That this House notes with regret the decision of the Bank of Scotland to close its branches in Bonar Bridge, Dornoch, Helmsdale and Lairg; recognises that the decision follows the closures of branches by the Royal Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank and expresses dismay that those closures will require people and businesses to undertake round trip journeys of up to 110 miles to access their closest bank branch; acknowledges significant local and national concern at the effect those closures will have on small and rural communities, and on businesses and individuals, particularly older people, those with disabilities and those that do not have access to the internet or other connectivity solutions; and requests the Government to review the model of banking regulation in the UK and to introduce a focus on customer service to require local banking service provision that will promote and sustain local economies.

That this House notes with regret the decision of the Bank of Scotland to close its branches in Bonar Bridge, Dornoch, Helmsdale and Lairg; recognises that the decision follows the closures of branches by the Royal Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank and expresses dismay that those closures will require...

That this House reflects carefully on the terms of the Charter of the UN and the emphasis placed on the creation of conditions of stability and wellbeing that are considered necessary for peaceful and friendly relations among nations based on the principle of equal rights and self-determination; notes that UN members are obliged to promote social progress and development, and to observe human rights and the fundamental freedom of all; and recognises that UN members, such as the UK, which assume responsibilities for the administration of territories whose people have not yet attained full self-government are obliged to recognise the principle that the interests of the inhabitants of such territories are paramount and must ensure just treatment, with due respect for the culture of such people, their political, economic, social and educational advancement, including their right to develop self-government, in recognition of the political aspirations of the peoples, and to assist them in the progressive development of their free political institutions, according to the particular circumstances and aspirations of such people.

That this House reflects carefully on the terms of the Charter of the UN and the emphasis placed on the creation of conditions of stability and wellbeing that are considered necessary for peaceful and friendly relations among nations based on the principle of equal rights and self-determination; notes that UN...

That this House expresses grave concern that the Home Office is advising EU nationals, and those from other countries, living in the north of Scotland and wishing to apply for UK citizenship, that they must be prepared to undertake the Life in the UK test in offices as far away as Newcastle, Preston, Blackpool and Northern Ireland; notes that the closest office authorised to conduct this test is a minimum nine hour return car journey from Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross constituency, and that any individual wishing to use public transport must undertake an overnight stay; further notes that a person living in Durness, Sutherland required to attend Blackpool to undertake this examination will be expected to complete a round trip of almost 1,000 miles; and considers it unacceptable to require people to travel such vast distances simply to meet the requirements of a test in circumstances that promote and encourage disadvantage and discrimination.

That this House expresses grave concern that the Home Office is advising EU nationals, and those from other countries, living in the north of Scotland and wishing to apply for UK citizenship, that they must be prepared to undertake the Life in the UK test in offices as far away...

That this House congratulates Pentland Ferries Ltd on the confirmation of its recent order for a purpose-built 85 metre catamaran ROPAX ferry to service its route from mainland Scotland to the Orkney Islands; notes that Pentland Ferries Ltd employees have constructed two breakwaters from recycled floating dry-docks, a link-span terminal, concreted marshalling area and a modern terminal building complex, all used to operate the service from Gills Bay in Caithness to St Margaret's Hope in Orkney; further notes that this order will create fantastic opportunities to further promote business links between Scotland's mainland and islands; recognises that the order will bring employment opportunities to the area and further recognises that the development of Gills Bay will contribute to the tourism industry in the Far North of Scotland as well as advancing opportunities for those travelling the North Coast 500; and commends Mr Andrew Banks and all of the staff at Pentland Ferries Ltd for their hard work and determination in striving for excellence and for promoting and developing their company that has brought positive opportunities to the people of the Far North of Scotland.

That this House congratulates Pentland Ferries Ltd on the confirmation of its recent order for a purpose-built 85 metre catamaran ROPAX ferry to service its route from mainland Scotland to the Orkney Islands; notes that Pentland Ferries Ltd employees have constructed two breakwaters from recycled floating dry-docks, a link-span terminal,...

That this House notes 6 March 2017 as the fourth anniversary since the publication of the UNICEF report, Children in Israeli Military Detention; further notes that following the review of the application of martial law in the West Bank, including analysis of over 400 affidavits collected from detained children, UNICEF concluded that the ill-treatment of children who come in contact with the military detention system appears to be widespread, systematic and institutionalised; recognises UNICEF framed 38 recommendations to implement Israel's legal obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Israeli military and civilian law, and accepted international norms relevant to the treatment of children in custody; acknowledges that following the release of UNICEF's report in 2013, Israel implemented a number of positive legal, procedural and administrative developments to the system of martial law but regrets that UNICEF has observed a 98 per cent increase in child detention during the intervening four years, with 61 per cent of parents not being notified of the reasons for arrest, or place of detention in cases where children were arrested from home; and observes the practice of detaining children without charge or trial in administrative detention has been re-introduced following a four-year hiatus with 50 per cent of children continuing to be transferred out of the West Bank to detention facilities inside Israel contrary to Article 76 of the Fourth Geneva Convention; and encourages the Israeli Government to review the system of martial law applied in the West Bank to address the recommendations promulgated by UNICEF in 2013.

That this House notes 6 March 2017 as the fourth anniversary since the publication of the UNICEF report, Children in Israeli Military Detention; further notes that following the review of the application of martial law in the West Bank, including analysis of over 400 affidavits collected from detained children, UNICEF...

That this House notes the Commencement Matter raised by Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill in the Republic of Ireland's Seanad calling for a comprehensive update on the Government's actions to implement the Stormont House Agreement, and to provide bereaved families with an effective and independent investigation to secure redress of recognised human rights violations; and further notes that Minister Seán Kyne, T.D., responding on behalf of the Irish Government, has advised that Ireland's advocate at the Council of Europe has highlighted the urgent need for progress on this matter, focusing particularly on the establishment of a properly resourced legacy inquests system to satisfy the outstanding judgments against the Government and to ensure effective and full compliance with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

That this House notes the Commencement Matter raised by Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill in the Republic of Ireland's Seanad calling for a comprehensive update on the Government's actions to implement the Stormont House Agreement, and to provide bereaved families with an effective and independent investigation to secure redress of recognised...

That this House regrets the findings of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, having conducted an inquiry under Article 6 of the Protocol to the Convention, that has identified serious and systematic violations of the Convention by the UK; notes the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has found reliable evidence that the threshold of grave or systematic violations of the rights of persons with disabilities has been met in the UK; recognises that this finding reflects very poorly on the Government in failing to meet internationally-accepted standards in regard to the provision of care and support for the UK's most vulnerable people; and calls on the Prime Minister to intervene personally and to direct her Ministers to prioritise immediate compliance with all Convention standards on the Rights of Persons with a Disability, and to apologise to both the UN and to all persons with a disability for failing to satisfactorily identify and provide acceptable minimum levels of care, support and maintenance necessary to meet the basic living requirements of all persons with disabilities and resident in the UK.

That this House regrets the findings of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, having conducted an inquiry under Article 6 of the Protocol to the Convention, that has identified serious and systematic violations of the Convention...

That this House congratulates the Garbh Allt Community Initiative for its success in securing £273,025 from the Scottish Land Fund; recognises that the organisation was set up to purchase the West Helmsdale Crofting Estate in East Sutherland; further recognises that community ownership will allow the community to lead and control the future development of the estate; notes that the Scottish Land Fund supports rural and urban communities to develop sustainable land and assets and that the Fund provides practical support and funding to encourage communities to work together to develop their ideas; records that securing the purchase of the estate, which includes over 20 important historical sites, will allow the development of many new fantastic business ventures with potential to create revenue income for the wider area; and congratulates everyone involved in the Garbh Allt Community Initiative for their imagination, drive and determination in working to develop a sustainable future for their local area and in directly confronting the many significant challenges and hardships that have affected the people of Sutherland in the past.

That this House congratulates the Garbh Allt Community Initiative for its success in securing £273,025 from the Scottish Land Fund; recognises that the organisation was set up to purchase the West Helmsdale Crofting Estate in East Sutherland; further recognises that community ownership will allow the community to lead and control...

That this House congratulates the excellent Bonar Bridge Ardgay Golf Club on their success in securing an Awards for All Grant of £9,990; notes that the Awards for All funding aims to help improve local communities through supportive funding of a range of projects that will bring local people together, and to develop and improve local spaces that encourage people to be more active; recognises that the Club will utilise the funding to improve their clubhouse and its facilities; and further congratulates all the Club staff and members for their fantastic efforts to improve their Clubhouse and the local amenities in Bonar for the benefit of both the wider community and visitors.

That this House congratulates the excellent Bonar Bridge Ardgay Golf Club on their success in securing an Awards for All Grant of £9,990; notes that the Awards for All funding aims to help improve local communities through supportive funding of a range of projects that will bring local people together,...

That this House congratulates the Caithness Amateur Gymnastics Club on securing funding of £9,440 from Awards for All; notes that Awards for All funding aims to help improve communities through funding of projects that bring local people together, to develop and improve local spaces and to encourage people to be more active; recognises that the Caithness Amateur Gymnastics Club will deploy the funding wisely to maximise impact by purchasing a range of new equipment that will be particularly helpful for younger gymnasts and designed to develop and enhance their skills and confidence; and congratulates everyone at the Caithness Amateur Gymnastics Club for their excellent hard work and invaluable dedication in improving and enhancing the facilities available in Caithness for gymnasts of all ages and abilities.

That this House congratulates the Caithness Amateur Gymnastics Club on securing funding of £9,440 from Awards for All; notes that Awards for All funding aims to help improve communities through funding of projects that bring local people together, to develop and improve local spaces and to encourage people to be...

That this House expresses regret and grave concern at the Government's intention to progress the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill and recognises that the implications will include separating from the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom); notes that Euratom has ensured commitment to the highest standards of nuclear safety, safeguards and support for the industry since 1957; recognises that the principal goal of the Euratom Treaty is to contribute to the raising of the standard of living in the member states and to the development of relations with the other countries; further notes that there is no legal requirement for the UK to trigger a Euratom exit at the same time as leaving the EU, or at all; observes that the Euratom Treaty provides a framework for international nuclear safeguard compliance, and undertakes safeguards, inspections and reporting; and records the fact that dispensing with UK international treaty obligations on nuclear non-proliferation managed through Euratom will damage the UK's nuclear industry, jeopardise high-quality jobs in engineering and chemistry and further erode confidence in the UK's already diminishing international influence.

That this House expresses regret and grave concern at the Government's intention to progress the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill and recognises that the implications will include separating from the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom); notes that Euratom has ensured commitment to the highest standards of nuclear safety, safeguards...

That this House recognises that between 2001 and 2005, at least 24 aircraft with known links to the US Central Intelligence Agency stopped on Scottish soil, a total of 107 times enroute or returning from missions that involved activities widely believed to include kidnapping, torture and extraordinary rendition; notes that these aircraft refuelled at Scottish airports enroute to or from known destinations for the purpose of extraordinary rendition and torture; further notes that Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow, Prestwick and Wick John O'Groats airports were all used in the rendition of terrorist suspects; further recognises that responsibility for authorising such flights rests with the Government and that transfers to torture are designed and intended to deprive the individual of their most basic human rights; acknowledges that the use of Scottish airports to service aircraft undertaking extraordinary rendition is wholly unacceptable and that the people of Scotland wish no part in facilitating or enabling extraordinary rendition flights that ultimately subject fellow human beings to the cruellest abuse imaginable; and concludes that the Government must never again authorise in secret the use of Scottish airports to facilitate the breach of any individual's inalienable human rights.

That this House recognises that between 2001 and 2005, at least 24 aircraft with known links to the US Central Intelligence Agency stopped on Scottish soil, a total of 107 times enroute or returning from missions that involved activities widely believed to include kidnapping, torture and extraordinary rendition; notes that...

That this House congratulates the Evanton Community Trust on its recent grant of £8,900 awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Kiltearn Old Parish Kirk Community Research Project; recognises that the Trust plans to research and record the heritage of the ruinous B-listed Kiltearn Old Kirk and the adjoining graveyard through working closely with local communities and schools; further recognises that the funding will provide volunteers with opportunities to learn a wide variety of new skills during the project; notes that the Trust will work alongside the Archaeology for Communities in the Highlands in order to deliver this project; further notes that the Trust plans to attend the Highland Archaeology Festival Conference once the project is complete and will deliver a presentation to showcase the project; commends the Trust for planning a celebratory event to launch both the signboard and booklet upon completion of the project to celebrate its achievement with local communities; and further congratulates everyone in the Evanton Community Trust and all the volunteers involved for their hard work and efforts in delivering this fantastic project and promoting the heritage of the Kiltearn Old Parish Kirk.

That this House congratulates the Evanton Community Trust on its recent grant of £8,900 awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Kiltearn Old Parish Kirk Community Research Project; recognises that the Trust plans to research and record the heritage of the ruinous B-listed Kiltearn Old Kirk and the adjoining...

That this House congratulates Fèis Air An Oir on its recent Celebrate grant of £4,100 awarded by the Big Lottery Fund; recognises that the voluntary organisation in Strathy, Sutherland is run by a committed team of tutors who provide lessons to young people with a desire to develop skills in traditional music and their interest in the Gaelic language; further recognises that the group welcome anyone of any ability, whether they want to join in or listen; notes that the programme was set up with the aim of preserving and promoting the Gaelic language to young people in the Highlands in a relaxed and fun environment; further notes that the funding will be used to continue to run the programme through a series of inter-generational workshops and a community lunch; and further congratulates all the volunteers, tutors and young people involved in the project for their hard work and efforts in making Fèis Air An Oir the spectacular success that it is.

That this House congratulates Fèis Air An Oir on its recent Celebrate grant of £4,100 awarded by the Big Lottery Fund; recognises that the voluntary organisation in Strathy, Sutherland is run by a committed team of tutors who provide lessons to young people with a desire to develop skills in...

That this House congratulates the Kyle of Sutherland Gala Committee on its recent Celebrate grant of £4,909 awarded by the Big Lottery Fund; recognises that the Committee works to pull together a full programme of activities for the Gala hosted in Ardgay, Bonar Bridge, Culrain, Invershin and Rosehall in the beautiful county of Sutherland; further recognises that the Gala week is designed to include a broad range of events for all ages including a pet show, car treasure hunt, disco and pub quiz; notes that the funding will be used to host a community event during the Christmas period in order to raise further funds; and further congratulates everyone in the Committee and everyone involved in the Kyle of Sutherland Gala week for their tremendous community efforts and dedication to deliver successful community centred events.

That this House congratulates the Kyle of Sutherland Gala Committee on its recent Celebrate grant of £4,909 awarded by the Big Lottery Fund; recognises that the Committee works to pull together a full programme of activities for the Gala hosted in Ardgay, Bonar Bridge, Culrain, Invershin and Rosehall in the...

That this House recognises that diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is the second most common type of primary, high grade brain tumour in children and affects 20 to 30 children in the UK each year; further recognises that DIPG symptoms include abnormal alignment of the eyes, weakness of facial muscles, difficulty speaking and walking, headaches and nausea; notes there is currently no effective treatment as DIPG tumours are not amenable to surgery due to their location in the brainstem; further notes that there is a severe lack of funding for the research of DIPG with a fraction of cancer research funding going towards such brain tumours; welcomes the research and work undertaken by organisations such as the Brain Tumour Charity that continues to investigate the genetic foundation of DIPG to develop new targeted drugs; and calls on the Government to increase funding committed to researching DIPG to further improve and enhance recognition and treatment of this unfortunate and deeply concerning disease.

That this House recognises that diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is the second most common type of primary, high grade brain tumour in children and affects 20 to 30 children in the UK each year; further recognises that DIPG symptoms include abnormal alignment of the eyes, weakness of facial muscles,...

That this House congratulates the Lochinver Lifeboat crew on its recent recognition by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for outstanding bravery and determination; recognises that the crew, consisting of Coxswain David MacAskill, Joseph Mackay, John Templeton, Robert Kinnaird, James MacAskill, Lachlan MacAskill and Stuart Gudgeon, received recognition and award for its courage in towing the Norholm vessel to safety in impossibly difficult weather conditions in December 2014; further recognises that the crew battled gale force winds, 10 metre seas, thunder, lightning and hail to reach the Norholm and to bring it and its crew to safety; notes the importance of RNLI volunteers in its continuing to saves lives at sea; and commends the Lochinver crew, in particular, for continued hard work, courage and selfless efforts to keep people safe while at sea around the north and west coasts of Scotland.

That this House congratulates the Lochinver Lifeboat crew on its recent recognition by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for outstanding bravery and determination; recognises that the crew, consisting of Coxswain David MacAskill, Joseph Mackay, John Templeton, Robert Kinnaird, James MacAskill, Lachlan MacAskill and Stuart Gudgeon, received recognition and award...

That this House notes that martial law has now been in place in the West Bank for almost 50 years and that the human rights organisation Military Court Watch has lodged submissions with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention relating to the continuing practice of detention and transfer for Palestinian adults and children from the West Bank to prisons located inside Israel in violation of both the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court; recognises that this practice is classified under international law as a war crime; further notes that between 7,000 to 8,000 Palestinians are subject to transfer each year, including children; and calls on the Government to make representations to the UN to contest this practice and to ensure that relevant international standards and relevant international legal instruments accepted by both Israel and Palestine as signatories to the Fourth Geneva Convention are fully and timeously addressed.

That this House notes that martial law has now been in place in the West Bank for almost 50 years and that the human rights organisation Military Court Watch has lodged submissions with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention relating to the continuing practice of detention and transfer for...

That this House congratulates Kieran Brown from Alness on his remarkable achievement of being awarded both Young Person's Coach of the Year by SportScotland and Children's Coach of the Year by Sports Coach UK; notes that Mr Brown began his gymnastics training career through the Street Gym pilot, organised and delivered by Fyrish Gymnastics in Alness; further notes that Mr Brown has completed his level 2 gymnastics coaching in less than 18 months, a course that normally takes up to 3 years to complete; recognises that Mr Brown both works and volunteers with Fyrish Gymnastics delivering coaching sessions to teenagers throughout the week and weekends; commends Mr Brown for his hard work and dedication resulting in his significant achievements at both Scottish and UK levels; further commends Mr Brown for his efforts in delivering coaching sessions to other young people in the Alness and Easter Ross communities; and applauds Fyrish Gymnastics for its support and encouragement of Mr Brown who has established himself as a role model for other young people.

That this House congratulates Kieran Brown from Alness on his remarkable achievement of being awarded both Young Person's Coach of the Year by SportScotland and Children's Coach of the Year by Sports Coach UK; notes that Mr Brown began his gymnastics training career through the Street Gym pilot, organised and...

That this House notes with disappointment that the Royal Bank of Scotland has now closed 165 branches, each of which represented the last bank branch in each respective town; recognises that these closures represent the loss of jobs, removal of financial support for local economies and that each closure is the manifestation of a broken promise and failure to adhere to the bank's 2010 Customer Charter; and further notes that the business model implemented by the Government, which has seen standards of customer service plummet, could be reversed and that the Government is choosing not to use its majority holding in the Royal Bank of Scotland to address structural problems observable in the UK banking sector and to guarantee communities access to banking services in the future through a new network of local, community banks.

That this House notes with disappointment that the Royal Bank of Scotland has now closed 165 branches, each of which represented the last bank branch in each respective town; recognises that these closures represent the loss of jobs, removal of financial support for local economies and that each closure is...