Minutes: 15 December 2021

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 5 in private and its work programme, reviews of evidence heard and its approach to forthcoming legislation, in private, at future meetings.

2. What now for the prosecution of violence against women and girls?:

The Committee took evidence from—

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, Crime and Operational Support and Detective Chief Superintendent Sam Faulds, Head of Public Protection, Specialist Crime Division, Police Scotland;

and then from—

Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans and Willie Cowan, Deputy Director, Criminal Justice Division, Scottish Government.

3. Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and Judicial Review and Courts Bill (UK Parliament legislation):

The Committee took evidence on legislative consent memorandums LCM(S6)4a and LCM(S6)10 from—

Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans, Scottish Government

4. Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and Judicial Review and Courts Bill (UK Parliament legislation):

The Committee considered the legislative consent memorandums lodged by Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans (LCM(S6)4a) and (LCM(S6)10). 

The Committee agreed that the Scottish Parliament should give its consent to the relevant provisions in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and the Judicial Review and Courts Bill.

5. What now for the prosecution of violence against women and girls? (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2. The Committee agreed to write to Police Scotland and the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans.

6. Roundtable evidence sessions (In Private):

The Committee considered a revised draft report. Various changes were agreed to, and the report was agreed for publication.