Meeting of the Parliament 10 December 2024
I once again thank the Scottish Law Commission, the committee members and clerks, the minister and her staff, and all those who responded to the various consultations on the bill.
In the stage 1 debate, I spoke about the work of the charity Missing People and its hopes for the bill. The situation that arises when someone goes missing, with family and friends struggling to cope with financial matters, is one where the appointment of a judicial factor can be of very practical help. I am happy that the minister responded to Missing People’s request for the bill to be amended and that it will now be more obviously and easily of assistance to the people whom the charity represents.
I also appreciate the work that has been done to respond to other comments, especially from professional bodies, about the operation of the bill. Most of the amendments were small, low key and undramatic. They were not the stuff of impassioned debate or screaming headlines. However, legislation does not have to be exciting to be efficient or effective, and the changes that have been made will make the eventual act clearer, more workable and more responsive to the changing situations in which it will be used.
I and the Scottish Greens appreciate the unique traditions of Scots law, its particular vocabulary and concepts and its links with jurisprudence in a range of jurisdictions. The work of the Scottish Law Commission, as implemented by this Parliament, allows that law to develop appropriately and organically to meet the needs of Scottish people and institutions both now and into the future, and the bill is an excellent example of that.
I am, therefore, pleased to confirm that the Scottish Greens will vote in favour of the bill. I look forward to seeing its rapid and efficient implementation.