Meeting of the Parliament 07 October 2025
I acknowledge that shoplifting is certainly a problem for our communities and our retail sector. That is why our budget for this year has invested £3 million to tackle those issues. Indeed, improvements are being seen as a result of that investment, which I can demonstrate if the member wishes. I was purely challenging the point that shoplifting has been decriminalised in this country. It has not, and our budget of £1.64 billion is maintaining police numbers at 16,500. Indeed, over the past year or so, Police Scotland has recruited more police officers than at any time in its history since 2013.
It is important to acknowledge members’ concerns. I have appeared before the committee annually with regard to the temporary measures, which I hope we will agree at decision time to make permanent. I assure members that, although I will continue to focus more on part 2 in my closing remarks, I will continue to work with Scottish Women’s Aid.
I am glad that Pauline McNeill welcomes the national standards. Maggie Chapman is right to say that, although, in many ways, part 2 felt technocratic, the amendments have a very human purpose. Liam McArthur is right to say that families should not endure duplication of reviews.
However, there is always work to do, and that is why the bill has been future proofed, so that we can return to the issue of so-called honour killings when that policy work has been completed.
When I introduced this bill a year ago, its publication was marked by the unveiling of a previously unmarked memorial cairn in Holyrood park, in memory of domestic homicide victim Margaret Hall, who was murdered by her husband in 1720.
As I said when I opened this debate, we all wish that reviews were not necessary, but, to all those who have played their part in making sure that Scotland can learn lessons to better protect victims, I offer my sincere thanks.
Fiona Drouet, founder and chief executive of EmilyTest, said:
“The introduction of domestic homicide and suicide reviews marks a critical step forward in Scotland. These reviews will help us better understand the warning signs so often missed before a tragedy. They will be crucial in helping to prevent so many avoidable deaths, whether by murder or suicide.”
Today, this Parliament has the opportunity to ensure that the review model becomes law, and I urge everyone to support the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill.