Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 25 November 2020
We have heard some of its response today. As the work is taken forward in detail, it is important that all stakeholders and, indeed, the Parliament are involved. I would have thought that Liam Kerr, as a fellow member of the Justice Committee, would want that committee to be very involved in discussing the recommendations. On that note, Dame Elish Angiolini will give evidence to the Justice Sub-Committee on Policing on 7 December, which will be an important part of the parliamentary process.
It is important to recognise that many operational improvements have already been implemented by Police Scotland and others. In fact, I understand that about 21 of the 30 recommendations in the interim report have already been partly or fully implemented. It is important to recognise that. As has been said, other recommendations require legislative change, which will need to be fully informed by stakeholder views and, of course, prioritised in the legislative programme.
One of the issues that has quite rightly received major attention is the need to tackle the equality matters that have been raised. It is right that an independent review is taken forward and that the chief constable has moved swiftly to act on the issue. It is crucial that our police service reflects our society more generally. I agree with Liam McArthur’s comments that, so long after the Macpherson report, some of those issues remain and that we must make progress on them.
It is important that all parties have the opportunity to consider the recommendations in detail, and the Parliament has a really important role in allowing us to do so. Today, the cabinet secretary has confirmed that he will take forward a consultation involving police staff associations and trade unions and that he will update Parliament on the discussions with key stakeholders early in the new year.
I am happy to support the amendment in the name of Humza Yousaf.
16:16