Tories warn of ‘shortcomings’ in Justice Bill

The Scottish Conservatives have called for a series of measures to strengthen the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill.

MSPs will vote on the legislation tomorrow which, if passed, will make a series of changes to the justice system, including improving the rights of victims of crime and removing the not proven verdict. A further proposal to pilot juryless trials in rape cases was dropped by the Scottish Government last year.

In a letter to First Minister John Swinney, Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr called on the SNP to back amendments that he said 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; and requiring the new Victims and Witnesses Commissioner to conduct a Scottish grooming gangs inquiry

The latter point was raised by Scottish Conservatives leader Russell Findlay at First Minister’s Questions last week. Swinney said he had yet to see evidence that a separate inquiry was needed. 

Kerr 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.”