Contents

Published: Tuesday 12 March 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 11 March 2024

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

488Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 1

John McDonnell

That the Protocol, done at Auckland and Bandar Seri Begawan on 16 July 2023, on the Accession of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CP 1107), a copy of which was laid before Parliament on 19 February 2024, should not be ratified.

489World Kidney Day 2024

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 1

Daisy Cooper

That his House notes that World Kidney Day takes place on Thursday 14 March 2024; recognises that an estimated 7.2 million people in the UK are living with early- and late-stage chronic kidney disease; acknowledges that some patients are being told about their risk or their diagnosis too late, when their lives are under threat and treatment options are extreme and life-altering, rather than at the early stages when there are options to delay or stop the disease getting worse; commends charities, such as Kidney Care UK, for their work in advocating for an earlier diagnosis, testing for those at higher risk, improved primary and secondary care and greater support for kidney patients; and calls on the Government to ensure everyone who is at risk of chronic kidney disease is provided with information on how to reduce that risk, tested annually, monitored, and if diagnosed early, provided with support to prevent or slow down their condition getting worse.

490Glasgow Saints FC 24-hour charity football match

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 1

Anne McLaughlin

That this House extends its heartfelt congratulations to Glasgow Saints FC on their outstanding 24-hour charity football match, having already raised nearly £5,000 for three causes close to their hearts; applauds their remarkable work and achievement in raising significant funds that will be split between the football club, Beatson Cancer Charity and MS treatment for Spartans captain Alana Marshall; recognises the hard work and determination from volunteers and players; and pays tribute to organiser and manager at the club, Laurie Keith.

491World Water Day 2024

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 1

Mr Virendra Sharma

That this House recognises that 22 March is World Water Day; acknowledges that 2.2 billion people in the world do not have safe water and 3.5 billion people in the world do not have a decent toilet of their own; notes that two-thirds of healthcare facilities in the 46 least developed countries do not have access to basic handwashing facilities; further recognises that women and girls are disproportionately affected by inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); further notes that that WASH is an essential component in work on addressing global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance; further acknowledges that the climate crisis is a water crisis and that investment in WASH provides a cost-effective adaptation measure to support communities on the front lines of climate change; notes that the UK’s budget for WASH has been cut by approximately 77% since 2018, damaging the UK’s ability to reach communities with life-saving clean water; is concerned that with just six years to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline, progress on SDG6 is alarmingly off-track, and so and calls on the Government to increase investment in WASH and champion WASH on a global stage.

492Ordination of the Bishop of Galloway

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House congratulates the Right Reverend Francis Dougan as Bishop of Galloway on his ordination to the Episcopate in a very moving and joyful ceremony at the Church of Saint Peter-in-Chains, Ardrossan, on 9 March 2024; is aware that Bishop Dougan, originally from Lanark, received his priestly ordination on 27 June 2001 and was incardinated in the diocese of Motherwell; understands that Bishop Dougan will succeed Archbishop William Nolan who served as the Bishop of Galloway from 2015 to 2022 before assuming the position of Archbishop of Glasgow; recognises that Bishop Dougan was ordained by the Most Reverend Leo Cushley, Metropolitan Archbishop of Saint Andrews & Edinburgh; notes that the role will see Bishop Dougan become the ecclesiastical head of the Diocese of Galloway which covers the local authority areas of Dumfries and Galloway, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire and mainland North Ayrshire and Cumbrae; acknowledges that upon his ordination Bishop Dougan proclaimed the need for a Church where everyone can feel at home and welcomed and expressed his commitment to continue to build on the solid foundations left by those who have come before us, stretching back to St Ninian who first planted the seeds of the Christian faith in Galloway; and wishes Bishop Dougan all the best in his endeavours in his new role which he will tackle with gusto and good humour.

493The Radhuni and Best Eatery in Midlothian 2024 award

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 1

Owen Thompson

That this House congratulates the Radhuni restaurant in Loanhead, Midlothian, for their recent success at the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Awards; recognises their award for Best Eatery 2024; acknowledges how this is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to the dedication and hard work put into their restaurant; further acknowledges how this award is a well-deserved recognition of the Radhuni’s team’s efforts and the extraordinary experiences they provide to customers; and wishes the Radhuni continued success and acclaim in the future.

494Vitamin B12 deficiency

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 1

Grahame Morris

That this House welcomes the benefits of vitamin B12 therapy; believes that greater emphasis must be placed on recognising and treating B12 deficiency which can be a major cause of ill health and unemployment; recognises that the replacement of the missing nutrient can restore quality of life, enthusiasm and energy to the individual; notes that many of the drugs used to treat misdiagnosis are expensive and can have lasting adverse effects; and calls on the health community to recognise and research vitamin B12 deficiency to ensure the needs and symptom patterns of patients can be treated in a way that is cost-effective, without side-effects and completely safe.

495Alleged comments by Frank Hester

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 5

Dawn Butler

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Layla Moran

Anne McLaughlin

Carol Monaghan

That this House expresses its shock regarding the alleged comments made by Frank Hester reported by The Guardian about the hon. Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington and all Black women; believes these alleged comments to be both racist and violent in nature; notes that Mr Hester is a regular and substantial donor to the Conservative Party; and calls on all leaders including the Prime Minister to condemn these remarks.

496Centenary of Eric Liddell's Olympic Gold medal

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 1

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House notes that 2024 marks 100 years since Eric Liddell qualified for the Olympic 100 metres heats, despite being widely regarded as best placed to win, he declined to take part due to their being held on a Sunday, choosing instead to compete in the 400 metres final, before that 400 metre race began he received a note which read In the old book it says: He that honours me I will honour, he won gold to become Olympic Champion even though it was not his preferred distance, after winning Liddell went to China where he served his Lord in missionary endeavours and his exploits featured in the film Chariots of Fire thus ensuring the name Eric Liddell will be remembered for generations to come for both his sporting exploits as well as his Christian faith.

497World Glaucoma Day 2024

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes World Glaucoma Day, celebrated on 12 March with this years theme of Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World, focusing on bringing communities worldwide to fight together against glaucoma blindness; highlights that over 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma and around 18,000 of these cases are in Northern Ireland; further notes that over half of these do not know they have it; underlines the aim to raise awareness and foster a better understanding of the condition so that it will spark conversations and discussions; thanks those charities such as Glaucoma UK for reminding people to attend regular eye tests and prioritise their eye health; and urges Government to raise more awareness on the importance of supporting those living with glaucoma.

498175th anniversary of the Battle of Crossgar

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the 175th anniversary of the Battle of Crossgar, which took place on St Patricks Day 1849 when over 3,000 Catholic Ribbonmen descended on Crossgar and clashed with local Orangemen; highlights that due to this riot all parades were subsequently banned, but not before a retaliation battle at Dollys Brae later that summer; underlines the tremendous efforts of influential Orangeman, William Johnston of Ballykilbeg who was instrumental in getting the parading ban repealed in 1872 and who three years later laid the foundation stone for Killyleagh Street Orange Hall which still remains today; and further highlights the significance of this event for Orange heritage and that the history of this event will not be forgotten.

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.

426Mikeysline Hive on the Road project

Tabled: 26/02/24 Signatories: 9

Drew Hendry

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Peter Grant

Ian Blackford

Dr Philippa Whitford

That this House commends Mikeysline for their continued work in suicide prevention and providing mental health support across the Scottish Highlands; notes their most recent project Hive on the Road offers mental health support via a fully equipped mobile unit across the Highlands and Islands; recognises that this mobile unit is the first of its kind in Scotland; and pays thanks to all those involved in the successful running of this initiative.

433West Lothian College LGBT Charter Gold Accreditation

Tabled: 27/02/24 Signatories: 6

Hannah Bardell

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Anne McLaughlin

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

That this House commends West Lothian College on becoming the first college in Scotland to achieve the LGBT Charter Gold Accreditation; understands that the college was presented with the award in February which is LGBT History Month; recognises that achieving the accreditation involved significant work by both students and staff including training over 100 college staff in LGBT and Trans Awareness training and creating new initiatives such as Ask Ally that offers support for transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse staff and students; believes that the award demonstrates the college’s commitment to creating a campus that supports LGBT people in every aspect of their study; notes that West Lothian college was previously awarded Silver status in their first attempt at the accreditation when most institutions only receive Bronze status; congratulates the college on taking steps to ensure that West Lothian College is a positive space for LGBT students; and encourages other education institutions to work towards the accreditation.

438PC Ryan Bunting

Tabled: 27/02/24 Signatories: 6

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

Sarah Dyke

Sir Mike Penning

Mr George Galloway

Allan Dorans

This House acknowledges the courage displayed by Edinburgh police officer PC Ryan Bunting during a violent altercation with a suspect carrying a knife; and congratulates PC Bunting for receiving an award at the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards for 2023 at Police Scotland Headquarters in Tulliallan.

443Coatbridge volunteers and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

Tabled: 28/02/24 Signatories: 7

Steven Bonnar

Jim Shannon

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Mr George Galloway

That this House commends five volunteers of the Friends Together Club of St Patrick's RC Church in Coatbridge, who were recognised for their charity work by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta on 5 February 2024 at their headquarters in Rome; congratulates Ena Marie Hamill on receiving a Silver Medal of Merit, as well as Elain McDermott, Patrick Allen, Yvonne Cawley and Elizabeth Locke on their Bronze Medals of Merit; thank them for their dedication to community service and work in organising celebrations and outings for marginalised people with special needs who would not otherwise have the opportunity to do so; and encourages them to not only continue their fantastic work, but to act as role models for others to do so as well.

454Dundee Fairtrade City 20th anniversary

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 7

Chris Law

Alison Thewliss

Dr Philippa Whitford

Stewart Hosie

Jim Shannon

George Galloway

That this House celebrates the 20th anniversary of Dundee becoming a Fairtrade City; recognises that Dundee and Aberdeen were declared Scotland’s first Fairtrade Cities in March 2004, following their fulfilment of five primary goals; notes that these primary goals were designed to support the promotion of Fairtrade products locally; thanks all those involved over the past two decades with the Dundee Fair Trade Forum for their work to initially secure and then later retain Dundee’s status as a Fairtrade City; and wishes all involved all the best for the future.

457Brent Centre Highlands

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 8

Drew Hendry

Jim Shannon

Dr Philippa Whitford

Hannah Bardell

Dave Doogan

Amy Callaghan

That this House congratulates Brent Centre Highlands on the recent opening of their clinic in Inverness; recognises that they provide accessible mental health support, through psychotherapy and practical support, to young people aged 14 to 21 in the Scottish Highlands free of charge; pays thanks to all those involved in successfully setting up this initiative; and wishes them continued success for the future.

45810th anniversary of Alzheimer Scotland’s Mind That Song in East Dunbartonshire

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 7

Amy Callaghan

Alison Thewliss

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jim Shannon

Hannah Bardell

Patrick Grady

That this House celebrates the 10th anniversary of Alzheimer Scotland’s ‘Mind that Song’ service in East Dunbartonshire; notes that on Friday 14th March 2014 Bearsden Cross Church hosted its first venture with Alzheimer Scotland called Mind that Song to provide hospitality and an opportunity for a sing song for people living with Alzheimer's, dementia and those affected by isolation and loneliness; commends the success of this initiative in East Dunbartonshire and welcomes their triumph to bring people in the community together in a friendly and stimulating environment; thanks Alzheimer Scotland and Bearsden Cross Church for pioneering this invaluable service; and recognises the outstanding work and dedication of the Communities Activities Organiser, Anne O’Donnell, for her tireless work and dedication to the community; and wishes everyone involved the very best in the years to come.

459Laura Young, Scottish Influencer of the Year

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 7

Kirsten Oswald

Alison Thewliss

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jim Shannon

Richard Thomson

Patrick Grady

That this House congratulates Laura Young, also known as Less Waste Laura, for being crowned the Scottish Influencer of the Year in recognition of her online campaigning on environmental and climate issues; notes that Laura, aged 27 from East Renfrewshire, is currently studying at the University of Dundee for a PhD on the topic of Scotland’s Resilience to Climate Change; commends Laura’s use of social media as an effective campaigning tool; understands Laura played a leading role in the successful campaign to ban disposable vapes across the United Kingdom; further notes that being crowned Scottish Influencer of the Year is not the first time Laura has been recognised for her brilliant work as last year she was named one of the world’s 20 leading climate creators and was also honoured at the Holyrood Climate Action Awards where she was named Holyrood’s 2023 Circular Champion; and wishes Laura all the very best for her future campaigns in bringing about positive change in the environmental and climate fields.

460Fracture liaison services and osteoporosis

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 26

Margaret Greenwood

Claudia Webbe

Rachael Maskell

Dame Angela Eagle

Mick Whitley

Sir George Howarth

That this House notes 50% of women and 20% of men over 50 will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis; further notes 81,000 people of working age suffer fractures every year and that a third of sufferers will have to leave their jobs as a result; highlights the invaluable work of fracture liaison services (FLS) in identifying osteoporosis; expresses concern that, according to the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS), only 51% of NHS trusts in England have FLS and that many people who break bones will therefore attend A&E and be seen without their underlying osteoporosis being diagnosed and treated, leaving a massive risk that they will suffer further, more serious fractures; expresses further concern that the postcode lottery in the coverage of FLS means that annually around 90,000 people of all ages are missing out on vital osteoporosis treatment and are therefore at risk of further fractures; notes the cost of this to both the individual and the state; notes the Better Bones campaign which is led by the ROS and the Sunday Express, and supported by a range of charities, royal medical colleges and unions; supports the asks of the campaign that everyone over the age of 50 should be covered by a quality FLS, £30 million per year of additional investment in FLS to fill the gaps in population coverage and quality, and the appointment of a national clinical director for fractures in each UK nation; and calls on the Government to fund universal fracture liaison services.

461Leanne Maiden and the World's Toughest Row

Tabled: 4/03/24 Signatories: 7

Amy Callaghan

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jim Shannon

Richard Thomson

Drew Hendry

Hannah Bardell

That this House congratulates Leanne Maiden on conquering the World’s Toughest Row; notes that Leanne set off on her solo voyage across the Atlantic on 13 December 2023 rowing 3,000 miles from La Gomera to Antigua to raise money for the Polar Academy, Women’s Fund for Scotland and the Mabel Foundation; understands Leanne rowed up to 70 nautical miles each day through all weather conditions and navigated 20ft waves, a capsized boat as well as sleep deprivation and salt sores; recognises the physical and psychological effort of rowing across the Atlantic ocean as well as the extreme isolation when being at sea alone; understands that only 34 females have attempted this journey across the Atlantic and Leanne is the first South African woman to achieve this feat; applauds Leanne’s determination and personal endeavour to complete this challenge in 66 days, beating an estimate of 85 days; congratulates Leanne’s inspirational achievement and success; and wishes her well for the future.

468120th anniversary of Glasgow Pavilion Theatre

Tabled: 5/03/24 Signatories: 8

Alison Thewliss

Jim Shannon

George Galloway

Richard Thomson

Dr Philippa Whitford

Hannah Bardell

That this House welcomes the 120th anniversary of the opening of the Glasgow Pavilion Theatre on 29 February 1904; recognises that in 120 years of operation the Pavilion has played host to many internationally-recognised artists, including Billy Connolly, Lulu, Charlie Chaplin, the Krankies, Stanley Baxter and more; notes that the building preserves much of its original architectural design, including the French Renaissance style exterior, the mahogany woodwork, marble mosaic floors, and a sliding roof; acknowledges the central role the theatre has played in the cultural history of Glasgow, in particular in its panto tradition, which was established in the 1930s and continues today; congratulates the staff and management of the Pavilion Theatre on this significant anniversary; and wishes them the best of luck in all future endeavours.

470Meal card scheme

Tabled: 5/03/24 Signatories: 5

Martyn Day

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Hannah Bardell

Allan Dorans

That this House notes the campaign by the Real Meal Deal which calls for the introduction of a UK meal card scheme to provide a tax-free allowance for employees to spend on ready-to-eat food and non-alcoholic beverages; further notes that such a scheme could be implemented by updating HMRC's existing tax exemptions list for employee benefits and expenses, with a graduated tax treatment to ensure that support is targeted at those on the lowest incomes; understands that research from Ignite Economics on the economic impact of a UK meal voucher in 2023 showed that a new UK meal card scheme would cut household food bills by up to 58% for the most vulnerable households without requiring direct spending from the Government; acknowledges that economic analysis commissioned by the Real Meal Deal Campaign shows that as well as benefitting employees, rolling-out a meal card scheme would provide a major boost to the economy, creating 280,000 new jobs in the hospitality sector and adding £6.3 billion to UK GVA; notes that by boosting people’s food spending power, the scheme would drive an average 18% uplift in turnover for restaurants and food providers, unlocking additional tax revenue for the Treasury which would offset the scheme’s costs and create a £2.1 billion net-benefit for the public purse; and urges the Government to follow the lead of 35 other nations around the world in introducing an innovative tax-relief scheme which would provide vital support to workers, employers and businesses during this cost of living crisis.

473St. Anthony's Football Club Ladies Team

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 6

Chris Stephens

Richard Thomson

Drew Hendry

Hannah Bardell

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

That this House congratulates St. Anthony’s Ladies Football Team, based in Glasgow South West constituency, on their award of a £5,880 grant from the National Lottery, Awards for All Fund; understands this funding will be used for players kit, training lets, coach education and associated costs for setting up a girls academy; notes that women’s football is gaining increasing popularity and participation, and welcomes this development, that the ladies team compliment the men’s team founded in 1902; and wishes St. Anthony’s well in developing the Ladies team and wish them every success in all its future endeavours.

475200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (No. 2)

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 6

Jim Shannon

Ian Mearns

Sir Mike Penning

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Tracey Crouch

That this House notes the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution; highlights the phenomenal work that has been carried out and lives that have been saved over 200 years in communities throughout this UK; further highlights the promotional work that is being carried out during this 200th anniversary celebration which demonstrates that the life saving capacity can only be facilitated with donations; highlights that the Mayor of Ards and North Down has chosen RNLI as one of her charities for this year and encourages churches and local communities to carry out fundraising to secure the future of this vital emergency service; and thanks every member, past and present, for their service and dedication to their community.

477Supermarket listing for Perth restaurant owner

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 4

Pete Wishart

Richard Thomson

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

That this House congratulates Praveen Kumar, owner of Tabla restaurant in Perth, on securing his first ever supermarket listing to supply 11 new lines of authentic Indian ready meals into 56 Asda stores across Scotland; recognises Praveen’s esteemed career in hospitality, which has seen him work in some of the world’s most prestigious five-star establishments such as Gleaneagles and Turnberry, before opening Tabla Restaurant in 2009, which became the first Indian restaurant in Scotland to receive an AA Rosette; and further recognises Praveen’s outstanding commitment to helping the local community in Perth, which included handing out 600 free meals on Christmas Day.

478Public Accounts Committee report entitled Reducing the harm from illegal drugs

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 5

Grahame Morris

Ian Mearns

Dan Carden

Kate Hollern

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House welcomes the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report, Reducing the harm from illegal drugs, published in February 2024; notes that this acknowledges recent progress in workforce recruitment and countering county lines; heeds and highlights the PAC’s warning that, should the Joint Combating Drugs Unit, the Department of Health and Social Care and other Government departments fail to develop a compelling case for the sustained investment needed to reduce the growing harms from illegal drugs, then such progress will be wasted; endorses its recognition that, if the aims of Dame Carol Black’s independent review and the Government’s subsequent drugs strategy are to be realised and drug deaths can be reduced significantly, then further action is required urgently; further notes that, given the context of a significant erosion of councils’ capacity and capability to deliver, the report urges the Government to provide local authorities with more confidence over long-term funding to enable long-term planning; and calls upon the Government adopt the six recommendations of the PAC report and reaffirm its commitment to long-term funding of treatment services.

481First anniversary of Clyde Coast and Cumbraes Men’s Shed

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 6

Patricia Gibson

Richard Thomson

Drew Hendry

Dr Philippa Whitford

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

That this House congratulates Clyde Coast and Cumbraes Men’s Shed, based in Largs, on its first anniversary; understands that the Shed was opened at Brisbane Centre, Largs on 4 March 2023 by North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson and David Gardner, Chair of the Scottish Men's Shed Association; welcomes that the centre allows all men over 18 to create, relax, repair, pursue a hobby, access practical help, share and learn new skills; notes that the Shed, with the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers and the backing of North Ayrshire Council, has made tremendous progress over the last year, exemplified by a membership of 88 men aged 18 to 93 and visits from representatives of the Three Towns and Lochwinnoch Men’s Sheds; and wishes Cllr Ian Murdoch and the enthusiastic team of volunteers who have worked so hard to deliver such progress over only one year, all the best, confident that this important community facility will continue to grow and thrive for years to come.

482Cost of living payment at National Museums Liverpool

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 16

Kim Johnson

Mick Whitley

Dan Carden

Ian Byrne

Mary Kelly Foy

Allan Dorans

That this House fully supports the staff at National Museums Liverpool (NML) engaging in strike action in an ongoing dispute over pay; notes that last year 206 employers in the public sector agreed to pay each worker a one-off £1,500 payment to part-compensate for inflation rises and hardship caused by Covid yet shockingly, National Museums Liverpool is the only employer which has so far refused to pay its staff the additional money; regrets that across the seven museums in Liverpool, NML staff are grappling with financial hardship due to low wages; and calls on the Government to step in, engage with PCS Union members, seek to resolve any perceived funding issues at NML and ensure the outstanding cost of living payment is paid.

483City and Guilds Award for College Engagement with Employers

Tabled: 7/03/24 Signatories: 2

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates New College Durham on winning the City and Guilds Award for College Engagement with Employers at this year’s AoC Beacon Awards; notes New College Durham’s dedication to supporting students and employers in our region; further notes New College Durham’s creation of an innovative skills led curriculum; and commends the exceptional contribution of New College Durham and its staff to communities across County Durham.

484Pre-1997 non-indexed company pensions

Tabled: 7/03/24 Signatories: 4

Geraint Davies

Jonathan Edwards

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jim Shannon

This House notes that over 500,000 former employees of 3M and other businesses including American Express, Hewlett-Packard, Chevron and Wood Group face massively-reduced pensions from their pre-1997 contributions, as current legislation only index-links contributions from 1997; further notes that, according to the Bank of England, between 2008 and 2023, former employees’ pensions have reduced in real terms by 56%; and calls on the Government to put pressure on the companies concerned to make good the indexation of former employees’ pensions for their pension contributions prior to 1997 and to consider retrospective legislation to encourage those companies who have not provided a significant discretionary uplift to former employee pensions, to help to mitigate value erosion from inflation to their company pensions.

485100th anniversary of Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland

Tabled: 7/03/24 Signatories: 6

Patricia Gibson

Alison Thewliss

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

That this House congratulates the Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland on its 100th anniversary; understands that the branch was formed at Ardrossan Civic Centre, then called the Castlecraigs, on 10 April 1924; is aware that, at that time, servicemen and ex-servicemen having experienced the horrors of the Great War had no outlet in which to safely share experiences; acknowledges that the Legion assists veterans in the Three Towns and outside the area usually due to a referral by SSAFA, Poppy Scotland, other branches or Veterans First Point or a plea for help directly from a veteran or their family; notes that the help can be practical with transport, medication or just company while it may also relate to signposting to welfare, finances, housing or funerals; further acknowledges that the Legion also organises and facilitates various Remembrance parades and services throughout the year; is further aware that this includes Holocaust Memorial Day, D-Day, Armed Forces weekend as well as their upcoming annual HMS Dasher service which remembers those lost in the disaster when HMS Dasher mysteriously exploded and sank between Ardrossan and Brodick in 1943; and wishes Legion chairman Paul Coffey and everyone involved with the Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, the very best for the future of the Three Towns British Legion.

486ITC Hydraulic Services Limited

Tabled: 7/03/24 Signatories: 8

Richard Thomson

Allan Dorans

Drew Hendry

Stuart C McDonald

Dave Doogan

Dr Philippa Whitford

That this House congratulates Oldmeldrum-based ITC Hydraulic Services Limited on being awarded the Family Business Award in the Federation of Small Businesses' Celebrating Small Business Awards 2024; notes that this year marks the twenty-fifth year in business of the firm; recognises the vital contribution made to the North East and Scottish economy of family businesses such as ITC Hydraulic Services Limited; further notes the firm is focussed on being a significant supplier to the growing renewables sector; and wishes management and the staff team continued success going forward.