Hibakusha Appeal signed by all SNP MSPs

Bill Kidd MSP has led support in the Scottish Parliament for the international Hibakusha Appeal. This appeal calls on State Governments to adopt the United Nations nuclear weapons ban on humanitarian grounds. So far, 9.4 million people around the world have signed the petition. Follow this link to sign the petition online. Following Bill's circulation of the Appeal, every SNP MSP in the Scottish Parliament has now signed this appeal, inlcuding the First Minister who signed the Appeal in 2017. This movement runs in parallel with ongoing talks at the United Nations Headquarters where representatives of nuclear power states meet to discuss next year’s Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference. 

In March 2016 representatives Yamada Reiko and Yamada Midori, survivors of the Hiroshima atomic bombing, met with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to share their experiences. During this visit, the First Minister signed the Appeal.

‘Hibakusha’ is a Japanese word for the group of people that survived atomic bombs. In 1945 at the end of World War II, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima and then, three days later, on the city of Nagasaki. These two atomic nuclear bombs killed tens of thousands instantly. Within the first few months 214,000 people, the majority of whom were women and children, died. Many more passed away in the following months and years due to radiation-related illnesses and poisoning. Second generation Hibakusha are also at higher risk of developing radiation related illnesses, like many forms of cancer. This severe humanitarian cost is why it is so important that we say ‘No’ to nuclear weapons.

Bill Kidd MSP for Glasgow Anniesland said, “This growing support for the Hibakusha Appeal, where there is now over 9.4 million signatures, shows that people from all walks of life are deeply concerned that the atrocities seen in 1945 and subsequent nuclear bomb testing is not repeated. The SNP is committed to removing nuclear weapons from Scotland- we want to ensure a better, brighter future. We often think of nuclear weapons as a potential atrocity, but not as a horror that was lived. The testimonies of the Hibakusha show the dark reality of nuclear weapons. I would encourage all to consider signing this Appeal.” 

How to apply to the Best Start Scheme

Families on low incomes are able to apply to the Scottish Government's Best Start Scheme. 

This scheme inlcudes 2 one-off cash payments. 

1. Pregnancy and Baby Payment (£300-£600)
2. Early Learning Payment (£250)

IWMD 2019

This week Bill hosted Scottish Hazards and the STUC at the Scottish Parliament for an event to recognise International Workers Memorial Day 2019. 

MS Week 2019

This Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week (22-28 April), MS Society Scotland were in the Scottish Parliament to raise awareness of the important role research plays in the lives of people affected by MS.

MS affects more than 11,000 people in Scotland and can cause problems with how we walk, move, see, think and feel. But the MS Society is driving research into more – and better – treatments.

The charity currently funds 10 research projects in Scotland with the studies receiving over £3.56million over their lifetimes.

MSP for Glasgow Anniesland, Bill Kidd pledged their support for the crucial research being done in Scotland to stop MS.

Bill Kidd MSP said: "I am delighted to be able to support the work of MS Society Scotland, who work tirelessly to advocate for people living with MS in Scotland. This organisation has worked to raise awareness of MS and, during the course of my time here, they have made a notable contribution to the understanding of MSPs across The Scottish Parliament. I commend them for their valuable work."

Morna Simpkins, director of MS Society Scotland said: “This MS Awareness Week we are highlighting the importance of MS research.

“For more than 11,000 people in Scotland, living with MS is a daily reality. This is why the MS Society is driving cutting-edge research into more – and better treatments to ultimately stop MS.

“By contributing and joining a global group of fundraisers people can help us find new treatments for people living with the often painful and exhausting condition.”

MS is an unpredictable condition that is different for everyone. It affects how a person thinks, feels and moves. For support and information, please contact the helpline on 0808 800 8000.