Chamber and committees

I, too, welcome the continued decrease in recorded crime in Scotland, which remains at one of the lowest levels for any 12-month period since such records began. Nonetheless, we all agree that there is much more to be done for those who experience crime. What steps are being taken to strengthen support for victims of crime?

My impression from the report is that much of the evidence came from lived experience and the voices of women and girls who had been impacted by misogynistic behaviour. I know that international evidence was considered and reviewed, and I expect that Baroness Helena Kennedy also consulted and took into the account the views of the judiciary.

Although I understand the explanation that Baroness Kennedy gave, I agreed with colleagues who sought clarity on the wording and detail. The importance of creating workable legislation that police officers will be confident in using as a positive tool for tackling gender-based abuse and, within that, misogyny cannot be overstated.

I note the Scottish Government’s comprehensive response to the working group’s report—in particular, its response to the issues raised around the aggravation and the new offences. The Scottish Parliament will, of course, have an important, if not challenging, role in that regard, as other members have articulated.

That leads me nicely to my final point, which echoes what the cabinet secretary said. I encourage women in Scotland to contribute to the consultation on developing the new legislation, to think about what is proposed, and to help to develop potentially groundbreaking new law that will put Scotland at the forefront of eradicating misogyny once and for all.

That is helpful.

Thank you very much indeed, cabinet secretary. We will move to questions from members.

As there are no further questions, I invite the cabinet secretary to move motion S6M-07936.

Motion moved,

That the Criminal Justice Committee recommends that the Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (Designation of Participating Countries) (Scotland) Order 2023 [draft] be approved.—[Keith Brown]

Motion agreed to.

Thank you.

We have about 15 minutes or so left and there are still some members who want to ask questions. I ask members to target their questions at specific witnesses and I will bring in others if they have something further to add. As ever, please keep questions and answers as succinct as possible.

That is helpful. I will bring in other members.

Amanda, we are having a slight problem with your sound coming and going. I suggest that we bring in a witness who is in the room. We can try and sort things out and come back to you.

We will draw the discussion to a close on that note. I thank the panel members very much for joining us on international women’s day. We will have a short suspension to allow for a changeover of witnesses.

Thank you very much.

I do not think that Amanda wanted to add anything more to her previous response. On that note, I will hand over to Katy Clark.