Chamber and committees

We agree that the direction of travel looks broadly positive, but that it is too early to evaluate the success or otherwise of the change to the rules. We can follow up with Police Scotland, in writing, the issue about the MOU. Fulton MacGregor mentioned bringing the cabinet secretary back, which we will do in three months, as he offered and we agreed. Continued monitoring is needed, as is evaluation of how the process is working. Colette Stevenson raised an interesting point about personal items.

It seems that we agree that the change has been a positive development and a positive piece of work. If members are happy with that, our clerks can pick up the actions.

That concludes the public part of the meeting.

Marsha Scott wants to come back in, before I hand over to Jamie Greene.

A couple of members want to come in on this subject. I will bring in Fulton MacGregor, followed by Pauline McNeill, and then we will—I hope, if we have time—move on to our next and final area of questioning.

It was about what more needs to be done, if anything. You spoke about things being at an early point and about there being bumps along the road, which is understandable. What, in your view, are the priorities for developing the opportunity that exists on a more permanent basis?

Do you wish to come in on that, Mr Purdie?

Thank you—that is helpful.

I hand over to Katy Clark, after which I will bring in Jamie Greene to ask about statutory time limits.

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.