Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 01 October 2020
01 Oct 2020 · S5 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Apologies for not being in the chamber for the start of the member’s speech.
In light of his background, what is the member’s view on the creation of an anonymous DNA database, which is particularly useful in relation to repeat offenders? As the member will know, that happens quite regularly in the States—the Federal Bureau of Investigation has managed to locate lots of serial offenders. To be clear, the committee did not recommend that, but I think that there is some work to be done in this area to pursue it.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Christine Grahame)
SNP
I have completed the cleaning process up here, which is why there was a delay. Our next item of business is a debate on motion S5M-22884, in the name of Jea...
The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport (Jeane Freeman)
SNP
I am pleased to open the stage 1 debate on the Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill. At the outset, I repeat my thanks to t...
David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Lab)
Lab
The cabinet secretary will know that there was some debate in the committee about the age of consent. Will she undertake to keep under review the age at whic...
Jeane Freeman
SNP
I undertake to keep that under review, and I am sure that we will return to that issue when we get to stage 2. I note that Rape Crisis Scotland and the Law S...
Alex Cole-Hamilton (Edinburgh Western) (LD)
LD
Does the cabinet secretary recognise that, when children are sexually assaulted or even raped, that can often happen at the hands of somebody they know? Does...
Jeane Freeman
SNP
I recognise the point that Mr Cole-Hamilton raises. As I said in response to Mr Stewart, I am open to further discussion at stage 2, with the committee and o...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Thank you very much, cabinet secretary. I can see from my screen that only one member has pressed their request-to-speak button—just as I say that, a few fac...
Lewis Macdonald (North East Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
As the convener of the Health and Sport Committee, I am pleased to speak to our report on the Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotlan...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
We have some time in hand, so I will be light on timings—to an extent. I have made Mr Cameron smile. 15:20
Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
I refer members to my entry in the register of interests as a member of the Faculty of Advocates. I welcome the opportunity to open for the Scottish Conserv...
David Stewart
Lab
I agree with the member’s points. Does he share my view, which is based on my experience in social work going back many years, that there is a huge problem w...
Donald Cameron
Con
I hope so. I fully agree with David Stewart that there has long been an issue around conviction rates in relation to sexual offences, particularly rape. That...
David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Lab)
Lab
As a member of the Health and Sport Committee, I am pleased to contribute to this important debate. I am glad to say that Labour will support the general pri...
Alison Johnstone (Lothian) (Green)
Green
As a non-member of the committee, I begin by thanking the committee, the clerks and in particular the witnesses who gave the evidence that has brought the bi...
Alex Cole-Hamilton (Edinburgh Western) (LD)
LD
It gives me great pleasure to speak in favour of the bill. I pay tribute to the victims and witnesses who gave such compelling evidence during stage 1. Their...
Jeane Freeman
SNP
I completely agree with the sentiment that Mr Cole-Hamilton and other members have expressed about the unacceptability of victims who live in our island boar...
Alex Cole-Hamilton
LD
I accept that, and it is highly welcome, but we need to be sure that every aspect of the bill is island-proofed so that every citizen in our islands receives...
Sandra White (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP)
SNP
I, too, thank the clerks, the many groups and individuals who came to the committee in person or who provided written submissions and the organisations that ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Can you see my face, Ms White?
Sandra White
SNP
Yes.
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
The topic is a serious one, and I know that we have time in hand, but I wasnae giving it all to you. Laughter. Please conclude.
Sandra White
SNP
I am very sorry about that, Presiding Officer. You should have said so. I thought that I had more time. I will conclude by saying that I very much support t...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Thank you very much, Ms White. You are a wonder. 15:59
Liam Kerr (North East Scotland) (Con)
Con
For full transparency, I remind members that I am a practising solicitor and hold a practising certificate from the Law Society of Scotland. I have not had ...
David Stewart
Lab
Apologies for not being in the chamber for the start of the member’s speech. In light of his background, what is the member’s view on the creation of an ano...
Liam Kerr
Con
The member makes a good point. There is something to look at here. The member would not expect me to give a commitment one way or the other, because he is ri...
Jeane Freeman
SNP
Will the member take an intervention?
Liam Kerr
Con
I am over my time by a long way. All that having been said, I reiterate my support for the principles of the bill, and I look forward to voting for it at de...
Annabelle Ewing (Cowdenbeath) (SNP)
SNP
I am pleased to speak in the stage 1 debate on the Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill, which is a vital piece of legislat...
Mary Fee (West Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
I welcome the opportunity to take part in the stage 1 debate on what I know to be an important and essential bill. First, I thank the Health and Sport Commi...