Published: Friday 17 March 2023

New EDMs

976Anniversary of 1989 Jonesborough shootings

Tabled: 16/03/23 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes with sadness the Anniversary of the 1989 Jonesborough Ambush, where two Senior Royal Ulster Constabulary Officers, Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Superintendent Bob Buchanan, were shot dead in an ambush by the Provisional IRA outside the village of Jonesborough, County Armagh; further notes that the officers were returning from a cross-border security conference in Dundalk with senior Garda when Officer Buchanan's car was flagged down and fired upon by six IRA gunmen; highlights the abhorrence of this atrocity, as Officer Buchanan was killed outright, whilst Officer Breen, suffering gun shot wounds was forced to lie on the ground and shot in the back of the head after he had exited car; further highlights that they were the highest ranking RUC officers to be killed during the Troubles; expresses concern that nobody has been charged with killing the two officers; calls upon the Garda to disclose all information and aid in the investigation; and urges government to remember their duty to the RUC and the people of Northern Ireland and highlight that this ambush will never be forgotten and their sacrifice and service will be remembered.

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977Taylor MacKenzie: Special Olympics World Games 2023

Tabled: 16/03/23 Signatories: 1

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Taylor MacKenzie on being the only Scottish swimmer to be chosen to compete at the 2023 Special Olympic World Games, and at 15 years of age, the youngest person to be selected for Great Britain's team to compete against teams from 190 countries; notes the huge obstacles she has overcome and the barriers she has smashed; sees her as an inspiration to anyone with autism and a sporting desire to succeed; recognises her parents for their unwavering commitment and dedication to Taylor’s training; and wishes Taylor the very best of luck at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games and all the best for the future.

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978Immigration

Tabled: 16/03/23 Signatories: 1

Gavin Robinson

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.

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.

927The Loan Charge

Tabled: 6/03/23 Signatories: 72

Karl Turner

Sammy Wilson

Dr Lisa Cameron

Sir Desmond Swayne

Allan Dorans

Sir Julian Lewis

Grahame MorrisEmma HardyGraham StringerMary Kelly FoyChristina Rees

That this House is concerned that suicides have been linked to the Loan Charge and that despite the Morse Review, thousands face unaffordable demands, with the risk of further suicides; notes that most people facing action were mis-sold schemes and that HMRC are demanding scheme users repay disputed tax; further notes that HMRC have not requested action from people who recommended, promoted, operated the schemes; recognises that section 44 of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 deems agency workers to be taxable as employees of agencies; believes that HMRC should have collected tax from agencies; criticises HMRC for transferring the liability to individuals alone despite its own historic failures; further recognises that HMRC are pursuing open enquiries for schemes before 2011 despite the Morse Review conclusion the law was unclear; calls on the Government to work with all parties to find a fair resolution; believes that a full independent investigation into the Loan Charge, including the conduct of HMRC is required; and further believes that taxpayer rights must be enshrined in law and enquiries closed after four years if HMRC fail to act.

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955BBC impartiality

Tabled: 13/03/23 Signatories: 12

Karl Turner

Daisy Cooper

Kate Osborne

Kenny MacAskill

Stewart Hosie

Tommy Sheppard

Zarah SultanaGrahame Morris

That this House notes with deep concern the recent saga at the BBC surrounding Match of the Day host Gary Lineker and the lack of appropriate leadership from Richard Sharp, chair of the BBC; believes that this matter highlights a serious failure in implementing proper, politically impartial leadership at the BBC, which has put its reputation as one of Britain's most trusted institutions in question; and calls for the immediate resignation of Richard Sharp.

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956Winston's Wish

Tabled: 13/03/23 Signatories: 19

Christine Jardine

Tim Farron

Stewart Hosie

Jamie Stone

Jim Shannon

Helen Morgan

Mr Alistair Carmichael

That this House notes the work of the childhood bereavement charity, Winston’s Wish; congratulates the charity on reaching its 30th anniversary in 2022; notes that they supported over 30,000 children in 2022; further notes with concern the lack of automatic support available for bereaved children upon the death of a parent; also notes with concern that there is no official data available for the number of children in need of support; applauds the wide range of services they provide for bereaved children including support groups, hotlines, online chats and email support; wishes Winston’s Wish every success for 2023; and urges the Government to introduce a new register of bereaved children to ensure no child is alone when they lose a parent or guardian.

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963Ian Davis of Dunshalt, Fife

Tabled: 14/03/23 Signatories: 22

Wendy Chamberlain

Peter Grant

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Liz Saville Roberts

Hannah Bardell

Allan DoransBrendan O'HaraEmma HardyAnne McLaughlinBen LakeMohammad Yasin

That this House records its great sadness at the sudden death of Ian Holland Davis from Dunshalt, Fife at the age of just 61 years; notes that Ian lost his entire life savings in the London Capital and Finance scandal and that he became increasingly frustrated at the difficulties he then encountered in attempting to ensure that those responsible for the fraud were fully brought to justice and that Government departments and regulatory agencies should be quicker and more open in acknowledging their own failings; places on record a deep concern that these experiences appear to have been significant factors in Ian’s tragic decision to end his own life; commends the dedicated work he carried out as a volunteer for the Transparency Task Force to try and make sure other investors were better protected than he was; further commends his courage in speaking publicly about how he became a victim of fraud; calls upon the Government to ensure that all agencies involved in the fight against fraud are properly resourced and held to account for their performance in protecting innocent people from fraud; and send its heartfelt condolences to Ian’s family and friends as they come to terms with their loss.

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965Williamston Primary School's accreditation with the British Council International School Award

Tabled: 14/03/23 Signatories: 5

Hannah Bardell

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

This House congratulates the recent accreditation with the British Council International School Award achieved by Williamston Primary School; applauds the staff and pupils at Williamston Primary School on their award being celebrated at the International School Award celebrations, in recognition of their hard work; notes the importance of the British Council’s International School award is a framework for schools to incorporate international elements to their curriculum teaching and preparing young people for work in a global economy by increasing their understanding of other cultures; thanks the staff at Williamston Primary School for all their hard work to achieve this accreditation within the local Livingston Community; and wishes the school all the best for the year ahead.

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966National Butcher Week

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

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.

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967St. Albert's Primary 50 year anniversary

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 2

Alison Thewliss

Allan Dorans

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.

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968Renfrew Bascule Bridge Centenary

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 2

Gavin Newlands

Allan Dorans

That this House notes the 100th anniversary of the completion of the White Cart Bascule Bridge, inaugurated on Wednesday 21 March 1923 in front of a 6,000-strong crowd; recognises its essential role when built in continuing to provide a strategic transport asset while allowing the river to continue to be used by industry; acknowledges its continued use to this day, opening to allow cargo to and from the nearby Doosan Babcock manufacturing facility upstream on the White Cart; celebrates its listed Category A status as a structure of significant importance to our industrial and cultural heritage; notes its construction by Sir William Arrol and Co., also responsible for the Forth Bridge, Tay Bridge, Humber Bridge and the Severn Bridge amongst many others; and looks forward to its continued role as a key part of Renfrewshire’s transport infrastructure and industrial heritage.

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96980th anniversary of HMS Dasher's sinking

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 2

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

That this House commemorates the 80th anniversary of the aircraft carrier HMS Dasher's sinking; understands that on 27 March 1943, HMS Dasher suffered an internal explosion whilst sailing between Arran and Ardrossan, causing the vessel to sink with the tragic loss of 379 of her 528 crewmen; recognises that despite rapid response from ships and rescue teams at Brodick, Lamlash, Ardrossan and Greenock, the death toll was amongst the highest of any sinking in British waters; is aware that the wreck is an official War Grave, designated as a controlled site under the Protection of the Military Remains Act; and notes the memorials erected in Ardrossan and Scapa Flow which pay tribute to those who died.

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97090th anniversary of the first air service from Renfrew Airport

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 2

Gavin Newlands

Allan Dorans

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.

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971Impact of Cyclone Freddy in Malawi and Mozambique

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 4

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Anne McLaughlin

That this House expresses its sadness at the loss of over 200 lives in Malawi and Mozambique following the landfall of Cyclone Freddy in those countries since 13 March 2023; notes that the cyclone has re-intensified at least seven times after initially weakening, and has become one of the longest-lasting tropical cyclones on record; further notes that the widespread devastation caused by the storm has led to the destruction of homes, businesses, roads, agricultural land and other infrastructure, and exacerbated existing challenges in the region including an ongoing outbreak of cholera in Malawi; notes concerns that the increasing intensity of such storms is an impact of fossil-fuel driven climate change; calls on the Government and governments and multilateral institutions around the world to provide an effective humanitarian response to this disaster and redouble efforts to tackle the causes and effects of climate change; and sends its sympathy and condolences to all those who have lost loved ones or found themselves displaced as a result of the cyclone.

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972Heritage railways

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 3

Liz Saville Roberts

Jonathan Edwards

Sir Greg Knight

That this House notes the value of the UK’s 173 heritage railways to the economy, tourism and wellbeing; congratulates those recognised by the Heritage Railway Association for excellence in a range of achievements; further notes that from a shortlist of 40 railways, 12 railways won awards that varied from locomotive restoration to those for marketing and communications, environmental innovation, for rising stars and particularly for young volunteers on whom the future of the sector depends; and underlines that after the difficulties of the last three years these achievements are particularly worthy of recognition.

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973Nadia Majid: Brain Tumour Research fundraising

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 2

Ms Anum Qaisar

Allan Dorans

That this House recognises Nadia Majid and her son Rayhan who passed away four months after his brain tumour diagnosis aged four years old; congratulates Nadia on completing 10,000 steps per day in February to increase awareness for Brain Tumour Research; commends her for raising over £10,000 to support those suffering from the devastating impacts of a brain tumour diagnosis; notes the vital work of Brain Tumour Research in helping to combat the disease; acknowledges Nadia’s longstanding commitment to campaigning in memory of Rayhan; and hopes that Rayhan’s legacy will go on to inspire others to join the fight against brain tumour disease.

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974Ben Weber South Pole expedition

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 2

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

That this House congratulates Ben Weber on his achievement of completing a solo journey to the South Pole; notes that he covered 700 miles to raise funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of his late mother; recognises the courage and determination required to complete such a journey; further recognises the enormous impact of cancer on individuals and their families and expresses condolences to those who have lost loved ones to this disease; and applauds Ben's spirit of adventure, perseverance and compassion.

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975Donald Wilson retirement

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 2

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

That this House congratulates Donald Wilson on his achievement of winning the Barron Trophy, celebrating lifetime achievement in journalism; recognises that Donald recently retired after an illustrious career spanning 51 years in journalism; commends Donald for his contributions to the Highland journalism industry; and wishes Donald a happy retirement.