North MSP raises plight of victims with the First Minister

29 January 2009

David Stewart, Highlands and Islands regional Labour MSP, has been seeking support for a Victim’s Commissioner from the First Minister.
During First Minister Questions, the MSP pointed to the appointment of Sara Payne as a ‘Victims’ Champion’ for England and Wales, and called for the Scottish Government to support his private members bill which aims to put victims of crime at the centre of our legal system.
“The First Minister identified the vital work which is going on in Scotland to support victims of crime and confirmed that as part of a review of victims’ strategy the government would be prepared to consider having a commissioner with responsibility for the support of victims of crime.
“My consultation will be published in the near future and it is vital that we find an appropriate way to rebalance the justice system so that we support victims and those who work to help them.”