That this House deplores the failure to date of HMRC to propose a resolution to the dispute with the Roadchef Employee Benefits Trust; notes that Honourable Members and Ministers have been informed by HMRC that they are seeking a resolution but regrets HMRC’s considerable delay in proposing a resolution, further notes that the scandal affecting over 4000 mainly low paid catering and cleaning staff working at Roadchef Motorway Services including Norton Cranes, Taunton Dene, Tibshelf, Sandbach, Clacket Lane, Strensham, Rownhams, Killington Lake, Pont Abraham, Annandale Water and Harthill has been ongoing for over 30 years; is saddened to note the recent death of Tim Warwick the Company Secretary who exposed the Roadchef share scandal perpetrated by former Chief Executive Tim Ingram Hill; notes that other beneficiaries have also died waiting for HMRC to decide what tax, if any, they and the Trust should be liable for despite Parliament's intention that such employee benefits schemes should be tax free; calls on the Chief Executive of HMRC to meet with the Trust with proposals to resolve this matter urgently; and calls on the Government to propose legislation to protect participants of employee benefit schemes from the unscrupulous actions of trustees as occurred in the Roadchef case.

That this House deplores the failure to date of HMRC to propose a resolution to the dispute with the Roadchef Employee Benefits Trust; notes that Honourable Members and Ministers have been informed by HMRC that they are seeking a resolution but regrets HMRC’s considerable delay in proposing a resolution, further...

That this House notes the publication of Broken Faith, Britain’s Forgotten Heroes by the Campaign to End Frozen Pensions, which highlights the continuing injustice of the UK frozen pensions policy which affects over 500,000 UK state pensioners, including an estimated 100,000 military veterans, living in countries that do not have a reciprocal state pension uprating agreement with the UK, a policy which results in the affected pensioners having their UK state pension frozen at the level it was in the year that they start to claim it overseas, meaning that many of these pensioners are living on as little as £40 a week due to being denied annual uprating as would happen if they had remained in the UK; and calls on the Government to end this injustice and to uprate the UK state pensions of all UK state pensioners in line with the triple lock, regardless of where they live.

That this House notes the publication of Broken Faith, Britain’s Forgotten Heroes by the Campaign to End Frozen Pensions, which highlights the continuing injustice of the UK frozen pensions policy which affects over 500,000 UK state pensioners, including an estimated 100,000 military veterans, living in countries that do not have...

That this Parliament calls on British Airways and other airlines to not use the covid-19 outbreak as an opportunity to reduce jobs and employees' terms and conditions; asks them instead to explore all the funding options available to maintain the sustainability of jobs as part of an overall plan for business recovery once the current public health crisis is brought under control; calls on them to work with the Government to extend the duration of the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme as a way of avoiding mass redundancies; and calls on the Government to accede to such a request.

That this Parliament calls on British Airways and other airlines to not use the covid-19 outbreak as an opportunity to reduce jobs and employees' terms and conditions; asks them instead to explore all the funding options available to maintain the sustainability of jobs as part of an overall plan for...

That this House recognises the exceptional charity work undertaken by staff and pupils at Saint Margaret’s High School, Airdrie for the people of Malawi; notes that their efforts to fund raise for areas within that country are praised; further notes that their contribution towards helping Mission Rabies save 80,000 children from the disease is formally recognised and lauded; and applauds teachers Andy McKay, Natalie O’Hara and Head Teacher Steven Snee for the time and effort they have put in over the years to encourage the pupils to become resilient and generous young people.

That this House recognises the exceptional charity work undertaken by staff and pupils at Saint Margaret’s High School, Airdrie for the people of Malawi; notes that their efforts to fund raise for areas within that country are praised; further notes that their contribution towards helping Mission Rabies save 80,000 children...

That this House supports employee share ownership and believes that such schemes reward loyalty and hard work by giving employees a real stake in their company with tax breaks; commends the Social Market Foundation's report entitled Strengthening Employee Ownership in the UK; notes that the Roadchef Employee Benefits Trust, the first tax exempt all-employee share ownership scheme of its kind in the UK approved by the then UK Government and HMRC, was missed from the list of all-employee share ownership schemes that currently benefit from tax breaks under existing legislation because it was stripped of its assets by Roadchef's former CEO in breach of trust; further notes that Trustees subsequently recovered compensation from HMRC and the former CEO but are prevented from distributing this vital money to approximately 4,000 beneficiaries, mainly low-paid former and current cleaning and catering staff of Roadchef, because HMRC are still considering what taxes to charge the Trust and its beneficiaries; believes this dispute could be swiftly resolved by correcting existing legislation to add the Trust to the list of all-employee share ownership schemes and to ensure that schemes of this nature do not lose their tax exempt status where the trustee has restored monies to the Trust following a breach of trust as in the Roadchef case; and calls on the UK Government to propose an amendment to existing legislation in the Finance Bill to ensure that beneficiaries under the Roadchef scheme are exempt from tax as intended by previous Labour and Conservative Governments and to expedite payouts quickly.

That this House supports employee share ownership and believes that such schemes reward loyalty and hard work by giving employees a real stake in their company with tax breaks; commends the Social Market Foundation's report entitled Strengthening Employee Ownership in the UK; notes that the Roadchef Employee Benefits Trust, the...

That this House deplores the failure by HMRC to resolve its long-standing dispute with the Roadchef Employee Benefits Trust which is preventing the Trust from distributing funds to 4,000 beneficiaries; notes that six years have elapsed and HMRC have not confirmed what tax, if any, the Trust and its beneficiaries will be liable for; believes that many current and former low paid catering and cleaning staff who worked at Roadchef Motorway Services including at Harthill, Killington Lake, Sandbach, Watford Gap, Strensham, Taunton Deane, Magor and Pont Abraham have waited many years for money and that some have sadly died during the process; further believes that HMRC has withheld crucial information which could have resolved this matter earlier; and calls on HMRC to resolve this dispute as a matter of urgency through independent mediation, if necessary, and ensure that all the Roadchef beneficiaries can receive the money they deserve.

That this House deplores the failure by HMRC to resolve its long-standing dispute with the Roadchef Employee Benefits Trust which is preventing the Trust from distributing funds to 4,000 beneficiaries; notes that six years have elapsed and HMRC have not confirmed what tax, if any, the Trust and its beneficiaries...

That this House believes that the UK Government has for over two decades failed women born in the 1950s who were not properly informed of the changes that were made to their state pension age due to equalisation brought on by the Pensions Act 1995; notes the conclusion of a Work and Pensions Committee Report published in 2016 which said more could and should have been done to communicate the impact of these changes to the women affected; believes it is unacceptable that the UK Government only began writing to women affected from 2009 onward and see this as a total abdication of responsibility; further believes that the way these women were treated is unjust and that they deserve compensation for this lack of communication; notes that the SNP produced independently commissioned research in 2016 which set out a number of options the UK Government could consider for compensation; and calls on the Government to introduce financial compensation for the women who have already been affected and will be affected by the process of equalisation and the acceleration of equalisation caused by the Pensions Act 2011, and reaffirms our commitment to seeing justice done for 1950s born women.

That this House believes that the UK Government has for over two decades failed women born in the 1950s who were not properly informed of the changes that were made to their state pension age due to equalisation brought on by the Pensions Act 1995; notes the conclusion of a...

That this House notes with sadness the announcement by Andy Murray that he is likely to retire from competitive tennis in 2019 due to injury; pays tribute to his legacy as one of the leading male tennis players throughout the past decade as a three-time Grand Slam winner, double Olympic champion, Davis Cup winner and former world No. 1; acknowledges that these achievements occurred while playing against some of the toughest opponents in the sport's history; appreciates his wider achievements in combating sexism and encouraging young talent within the sport; and wishes him and his family all the best for the future.

That this House notes with sadness the announcement by Andy Murray that he is likely to retire from competitive tennis in 2019 due to injury; pays tribute to his legacy as one of the leading male tennis players throughout the past decade as a three-time Grand Slam winner, double Olympic...

That this House notes with concern that over 200 current and former employees of Roadchef Motorway Services at Harthill, Annandale Water, Bothwell and Hamilton in Scotland are still awaiting a decision from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to repay the Roadchef Employees Benefit Trust the £10 million which was wrongly paid by Timothy Ingram Hill as tax on Roadchef share sale proceeds of over £26 million, which he obtained in breach of trust; believes that these funds, and its interest, belonged to the Trust, as ruled by the High Court in 2014; further believes that this case constitutes unjust enrichment by HMRC which should be remedied; further notes that many of the Roadchef employees were low-paid catering and cleaning staff and that many have sadly passed away; calls on HMRC to use its discretion to refund the full amount so that 4,000 current and former employees of Roadchef throughout the UK can receive their just entitlements; and further calls on the Government to review the regulation of employee benefit trusts in light of this case.

That this House notes with concern that over 200 current and former employees of Roadchef Motorway Services at Harthill, Annandale Water, Bothwell and Hamilton in Scotland are still awaiting a decision from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to repay the Roadchef Employees Benefit Trust the £10 million which was wrongly...

That this House expresses its deep disappointment and concern at the actions of agencies of the Spanish state against Catalan citizens trying to exercise their democratic right to vote in the 2017 Catalonian independence referendum; condemns all violence perpetrated by the Spanish Guardia Civil against the people of Catalonia; urges the Spanish Government and Government of Catalonia to pursue dialogue and mediation to bring about a negotiated settlement; believes that such a settlement must respect civil rights and the right to self-determination, as laid out in the UN charter; notes that the process must be inclusive; and requests that the European Commission, the EU and its member states highlight the fundamental rights that should be enjoyed by Catalans as European citizens and ensure they are protected in accordance with European and international law.

That this House expresses its deep disappointment and concern at the actions of agencies of the Spanish state against Catalan citizens trying to exercise their democratic right to vote in the 2017 Catalonian independence referendum; condemns all violence perpetrated by the Spanish Guardia Civil against the people of Catalonia; urges...

That this House notes with concern the findings of the Trussell Trust report Financial insecurity, food insecurity, and disability: The profile of people receiving emergency food assistance from The Trussell Trust Foodbank Network in Britain, published in June 2017, which show that 78 per cent of households surveyed were severely food insecure and that 50 per cent had gone without heating for more than four days in the last 12 months; further notes the findings of the report that that almost three times more households who were in the employment and support allowance (ESA) Work-Related Activity group were among food bank users than was the case among claimants in the general population; praises the hard work of food bank volunteers at the Trussell Trust and other food banks across the UK; believes that the cutting of the ESA Work-Related Activity component for new claimants after April 2017 will push more ESA claimants into poverty at a time of rising inflation; notes figures from the IFS in March 2017 that ESA claimants impacted by this change will lose up to £1,500 a year as a result; strongly condemns the Government's position that the abolition of the ESA Work-Related Activity component provides the right incentives for ESA claimants to move into work; and calls on the Government immediately to reverse this cut and reinstate the ESA Work-Related Activity component to ESA as a matter of urgency.

That this House notes with concern the findings of the Trussell Trust report Financial insecurity, food insecurity, and disability: The profile of people receiving emergency food assistance from The Trussell Trust Foodbank Network in Britain, published in June 2017, which show that 78 per cent of households surveyed were severely...

That this House recognises that Mavisbank School in Airdrie supports 25 people aged five to 18 who have complex additional support and significant medical needs; is concerned that North Lanarkshire Council has decided to remove and replace five experienced members of staff, two instructors and three early learning practitioners from the school without any consultation with the families of pupils; notes that the local authority has so far failed to address the concerns of families despite these being raised repeatedly; further notes that over 3,000 people have signed a petition calling on North Lanarkshire Council to abandon these plans; and calls on North Lanarkshire Council to reconsider its proposals by pausing its implementation and by engaging in consultation with the families of Mavisbank School pupils.

That this House recognises that Mavisbank School in Airdrie supports 25 people aged five to 18 who have complex additional support and significant medical needs; is concerned that North Lanarkshire Council has decided to remove and replace five experienced members of staff, two instructors and three early learning practitioners from...

That this House notes with concern the closure of Airdrie Savings Bank (ASB); understands that ASB was the last survivor of the UK’s independent savings banks and acknowledges the work done to support local community groups and initiatives; recognises that the people who ran ASB, many of them on a voluntary basis at board level, are now having to face this closure given the very tight regulatory regime that now exists for banks in the UK; understands the consequences of the 2008 financial crash have meant that it has become impossible for small banks, such as ASB, to survive; further notes with concern that up to 70 members of staff will lose their job over the next few months; and urges the Scottish and UK Governments and all relevant agencies to support those affected by the closure.

That this House notes with concern the closure of Airdrie Savings Bank (ASB); understands that ASB was the last survivor of the UK’s independent savings banks and acknowledges the work done to support local community groups and initiatives; recognises that the people who ran ASB, many of them on a...

That this House expresses disappointment at the decision of Stoke Gifford Parish Council to begin charging Parkrun for use of its parks, becoming the first in the world to do so, effectively destroying the central ethos of Parkrun; notes that Parkrun is an organisation which provides a free, timed five kilometres event in public parks and on public paths with the help of volunteers at 850 locations in 12 countries around the world; further notes that in the UK there are 395 events on Saturday mornings attracting nearly one million runners, including people running with dogs and pushing prams; highlights the desperate need to attract those people into sport and exercise noting that many Parkrunners take this as a first step towards a healthier lifestyle; and calls on Stoke Gifford Parish Council to reconsider its shortsighted decision and that no other local authority will follow their example to begin charging for Parkrun events.

That this House expresses disappointment at the decision of Stoke Gifford Parish Council to begin charging Parkrun for use of its parks, becoming the first in the world to do so, effectively destroying the central ethos of Parkrun; notes that Parkrun is an organisation which provides a free, timed five...

That this House recognises the incredible charitable works of the Airdrie organiser for PoppyScotland. Mrs Margaret Jack, and her team of volunteers who helped to raise £11,243 for the charity in the lead up to Armistice Day 2015; notes and commends an additional £300 collected in Shotts, including £100 from HM Prison Shotts; and further commends other Airdrie collectors who raised more than £200, and all other local organisers for PoppyScotland across the country, whose hard work will be confirmed when the final amount raised is announced in September.

That this House recognises the incredible charitable works of the Airdrie organiser for PoppyScotland. Mrs Margaret Jack, and her team of volunteers who helped to raise £11,243 for the charity in the lead up to Armistice Day 2015; notes and commends an additional £300 collected in Shotts, including £100 from...

That this House recognises the late John Donnelly, a long-serving Labour Councillor on Airdrie Burgh and Strathclyde Regional Council, who served as one of the last Provosts of Airdrie from 1965-1968; notes that Mr Donnelly was instrumental in the establishment of the Airdrie Arts Guild, the iconic Airdrie Arts Centre and the St Andrew's Hospice which now provides excellent palliative care to patients and their families across Lanarkshire; and appreciates and commends the work of the Friends of Centenary and West End Parks in Airdrie which does a fantastic job maintaining the beautiful public spaces and which has established the old Provost Lampposts, which used to stand outside the homes of the office holders, as a centrepiece attraction in the park providing a brief history of the Provost, with Mr Donnelly's lamp post being the latest to be located there.

That this House recognises the late John Donnelly, a long-serving Labour Councillor on Airdrie Burgh and Strathclyde Regional Council, who served as one of the last Provosts of Airdrie from 1965-1968; notes that Mr Donnelly was instrumental in the establishment of the Airdrie Arts Guild, the iconic Airdrie Arts Centre...

That this House deplores and condemns the actions of Republican US Presidential candidate, Donald Trump, as he appeared to mock New York Times journalist Serge Kovaleski during a rally on the basis of his impairment; notes that Mr Kovaleski has arthrogryposis which limits his arm movements; further notes that Mr Trump has denied knowing Mr Kovaleski, despite documented meetings taking place in the 1980s and 1990s when the journalist reported on Mr Trump's business dealings; and agrees that nobody seeking any level of public office should condone or display any form of demeaning, degrading or discriminatory behaviour towards disabled people.

That this House deplores and condemns the actions of Republican US Presidential candidate, Donald Trump, as he appeared to mock New York Times journalist Serge Kovaleski during a rally on the basis of his impairment; notes that Mr Kovaleski has arthrogryposis which limits his arm movements; further notes that Mr...

That this House recognises the excellent charitable efforts of Ruth Elliot of Cairnhill in Airdrie who, with Andrew Fitzpatrick, completed the Compass Challenge of climbing four Munros and cycling the 400 plus miles between each peak to raise an outstanding £12,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and which follows her climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with her sister Annie McLaughlin last year to raise another £12,000 for the same charity.

That this House recognises the excellent charitable efforts of Ruth Elliot of Cairnhill in Airdrie who, with Andrew Fitzpatrick, completed the Compass Challenge of climbing four Munros and cycling the 400 plus miles between each peak to raise an outstanding £12,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and which follows...

That this House congratulates Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band on winning the Grade 1 title at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow; notes that this is the first time a Scottish band has won the main prize in 10 years; further notes that around 8,000 competitors took part in 230 bands from all over the world; welcomes the contribution the Championships make to traditional music and to the local economy; and further congratulates all competitors and bands who took part in the two days of competition on Glasgow Green.

That this House congratulates Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band on winning the Grade 1 title at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow; notes that this is the first time a Scottish band has won the main prize in 10 years; further notes that around 8,000 competitors took part...

That this House recognises the outstanding charitable work carried out by the Airdrie Supporters' Trust in the local area, but also internationally as part of the Kit Aid campaign; notes that the Trust has been collecting old football kits from local supporters in exchange for free Airdrieonians season tickets and will then supply the strips to deprived communities around the world; further notes that 11 members of the Trust will travel to Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia on 17 September 2015 to deliver strips as well as £70,000 fundraised to build shelters and purchase medical supplies; and wishes the team, led by Trust chair Willie Marshall, the best of luck as they play Mongolian champions Khoromkhon FC at the national stadium as part of their trip.

That this House recognises the outstanding charitable work carried out by the Airdrie Supporters' Trust in the local area, but also internationally as part of the Kit Aid campaign; notes that the Trust has been collecting old football kits from local supporters in exchange for free Airdrieonians season tickets and...