Meeting of the Parliament 30 April 2024
Not only have I asked that question, but I heard the responses yesterday from the minister, Kevin Hollinrake, and from MPs of all political persuasions, with the exception of the Scottish National Party. The Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill was passed in the House of Commons yesterday, which is why we need to know what is going to happen in Scotland.
The crucial difference is that prosecutions in Scotland were led by the Crown Office, not by the Post Office, as they were in England and Wales. I therefore think that there is agreement across the Parliament—I hope that there is agreement—that we need answers on behalf of the sub-postmasters.
I would simply ask this. We are now in the era of a minority Government, when we have to work together, so surely it is in the interests of that fresh start, and of the Parliament for it to be able to do its job, that the Government accepts that, tomorrow night, we will stay for an extra 30 minutes until half past 5 to hear from the Lord Advocate and to get answers. Then we can move forward to bring in the important legislation.
I move amendment S6M-13040.1, after
“followed by Scottish Government Debate: WASPI: Women Against State Pension Inequality”
to insert:
“followed by Statement by the Lord Advocate on Post Office Horizon Prosecutions
delete
5.00 pm Decision Time
and insert
5.30 pm Decision Time”.
Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.