Seòmar agus comataidhean

That the Parliament notes the opposition to the proposal set out in the Post Office’s Transformation Plan on 13 November 2024 to consult on closing its 115 remaining crown branches; understands that these proposals would involve the closure of 10 branches in Scotland, including the branch in Saltcoats town centre; notes the opposition of the Communication Workers Union, which has characterised the proposal as being "as tone deaf as it is immoral"; believes that crown branches provide a range of vital services that are not available in all Post Offices; notes the view that, at a time when more and more shops and services are leaving the high street, there is a case for more crown branches, not fewer, and conveys its sympathy to the estimated 1,000 Post Office employees whose jobs are now at risk.

That the Parliament notes the publication of the Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems’ paper, Alcohol (In)justice: Position on people with an alcohol use disorder in the justice system; is concerned that it is estimated that almost two-thirds, 63%, of people in prison have an alcohol use disorder, with almost half of those, 31%, possibly dependent on alcohol; is further concerned that the risk of death from alcohol causes is three times higher in men and nine times higher for women who have been in prison than for the general population; understands that the paper sets out why and how people with alcohol use disorders who come into contact with the justice system should have the best opportunities to access treatment and support, and that this could reduce reoffending and pressures on the justice system, tackle inequalities, improve the health and lives of the people concerned and the lives of their families and wider communities; believes that there are examples of innovative practice across Scotland, including Glasgow’s Alcohol Court; acknowledges that the paper further sets out several potential standards that could be implemented across the justice system, and understands that accountability for such standards is required in order to make a difference to the health and lives of people in Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley and across Scotland with alcohol problems who are being dealt with by the justice system.

That the Parliament notes that more than 700 students across Glasgow’s universities will compete in the Glasgow Taxis Cup on 26 March 2025, with 21 events taking place across Glasgow on that day; welcomes the promotion of sport in the city as competitors participate in the 16 different disciplines taking place on the day, including athletics, basketball, rugby, cross-country, fencing, snow sports and powerlifting, and congratulates last year’s winner, Strathclyde University, as it competes to defend its title against students representing the University of Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian University in the contest sponsored by Glasgow Taxis Ltd.

That the Parliament notes the submission of a planning application to construct a major extension to the Glasgow Fort shopping centre in the east end of Glasgow; understands that the proposal for 60,000 additional square feet of retail and leisure development at the location is an additional expansion on new phases constructed in 2013 and 2015, and that this phase would mark the full completion of the development, which was first opened in 2004; welcomes this proposed economic development in the east end of Glasgow and the consequent job creation that would be generated, and understands that there will be public consultation events on 11 December 2024 and 16 January 2025.

That the Parliament recognises that November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month; understands that lung cancer is the most common cancer in Scotland and that there are more than twice as many cases in the most deprived areas as there are in the least deprived areas of the country; believes that there are around 4,000 lung cancer deaths in Scotland every year; welcomes Cancer Research UK-funded research into new ways of diagnosing lung cancer using technologies like AI and blood tests that can detect tumour DNA, which Cancer Research UK helped pioneer through the TRACERx study; recognises that, in September 2022, the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) formally announced its recommendation that targeted lung screening is implemented for people aged 55 to 74 with a history of smoking across the UK; understands that lung cancer screening aims to find lung cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful; notes the calls from Cancer Research UK for the urgent roll-out of a national targeted lung cancer screening programme in Scotland; acknowledges the commitment in the Cancer Strategy for Scotland 2023 to 2033 to take forward the UK NSC recommendation on targeted lung screening, and notes Cancer Research UK’s call for the Scottish Government to make a commitment to rolling out a national targeted lung cancer screening programme, including investment to tackle shortages in the workforce and diagnostic equipment, to ensure that everyone who needs it can benefit.

That the Parliament pays tribute to Gisèle Pelicot, who waived her anonymity during the trial of her husband and other alleged abusers in Avignon, France, who are accused of mass rape, to shine a light on the pervasiveness of sexual violence; considers that the public trial has forced a worldwide debate on societal attitudes and beliefs surrounding rape and sexual abuse, including what constitutes sexual consent, as well as the men who perpetrate these heinous crimes and the circumstances in which they occur; regrets that it is necessary to continue to challenge what, it believes, are deeply regressive and harmful societal attitudes to sexual violence, from victim-blaming to shaming; notes with concern that the justice system can be traumatic, isolating and stigmatising for survivors of sexual crime, and believes that much more must be done to support victims of rape and sexual assault; highlights reports of Madame Pelicot’s testimony during the trial that “it’s not for us to have shame, it’s for them”, adding that she does not want women who have been raped “to be ashamed any longer”, and believes that Madame Pelicot’s courage, bravery, dignity and determination in the face of unimaginable adversity have inspired women in Scotland and across the world, who stand with her, shoulder to shoulder, in strength and solidarity.

That the Parliament congratulates the students and staff of New College Lanarkshire (NCL) on being runners-up at the prestigious Scottish Chefs Nespresso Student Afternoon Tea Challenge; understands that NCL students came a close second, with two points between them and Edinburgh College, which took home the top spot in this highly competitive event; commends the outstanding skills demonstrated by the team, which competed against top institutions, including Edinburgh College, Forth Valley College and UHI Perth; believes that the team showed creativity, passion and professionalism both in the kitchen and front of house; celebrates the commitment and hard work that went into their performance; considers that this reflects the high standards of culinary education at New College Lanarkshire, and wishes all students all the best in their studies and future careers.

That the Parliament congratulates Stanley Morrice, of Fraserburgh, on being awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Stirling for his stellar service and leadership in the Scottish food, drink and agricultural sectors; considers that, through his work with the University of Stirling, he fosters innovation and helps develop future leaders; thanks Stanley for his vast contribution to Scotland, and wishes him future success in the years to come.

That the Parliament congratulates the Burrell Collection on being awarded the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland; notes that the Burrell Collection is a prominent museum in Scotland, housed in a late 20th century building; recognises that the award comes after a major refurbishment by John McAslan + Partners, which undertook the most comprehensive refurbishment of the museum since its opening in 1983; welcomes that the architecture firm repaired the grade A listed building, upgraded its environmental performance and found ways to display more of the collection, and notes that the Doolan Award judges praised the refurbishment as “an outstanding example of problem-solving and future-proofing that has rejuvenated an old friend”.

That the Parliament commends Motherwell FC Community Trust for its thoughtful initiative to support older and socially isolated people in the community across Motherwell; acknowledges that the trust welcomed people to Motherwell FC’s Fir Park Stadium for a special afternoon of free festive joy, including a hot Christmas lunch; celebrates what it sees as the positive impact of this event in fostering community spirit, reducing isolation and bringing people together during the holiday season, and encourages further such initiatives to promote inclusivity, support and kindness across Scotland's communities.