John Swinney has been urged to “make the right choice” and ensure a flagship SNP bill truly delivers for victims when it is voted on this week.
Shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr has now written to the First Minister ahead of the vote tomorrow (Tuesday) where MSPs will be asked to back the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill.
The Scottish Conservatives have already secured positive concessions from SNP ministers as the bill has progressed through Holyrood.
However, in his letter to the First Minister, Liam Kerr has outlined the many “shortcomings” that still exist.
He says John Swinney and SNP MSPs should back Scottish Conservative amendments that would permanently strengthen the rights of victims in Scotland.
These include:
- Giving victims more information about their case when prosecutors and defence lawyers come to an agreement on a plea deal
- Allowing the parole board to block the release of killers who refuse to disclose the location of their victim’s remains
- Empowering more victims to have a victim impact statement read out in court
- Requiring the new Victims and Witnesses Commissioner to conduct a Scottish grooming gangs inquiry
- Ensuring that victims are always notified if a decision is made not to prosecute an offender
Liam Kerr added that “it’s not too late” for John Swinney to truly “transform” victims’ rights.
Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr MSP said: “The Scottish Conservatives have already secured important and positive concessions to improve the SNP’s flagship victims’ bill.
“However, ahead of the final vote on it on Tuesday there are still far too many shortcomings for it to sufficiently and permanently strengthen victims’ rights in Scotland.
“Too often the SNP’s justice system lets victims down, and this new legislation cannot be another missed opportunity.
“That is why I have written to John Swinney ahead of this crucial vote urging him to look again at amendments we have put forward to support victims.
“It’s not too late for him to make the right choice and truly transform victims’ rights.
“The ball is in John Swinney’s court.”