At this meeting on 15 May 2024, the Criminal Justice Committee ("the Committee") took oral evidence and considered the motion to approve the following draft affirmative Instrument, the-

International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2024 (SSI/Draft)

This is a draft Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI), which requires approval by resolution of the Parliament before it can become law.

The purpose of this instrument is twofold.

Firstly it amends the International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 by adding a new schedule 1B to give effect to the obligations relating to immunities and privileges contained within the agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Space Agency concerning the European Space Agency’s Sites and Facilities in the United Kingdom signed on 13 June 2013.

Secondly, it amends schedule 15 of the International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 to fully reflect the provisions contained within the Protocol on the privileges and immunities of the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere. This Order deals only with those matters which are within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.

The Policy Note accompanying the instrument includes a summary of consultation undertaken on the instrument, impact assessments carried out, and the anticipated financial effects.

The Delegated Powers and Law Reform (DPLR) Committee considered the instrument on 30 April and reported on it in its Report - Subordinate Legislation Considered by the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee on 30 April.

The DPLR Committee made various recommendations to the Parliament in relation to the instrument

On 15 May 2024, the Committee took oral evidence on the SSI from Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Scottish Government ("the Cabinet Secretary"). The Cabinet Secretary set out the purpose of the SSI.

Following a debate on the SSI, the Cabinet Secretary moved Motion S6M-12734-

That the Criminal Justice Committee recommends that the International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2024 [draft] be approved.

The Motion was agreed to.