In Parliament - James Kelly MSP

Prisoners (Early Release and Breach of Licence)

Scottish Parliament debates

On home detention curfew, why was there a significant breach of parliamentary rules? When the order was laid, Parliament was given only three days’ notice and not 28 days. Parliamentary...

Police Scotland (Compensation Payments)

Scottish Parliament debates

The fact that police compensation claims doubled between 2015 and 2019 demonstrates the scale of the problems that exist throughout Police Scotland. A recent survey revealed that, on the front...

Police Scotland (Compensation Payments)

Scottish Parliament debates

6. To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s response is to reports that Police Scotland has spent £11.6 million in compensation over the last five years. (S5F-03853)

Independent Prison Monitors

Scottish Parliament debates

I congratulate Alexander Stewart on securing this afternoon’s members’ business debate on the important issue of independent prison monitors. As Alexander Stewart pointed out in his...

Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Bill: Stage 1

Scottish Parliament debates

I agree that we do not want duplication. If we are setting up a biometrics commissioner with a specific code of practice that pertains specifically to the role, collection and retention of...

Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Bill: Stage 1

Scottish Parliament debates

It has been an interesting debate. There is a lot of consensus around the bill and a lot of support for its general principles and the establishment of a biometrics commissioner. In their...

Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Bill: Stage 1

Scottish Parliament debates

I am delighted to open the debate for Scottish Labour, and I confirm that Scottish Labour will support the general principles of the bill at decision time. As other members have done, I place on...

Financial Abuse

Scottish Parliament debates

I congratulate James Dornan on securing this important debate and recognise the important contributions that we have heard from members. The debate brings an important issue to the chamber and...

UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill

Scottish Parliament debates

I am pleased to speak in support of the passage of the bill, which is an essential part of supporting the infrastructure for the UEFA 2020 championships. The championships in Glasgow represent a...

Scottish Prison Service (Auditor General’s Report)

Scottish Parliament debates

I thank the cabinet secretary for advance sight of his statement. The Auditor General’s report is serious and it highlights the overcrowding crisis in Scottish prisons. Our prisons are...

Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Bill: Stage 1

Scottish Parliament debates

I have participated in a number of debates on the subject, having returned to the justice portfolio. One of the drivers that we consider in relation to reducing the prison population is reducing...

Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Bill: Stage 1

Scottish Parliament debates

I am pleased to take part in this afternoon’s debate on the general principles of the Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Bill. As others have done, I thank the Standards,...

Justice System (Victim Experience)

Scottish Parliament debates

The victim surcharge fund is a welcome support for victims whose lives have been disrupted as a result of crimes having been committed against them. It is important that all victims are able to...

Homelessness Services (Glasgow)

Scottish Parliament debates

The First Minister will be aware of the tragic death of a homeless man in Glasgow at the weekend. He was found dead in a car park in freezing conditions. That was reported on the day that Shelter...

Rape Victims (Mobile Phone Charges)

Scottish Parliament debates

I draw the First Minister’s attention to reports in the Sunday Post that rape victims whose mobile phones have been retained by Police Scotland for investigation purposes are still being...

Police Stations (Sale or Lease Termination)

Scottish Parliament debates

The discussion about police stations highlights the issue of the £43 million shortfall in the capital budget, as evidenced in Police Scotland’s submission to the Justice Sub-Committee...

Sheku Bayoh

Scottish Parliament debates

I thank the cabinet secretary for advance sight of the statement and I offer my deepest sympathies to Mr Bayoh’s family. The circumstances in which Mr Bayoh lost his life are shocking in...

Good Food Nation Bill

Scottish Parliament debates

Prompt action would be welcomed by all parties. Will job insecurity and low wages in the food industry be considered in the bill, in order to ensure that workers in that industry are better paid...

Good Food Nation Bill

Scottish Parliament debates

6. To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the good food nation bill. (S5O-03724)

UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

Scottish Parliament debates

Another important issue is engagement and consultation with local communities. If that is done properly, that will address some of the concerns that have been raised and will ensure that the...