Chamber and committees

I refer members to papers 1 to 3. Today, the committee begins its scrutiny of the justice provisions in the Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1 of the Parliament’s legislative process.

We will hear from two panels of witnesses. In the later part of the meeting, we will be joined by representatives of the Howard League and the Scottish Prison Service.

However, first, I am pleased to welcome Dr Marsha Scott, chief executive officer of Scottish Women’s Aid, and Kate Wallace, chief executive officer of Victim Support Scotland. We very much appreciate the time that you have taken to join us.

I intend to allow an hour for questions and answers. As usual, I ask members and witnesses to keep questions and answers as succinct as possible. I also ask that, when members ask questions, they indicate which witness they are directing their remarks to. Both witnesses are familiar with how our online meetings work. If they would like to speak, they can let us know by typing R in the chat function.

We now move directly to questions. I will open with a general question for both witnesses.

I note that both Victim Support Scotland and Scottish Women’s Aid support a permanent change that will expand the use of virtual court proceedings. Do you have any concerns about the use of virtual attendance? For example, issues have been raised in relation to digital access for vulnerable groups and for people who are living with disability. I ask you first, Kate, for your comments and thoughts on that general provision.

I call Rona Mackay, to be followed by Russell Findlay. I should also say that, although everything that we are discussing is important and relevant, I would appreciate it if we kept our questions to the provisions in the bill.

I call Rona Mackay.

I will now bring in Russell Findlay.

A final question has come to mind. It is probably for Teresa Medhurst and Allister Purdie. Is there scope, within prison settings, for different levels of restriction to be imposed in different parts of the prison? Forgive me if this has already been covered and I missed it. Instead of blanket imposition of restrictions, is there, depending on circumstances at any point in time, scope for different levels to be applied, or would that be overly complicated?

Shall we go to Kate Wallace?

I will butt in quickly to say that I am watching the time. We have just under 10 minutes left, so I would appreciate succinct questions and answers, as usual.

You do not have to stop; we can still hear you.

On the issue of time limits and delays that you have highlighted, I am watching the time myself, but I know that some members would like to ask some questions about that. I call Katy Clark, to be followed by Jamie Greene. I just want to keep our discussion moving.

Thank you for that interesting update. Mr Purdie, do you want to comment?