That this House supports the establishment of a Committee of the Future to follow in the footsteps of the successful and internationally renowned Committee of the Future in Finland, recognised for its visionary planning, rigorous analysis of challenges ahead, citizen engagement and representation, solution-focused recommendations to innovate and its ability to adapt to future challenges; recognises the importance of the work of the world’s first Future Generations Commissioner post established in Wales in 2016 and that discussions on a similar position for the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood are led by Sarah Boyack MSP; and considers and values the importance of long-term planning to build aspiration and resilience across Government and civic society with a similar approach at Westminster.

That this House supports the establishment of a Committee of the Future to follow in the footsteps of the successful and internationally renowned Committee of the Future in Finland, recognised for its visionary planning, rigorous analysis of challenges ahead, citizen engagement and representation, solution-focused recommendations to innovate and its ability...

That this House recognises the continuing challenges facing the hospitality sector during the cost of living crisis; notes that the Government implemented a temporary cut of 5% on VAT for hospitality businesses during the pandemic; further notes that VAT is not devolved and can therefore only be set by the UK Government; notes that the UK is an outlier for having a higher rate of VAT for the hospitality sector compared to other European economies; further notes that organisations such as the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Scottish Beer and Pub Association and Scottish Hospitality Group support a cut of 5% on VAT as the most straightforward and effective policy measure to help many small and local businesses; recognises businesses such as the Wee Restaurant in North Queensferry, whose team work hard everyday to serve their loyal customer base against the competing demands of inflation, higher energy costs and the cost and availability of raw materials; and calls on the Government to implement a permanent cut of 5% on VAT to help hospitality businesses meet the challenges of the cost of living crisis, to give them some financial breathing space after the covid-19 pandemic and to remain sustainable in the future so that they can continue to contribute to the wider economy.

That this House recognises the continuing challenges facing the hospitality sector during the cost of living crisis; notes that the Government implemented a temporary cut of 5% on VAT for hospitality businesses during the pandemic; further notes that VAT is not devolved and can therefore only be set by the...

That this House expresses deep concern that the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) continues to create unfairness and anomalies such as discriminating against a family with one earner who earns in excess of £50,000 compared with a family whose joint earnings may exceed the £50,000 threshold; remains concerned that it has not been increased to reflect pay inflation from 2013 and discourages claims to child benefit through the need for higher earners to undertake a self-assessment tax return and potentially negatively impacts on National Insurance Contributions; and calls on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to review the HICBC at the first opportunity with a view to removing the anomalies or make arrangements to devolve responsibility and related funding for Child Benefit to the Scottish and Welsh governments and the Northern Ireland administration.

That this House expresses deep concern that the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) continues to create unfairness and anomalies such as discriminating against a family with one earner who earns in excess of £50,000 compared with a family whose joint earnings may exceed the £50,000 threshold; remains concerned that...

That this House calls on the Government to support, via local councils in England and the administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, a special fund which would assist local communities to create safe and engaging fanzones for the UEFA European Football Championship matches being held in Germany between 14 June and 14 July 2024; congratulates both Scotland and England who have qualified for the finals; wishes Wales good luck as they are involved in the playoffs which could still see them qualify for the finals; recognises that, due to the cost of living crisis, some football fans may not be able to afford to travel to Germany and many others will be unsuccessful in obtaining tickets for any of the matches as they will be in high demand; and encourages the Government to evaluate this proposal for stay at home fans and to begin discussions with local government in England and other governments with devolved powers to explore how such an initiative might be best delivered.

That this House calls on the Government to support, via local councils in England and the administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, a special fund which would assist local communities to create safe and engaging fanzones for the UEFA European Football Championship matches being held in Germany between 14...

That this House recognises the UK's low growth, poor productivity and high debt economy which has been a feature of the UK's economic demise over many decades; now welcomes the recent statement by Scotland's First Minister to establish an industrial strategy to help reverse the most negative impacts of UK economic policy on the people of Scotland, while rejecting the mantra of the Governor of the Bank of England which warned the people across the UK to prepare to be poorer; supports the First Minister of Scotland's statement on the Scottish economy which would focus on (a) joining the EU to have unfettered access to the world's largest single market, (b) creating a dynamic government ministry to drive industrial policy and build consensus across sectors and institutions and (c) committing to large scale public investment in key areas of comparative advantage; and further recognises that Scotland, as an independent country, would have all the ingredients, skills and valuable resources to be a successful, high growth, high wage, modern economy and a member of the EU where the national mantra would be prepare to be prosperous.

That this House recognises the UK's low growth, poor productivity and high debt economy which has been a feature of the UK's economic demise over many decades; now welcomes the recent statement by Scotland's First Minister to establish an industrial strategy to help reverse the most negative impacts of UK...

That this House commends Izzy Breach, Robyn Clarkson, Lucy Final, Amy Innes, Erin Lane, Sophia Hanlin, Erin Milne, Ellie Breach, Ava Morris, Olivia Morris and Keira Moffat from Swifts FC, based in Inverkeithing, Fife for volunteering as ball girls at the European Nations League qualifiers for amputee football; notes that over two days, during terrible weather, they ensured games finished on time and were full of action without delay; recognises the girls' conscientiousness which helped raise the profile of amputee football in Scotland and across Europe; commends them for being a fantastic credit to their parents and ambassadors for the club; and thanks them for giving up their time to help others.

That this House commends Izzy Breach, Robyn Clarkson, Lucy Final, Amy Innes, Erin Lane, Sophia Hanlin, Erin Milne, Ellie Breach, Ava Morris, Olivia Morris and Keira Moffat from Swifts FC, based in Inverkeithing, Fife for volunteering as ball girls at the European Nations League qualifiers for amputee football; notes that...

That this House acknowledges the contribution of the Vine Centre to Dunfermline and West Fife, as they facilitate driving tests at their premises for three days a week following DVSA closure of a full time Dunfermline driving test centre; further acknowledges the need for a full time driving test centre to be reinstated in the newly appointed City of Dunfermline with its mix of urban and rural environments and whose growing population is causing increased demand for local driving tests; expresses concern at delays in obtaining a test slot in Dunfermline due to the current three days a week availability, where such delay adversely affects both the livelihood of local driving instructors and impacts negatively on learner drivers forcing them to travel to Kirkcaldy or alternative centres to avoid undue delay in being tested and which disadvantages them in being tested in unfamiliar circumstances and adds time and costs to the test process; calls on the DVSA and the responsible Minister to meet with driving instructors association who operate in the City of Dunfermline to hear their serious concerns first hand and to offer solutions to ensure Dunfermline and West Fife learner drivers are not further disadvantaged.

That this House acknowledges the contribution of the Vine Centre to Dunfermline and West Fife, as they facilitate driving tests at their premises for three days a week following DVSA closure of a full time Dunfermline driving test centre; further acknowledges the need for a full time driving test centre...

That this House notes with dismay that on the the third anniversary of the UK leaving the EU, according to a Bloomberg Economic Report, Brexit is costing the UK economy £100 bn in lost output each year and is having a detrimental effect on business investment and availability of workers, while leaving the UK economy 4% smaller than it might have been had the UK remained in the EU; further notes that a poll by Unherd Britain shows dwindling support for Brexit even in 2016 pro-Leave areas and many other constituencies showing a greater proportion of people being Bregretful in 2023; welcomes the series of Lights On torchlit processions in Scotland designed to remind people of what has been lost through Brexit and to enthuse the Scottish electorate that after Scotland becomes an independent nation, it will wish to take up the slot of the 28th EU nation state vacated by the UK

That this House notes with dismay that on the the third anniversary of the UK leaving the EU, according to a Bloomberg Economic Report, Brexit is costing the UK economy £100 bn in lost output each year and is having a detrimental effect on business investment and availability of workers,...

That this House values the work of Epilepsy Scotland and welcomes the support the organisation gives those with the condition across Scotland; further welcomes the following areas of specific support available from dedicated staff for those in need of help and advice including their Helpline and Check-In Service, Youth Service, Well-being Service and Welfare Rights; supports their newly launched survey on the link between mental health issues and epilepsy; and encourages those with the condition to complete the survey and have their voices heard.

That this House values the work of Epilepsy Scotland and welcomes the support the organisation gives those with the condition across Scotland; further welcomes the following areas of specific support available from dedicated staff for those in need of help and advice including their Helpline and Check-In Service, Youth Service,...

That this House congratulates Scottish fashion designer Siobahn McKenzie following her success in scooping three Gold medals at the International Design Awards in the following sectors (a) Gold Winner in Fashion Design - Recycled / Sustainable Fashion, (b) Gold Winner in Fashion Design - Uniform Design and( c) Gold Winner in Textiles - Textile Design; recognises her stunning, innovative and unique designs for Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and for her contribution to international fashion houses around the world; and welcomes these awards which will help grow her business further and encourage other Scottish designers and creators to adopt a sustainable and a Made in Scotland approach to develop this successful sector of the Scottish economy.

That this House congratulates Scottish fashion designer Siobahn McKenzie following her success in scooping three Gold medals at the International Design Awards in the following sectors (a) Gold Winner in Fashion Design - Recycled / Sustainable Fashion, (b) Gold Winner in Fashion Design - Uniform Design and( c) Gold Winner...

That this House recognises that the Scottish Government has adopted the Passivhaus standards for all future buildings, with new minimum environmental design standards for all new build housing to meet a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard in order to improve energy efficiency and thermal performance on the journey to net zero; understands that this legislation will be implemented in the next two years, with a commitment to a robust verification process to meet these ambitious standards; recommends that the UK Government follow suit and draft an equivalent design standard for the rest of the UK in order to increase energy security, reduce bills and improve indoor air quality in all new builds; commends the group behind the design and construction of the UK's largest education Passivhaus building that is due to open in Dunfermline and West Fife constituency in 2024 at the new Woodmill and St Columba's High School campus; and further commends Alex Rowley MSP for initiating the Bill in the Scottish Parliament.

That this House recognises that the Scottish Government has adopted the Passivhaus standards for all future buildings, with new minimum environmental design standards for all new build housing to meet a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard in order to improve energy efficiency and thermal performance on the journey to...

That this House welcomes the development by Scottish based enterprise Hearing Diagnostics of their innovative product, Audimetroid, which gives a more accurate and cost effective solution to the early detection of hearing loss; further welcomes the additional support and financing to the company by investment syndicate Archangels and Scottish Enterprise; and wishes them well in developing their product and reaching new global export markets.

That this House welcomes the development by Scottish based enterprise Hearing Diagnostics of their innovative product, Audimetroid, which gives a more accurate and cost effective solution to the early detection of hearing loss; further welcomes the additional support and financing to the company by investment syndicate Archangels and Scottish Enterprise;...

That this House recognises how poor payment practices impact on small to medium sized businesses; notes that late payments of invoices beyond 30 days can make or break an SME in terms of the knock on effect on payment of staff, paying suppliers, operating costs and servicing debt, not to mention detriment to mental health and, in the worst cases, going out of business as a result; further recognises that SMEs are already struggling in a hugely difficult economic environment due to the cost of living and energy crisis, recovery from the pandemic and Brexit; further notes that research has shown that late payment of invoices has worsened since the pandemic; believes that the Government's Prompt Payment Code does not go far enough; and further believes that in order to provide stability and security for SMEs, the very backbone of our economy in the UK, these businesses need effective payment structures to nourish an ethical and more transparent business environment and consequently allow more small firms to survive and grow.

That this House recognises how poor payment practices impact on small to medium sized businesses; notes that late payments of invoices beyond 30 days can make or break an SME in terms of the knock on effect on payment of staff, paying suppliers, operating costs and servicing debt, not to...

That this House recognises the plight of my constituent, Mr Brian Glendinning, who is currently detained in jail in Iraq where police, acting on an Interpol Red Notice, are holding him awaiting extradition proceedings to Qatar; further recognises that Mr Glendinning could face a jail sentence for what is understood to be a small bank debt from his time working and living in Qatar should extradition go through; notes that I have written to both the Qatari Ambassador and the Foreign Secretary to highlight my constituent's plight; further notes that the fact that the human rights of our citizens remain in jeopardy is utterly unacceptable; and understands that I await a reply in the hope that we can see a positive resolution to this untenable impasse before Qatar holds the World Cup next month.

That this House recognises the plight of my constituent, Mr Brian Glendinning, who is currently detained in jail in Iraq where police, acting on an Interpol Red Notice, are holding him awaiting extradition proceedings to Qatar; further recognises that Mr Glendinning could face a jail sentence for what is understood...

That this House commends Dunfermline’s Pittencrieff Park on being voted one of Scotland’s top five local favourites in a competition organised by green space charity Fields in Trust; notes this accolade comes just a few years after Pittencrieff Park, known locally as The Glen, was named ‘best park in Scotland’ in the same competition; thanks everyone who voted for the West Fife park as their own local favourite; praises Fife Council’s parks staff and Friends of Pittencrieff Park volunteers for all the work they do to maintain the park as one of Scotland's best; and encourages all of Dunfermline and West Fife's citizens, along with our many visitors, to walk, cycle, play, relax and continue to enjoy one of the best open green spaces in Scotland.

That this House commends Dunfermline’s Pittencrieff Park on being voted one of Scotland’s top five local favourites in a competition organised by green space charity Fields in Trust; notes this accolade comes just a few years after Pittencrieff Park, known locally as The Glen, was named ‘best park in Scotland’...

That this House recognises the massive scale of the emergency facing small businesses from not just the cost of living crisis, but the 'cost of doing business crisis', to quote the Small Business Commissioner, Liz Barclay; considers the staggering energy bill rises and vastly increased costs that many small businesses now face; understands how small businesses are the backbone of our economy and are already greatly diminished through difficult times during Covid; and supports a call for a robust and comprehensive crisis response to prevent a potential 'generation of lost firms, and jobs', according to the Federation of Small Businesses.

That this House recognises the massive scale of the emergency facing small businesses from not just the cost of living crisis, but the 'cost of doing business crisis', to quote the Small Business Commissioner, Liz Barclay; considers the staggering energy bill rises and vastly increased costs that many small businesses...

That this House recognises the significance and importance of the US Government's new appointment of an Ambassador to the Arctic; recognises that this initiative reflects the US Government's understanding of the geopolitical sensitivities and strategic importance of the Arctic region; and supports my earlier call for the Government to appoint an Ambassador to the Arctic to reaffirm our commitment to collaboration, co-operation and closer political engagement with our High North neighbours.

That this House recognises the significance and importance of the US Government's new appointment of an Ambassador to the Arctic; recognises that this initiative reflects the US Government's understanding of the geopolitical sensitivities and strategic importance of the Arctic region; and supports my earlier call for the Government to appoint...

That this House praises Dunfermline’s Daniel Cornet on winning gold in mini tennis at the British Transplant Games; notes that Daniel accomplished this just one week after leaving hospital following a major operation; commends Daniel for the strength and resilience he has shown since he was diagnosed with end stage renal failure shortly after being born; encourages others going through a similar experience to take inspiration from Daniel to never give up; and wishes Daniel and his family all the best for the future.

That this House praises Dunfermline’s Daniel Cornet on winning gold in mini tennis at the British Transplant Games; notes that Daniel accomplished this just one week after leaving hospital following a major operation; commends Daniel for the strength and resilience he has shown since he was diagnosed with end stage...

That this House supports the celebration of Scotland’s sea area which accounts for 55 per cent of the total sea area of the UK; recognises the importance and value of our coastal communities in terms of fish, aquaculture, tourism, shipbuilding, energy and maritime sectors; and further supports the call that the overall stewardship and fiscal responsibility for this resource rich sea area should lie solely with the Scottish Government.

That this House supports the celebration of Scotland’s sea area which accounts for 55 per cent of the total sea area of the UK; recognises the importance and value of our coastal communities in terms of fish, aquaculture, tourism, shipbuilding, energy and maritime sectors; and further supports the call that...

That this House welcomes the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development’s (OECD’s) recently published recommendations for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship policies; notes these include co-ordinating and aligning policies across Government to support SMEs and entrepreneurs, encouraging the adoption of digital technologies to improve business’ resilience, and improving access to financial support; further notes the publication of these recommendations coincided with Micro, Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day on June 27; and calls on the Government to adopt the OECD’s recommendations to provide meaningful support to SMEs and entrepreneurs.

That this House welcomes the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development’s (OECD’s) recently published recommendations for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship policies; notes these include co-ordinating and aligning policies across Government to support SMEs and entrepreneurs, encouraging the adoption of digital technologies to improve business’ resilience, and improving...