Speaking following the debate on Prison Visiting Committees in the Scottish Parliament today, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP said:
Alison McInnes MSP"Today's debate highlighted the serious flaws in the Government's proposals to abolish Prison Visiting Committees.
"More than simply being an independent voice for prisoners, the Committees play a far greater role in ensuring that standards in our prison estate are maintained. Yet the Cabinet Secretary refuses to acknowledge this.
"The fact that Prison Visiting Committees can make frequent and unannounced visits to prisons is a vital check for ensuring that prisons are well run. That, along with the fact that they provide a local, totally independent voice, is a prime reason why the system has endured so successfully.
"Expert opinion universally recognises the vital role that Prison Visiting Committees play within our justice system - a role they carry out at a fraction of the cost of the Government's proposed advocacy service. The Cabinet Secretary must now listen to those experts, see sense and drop these badly considered proposals."