An independent expert’s evidence was misrepresented to the Scottish Parliament. Yet SNP and Green MSPs chose to close ranks around the Justice Secretary, putting party protection ahead of Parliament’s authority. The Scottish Parliament is no longer exercising authority independently of the Government it is meant to scrutinise. Holyrood was meant to be more open, more accountable, and more responsive than the centralised system it replaced. Holyrood must rediscover its backbone, reassert its authority, and restore the basic principle that no minister is above the rules.

Source: Express December 30, 2025 13:57 UTC