Meeting of the Parliament 25 March 2026 [Draft]
First, I record my sadness at the death of Daniel Kerr, which Pauline McNeill referred to. It is a tragedy, and I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Daniel Kerr. The Government clearly regrets that that has happened.
There has been a very strong focus on the issue in Government, led by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs through the ministerial accountability board, in the light of the fatal accident inquiry that took place in relation to Polmont. A whole series of interventions and actions have taken place, some of which I recounted in my earlier answer.
I assure Pauline McNeill that those steps have been taken. They have been the subject of analysis and assessment by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons. The inspection on which the report is based was carried out in August of last year, and a great deal more has happened as a consequence.
Much of the focus is on ensuring that Polmont is better able to support young people and assist in providing opportunities for the necessary exercise and engagement. Those steps are in place, and that is what the ministerial accountability board has examined. I assure Pauline McNeill that that will remain the focus of the Government.