Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has urged John Swinney to make late changes to the Victims’ Bill, so that it fixes flaws in the justice system.
At First Minister’s Questions, he told the SNP leader that the bill, as it stands, was a “let-down for victims” and required changes.
Findlay quoted domestic abuse victim Liz Shanks, who said the bill was not good enough.
Speaking to the Scottish Conservatives on Thursday morning, she said: “They’re pretending to listen. They just want to be seen to be doing the right thing – but not doing what’s actually needed.”
Liz Shanks continued: “Crime victims are not being listened to. They’re being let down every single day in Scotland and they will be badly let down by this bill which could have done so much more.”
Findlay added it won’t “meaningfully change the justice system”.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “Next week, MSPs will vote on the government’s Victims’ Bill.
“My party has campaigned to give victims a meaningful voice and greater rights to basic information. We campaigned to end the not proven verdict, which is in the bill, and we welcome the fact that John Swinney listened to our concerns about the plan to remove juries in some trials.
“The government has shifted position on the Victims’ Bill, and we welcome that, but they haven’t gone far enough.
“The SNP must back my amendments so that crime victims are informed when secretive plea deals are struck between prosecutors and defence lawyers.
“The SNP must also consider our amendments to launch a Scottish grooming gangs inquiry. Predatory criminals preyed on vulnerable girls. The government should want to properly examine this scandal – but have so far been resistant. They must change course before this bill is voted on by parliament.
“This bill could give victims real transparency over plea deals. It could give victims much greater involvement in the parole process. It could put a spotlight on the grooming gangs scandal.
“But, as it stands, it’s a let-down that won’t meaningfully change the justice system. It’s a victims’ law in name only.
“Will John Swinney listen to victims, show some ambition, and make more changes before next week’s vote?”