Orkney MSP, Liam McArthur, has attacked Scottish Government proposals to convene a national policing board. The proposal was announced today by the Justice Secretary as part of the Government’s response to the independent review of policing in Scotland.

Commenting, Liam McArthur said;Liam McArthur MSP: Orkney

“Liberal Democrats believe that a one-size-fits-all approach to policing is entirely wrong.

“These proposals will be viewed with huge concern across Scotland, where the value of local policing has long proved its worth to local communities. But the concern will be particularly strongly felt in the Islands. Solutions that are suitable for Glasgow or Edinburgh are unlikely to be suitable for Kirkwall or Stromness and will probably be completely irrelevant to Westray and Hoy.

“Centralisation of policing in Scotland is a thoroughly bad idea. Traditionally the police have been operationally independent of government and locally accountable. Orcadians have accepted being served by the Northern Constabulary, although with its Inverness base it is sometimes seen as being a bit distant. But they will be worried by this proposal to put our police force under the overall direction of a Central Belt dominated national policing board.

“The national body proposed by the SNP Government is to be chaired by the Government. While we await full details of how is it intended to operate, it is clear that the Government have in mind that there should be a single national view on policing and that the local police boards will either become redundant or be abolished. That is not a proposal which is acceptable to Orkney.”