Chamber and committees

A very good morning, and welcome to the Criminal Justice Committee’s 15th meeting in 2023. There are no apologies.

Agenda item 1 is further consideration of the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Bill at stage 2. I ask members to refer to their copy of the bill, the marshalled list of amendments and the groupings of amendments.

I welcome Angela Constance, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, and her officials. I remind members that the officials are here to assist the cabinet secretary but are not permitted to participate in the stage 2 debate, so members should not direct any questions to them.

After section 5

The next group is on release of short-term prisoners. Amendment 70, in the name of Russell Findlay, is the only amendment in the group.

There will be a division.

For

Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con)
Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (Con)

Against

MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP)
Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP)
Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP)
Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP)

Abstentions

Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab)
McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab)

There will be a division.

For

MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP)
Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP)
Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP)
Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP)

Against

Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con)
Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (Con)

Abstentions

Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab)
McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab)

The next group is on the review of recommendations and directions by the Parole Board. Amendment 11, in the name of the cabinet secretary, is grouped with amendment 11A.

I call Katy Clark to move amendment 11A and speak to both amendments in the group.

Katy Clark, please confirm that you wish to withdraw amendment 11A.

Amendment 90, in the name of Rona Mackay, is grouped with amendments 12, 13, 91 to 94 and 38.

I draw members’ attention to the procedural information relating to the group that is set out in the groupings paper. If amendment 93 is agreed to, I cannot call amendment 94, due to a pre-emption.

I call Rona Mackay to wind up, and to press or withdraw amendment 90.

I remind members that, if amendment 93 is agreed to, I cannot call amendment 94, as it will be pre-empted.

The question is, that amendment 93 be agreed to. Are we agreed?

Members: No.