That this House congratulates Irvine Old Parish Church on their 250th anniversary, which will be celebrated on Sunday 23 June 2024 at a special thanksgiving service; notes that work on the church commenced in 1773 and, when it was completed in 1778, it was one of the largest churches in Ayrshire and that, with the earliest religious building having been recorded in the 9th century, the site has a history as old as that of Irvine itself; and celebrates with the congregation that the church and parish continue to play an integral part in the life of the town for regular worship, as well as marking significant local and national events and anniversaries, including Remembrance Sunday, Veterans Day and the Kirking of elected council representatives and the leaders of local civic bodies.

That this House congratulates Irvine Old Parish Church on their 250th anniversary, which will be celebrated on Sunday 23 June 2024 at a special thanksgiving service; notes that work on the church commenced in 1773 and, when it was completed in 1778, it was one of the largest churches in Ayrshire...

That this House congratulates Marr College of Troon on winning the Scottish Schools Warrior Rugby Championship, sponsored by Scottish Power Energy Networks, after the S1 Boys, S2 Boys and Under 14 Girls squads won two of their three games in the championship matches at Scotstoun in Glasgow, where they took on Wallace High School and Strathaven Academy in the semi-finals, before facing Belmont Academy of Prestwick in the final; celebrates the strong performances by all squads and commends the players from Glasgow Warriors for taking part in a question and answer session with the young players after the matches; recognises the work of the coaching team led by by head coaches Alex Moncrieff for the S1 Boys, Nnamdi Obi for the S2 Boys and Harry Murray for the Under-14 Girls, as well as the support provided by Marr Rugby Club which offers 24 different teams for all ages; and celebrates the commitment of the young players of all the Marr College Teams who play in friendly and competitive fixtures against schools and clubs throughout Scotland.

That this House congratulates Marr College of Troon on winning the Scottish Schools Warrior Rugby Championship, sponsored by Scottish Power Energy Networks, after the S1 Boys, S2 Boys and Under 14 Girls squads won two of their three games in the championship matches at Scotstoun in Glasgow, where they took...

That this House notes that a coalition of Nestlé shareholders, with a combined $1.68 trillion in assets under management, has filed a resolution asking Nestlé to set a target to shift its sales towards healthier products; notes that the majority of Nestlé’s sales, 70% in the UK, are from foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar; further notes that Nestlé is the biggest food company in the world and therefore has an enormous influence on millions of people’s diets through the products it makes, advertises, and sells; recognises that diet-related ill-health, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, is a major global public health challenge and a burden on public services, the wider economy, governments and, thus, on diversified shareholders; believes investors, including pensions and savings, have a responsibility to invest in a way that protects our planet and supports its people; observes that many pension funds, including the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund (PCPF), have large investments in Nestlé; and urges the PCPF to vote in favour of this resolution at, or ahead of, the company’s 2024 Annual General Meeting on 18 April 2024.

That this House notes that a coalition of Nestlé shareholders, with a combined $1.68 trillion in assets under management, has filed a resolution asking Nestlé to set a target to shift its sales towards healthier products; notes that the majority of Nestlé’s sales, 70% in the UK, are from foods...

This House congratulates Troon Art Club on their 75th anniversary and celebrates that the club, founded shortly after the second world war, has gone from strength to strength over the years, working to advance the arts in Ayrshire through their set programme of art demonstrations, professional appraisals, exhibitions and competitions, which allow participants to share knowledge, explore art and showcase their work; notes that the art club is open to anyone with an artistic streak to join the weekly drawing and painting sessions, which encourage members to compete in monthly challenges, including on a range of themes during the summer break and further; and celebrates how the art club actively brings the community together, especially through attendance at the immensely popular summer exhibition every year in Troon.

This House congratulates Troon Art Club on their 75th anniversary and celebrates that the club, founded shortly after the second world war, has gone from strength to strength over the years, working to advance the arts in Ayrshire through their set programme of art demonstrations, professional appraisals, exhibitions and competitions,...

That this House notes that 22 January marks the start of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2024, which is an opportunity to highlight the vital importance of HPV vaccines and cervical screening in the prevention of cervical cancer and their potential to thereby contribute to the elimination of cervical cancer; acknowledges that there are significant inequalities in the uptake of cervical screening and HPV vaccines; recognises the work of Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust in providing public information and individual support; and encourages hon. Members to support Cervical Cancer Prevention Week by raising awareness and sharing campaign resources with their constituents.

That this House notes that 22 January marks the start of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2024, which is an opportunity to highlight the vital importance of HPV vaccines and cervical screening in the prevention of cervical cancer and their potential to thereby contribute to the elimination of cervical cancer; acknowledges...

That this House recognises the financial, personal and social impact on policy holders following the collapse of Equitable Life Assurance Society; calls on the Treasury to ensure that all of the 1.5 billion pounds set aside for the Equitable Life Payments Scheme, is distributed to Equitable Life policyholders who suffered financial loss due to regulatory maladministration; and further calls on the Treasury to establish a fair distribution of payments following detailed consultation with policyholders and their representatives.

That this House recognises the financial, personal and social impact on policy holders following the collapse of Equitable Life Assurance Society; calls on the Treasury to ensure that all of the 1.5 billion pounds set aside for the Equitable Life Payments Scheme, is distributed to Equitable Life policyholders who suffered...

That this House congratulates the Monkton Milers on organising their highly successful Santa Dash in Troon to raise funds for the Ayrshire Parkinson's Group; notes that Rachel Cox, Chairperson of the Milers, won the JogScotland Jog Leader of the Year in 2022, and acknowledges the valuable contribution such volunteer-led running groups make towards keeping people active and healthy as well as raising funds to support local community projects.

That this House congratulates the Monkton Milers on organising their highly successful Santa Dash in Troon to raise funds for the Ayrshire Parkinson's Group; notes that Rachel Cox, Chairperson of the Milers, won the JogScotland Jog Leader of the Year in 2022, and acknowledges the valuable contribution such volunteer-led running...

That this House congratulates Green Home Systems, based in Irvine, on being recognised as the British Chamber of Commerce’s Planet Saver of the Year 2023 at the Chamber Network Business Awards which celebrate the business successes and achievements of their members each year; notes that the awards, now in their 20th year, are one of the showpieces of the business calendar and highlights the achievements of firms in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities, with the Planet Saver award recognising the work of companies with sustainability at the heart of their business which are fully committed to sustainable best practice and making the world a better and safer place; recognises that Green Home Systems, a member of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, was a strong winner with its focus being centred on reducing householders’ energy use, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and lifting people out of fuel poverty; further notes that Green Home Systems has installed more than 16,500 energy efficiency measures in people’s homes, saving more than half a million tonnes of CO2 and making energy bills more affordable for 7,000 people; and believes that Green Home Systems is a worthy winner of the Planet Saver Award and wishes them every success in the future as they follow through their mission of tackling both fuel poverty and the climate crisis at the same time.

That this House congratulates Green Home Systems, based in Irvine, on being recognised as the British Chamber of Commerce’s Planet Saver of the Year 2023 at the Chamber Network Business Awards which celebrate the business successes and achievements of their members each year; notes that the awards, now in their 20th...

That this House congratulates sisters Caitie (age 8) and Holly (age 7) McCubbin on cycling 100 miles each during their summer holidays to raise funds for two charities which have helped their grandfathers, along with Epic Games which matched their funds; applauds Caitie for raising £904 for the British Heart Foundation which supported her papa after he had two heart attacks, and applauds Holly for raising £1,031 for Ataxia UK which supports her pappy, following his diagnosis of Spinal Cerebellar Ataxia; commends both of them for using their summer holidays as an opportunity to fundraise for these important charities; wishes them well in their future fundraising endeavours; and congratulates their parents who must be justifiably proud of both of them.

That this House congratulates sisters Caitie (age 8) and Holly (age 7) McCubbin on cycling 100 miles each during their summer holidays to raise funds for two charities which have helped their grandfathers, along with Epic Games which matched their funds; applauds Caitie for raising £904 for the British Heart...

That this House congratulates Joe Millar on his recent retirement from his role as coxswain of the RNLI Lifeboat in Troon, to which he has dedicated 31 years of service, initially as a volunteer, then as a full-time mechanic and, for the last 20 years, as coxswain; gives grateful thanks to Joe for his involvement in numerous rescues and for providing assistance to all types of vessels and persons in distress, including children on inflatable Unicorns, and for unselfishly giving of his own time to the community of Troon by hosting visits to the station and sharing his passion and dedication for the service with groups including primary and secondary schools, youth groups such as the Boys Brigade, Scouts and Guides, Army and Navy Cadets as well as many adult groups; highlights that Joe’s dedicated service has been recognised on several occasions, including four letters of commendation from the RNLI Chief of Operations and one from the RNLI Chief executive, along with a vellum for his leadership and boat handling during the rescue of four people from the Spes Bona V fishing boat; acknowledges Joe as a highly committed professional who is well respected and liked by all within Troon Lifeboat Station and beyond; and wishes Joe a happy retirement.

That this House congratulates Joe Millar on his recent retirement from his role as coxswain of the RNLI Lifeboat in Troon, to which he has dedicated 31 years of service, initially as a volunteer, then as a full-time mechanic and, for the last 20 years, as coxswain; gives grateful thanks...

That this House congratulates Mr Craig Burns from North Ayrshire's Modern Apprenticeship Youth Work Programme on being awarded the National Recognising Skills and Achievement Award at the prestigious Scottish National Youth Work Awards 2023; commends Mr Burns for successfully leading the growth of the Modern Apprenticeship Youth Work Programme and doubling the number of apprentices who achieve their qualifications, making it a sought-after opportunity for young people transitioning from school; recognises Mr Burns unwavering commitment and support for young people, which has made him not only a boss but also a friend and confidant; and appreciates Mr Burns unique approach to nurturing talent which has contributed to the success of North Ayrshire's Modern Apprenticeship Youth Work Programme and the positive impact it has on providing opportunities for young people.

That this House congratulates Mr Craig Burns from North Ayrshire's Modern Apprenticeship Youth Work Programme on being awarded the National Recognising Skills and Achievement Award at the prestigious Scottish National Youth Work Awards 2023; commends Mr Burns for successfully leading the growth of the Modern Apprenticeship Youth Work Programme and...

That this House congratulates the Community Learning and Development New Scots Team in North Ayrshire on being awarded the National Equality and Diversity Award at the prestigious Scottish National Youth Work Awards 2023; commends the team for playing a pivotal role in supporting young refugees in their journey of integration, providing essential guidance and fostering a sense of community; appreciates that their efforts have resulted in the establishment of thriving girls groups and empowering conversations about democratic processes for the Syrian community; and commends the team's dedication and passion for creating a positive experience for young people coming to North Ayrshire as New Scots, which has earned them this well-deserved accolade.

That this House congratulates the Community Learning and Development New Scots Team in North Ayrshire on being awarded the National Equality and Diversity Award at the prestigious Scottish National Youth Work Awards 2023; commends the team for playing a pivotal role in supporting young refugees in their journey of integration,...

That this House calls on the Government to acknowledge the global Menstrual Hygiene Day by recognising the reality of period poverty in the UK, which has been exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis; notes that last year there was an 87 per cent surge in demand for free period products by women and people who menstruate; highlights that those on the lowest incomes currently have to choose between buying period products and buying food; celebrates the progressive policymaking in Scotland which is the first country in the world to address this problem and recognise that free access to and provision of period products for all is a right; and urges the Government to follow in these footsteps by rectifying these obvious and unacceptable inequalities, and to show real leadership in ensuring that free period products are as common a sight in public buildings as toilet rolls are today.

That this House calls on the Government to acknowledge the global Menstrual Hygiene Day by recognising the reality of period poverty in the UK, which has been exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis; notes that last year there was an 87 per cent surge in demand for free period products by...

That this House congratulates S4 players Olivia Kidd, Natasha Morrison, Abigail Taylor and Georgia Sanger, of the Prestwick Academy Girls Tennis Team, on their incredible achievement in winning Tennis Scotland’s 2023 Team of the Year Award after success in every round of the Scottish Schools Competition led to them finishing as runners up in the Scottish Schools First Division, and qualifying for the Lawn Tennis Association National Finals in Nottingham in July 2022; further congratulates the team’s coaches, Nicole Clarke and Gillian McIlroy, along with Elaine Grierson, for her organisational work, and the girls’ parents, for their support in transporting them to tennis matches across the country; and applauds that, despite facing exams, the girls have continued to demonstrate dedication, team-work and enthusiasm for both their studies and their sport, and have been excellent role models within the school, with their success encouraging other pupils to participate in sport and physical activity.

That this House congratulates S4 players Olivia Kidd, Natasha Morrison, Abigail Taylor and Georgia Sanger, of the Prestwick Academy Girls Tennis Team, on their incredible achievement in winning Tennis Scotland’s 2023 Team of the Year Award after success in every round of the Scottish Schools Competition led to them finishing...

That this House notes that the Government’s recent call for evidence on the use of loot boxes in video games concluded that they may be linked to a range of potential harms and that there is a correlation between purchasing loot boxes and problem gambling as, while they do not meet the definition of gambling under the Gambling Act 2005 because the prize cannot be converted into money, they commonly provide a random reward which makes the purchase a gamble and are offered to the player in the heat of the game thereby putting the player under pressure to make the purchase; further notes that research by GambleAware highlighted that 93 per cent of children regularly play video games, with 25-40 per cent of them having purchased loot boxes; is concerned at the continued unregulated use of loot boxes in online games, particularly those aimed at children; welcomes the decision to have a DCMS-led technical working group to strengthen industry-led protections for children and adults to support safe gaming; and calls on the Government to bring forward legislation to remove loot boxes from games classified as Under 18 and to limit the cost and total expenditure of such in-game purchases.

That this House notes that the Government’s recent call for evidence on the use of loot boxes in video games concluded that they may be linked to a range of potential harms and that there is a correlation between purchasing loot boxes and problem gambling as, while they do not...

That this House congratulates the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra on the 40th anniversary of its founding, on 23rd October 1982, by Wallace & Lex Galbraith with the aim of developing the musical skills and a love of traditional Scottish Fiddle Music among young musicians in the South West of Scotland; notes that the orchestra has grown since those early beginnings to over 75 current members, including violinists, cellists, bass players, guitarists and percussionists, ranging from 10 to 19 years old; further notes that over 1,000 young musicians have played in the orchestra over the last 40 years, not just in Ayrshire but throughout Scotland and beyond, with regular overseas tours including Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, China and, most recently, Japan as well as several performances by senior members in the House of Commons; and recognises the contribution of the musical directors Wallace Galbraith MBE, Alistair McCulloch and David Moore, who have led the orchestra over the last four decades, as well as all the parents and volunteers who have contributed to its ongoing success.

That this House congratulates the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra on the 40th anniversary of its founding, on 23rd October 1982, by Wallace & Lex Galbraith with the aim of developing the musical skills and a love of traditional Scottish Fiddle Music among young musicians in the South West of Scotland; notes...

That this House notes that September is Urology Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness, knowledge and understanding of urological diseases and their symptoms; observes the devastating impact that conditions such as incontinence can have on quality of life; further notes that an estimated 6 million people in the UK, on average over 9,000 in each parliamentary constituency, are affected by continence problems with many relying on urology appliances every day to enable them to enjoy independence and avoid repeated medical consultation; and supports the joint Urology Trade Association / Urology Foundation commitment which recognises that patient safety and outcomes should remain of primary importance to industry and Government, that every patient is unique in their own right, that patients have a right to be involved in decisions about their care or treatment and that shared decision making between the clinician and patient should be promoted, with patients and clinicians able to choose from a wide range of products and services to suit their individual needs so as to effectively manage their condition and help them to maintain independence and a good quality of life.

That this House notes that September is Urology Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness, knowledge and understanding of urological diseases and their symptoms; observes the devastating impact that conditions such as incontinence can have on quality of life; further notes that an estimated 6 million people in the UK,...

That this House congratulates the 1st Troon Boys Brigade Pipe Band on winning first place and becoming Champions in the Grade 4B class at the 2022 World Pipe Band Championships, held at Glasgow Green on 12-13 August 2022 in front of 40,000 spectators; commends the musicians, their families and the band leaders for their commitment and effort in maintaining bagpipe teaching and band practice despite the challenges of the ccovid-19 pandemic; and wishes the band ongoing success in future competitions.

That this House congratulates the 1st Troon Boys Brigade Pipe Band on winning first place and becoming Champions in the Grade 4B class at the 2022 World Pipe Band Championships, held at Glasgow Green on 12-13 August 2022 in front of 40,000 spectators; commends the musicians, their families and the...

That this House notes the week commencing 17 January 2022 is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week; recognises that, while not always easy, attending cervical screening allows diagnosis and treatment of Human Papilloma Virus, as well as early detection of Cervical neoplasia, and can therefore save lives; believes that no-one should feel alone or confused when receiving their cervical screening results; and highlights that Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust provides information and support and encourages Members to support that campaign to promote the vital importance of attending cervical screening.

That this House notes the week commencing 17 January 2022 is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week; recognises that, while not always easy, attending cervical screening allows diagnosis and treatment of Human Papilloma Virus, as well as early detection of Cervical neoplasia, and can therefore save lives; believes that no-one should feel...

That this House recognises that the Public Interest Disclosure Act (1998) does not provide a sufficient degree of protection for employees who ‘whistleblow‘ or raise concerns with their employers, whether in public service or private business, when they identify a risk to personal safety, the environment or of fraud, particularly when this results from a failure to observe pertinent, guidance, regulations or laws; believes that a replacement of the Act is necessary to ensure that employees are sufficiently protected so they have confidence to disclose their concerns; and further believes that an Independent Whistleblower Commission should be established, to set standards so that such concerns are thoroughly investigated and the findings acted on, whilst protecting ‘whistleblowers’ from recrimination or mistreatment.

That this House recognises that the Public Interest Disclosure Act (1998) does not provide a sufficient degree of protection for employees who ‘whistleblow‘ or raise concerns with their employers, whether in public service or private business, when they identify a risk to personal safety, the environment or of fraud, particularly...