Nats slammed over ‘half-baked’ victims’ Bill as grooming gang inquiry call rejected

SNP accused of having something to ‘hide’ while not proven verdict gets chop in new legislation

- By David Walker Scottish Politics Reporter

THE SNP and Scottish Greens yesterday applauded the passing of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill after voting down a bid to launch a grooming gang probe.

They voted for the new legislation alongside the Scottish Lib Dems, with the not proven verdict axed and changes introduced for jury majorities, increasing the number needed for a guilty verdict from eight of 15 to 10.

The bill also aims to establish a specialist sexual offences court and guarantee victims a lifelong right to anonymity. MSPs debated through the night on Tuesday for other changes to be made, including the launching of a grooming gang inquiry, which was voted down by the SNP and Greens.

It led the Tories and Labour to vote against the legislation.

The Scottish Government was accused of failing victims by refusing to include key details which would have strengthened the legislation for those who suffer from crimes.