Scot Lib Dems push for prison suicide and fatal accident inquiry reform

Speaking after this afternoon’s parliamentary statement on the Scottish Government response to Fatal Accident Inquiries into the Deaths of Katie Allan and William Brown, Willie Rennie MSP said:

“The decisions we take in this parliament really matter and parliament needs to get this right.

“Fatal accidents inquiries take far too long to begin. The Crown Office has shown itself to be incapable of handling FAIs, with delays that have tormented grieving families.  

“While I understand that the Cabinet Secretary wants to focus on decisions for the here and now, I am disappointed that she is not open to removing FAIs from the Crown Office’s remit altogether. If the system itself is contributing to these delays then it needs root and branch reform.

“I am also disappointed that we are no closer to understanding why the prison suicide strategy has been allowed to lapse for more than 1,000 days ago. These shocking cases have been making headlines for years. If nothing else, you would think that might focus minds in the office of the Justice Secretary.”