Scot Lib Dems comment on new Lord Advocate and Solicitor General

Commenting on the appointment of Ruth Charteris as Lord Advocate and Brian Gill as Solicitor General, Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Yyi-pei Chou Turvey said:

“I would like to congratulate Ruth Charteris and Brian Gill on their appointment to these prestigious roles.

“The role of Lord Advocate is not an easy one to step into. Scottish Liberal Democrats have long been concerned that the role of chief legal adviser to the Scottish Government and head of the prosecution service being the same person raises significant risks and challenges.

“Five years ago when Dorothy Bain was appointed we warned that it was no longer appropriate for the Lord Advocate to act as both a prosecutor and a politician sitting in the cabinet. The intervening period has only reinforced that case.

“Elsewhere, there are other glaring issues too, from ensuring Scotland takes common sense steps on drug policy enforcement to fixing the broken fatal accident inquiry system.

“There is no shortage of things for the new appointees to get stuck into and I wish them the best of luck.”