Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 22 March 2016
22 Mar 2016 · S4 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Topical Question Time
Police Scotland (Counter-corruption Unit)
It is always dangerous for a member to come to the chamber and base their question on what is contained in a newspaper report. I am sure that all politicians are well aware that newspaper reports are not always as accurate as some members may believe them to be.
As I said, we have not been made aware of any planned changes to the counter-corruption unit. I reiterate that the most sensible thing for us to do is allow HMICS to undertake its review. Once it has reported to the SPA, I have no doubt that the SPA will consider the findings, along with the chief constable’s view on any actions that should be taken.
In the same item of business
1. Alison McInnes (North East Scotland) (LD)
LD
To ask the Scottish Government whether Police Scotland’s counter-corruption unit is to be abolished. (S4T-01369)
The Cabinet Secretary for Justice (Michael Matheson)
SNP
The Scottish Government has not been advised of any plans to abolish Police Scotland’s counter-corruption unit.
Alison McInnes
LD
The future of the counter-corruption unit matters to Parliament because its activities have been of national significance. MSPs have spent months scrutinisin...
Michael Matheson
SNP
Alison McInnes will be aware that the Scottish Police Authority has asked Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary in Scotland to undertake a review of the...
Alison McInnes
LD
It has been reported in the media that the unit’s powers will be handed to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner. If that is the case, the cabine...
Michael Matheson
SNP
It is always dangerous for a member to come to the chamber and base their question on what is contained in a newspaper report. I am sure that all politicians...
Elaine Murray (Dumfriesshire) (Lab)
Lab
The Scottish Police Federation and retired officers have raised a number of concerns, some with the Justice Committee, about the culture and work practices t...
Michael Matheson
SNP
I am aware of the evidence that was provided to the Justice Committee and I am also aware that PIRC requested specific evidence of such matters. It is my und...
Margaret Mitchell (Central Scotland) (Con)
Con
The whole issue surrounding the transparency and accountability of the counter-corruption unit has raised questions about how easy it is for police officers ...
Michael Matheson
SNP
As the member will be well aware, such matters are largely operational responsibilities for Police Scotland. She asked about such matters when the Justice Co...