MPS’ tribute to Star Trek
Ferrier and Crawley sign up
Hamilton’s two MPS have honoured the 50th anniversary of Star Trek at the House of Commons.
Usually it is only starship captains who boldly go where no-one has gone before, but dozens of parliamentarians got in on the act when they signed an early-day motion (EDM) praising the sci-fi smash.
Margaret Ferrier and Angela Crawley were among those who congratulated “the many actors, writers, producers and technical staff who have contributed to the show’s success” over the last five decades.
They also hoped that “the ideals and values promoted by the vision of the show’s creator, Gene Roddenberry, of a better future, where humanity can peacefully explore the final frontiers of space and science, will continue to inspire future generations of scientists, actors and writers for many years to come”.
Ms Ferrier said: “Although not one myself, plenty of my constituents are, like Alex Salmond, huge Trekkies. I appreciate the significant cultural impact that the series has had, and how many people have been inspired by it – perhaps to even take up careers in science, technology, engineering or maths.
“With new Star Trek movies in cinemas, and a fresh TV series due next year, hopefully it will continue to inspire for many years to come.”
The original Star Trek first aired in 1966 and followed the adventures of Captain James T Kirk and his crew aboard the Starship Enterprise. It spawned five spin-off series, with another on the way, while the 13th movie in the series was in cinemas earlier in the year.
Also praised in the EDM was “the significant cultural and scientific impact of the show, including the broadcast of the first interracial kiss on American television in 1968” when Captain Kirk actor William Shatner kissed Lieutenant Uhura, played by Nichelle Nicols.
A total of 33 MPS signed the EDM praising Star Trek.
Ms Crawley said: “EDMS are matters brought to the House that will not necessarily come up for debate, but which draw attention to an event or cause.
“The vast majority of EDMS that I have backed and proposed have been relating to real issues that matter to people across the country. For example, I recently proposed a motion that received cross-party support on challenging the government’s plan to tax victims of domestic abuse for using the child maintenance service.
“I also used the platform that EDMS provide to highlight the campaign to save the Coalyard tearooms in Larkhall from South Lanarkshire Council’s proposed closure.
“Early Day Motions are just one of the many ways that I can ensure the voices of my constituents and local communities are heard at Westminster.”
EDMS are formal motions submitted for debate in the House of Commons. However, very few are actually debated. They allow MPS to draw attention to an event or cause by signing individual motions.
Other EDMS signed by Ms Crawley include topics such as: Access to Paypal in the Palestinian Territories; violence in Burundi; mining at Gongngon Lari in Tibet; the 40th anniversary of Glasgow Rape Crisis Centre; the performance of NHS Lanarkshire; and the terrorist attacks in Orlando.
EDMS signed by Ms Ferrier include topics such as: Forced organ harvesting in China; nuclear warhead convoys; the SFA Grassroots Award for Blantyre Soccer Academy; the Malawi food crisis; the plight of minorities in Bangladesh; and the Declaration of Arbroath being recognised as a UNESCO Memory of the World.