This week John discusses the games, the weather and local disruption.

That the Parliament notes the recent comments by the singer, Katie Melua, in calling for an end to aggressive tax avoidance schemes; recognises that such schemes may not always be presented to potential participants as an aggressive tax avoidance scheme and that some individuals may be taking part in these schemes from a position of financial ignorance; believes that Scotland’s taxation system should be principles based rather than rules based, and calls on all people and organisations to pay their fair share of tax so that schools, hospitals and other public services receive their proper level of funding.

That the Parliament notes with great regret the loss of life following the recently renewed conflict between Israel and Palestine; considers that both sides have genuine concerns for the wellbeing of their citizens in the face of real or perceived aggression on the part of larger nations in the region; believes that it is not helpful for Scotland or other western nations to back either Palestine or Israel and that Scotland and the UK should seek to act as peacemakers without taking sides, and further believes that it is only if all countries that support Palestine or Israel either financially or militarily enter serious negotiations that there can be any hope of lasting peace in the Middle East.

That the Parliament congratulates Jann Brown, President of the Institute of Charted Accountants of Scotland on her recent appointment as chairwoman of the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies (CCAB); recognises that CCAB consists of accountants working together from across Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, and welcomes Ms Brown’s commitment to work towards sustainable economic growth across these islands.