Swinney rules out grooming gangs inquiry

JOHN SWINNEY has ruled out a grooming gangs inquiry in Scotland, as he delivered a brutal snub to victims of crime yesterday.

- By Douglas Dickie

The First Minister refused to support Tory calls to make late changes to the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill.

The Conservatives have tabled amendments to the Bill, which is due before MSPs next week, in an attempt to force such a probe into grooming gangs operating in Scotland.

But Mr Swinney said he had not been “persuaded” it was required when put on the spot at First Minister’s Questions.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said the Bill was a “letdown for victims” and failed to “meaningfully change the justice system”.