966National Butcher Week

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 6

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

Sir Mike Penning

Margaret Ferrier

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Paul Girvan

That this House notes the conclusion of National Butcher Week and a time to celebrate the wonderful work they do; further notes the craftsmanship and skill it takes to be a butcher, in that they must be able to tell a customer the full traceability of the meat, give assistance and tips on how to cook meat and advise what cuts suit for certain cooking methods; highlights their imperative role in local high streets, city centres and local economy and has for years remained one of the most populated trades for shoppers; further highlights this week as an opportunity to showcase the high-quality products and services that butchers offer, as well as to educate the public on the benefits of buying meat from local, independent butchers; expresses thanks to local butcheries for their dedication to local towns and encourages the public to always consider buying from locally sourced butchers.

967St. Albert's Primary 50 year anniversary

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 8

Alison Thewliss

Allan Dorans

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

That this House celebrates the 50th anniversary of St. Albert's Primary in Pollokshields; understands that celebrations for the young people include an art installation and other activities; notes the fantastic work St. Albert's have done in tackling racism and prejudice through their We Can Be Heroes project, an award-winning series of vibrant short story collections written by pupils at the school; understands the project was undertaken to increase representation of children from diverse backgrounds in Scotland; particularly appreciates the effort and tireless support for students that teachers Shirley-Anne Brightman and Clare Harker have contributed in recent times; wishes them every success in the future.

97090th anniversary of the first air service from Renfrew Airport

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 7

Gavin Newlands

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Alison Thewliss

Patrick Grady

That this House notes the 90th anniversary of the first sustained scheduled passenger flight out of Renfrew Airport, which departed on 27 April 1933 for Campbeltown in Kintyre; commends the role the former Renfrew Airport played in the development of aviation in Scotland and in particular the links it provided between the west of mainland Scotland and island communities; further notes that the airport served Scotland for 33 years until its closure in 1966 to be replaced by the current Glasgow Airport just two miles away at Abbotsinch, Paisley; acknowledges that thousands of commuters drive over Renfrew’s runway every day as part of the M8 motorway; notes the continued presence of the Flying Scotsman public house on the former airport site, the last remaining trace of the airport’s existence; and looks forward to Glasgow Airport continuing to serve the people of Scotland as the country’s premier airport.

978Immigration

Tabled: 16/03/23 Signatories: 7

Gavin Robinson

Stephen Farry

Claire Hanna

Jim Shannon

Colum Eastwood

Carla Lockhart

That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Immigration (Electronic Travel Authorisations) (Consequential Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I., 2023, No. 305), dated 9 March 2023, a copy of which was laid before this House on 10 March 2023, be annulled.

981Ministry of Defence staff pay

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 29

Rebecca Long Bailey

Jon Trickett

Jim Shannon

Kate Osborne

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Grahame Morris

This House notes that, due to the cost of living crisis, the increase to the National Living Wage in April 2023 will be welcomed by many low waged families; expresses regret that it will also result in unwelcome consequences for many workers in the Ministry of Defence; notes that these workers include Ministry of Defence guards, cleaners, workers in stores areas and workers maintaining and refuelling military aircrafts; further notes the uplift means that Ministry of Defence workers on skill zone 1 will automatically be upgraded to a higher rate of pay, unlike skill zone 2 workers; acknowledges this means that both skill zone 1 and 2 will receive a new rate of £10.42 per hour; is concerned that this will result in the immediate erosion of the skill zone pay differential; rejects any proposals by the Ministry of Defence to arbitrarily change gross hours to net hours in an effort to deflect these pay implications; calls on the Ministry of Defence to urgently compensate all affected workers; is concerned to learn that many hardworking Ministry of Defence staff are forced to rely on foodbanks to make ends meet whilst diligently supporting and defending our country; recognises the important work Unite the Union is doing to fight for their members on this issue; and calls on the Government to pay Ministry of Defence workers fairly.

986Renfrew YMCA Youth Social Action Group

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 8

Gavin Newlands

Alan Brown

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates Renfrew YMCA’s Youth Social Action Group on winning the Environmental Award at YMCA Scotland’s award dinner held in Stirling in February; notes that the group have been working to raise awareness and educate the wider community about the impacts of climate change and the action needed to help tackle it; commends the practical work undertaken by the group to involve the community, which includes litter picking, promoting growing your own food and organising a sustainable afternoon tea for members of the local community; highlights the hard work and dedication of YMCA members across Scotland in doing their bit to fight climate change; and looks forward to much more recognition for the young people of Renfrew YMCA for the valuable and inspirational work they do in making Renfrewshire a better place to live.

988Epilepsy Scotland and Purple Day

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 15

Kirsten Oswald

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Dave Doogan

Ronnie Cowan

Dr Philippa Whitford

That this House recognises and is grateful for the important work carried out by Epilepsy Scotland, who fight to reduce the stigma experienced by people living with epilepsy, and to influence public policy to ensure appropriate support is available for those living with the condition; notes epilepsy is the most common neurological condition with an estimated 55,000 people living with the condition in Scotland; further notes that Epilepsy Scotland provides a range of services including a helpline, a check-in service, a youth service, a well-being service and online support groups; understands that Epilepsy Scotland is currently conducting a survey to investigate the links between mental health issues and epilepsy; further recognises that Sunday 26 March 2023 is Purple Day, a time where thousands of people across the globe will come together to start conversations about epilepsy, raise awareness of the condition and to fundraise; acknowledges that Epilepsy Scotland is encouraging people to wear the colour purple and lighting buildings purple to mark the occasion; and wishes Epilepsy Scotland all the very best in continuing their important work.

99150th anniversary of Ballywalter Girls Brigade

Tabled: 21/03/23 Signatories: 6

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Gavin Robinson

Sir Mike Penning

Paul Girvan

That this House celebrates the 50th anniversary of Ballywalter Girls Brigade; highlights its 50th year of service to the local community in the Ards Peninsula; notes the rural nature of the village of Ballywalter and surrounding areas and that the church gives the families of the peninsula a place to send their children closer to home for Girls Brigade; further highlights the demand, given the group has been running successfully for five decades and the connections and fun that this club provides for those children who may be socially isolated; further notes the outstanding work undertaken by the leaders of the local Girls Brigade groups; and thanks them for their dedication to giving children a safe haven to be themselves and grow with confidence and enthusiasm.

99250th anniversary of I Will Always Love You

Tabled: 21/03/23 Signatories: 42

Jim Shannon

Kirsten Oswald

Olivia Blake

Nadia Whittome

Cat Smith

Tim Farron

That this House celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Dolly Parton's hit song I Will Always Love You; notes the sentiment behind this song and what it means to so many, including the wife of the hon. Member for Strangford; highlights the contribution this song and her music in general to the industry, especially in the late 1960s, early 1970s and over the last 50 years; further notes the large scale event held at the weekend in Dolly Parton's multi-million dollar theme park at Pigeon Forge in East Tennessee as part of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the song, that was written as a farewell to her business partner and mentor Peter Wagoner; and wishes Dolly continued success as she entertains and encourages so many through her music and inspirational character.

99320th anniversary of the Iraq war

Tabled: 21/03/23 Signatories: 6

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

Gavin Robinson

Sir Mike Penning

Bob Blackman

Paul Girvan

That this House notes the 20th anniversary of American missiles landing in Baghdad on the morning of 20 March 2003, which signalled the start of the US-led campaign to topple Saddam Hussein; notes the television address shortly after the bombings by President George Bush, vowing to disarm Iraq and free its people and the subsequent televised address by former Prime Minister Tony Blair confirming British troops were in action in Iraq to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction; highlights that the attack was ordered two hours after a final 48-hour deadline expired for Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq due to crimes against humanity related to the 1982 killing of 148 Iraqi Shi'a; further highlights and condemns the atrocities committed by Hussein and that these shall not be forgotten; and reaffirms our gratitude and support for our veterans who continue to live with the legacy of their service in their physical and mental health.

994Lieutenant Colonel Ant Maher

Tabled: 21/03/23 Signatories: 5

Carla Lockhart

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Paul Girvan

That this House congratulates Lieutenant Colonel Ant Maher on his recent admission to the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem; recognises the contribution of Lieutenant Colonel Maher to a range of charitable organisations, including those focused on health and wellbeing; and thanks him for his service in a range of roles to deliver a better community for all.

998McLaren’s Nurseries: 50th Anniversary

Tabled: 24/03/23 Signatories: 6

Alan Brown

Kirsten Oswald

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Drew Hendry

That this House congratulates McLaren’s Nurseries on celebrating its 50th anniversary; notes McLaren’s Nurseries received a three-star rating from Visit Scotland in recognition of their very good standard of facilities and services, and was also rated the Scottish Small Business of the Year in 2020 by Enterprise Scotland; highlights that the 50th anniversary was marked with an Open Day on 23 March 2023, the first Open Day Event since the pandemic; and wishes the staff at McLaren’s Nurseries all the very best for the future.

1004Big Yellow Friday 2023

Tabled: 24/03/23 Signatories: 7

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Sir Mike Penning

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

That this House notes that 31 March 2023 is Big Yellow Friday; congratulates the Children's Liver Disease Foundation on its work in raising awareness, promoting research and providing information and support for people affected by a life-threatening liver disease; further notes with concern that, every week, 20 children in the UK are diagnosed with a life-threatening childhood liver disease with no cure, meaning a lifetime of medical care; commends the work of the Children's Liver Disease Foundation for working tirelessly and investing to support families and fund research projects, which helps to understand and treat childhood liver diseases; further congratulates all those taking part in Big Yellow Friday 2023 for showing support for children affected by childhood liver disease and their families; and calls on the Government to work closely with all national liver-disease charities to help ensure that childhood liver diseases are understood, prevented and treated effectively, ensuring that babies, children, young people and adults diagnosed in childhood achieve their full potential.

1010Government action on Iran

Tabled: 27/03/23 Signatories: 13

Ed Davey

Jim Shannon

Tim Farron

Layla Moran

Sarah Olney

Richard Foord

That this House condemns the continued excessive use of force and violence by the Iranian authorities against Iranian women and all others protesting against the Iranian regime; notes with appreciation the work of many British-Iranians to highlight the abuses being perpetrated by the Iranian regime; welcomes the most recent sanctions issued by the Government against the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps and urges further action; supports the case for proscription of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps; calls on the Government to follow the call of Anoosheh Ashoori and ensure that the relatives of sanctioned Iranian officials are not living prosperously in the UK off the back of stolen wealth which has been funnelled out of Iran; urges the Government to provide emergency funding for BBC Persian radio; and further calls on the Government to work with international partners to set up safe and legal routes for Iranian women.

101412th anniversary of the detainment of political prisoners in Bahrain

Tabled: 27/03/23 Signatories: 3

Brendan O'Hara

Allan Dorans

Drew Hendry

That this House recognises the 12th anniversary of the imprisonment of political prisoners in Bahrain; expresses grave concern over their ongoing, wrongful detention and violations of their human rights; recalls that during Bahrain’s Arab Spring pro-democracy uprising in 2011, authorities arrested opposition figures, religious leaders and human rights defenders, including Hassan Mushaima, Abdul-Hadi Al-Khawaja, Dr Abduljalil Al-Singace, Sheikh Mohammed Habib Al-Miqdad, Sheikh Abduljalil Al-Miqdad, Sheikh Saeed AlNouri, Abdulwahab Husain, Mohamed Ali Ismaeel, Sheikh Mirza Al-Mahroos and Sheikh Abdulhadi Al-Mukhoder, of whom seven are convicted to life imprisonment and three to 15 years; condemns reports that many of these individuals including Mushaima, Dr Al-Singace and Al-Khawaja were subjected to torture, some of which was documented in the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry report; notes reports that many still face the denial of access to timely and adequate medical care; has particular concern for Dr Al-Singace, who has been on hunger strike for over one year and eight months, due to the Bahraini authorities’ refusal to return his arbitrarily confiscated, apolitical academic research to his family; deplores reports that since July 2021 Dr Al-Singace and Mushaima have been held in effective solitary confinement; echoes calls made by human rights organisations, including the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, for Bahrain to release Dr Al-Singace immediately and unconditionally, and for his research to be returned; and calls on the Government to use all available leverage, both privately and publicly, to push Bahrain to release the above-named individuals.

1015150th anniversary of Seapatrick Flute Band

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 2

Carla Lockhart

Paul Girvan

That this House congratulates Seapatrick Flute Band on reaching their 150th anniversary; recognises the positive role the band has played in the community throughout its history and in the present day; and extends best wishes to the membership of Seapatrick Flute Band as they celebrate this significant milestone, and for the future.

1016Ovarian cancer awareness month 2023

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 5

Jim Shannon

Ian Lavery

Sir Mike Penning

Paul Girvan

Christine Jardine

That this House notes Ovarian cancer awareness month that takes place in March 2023; further notes that over 7,000 women are diagnosed each year in the UK and over 4,000 women lose their lives each year, which is 11 women everyday; highlights that if diagnosed at the earliest stage, nine in 10 women will survive, but two-thirds of women are diagnosed late, when the cancer is harder to treat; further highlights that nearly half of GPs mistakenly believe symptoms only present in the later stages of the disease, and less than a third of women in the UK are confident they know the symptoms; notes the incredible work by MacMillan and Cancer Research in raising awareness on what to look out for in terms of ovarian cancer diagnosis; and thanks MacMillan for all they do for those families who need support.

1017Centenary of Drumderg Loyalists Flute Band

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 2

Carla Lockhart

Paul Girvan

That this House congratulates Drumderg Loyalists Flute Band on reaching their centenary year; recognises the positive contribution of the marching bands community to life in Northern Ireland; and extends best wishes to the membership of Drumderg Loyalists Flute Band as they celebrate this milestone and look to the future.

1019Lawrencetown Apprentice Boys of Derry Club's 75th anniversary

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 2

Carla Lockhart

Paul Girvan

That this House extends warmest congratulations to Lawrencetown ABOD Club, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year; pays tribute to the Club for its positive contribution to the community; recognises the importance of culture and remembrance in society; and extends best wishes to the Club for their anniversary year and into the future.

1020Lurgan Bowling Club

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 2

Carla Lockhart

Paul Girvan

That this House extends warmest congratulations to Lurgan Bowling Club, for their ongoing success across their gents, ladies and veterans teams; recognises that bowls clubs across Northern Ireland provide a great opportunity for sport and socialising; and wishes the Club continued success in the future.

1021Craigavon Senior High U16s Rugby Team

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 2

Carla Lockhart

Paul Girvan

That this House congratulates Craigavon Senior High U16s Rugby Team on winning the High Schools' Trophy at the Kingspan Stadium; commends the players and coaching staff for securing this prestigious victory; and wishes the team well for the remainder of the season.

1022Inverness Business Improvement District

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 4

Drew Hendry

Brendan O'Hara

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Douglas Chapman

That this House congratulates Inverness Business Improvement District on their recent success in being voted in for another five year term; recognises that this success is down to their unwavering hard work and commitment to improving Inverness city centre for those who live, work and run businesses in Inverness; pays thanks to the team at the Business Improvement District for all they do; and wishes them continued success for the future.

1023Special Needs Action Project stars in their eyes fundraising at Kingsmills Hotel

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 4

Drew Hendry

Brendan O'Hara

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Douglas Chapman

That this House congratulates the team at Kingsmills Hotel on the success of their recent fundraiser in aid of the Special Needs Action Project; recognises that the Special Needs Action Project do incredibly valuable work to support local children with special needs and their families, including offering sensory play sessions, family support groups and one-to-one therapy sessions; notes that the Stars in their Eyes event saw contestants take to the stage as various stars including Freddie Mercury and Dolly Parton; further congratulates Steve Walsh and his daughter Sophia for winning on the night; pays thanks to Nicola McAlley for hosting the event; and celebrates the incredible £33,000 raised to support local children with special needs.

1024Charleston Academy 200th school to join the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework programme

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 4

Drew Hendry

Brendan O'Hara

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Douglas Chapman

That this House congratulates Charleston Academy in Inverness on becoming the 200th school in Scotland to join the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework School Ambassador programme; recognises the valuable work of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework School Ambassador programme in offering secondary schools the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework and the wider ways in which it supports learners, including recognising wider achievement, developing senior phase learning pathways and demonstrating equality between vocational and academic qualifications; celebrates the milestone achieved by Charleston Academy in Inverness; and wishes pupils and teachers alike continued success in their participation in the programme.