Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 05 November 2025
05 Nov 2025 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Parliamentary Bureau Motions
I am very sorry, but I have only three minutes.
Presiding Officer,
“Public confidence in Scotland’s criminal justice system is being eroded with these measures.”
Victim Support Scotland said that, and it is right. A Government that rips up sentences that are independently imposed on criminals by judges for a very good reason makes a mockery of our justice system, weakens deterrence and sends precisely the wrong message to victims and communities.
I will not vote to expose the public to risk, trash respect for our courts and sentencing and retraumatise victims, simply to absolve the Government of its failure of foresight and planning. Those MSPs who do should hang their heads in shame.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)
SNP
The next item of business is consideration of Parliamentary Bureau motion S6M-19535, on approval of a Scottish statutory instrument. I ask the minister to mo...
Liam Kerr (North East Scotland) (Con)
Con
I will not vote tonight to release more than 1,000 criminals early from prison. Yes, the Scottish National Party’s failure to come up with a holistic justice...
Maggie Chapman (North East Scotland) (Green)
Green
Will the member take an intervention?
Liam Kerr
Con
I am very sorry, but I have only three minutes. Presiding Officer, “Public confidence in Scotland’s criminal justice system is being eroded with these meas...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
I call the cabinet secretary to respond. 18:51
The Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs (Angela Constance)
SNP
I start by acknowledging the gravity of the decision that I ask Parliament to make this evening, and I remind colleagues that every decision taken by me and ...
Liam Kerr
Con
Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention?
Angela Constance
SNP
I have only three minutes, sir. A prison governor’s veto can be applied if a release poses an immediate risk of harm to an identifiable individual or group...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Please conclude, cabinet secretary.
Angela Constance
SNP
Emergency release will start to reduce the prison population within days, if approved, and the schedule of releases over the next six months will help to mai...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The question on the motion will be put at decision time. The next item of business is consideration of four Parliamentary Bureau motions. I ask Graeme Dey,...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
The question on the motions will be put at decision time.