Greene: SNP must not drag feet on victim reforms

Scottish Liberal Democrat West of Scotland MSP Jamie Greene has today (Monday 23rd March) urged the Scottish Government not to drag its feet on reforms to victims’ rights, as it has emerged that timescales for certain key changes are still missing.

His call comes as Suzanne’s Law and parts of Michelle’s Law take effect today.

Susanne’s Law requires the Parole Board to take into account a murderer’s failure to disclose the location of their victim’s remains.

Michelle’s Law requires the Parole Board to take into account the safety and security of a victim and their family.

These measures were secured by Jamie Greene in his amendments to the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Act.

However, the Crown Office have stated that the Scottish Government have yet to set out when other key measures, also secured by Mr Greene, will be brought into force.

For example, there is still no timescale for introducing the requirement on the Crown Office to inform victims of any decision not to prosecute or to discontinue criminal proceedings. This requirement is provided for by Section 34 of the Victims Act.

Mr Greene defeated the Scottish Government in passing the amendment which enabled this measure to become law.

The measure was a principal tenant of Mr Greene’s original members’ bill, alongside the removal of the not proven verdict, victims’ rights to make statements in court and a range of enhanced protections for victims after the release of an offender.  

Scottish Liberal Democrat Jamie Greene MSP said:

“When I first consulted on my victims’ law several years ago, I was determined to right the many wrongs suffered by victims and their families in the criminal justice system.

“That is why I am pleased to see Suzanne’s Law and Michelle’s Law finally taking effect. I know what these changes will mean for the families of Suzanne Pilley, Michelle Stewart and the many others like them, and my thoughts are with them all today.

“I am, however, disappointed that we are still missing timescales for the introduction of other key changes.

“It’s now been several months since the Bill was passed by parliament, so it is only right that victims are clear about when these changes will go live. That is the very least they deserve.

“Improving the rights of victims and their families has been my priority for years; they waited too long for reform like this. They also need urgent clarification on when all the elements of my victims’ law will come into force, so that they get some comfort and benefit from the legal changes we pushed for.”