Parliament backs Greene’s amendments to Victims Bill

Scottish Liberal Democrat Jamie Greene has welcomed MSPs backing his amendments to the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, which form the basis of his own Victims Bill which he first consulted on in 2021.

The Liberal Democrat MSP also secured a defeat over the Scottish Government by passing an amendment which will require Crown Office to inform victims of any decision not to prosecute or to discontinue criminal proceedings.

Jamie Greene has now secured the following amendments to the Bill, which will:

• Guarantee all victims of crime the right to be informed of decision not to prosecute or to discontinue prosecution in their case.
• Expand the right to make an impact statement to all victims, in all solemn proceedings- something currently only allowed in limited cases.
• Require the Victim’s Commissioner to introduce a Victim’s Charter, which will set out a victim’s journey and rights throughout the entirety of the criminal justice system.

In addition, the Liberal Democrat MSP has secured the passing of Suzanne’s and Michelle’s Laws, which represent a major shift in the way the Parole Board currently operates by requiring the board to:

• Take into account the offender’s failure to disclose the location of their victims’ remains, making it virtually impossible for the Parole Board to recommend release in these instances (commonly known as Suzanne’s Law).
• Take into account the impact a decision to release a prisoner would have on the safety and security of a family member.
• Consider applying an exclusion zone to a prisoner’s release conditions if the board believes a victim or their family member’s safety, security or wellbeing will be adversely affected by the prisoner’s release (both of which are commonly known as Michelle’s Law).

On top of the removal of the Not Proven verdicts, which featured in his original Victims Members Bill, the amendments passed are part of a sweeping package of reforms to the Scottish justice system, and effectively introduce his Bill substantively.

Jamie Greene said:

“Passing legislation to protect the victims of crime and improve their rights has been my number one priority for a number of years.

“Several years ago, I brought forward my original victims law. I did so because I wanted to change the current system, which can tilt too much in favour of a perpetrator, without proper regard for victims and their families.

“Since then, I have been working constructively with parties across the chamber to enshrine these vital changes into law, so I am very proud and privileged to see them in this Bill today.

“By backing these amendments, MSPs have shown that we are serious about the rights, protections and access to information that we owe victims. I am confident that this Bill can now make an important difference for the victims of crime and their families, and I encourage all parties in Holyrood to not play political games at the final hurdle and support this Bill.”