That this House notes with concern the new restrictions placed on media coverage of the forthcoming general election in Ethiopia; further notes with great sadness the violent aftermath of the 2005 election; expresses its anxiety over the findings of the European Parliament's election monitoring team led by Ana Gomez MEP in 2005; and calls on the Ethiopian government to ensure that this year's election is free, fair and transparent.

That this House notes with concern the new restrictions placed on media coverage of the forthcoming general election in Ethiopia; further notes with great sadness the violent aftermath of the 2005 election; expresses its anxiety over the findings of the European Parliament's election monitoring team led by Ana Gomez MEP...

That this House congratulates the Jang Group and The Times of India for launching their Aman Ki Asha campaign supporting peace between Pakistan and India; recognises a stable and peaceful relationship between the two countries is crucial to establishing peace in the wider region; welcomes the recent resumption of formal peace talks between the two nations; expresses its sincere hopes that their governments will maintain their renewed efforts for peace; and calls on the Government to continue encouraging both parties towards peace.

That this House congratulates the Jang Group and The Times of India for launching their Aman Ki Asha campaign supporting peace between Pakistan and India; recognises a stable and peaceful relationship between the two countries is crucial to establishing peace in the wider region; welcomes the recent resumption of formal...

That this House is concerned by the understandable anxiety caused to staff of hon. Members by recommendation 19 of the report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life on parliamentary allowances and expenses; notes that the redundancy arrangements available to staff of hon. Members are a fraction of those available to staff employed directly by the House; and calls on the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority to meet regularly with the Unite Parliamentary Staff Branch to ensure that any implementation of the recommendation results in improved redundancy arrangements for staff of hon. Members.

That this House is concerned by the understandable anxiety caused to staff of hon. Members by recommendation 19 of the report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life on parliamentary allowances and expenses; notes that the redundancy arrangements available to staff of hon. Members are a fraction of those...

That this House records its appreciation of the culinary masterpiece that is chicken tikka masala; notes that it is Britain's most popular curry; recognises that it was invented in the great City of Glasgow by Ali Ahmed Aslam, proprietor of the Shish Mahal restaurant in Glasgow's West End in the seventies; further notes that Glasgow is three times winner of the curry capital of Britain award; and supports the campaign for Glasgow to be given EU Protected Designation of Origin of this most popular dish.

That this House records its appreciation of the culinary masterpiece that is chicken tikka masala; notes that it is Britain's most popular curry; recognises that it was invented in the great City of Glasgow by Ali Ahmed Aslam, proprietor of the Shish Mahal restaurant in Glasgow's West End in the...

That this House condemns the recent attempts by a single individual to claim sole and exclusive rights to the name Argyle Arcade and to profit at the expense of other traders in that shopping mall in Glasgow; recognises that the Argyle Arcade, built in the Victorian era, is Scotland's oldest indoor shopping mall and has supplied, in particular, items of fine jewellery, to several generations of Glaswegians; and further recognises that the owners and traders therein have provided a popular service for over one hundred years often by longstanding, family run firms.

That this House condemns the recent attempts by a single individual to claim sole and exclusive rights to the name Argyle Arcade and to profit at the expense of other traders in that shopping mall in Glasgow; recognises that the Argyle Arcade, built in the Victorian era, is Scotland's oldest...

That this House calls on the Home Office to intervene in the case of the 11 Pakistani students arrested on 8 April 2009 as part of a security operation and released into UK Border Agency detention without charge and who are currently awaiting removal from the UK; notes that these students were not charged and that as such the human rights of these individuals are being materially breached; further notes that the fundamental tenet and basis of the UK justice system is being innocent until proven guilty; and calls for their immediate release to enable them to resume their studies.

That this House calls on the Home Office to intervene in the case of the 11 Pakistani students arrested on 8 April 2009 as part of a security operation and released into UK Border Agency detention without charge and who are currently awaiting removal from the UK; notes that these...

That this House notes the derisory redundancy arrangements available to staff of hon. Members as compared to other staff on the parliamentary estate; calls on the House authorities to review the arrangements before the next general election; and urges all hon. Members to support the UNITE Parliamentary Staff Branch campaign to improve staff contracts above the statutory minimum redundancy payment.

That this House notes the derisory redundancy arrangements available to staff of hon. Members as compared to other staff on the parliamentary estate; calls on the House authorities to review the arrangements before the next general election; and urges all hon. Members to support the UNITE Parliamentary Staff Branch campaign...

That this House welcomes the statement in The Times by Jews for Justice for Palestinians signed by 540 Israeli academics, artists and writers, calling for an end to the slaughter in Gaza; and welcomes in particular its demands for an immediate unconditional ceasefire, an end to the blockade and the opening of dialogue with Hamas, without which there can be no durable peace, UK condemnation of Israeli breaches of the Geneva Conventions, just as the UK has condemned Hamas rockets, an investigation into war crimes that may have been committed by any party to the conflict, an embargo on arms to Israel and lastly the suspension of the EU-Israel Association until Israel fulfils the basic human rights conditions on which it is predicated.

That this House welcomes the statement in The Times by Jews for Justice for Palestinians signed by 540 Israeli academics, artists and writers, calling for an end to the slaughter in Gaza; and welcomes in particular its demands for an immediate unconditional ceasefire, an end to the blockade and the...

That this House condemns the decision of the Scottish Government to slash the funding of the Glasgow Science Centre (GSC) from ??1.7 million to ??1.08 million by 2009-10, threatening its future financial viability; notes that GSC is the only facility of its type in Scotland and one of only three in the United Kingdom; believes that it is imperative that young people are encouraged to become interested in science and its central role in the prosperity of the nation; recognises that GSC is also a major tourist attraction and has been awarded five star status by VisitScotland; and calls upon the Secretary of State for Scotland to press the Scottish Government to reconsider this short-sighted and destructive decision.

That this House condemns the decision of the Scottish Government to slash the funding of the Glasgow Science Centre (GSC) from ??1.7 million to ??1.08 million by 2009-10, threatening its future financial viability; notes that GSC is the only facility of its type in Scotland and one of only three...

That this House expresses its concern at the declaration of a state of emergency in Pakistan and the suspension of the constitution; recognises that Pakistan faces serious threats of extremism and terrorism; believes that the best way to tackle extremism and terrorism is through democracy; and calls on President Musharraf to lift the state of emergency and to restore the constitution, to lift the restrictions on press freedom, to release all political prisoners and to move towards democracy by holding free and fair elections by January 2008.

That this House expresses its concern at the declaration of a state of emergency in Pakistan and the suspension of the constitution; recognises that Pakistan faces serious threats of extremism and terrorism; believes that the best way to tackle extremism and terrorism is through democracy; and calls on President Musharraf...

That this House congratulates Glasgow City Council and Lord Provost Liz Cameron on reopening Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum after three years of refurbishment at a cost of ??28 million; understands that Kelvingrove has attracted huge numbers to the city since opening in 1901, with over one million visiting annually prior to refurbishment; welcomes the complete restoration of the building and display of over 8,000 objects including Salvador Dali's Christ of St John of the Cross, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh gallery, the Spitfire LA198 from the 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron and a collection of Egyptian treasures; praises the Kelvington Refurbishment Appeal chaired by Lord Macfarlane of Bearsden on raising ??12.75 million in voluntary contributions from trusts, companies and individuals, more than twice the original target of ??5.5 million; recognises that funding was also secured by Glasgow City Council from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Executive, European Regional Development Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Scotland; acknowledges the work of everyone involved on this project in delivering a museum and art gallery fit for the 21st century, open on time and within budget; and anticipates Kelvingrove reclaiming its place as the most popular UK museum outside London.

That this House congratulates Glasgow City Council and Lord Provost Liz Cameron on reopening Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum after three years of refurbishment at a cost of ??28 million; understands that Kelvingrove has attracted huge numbers to the city since opening in 1901, with over one million visiting annually...

That this House expresses its concern at the proposed extradition of the three former employees of Nat West to the USA in compliance with the Extradition Act 2003 which the US Senate has not ratified and for which it has not scheduled future business to do so; notes that the Royal Bank of Scotland commissioned an independent report on the advice of the Financial Services Authority in 2002 which established that the asset in question was sold at a fair price; further notes that the Royal Bank of Scotland has not been forthcoming in providing a copy of this report to counsel for the Three; and calls on the Government to table emergency legislation withdrawing from this one-sided treaty and thereby allowing the three to face trial in the UK.

That this House expresses its concern at the proposed extradition of the three former employees of Nat West to the USA in compliance with the Extradition Act 2003 which the US Senate has not ratified and for which it has not scheduled future business to do so; notes that the...

That this House notes with grave concern the findings of a recent International Labour Organisation Report that four in 10 Palestinians have been living on the poverty line surviving on less that ??1.72 a day in 2005; acknowledges that the absolute number of poor rose from 600,000 in 1999 to 1.6 million in 2005 and that the barriers to mobility of persons, goods and services within the West Bank and between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank have worsened in the latter half of 2005-06; recognises the need to work towards lifting these barriers and introducing a viable trade regime in the Palestinian Authority area to alleviate the prevailing social, economic and humanitarian crisis in the territories; and calls upon the Government to work towards ending deprivation and restrictions imposed upon Palestinians living in the occupied territories.

That this House notes with grave concern the findings of a recent International Labour Organisation Report that four in 10 Palestinians have been living on the poverty line surviving on less that ??1.72 a day in 2005; acknowledges that the absolute number of poor rose from 600,000 in 1999 to...

That this House expresses deep concern at the current position facing benefit and pension payees at post offices over bank and local holiday weekends; recognises that most claimants of the traditional Monday Book now opt for Direct Payment Post Office accounts; understands that they do not now receive advance payment when the due date falls on a bank or local holiday; notes that the Department of Work and Pensions releases payments to Post Office Counters in advance of bank and local holidays but post offices do not release these funds until after each Monday holiday; and calls on the Government to ensure that Post Office Counters refrain from withholding these important advance release payments.

That this House expresses deep concern at the current position facing benefit and pension payees at post offices over bank and local holiday weekends; recognises that most claimants of the traditional Monday Book now opt for Direct Payment Post Office accounts; understands that they do not now receive advance payment...

That this House notes the proposals to ban noticeable religious symbols in French schools; recognises the importance of wearing certain items as a sign of faith, such as the Muslim hijab, Sikh turban, Jewish kippa and Christian crucifix or cross; understands that the concept of school uniforms, popular in the United Kingdom, is less common in France where there is greater emphasis on individual identity; believes that this ban is a direct attack on religious expression and its importance to individual identity; reaffirms support for freedom of religious expression as a fundamental human right enshrined in international law; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to make strong representations with partners across the European Union against this blatant restriction of personal freedom, in defence of France's diverse faith communities.

That this House notes the proposals to ban noticeable religious symbols in French schools; recognises the importance of wearing certain items as a sign of faith, such as the Muslim hijab, Sikh turban, Jewish kippa and Christian crucifix or cross; understands that the concept of school uniforms, popular in the...

That this House notes the recognition given in Her Majesty's New Year Honours to Jamie Webster, union convenor at Govan shipyard; understands that he began work in 1966 at the Scotstoun yard of Barclay Curle as an apprentice, then transferred to Fairfields in Govan, spending the last 36 years there as a welder; acknowledges his sustained efforts as a committed GMB member and shop steward, notably since 1998 as convenor of shop stewards at the Govan yard; recognises his key role leading the workforce to secure a future for the yard in a critical period when Kvaerner withdrew from Clyde shipbuilding and subsequent owners BAE Systems lacked sufficient orders to sustain employment in Govan; appreciates his crucial success in lobbying and campaigning for work on the Clyde with politicians, union activists and people all over Scotland to guarantee the yard's future; welcomes the fact that shipbuilding in Glasgow has now secured orders for the next decade through the Ministry of Defence, with the Govan yard also now able to take on new apprentices for the first time in years; and supports his ongoing work in Govan as yard convenor, committed to representing his workforce in a modern environment that adapts to the demands of the future and retains the strong tradition of quality shipbuilding on the Clyde.

That this House notes the recognition given in Her Majesty's New Year Honours to Jamie Webster, union convenor at Govan shipyard; understands that he began work in 1966 at the Scotstoun yard of Barclay Curle as an apprentice, then transferred to Fairfields in Govan, spending the last 36 years there...

That this House congratulates Glasgow City Council and Strathclyde Police who worked together with other agencies and volunteers to organise and deliver a successful Hogmanay celebration in Glasgow's George Square this New Year; notes that the Glasgow event was a huge success despite adverse weather conditions which severely hampered outdooor celebrations across the country; recognises the importance of Hogmanay celebrations, not only to people in Scotland, but as a key attraction to tourists from all over the world; and looks forward to repeated success for Glasgow's Hogmanay and future growth in visitors to Scotland for New Year celebrations in coming years.

That this House congratulates Glasgow City Council and Strathclyde Police who worked together with other agencies and volunteers to organise and deliver a successful Hogmanay celebration in Glasgow's George Square this New Year; notes that the Glasgow event was a huge success despite adverse weather conditions which severely hampered outdooor...

That this House notes proposals to ban noticeable religious symbols in French schools; recognises the importance of wearing certain items as a sign of faith, such as the Muslim hijab, Sikh turban and Christian crucifix or cross; understands that the concept of school uniforms, popular in the United Kingdom, is less common in France where there is greater emphasis on individual identity; believes that this ban is a direct attack on religious expression and its importance to individual identity; reaffirms support for freedom of religious expression as a fundamental human right enshrined in international law; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to make strong representations with partners across the European Union against this blatant restriction of personal freedom, in defence of France's diverse faith communities.

That this House notes proposals to ban noticeable religious symbols in French schools; recognises the importance of wearing certain items as a sign of faith, such as the Muslim hijab, Sikh turban and Christian crucifix or cross; understands that the concept of school uniforms, popular in the United Kingdom, is...

That this House congratulates the commitment given by the Diageo Group to provide all their employees and their dependants in Africa with free anti-retroviral drugs to help combat HIV/AIDS; further notes that, regardless of whether the employee ceases to work for the company, employees will receive this treatment for life once commenced; commends this approach to the problems facing HIV/AIDS sufferers; and calls upon the Government to persuade other companies operating in countries where HIV/AIDS levels are high but treatment is expensive and unobtainable to most sufferers to follow the humanitarian approach of Diageo.

That this House congratulates the commitment given by the Diageo Group to provide all their employees and their dependants in Africa with free anti-retroviral drugs to help combat HIV/AIDS; further notes that, regardless of whether the employee ceases to work for the company, employees will receive this treatment for life...

That this House welcomes the introduction of Draft Resolution S/2003/980 before the UN Security Council calling for the Council to decide 'that the construction by Israel, the occupying power, of a wall in the Occupied Territories departing from the armistice line of 1949 is illegal under relevant provision of international law and must be ceased and reversed'; expresses its disappointment at the abstention of the British Ambassador and the veto by the US Council President; wholly rejects Israel's statement by Dan Gillerman that the 'fence would also improve the daily life of Palestinians, by reducing Israel's involvement in Palestinian areas'; and calls upon the Government to concede that Israel has imposed apartheid over the Palestinian people by building this wall.

That this House welcomes the introduction of Draft Resolution S/2003/980 before the UN Security Council calling for the Council to decide 'that the construction by Israel, the occupying power, of a wall in the Occupied Territories departing from the armistice line of 1949 is illegal under relevant provision of international...