Minutes: 17 June 2026

1. Declarations of interests:

Members of the Committee were invited to declare any relevant interests. Amanda Bland declared an interest as a former police officer with a police pension. Maggie Chapman declared an interest as having worked for a rape crisis centre prior to her election in 2021. David Linden declared an interest as the member whose constituency includes HMP Barlinnie. Other members said they had no relevant interests to declare.

2. Choice of Deputy Convener:

David Linden was proposed as Deputy Convener. The Committee chose David Linden as its Deputy Convener.

3. Decisions on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 4 in private and that its consideration of its work programme should be taken in private at its next meeting.

4. Work programme (in private):

Members discussed their priorities and the issues they would like the Committee to consider over the course of the session.

The Committee agreed to invite HM Chief Inspector of Prisons to give evidence at its next meeting.