Commons business papers

Contents

Published: Tuesday 19 March 2024

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 18 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

516National Mentoring Day 2023

Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 1

Dr Lisa Cameron

That this House notes the life changing work that mentoring organisations are undertaking across the UK to develop skills, resilience and agency of disadvantaged young people; further notes that mentoring interventions can contribute to enhanced social mobility; understands that the cost-of-living crisis is having a detrimental impact on recruitment and retention of volunteers which is particularly impacting availability of mentoring for young people; highlights that National Mentoring Day was marked by mentoring organisations across the UK and internationally; thanks the Diana Award for their support for the All Party Parliamentary Group on Mentoring; and further highlights the benefits for Members of Parliament in engaging in mentoring young people within their constituency.

51775th anniversary of the Strathaven Miniature Railway

Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 1

Dr Lisa Cameron

That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Strathaven Miniature Railway; notes the railway's exceptional achievements and acknowledges that this is the oldest miniature railway in Scotland, which has been running continuously through Strathaven Park since the 14th of May 1949; further acknowledges the 50th anniversary of the Strathaven Model Society, a group of dedicated volunteers who have operated the railway for the last 47 years; applauds and praises all of the volunteers dedication and hard work in carrying over 750,000 passengers since 1949, with special thanks to Eric Chandler, Jim Lennox and Martin Simpson, all of whom have devoted over forty years of volunteering to ensure the continuous operation of Strathaven’s ‘Wee Trains’; and wishes everyone involved in Strathaven's Miniature Railway the very best for the future.

518Volunteer Midlothian's Volunteer Recruitment Fair 2024

Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 1

Owen Thompson

That this House applauds the success of Volunteer Midlothian's Volunteer Recruitment Fair which recently attracted more than 120 attendees eager to explore volunteering opportunities; acknowledges the critical role played by Volunteer Midlothian in promoting and supporting volunteering in the region particularly in light of concerning trends indicating a decline in volunteering rates across Scotland; recognises the annual Volunteer Recruitment Fair as a pivotal event, providing a platform for organisations to showcase volunteer opportunities and directly engage with the local community fostering a culture of altruism and civic engagement; applauds Volunteer Midlothian for the success of this year's fair where attendees enthusiastically pledged their time and skills to various causes within Midlothian and beyond; notes with appreciation the surprise appearance of previous Midlothian Volunteer Awards mascots at the fair adding to the festive atmosphere and serving as a reminder of the upcoming Volunteers’ Week in June; commends Volunteer Midlothian's Chief Officer Lesley Kelly for announcing the opening of nominations for the 2024 Midlothian Volunteer Awards and encourages constituents to nominate deserving volunteers who have made significant contributions to the community; and expresses deep gratitude to Volunteer Midlothian, its staff, volunteers, and all participants for their dedication to making a positive impact on Midlothian.

519World Down Syndrome Day 2024

Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates with pride, World Down Syndrome Day 2024, which is a global event that aims to raise awareness, and advocate for the rights of individuals with Down syndrome; marked each year on March 21st, this signifies the triplication of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome; highlights the lots of socks campaign which aims to get a conversation started on raising awareness for people with Down syndrome and the importance of inclusion within society; recalls that the Down Syndrome Act 2022 makes provision for the needs and rights of people in the U.K. with Down syndrome; notes the necessity of ending stereotypes and empowering those diagnosed with Down syndrome; and thanks charities such as Down Syndrome UK for providing resources, training and support to parents and professionals in maternity, health and education to enable society to learn more about supporting people with Down syndrome.

520100th anniversary of the Buddhist Society

Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the 100th anniversary of the Buddhist Society, one of the oldest Buddhist societies in Europe, founded in 1924 by Christmas Humphreys; further notes that the society presents the major authentic Buddhist schools and traditions holding lectures, classes, courses, and activities in the Therevada, Zen, Pure Land and Tibetan traditions; underlines the importance of religious self-governance for Buddhists; and urges the Government to raise this right at the United Nations and in its diplomatic relations with China.

521National Lottery funding for Kirkliston Children's Gala

Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 1

Christine Jardine

That this House congratulates Kirkliston Children's Gala Day Committee on their award of £8,500 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund; notes that the funding will be used to support an exhibition in the community centre to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Gala in 2024; further notes that this aims to document the history of the Gala and community through memorabilia including costumes, programmes, photographs, film, songs and activities; congratulates the festival on reaching its centenary; and wishes the organisers success with this year’s Gala on 8 June.

522Purple Day 2024

Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House recognises that Purple Day, the international day for epilepsy, is taking place on Tuesday 26 March 2024; notes epilepsy is the most common neurological condition with an estimated 55,000 people living with the condition in Scotland; applauds the work of Epilepsy Scotland who fight to reduce the stigma experienced by people living with the condition and to influence public policy to ensure appropriate support is available; highlights the wide range of services provided by Epilepsy Scotland including a helpline, a check-in service, a youth service, a well-being service, and online support groups; understands that Purple Day is a time where thousands of people will come together across the world to raise awareness of epilepsy, dispel myths, and support those individuals living with the condition; acknowledges that Epilepsy Scotland is encouraging people to wear the colour purple and lighting buildings purple to mark the occasion and to take part in fundraising activities such as a sponsored run or hosting a quiz night or coffee morning; and wishes Epilepsy Scotland all the very best as they continue to advocate for people with epilepsy.

523Roger Daltrey’s 24 years of Royal Albert Hall shows for Teenage Cancer Trust

Tabled: 18/03/24 Signatories: 1

Amy Callaghan

That this House celebrates 24 years of the Teenage Cancer Trust concerts at the Royal Albert Hall which have raised over £32 million, money that has helped fund specialist nurses, hospital units and support services right across the UK; applauds the work of Teenage Cancer Trust’s Honorary Patron and the concert’s founder and curator, Roger Daltrey, who for 24 years has persuaded some of the most well-known artists from across the world perform special, one-of-a-kind shows to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust; welcomes the unforgettable opportunity the shows also offer for young people being cared for at Teenage Cancer Trust units to experience going backstage at these concerts; and notes that every day seven young people aged 13-24 will receive a cancer diagnosis, that this number is rising, and that Teenage Cancer Trust provides specialist nursing care and support to get them through it.

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.

469YMCA campaign

Tabled: 5/03/24 Signatories: 8

Sir George Howarth

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Caroline Lucas

Rachael Maskell

Chris Law

That this House welcomes the YMCA’s Now’s Our Chance campaign; notes with approval its manifesto for affordable, good quality, safe and secure housing and for young people’s access to youth services all year round in their area, financial support to allow them to meet their essential needs, help to build resilience and positive wellbeing, and good quality education and training to give them the best possible start in life; and thanks YMCA for the long-standing work to support young people.

471Heart of Wales line

Tabled: 5/03/24 Signatories: 3

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Ben Lake

That this House notes that the world-renowned travel guide Lonely Planet has designated the Heart of Wales line between Swansea and Shrewsbury as the fifth best rail line in Europe for 2024; further notes that the guide states expect a spectrum of scenery, alternating from the sand edged estuaries of South Wales, via bucolic farming towns, and tracts of forest and hill country you probably never knew existed, through to one of England’s prettiest medieval cities; congratulates the Settle to Carlisle line for being designated as Europe’s number one route; notes the huge potential of the Heart of Wales line as an attraction for travellers the world over as a result of its beauty providing a significant economic boost for towns along the route; calls on the Welsh Government to improve the service available on the line by Transport for Wales; and urges the UK Government to accept the proposal by transport expert Professor Stuart Cole of a £20 million investment in the line which would enable a two hourly service each way on the line as opposed to the current four daily service each way.

476Pay transparency

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 20

Rebecca Long Bailey

Kate Osborne

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Grahame Morris

John McDonnell

Apsana Begum

That this House considers that the lack of pay transparency is one of the causes of gender, disability and ethnic pay gaps; notes that 75 per cent of job applicants would be more likely to apply for a role that included a salary range and 62 per cent of candidates believe they should not be asked about their current or past salary in an interview, with this figure increasing to 73 per cent amongst Asian workers and 75 per cent for black workers; and therefore calls on the Government to support calls from the National Union of Journalists and recruitment company Liberty Hive for the outlawing of employers asking for salary history during recruitment, and guidance to be provided on publishing salary ranges on job adverts.

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

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 9

Grahame Morris

Ian Mearns

Dan Carden

Kate Hollern

Liz Saville Roberts

Rachael Maskell

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.

479Razor attacks in prisons

Tabled: 6/03/24 Signatories: 29

Grahame Morris

Gordon Henderson

Liz Saville Roberts

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House condemns the horrific and cowardly unprovoked razor attack on a prison officer at HMP Humber on 9 February 2024, which resulted in 53 stitches for a facial wound; notes with alarm the rising tide of prison violence since the end of pandemic lockdowns, with assaults against staff up 16% and the total number of assaults up 21% over the past 12 months; further notes with alarm the rise in weapon attacks, with knife and blade assault incidents up 16% in the most recent year reported compared with a 2% rise in assaults involving all types of weapons, which made up 25% of all prison assaults in 2022 compared with 10% in 2010; agrees with the Government’s 2021 Prison Strategy White Paper’s assessment that traditional wet-shave razors can be used by prisoners both as a weapon for assaults and to self-harm; expresses concern that, despite seven pilot projects on alternatives to wet-shave razors since the White Paper, no decision has yet been made about future shaving provision in prisons; agrees with the POA union that it is reckless and irrational to give prisoners access to wet-shave razors, especially in the current prison-violence crisis; further agrees with the POA that no more trials are needed to conclude that wet-shave razors are far more dangerous than electric razors; and calls on the Government to remove wet-shave razors from prisons immediately and to introduce electric-razor provision as a matter of urgency.

484Pre-1997 non-indexed company pensions

Tabled: 7/03/24 Signatories: 7

Geraint Davies

Jonathan Edwards

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jim Shannon

Rachael Maskell

John McDonnell

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.

488Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 6

John McDonnell

Jonathan Edwards

Kenny MacAskill

Rebecca Long Bailey

Zarah Sultana

Caroline Lucas

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: 13

Daisy Cooper

Jim Shannon

Dr Philippa Whitford

Mohammad Yasin

Rachael Maskell

Martin Docherty-Hughes

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: 8

Anne McLaughlin

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Deidre Brock

Dr Philippa Whitford

Stuart C McDonald

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: 17

Mr Virendra Sharma

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Dr Philippa Whitford

Mohammad Yasin

Rachael Maskell

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: 7

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Dr Philippa Whitford

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

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.

495Alleged comments by Frank Hester

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 60

Dawn Butler

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Layla Moran

Anne McLaughlin

Carol Monaghan

Mrs Helen Grant

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.

497World Glaucoma Day 2024

Tabled: 11/03/24 Signatories: 13

Jim Shannon

Dr Philippa Whitford

Rachael Maskell

Stuart C McDonald

Jonathan Edwards

Christine Jardine

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.

501Tanks, vehicles and aircraft for Ukraine

Tabled: 12/03/24 Signatories: 12

Clive Lewis

Jim Shannon

Patricia Gibson

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Law

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

That this House applauds the Ukrainian resistance to the all-out Russian invasion; condemns delays and obstruction of aid, which contributed to the fall of the city of Adviivka; notes the danger to Ukraine posed by populists and the far right in Europe and the USA; recognises that the UK must play a part in organising an urgent increase in aid to enable Ukrainians to free their entire country; further condemns the fact that 1044 vehicles and 48 fixed-wing aircraft have been disposed of via sale or auction by the Ministry of Defence since the invasion; calls for all such equipment to be gifted to Ukraine; suggests that the 65 Challenger 2 Tanks not due for upgrade be donated to Ukraine and that all the FV107 Scimitar vehicles be gifted to Ukraine; further notes that the 625 Warrior vehicles will be retired by the end of 2030 and suggests that the fleet be gifted to Ukraine in each tranche set for disposal, that the 26 Typhoon Tranche 1 aircraft due to leave service be gifted to Ukraine with training of Ukrainian pilots and that those Chinook airframes due to be retired be gifted to Ukraine; and further calls for the gifting of Python Minefield Breaching Systems, of remotely operated systems, and of Trojan Armoured Engineer Vehicle to Ukraine, recognising in this difficult time this package of aid will greatly assist the morale and resistance of Ukraine and encourage international partners to unlock greater aid.

502Stewart Brewing

Tabled: 13/03/24 Signatories: 5

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Patricia Gibson

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates Stewart Brewing brewery in Loanhead, Midlothian, for their recent success at the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Awards; recognises their award for Food and Drink Producer of the Year 2024; acknowledges how this is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to the dedication and hard work put into their brewery; further acknowledges how this award is a well-deserved recognition of the Stewart Brewing’s team’s efforts and the innovative products that they create for their customers; and wishes Stewart Brewing continued success and acclaim in the future.

504Detention of Palestinian human rights lawyer Diala Nader Ibrahim Eideh

Tabled: 13/03/24 Signatories: 6

Martyn Day

Allan Dorans

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jonathan Edwards

Claudia Webbe

Alison Thewliss

That this House notes that, on 24 January 2024, the Israeli military issued an administrative detention order against Palestinian lawyer Diala Nader Ibrahim Eideh for a period of four months; condemns the degrading and humiliating treatment of Ms Eideh by Israeli soldiers throughout her initial ordeal; expresses grave concern at Israel's ongoing practice of administrative detention; believes that this practice is in breach of a number of international agreements and conventions, including the fourth Geneva Convention; further notes that Israel's use of administrative detention effectively circumvents due process and the principles of natural justice, using it as a tool of systematic persecution against Palestinians; also notes Israel's practice of deporting Palestinian prisoners from the Occupied Palestinian Territories to Israel and the subsequent isolation of detainees with denial of family visits and access to lawyers; expresses its view that extensive detention without charge or trial amounts to inhumane, degrading and punitive punishment of prisoners; acknowledges that the detention of Ms Eideh is solely because she is a human rights lawyer and an advocate for human rights; highlights that the frequency of administrative detentions has escalated recently, with the current number of administrative detainees reaching 3,558, the highest since the beginning of the occupation; regrets the Government's lack of any meaningful or substantive action against administrative detention; and calls on the Government to make urgent representations to the Israeli government to cancel this policy, restore rights to all Palestinian prisoners and to release all Palestinians being held without charge or trial.

505Palestinians and the Researchers at Risk scheme

Tabled: 13/03/24 Signatories: 7

Caroline Lucas

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jonathan Edwards

Ben Lake

Claudia Webbe

Rachael Maskell

This House commends the Researchers at Risk scheme instituted by the British Academy in partnership with the Council for At-Risk Academics and with support from the Academy of Medical Sciences, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society; notes that the scheme was funded primarily by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and is currently restricted to Ukrainian academics and their families; observes that every higher education institution in Gaza has been destroyed or severely damaged during the war waged by the Israeli government in the wake of the horrific terror attacks of 7 October 2023; deplores that an estimated 30,000 civilians have been killed in Gaza in this time, including historians, economists, scholars of English literature and language, poets, physicists, gynaecologists, political scientists, psychologists, surgeons and lawyers; believes the academic community in Gaza is currently one of the most at risk in the world; and therefore calls on the UK Government to provide specific protection by renewing the funding for the Researchers at Risk scheme and opening it to Palestinian academics immediately and without delay.

507Economic impact of cancer research in the West of Scotland

Tabled: 13/03/24 Signatories: 7

Amy Callaghan

Christine Jardine

Stuart C McDonald

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Patricia Gibson

That this House welcomes a report by London Economics which shows the total economic impact on the UK economy associated with the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scotland Institute and the University of Glasgow’s School of Cancer Sciences’ activities in 2021-22 was estimated at approximately £503 million; notes that for every £1 million of research income received, Glasgow’s research activities generate a total of £10.2 million in economic impact across the UK; recognises that the University of Glasgow’s Garscube Campus in East Dunbartonshire is home to the CRUK Scotland Institute (formerly Beatson Institute) and the University’s School of Cancer Sciences which support jobs and promote economic growth throughout the Scottish and UK economies, contributing to the growth of the region’s burgeoning life sciences sector; notes the report outlines how the size and composition of the 2.8 million patient base in the West of Scotland has influenced Glasgow’s approach to cancer research and commends the close collaboration between the core cancer research institutions, local hospitals, clinicians, academics, funders and patients in the region; congratulates the University of Glasgow and all its partners on their success so far; and wishes them well as they continue to co-create innovative new approaches to cancer research for the benefit of patients.

511Audio Light Systems and SME of the Year in Midlothian 2024 Award

Tabled: 14/03/24 Signatories: 3

Owen Thompson

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates Audio Light Systems in Dalkeith, Midlothian, for their recent success at the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Awards; recognises their award for SME of the Year 2024; acknowledges that this is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to the dedication and hard work put into the business; further acknowledges that this award is a well-deserved recognition of the Audio Light Systems team’s efforts and the continued use of technology that they use to enhance and grow the business; and wishes Audio Light Systems continued success and acclaim in the future.

512Clydebank Blitz 83rd anniversary

Tabled: 14/03/24 Signatories: 4

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Allan Dorans

Patricia Gibson

Alison Thewliss

That this House commemorates the 83rd anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz, which commenced on 13 March 1941 for two nights; notes that it was proportionally the heaviest aerial bombardment inflicted on any civilian population in the UK during World War II; recognises the official record of deaths caused by the two nights of bombing and those who died as a result of their injuries in the days, weeks and months that followed; further recognises the profound mental trauma inflicted on the population which remained untreated; salutes the courage of those in the fire, ambulance, military and civilian services who acted so bravely, including the miners of Scotland who travelled from far and wide to dig for survivors; and acknowledges the work of the people of Clydebank who through 83 yearly acts of remembrance have sought to remind the world of the horrors of war, the devastation of aerial bombardment and the need for peace and reconciliation between all nations.

513St Patrick's Day 2024

Tabled: 14/03/24 Signatories: 5

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Allan Dorans

Jonathan Edwards

Patricia Gibson

Alison Thewliss

That this House notes that 17 March each year marks St Patrick's Day; recognises that 17 March is an opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultures and heritage of the island of Ireland, as well as celebrating the contribution that Ireland and its diaspora has made in shaping nations across the globe; understands that the people of Scotland, England and Wales, and in particular those within the village of Old Kilpatrick, West Dunbartonshire, have a strong connection to St Patrick as Old Kilpatrick, the most westerly fort of the Roman Antonine Wall, is believed to be Patrick's birthplace as denoted by the county and subsequent local authorities’ use of the St Patrick's Saltire emblem, and that this represents just one of the many bonds that unite the people of these islands in friendship; and wishes all those in the isle of Ireland and the diaspora across the world health, happiness and peace as they celebrate St Patrick's Day.

515St Ninian’s Parish Church fundraising

Tabled: 14/03/24 Signatories: 3

Christine Jardine

Allan Dorans

Jamie Stone

That this House commends the congregation at St Ninian’s Parish Church, Corstorphine, for their fundraising for St Columba’s Hospice, Edinburgh; further commends the work of the Church in raising £3,703 this year, including at their most recent coffee morning on 9 March; notes that the Church has been running coffee mornings in support of the Hospice since 2000; congratulates them on raising over £50,000 for the Hospice since then; and wishes the congregation success with future fundraising efforts.