Meeting of the Parliament 10 December 2015
Article 2 of the European convention on human rights creates a right to life and, with it, the duty on the state to investigate the loss of life. That is a duty that our state has not taken lightly, does not take lightly and will not take lightly in the future.
During the passage of the bill, there were a number of interesting discussions, of which the discussion on mental health was one. Members have been willing to move their positions on various matters throughout the process. I have certainly been persuaded to do so. That shows the nature of the scrutiny that has taken place and the willingness to engage. I am pleased about that.
Like many members, I commend Patricia Ferguson. The family charter—the milestone charter—is significant. It will be a challenge for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to service that properly, because dealing with any death is an emotive thing.
The minister talked about the history of the legislation. The bill forms part of an evolving situation. Lord Cullen reported in 2009 and some administrative issues were initially picked up. However, the bulk of his recommendations required primary legislation. That is why we have reached this point, and we know that the Scottish Government did not take up all his recommendations.
I was happy to lend my support to making legal aid available. Of course I am disappointed about what happened on that. Who knows what a future Green majority Administration will do when it comes to wielding power? It is a case of arithmetic.