Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-00062 on 2 June 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-00406 on 2 June 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

I have asked Linda Pollock, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. Her response is as follows:

SPS’ Maternity and Parenting policy was last reviewed in partnership with trade unions in April 2026. It applies to all staff who are entitled to maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave and forms part of the employee contract of employment and sets out specific rights and benefits when applicable.

The policy is compliant with equalities and employment legislation and has been subject to an Equalities and Human Rights Impact Assessment, which was published alongside the finalised policy.

There are no further plans to review the policy at this stage.

The Scottish Government’s public health approach to violence has prevention at its core and our focus is aimed at preventing and reducing harm for people in Scotland’s communities.

My heartfelt condolences go to Lisa Petrie for the heartbreaking loss of her son, John. I commend Lisa on the work she has been doing to educate young people on the dangers of carrying knives as well as her campaign to roll out bleed kits which helped inform our commitment.

The SG will now engage with partners to inform how bleeding control kits are rolled out to community settings and engage with areas which have already done so.

I have asked Linda Pollock, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. Her response is as follows:

SPS welcome and value the continued interest in HMP Barlinnie and we recognise its historic significance, however we believe that a more proportionate and selective approach is required for the site’s viability long-term.

Working in partnership with the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT), SPS has utilised existing funding to lodge an appeal via Montagu Evans. Following any outcome, we will then be in a more informed position to assess the impact of the final decision, including consideration of any potential financial costs and any options for redevelopment of the site.

The Sexual Offences Court was legislated for as part of the landmark Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Act 2025. The Act makes a range of significant reforms to the justice system to deliver meaningful improvements for victims and witnesses. Implementation of its provisions is being phased, reflecting the constrained financial environment and the time needed by justice partners to plan and deliver fundamental change in an effective and managed way.

The establishment of the Court will be led by the judiciary and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service and will involve close collaboration with a range of stakeholders. Given the scale and complexity of this change, when the transformational court will become operational will be determined by a range of factors including the capacity of the partners and agencies involved in delivering this milestone reform. The Scottish Government will work closely with all those involved to support the effective implementation of the Court. Ministers will keep Parliament updated on anticipated timescales for the establishment of the Court.

The Scottish Government is currently consulting on proposals to criminalise creating or requesting the creation of purported intimate images of another person without their consent and to criminalise the production, supply and the offering to supply of digital tools and services designed solely or principally to generate intimate images and videos. This consultation can be found at: Improving protections in the justice system for women and girls: consultation - gov.scot.

As is standard practice, we will set out the timetable for the next legislative programme in due course.

The Scottish Government has committed to bring forward legislation to criminalising misogynistic harassment and abuse in Scotland. As is standard practice, we will set out the timetable for the upcoming legislative programme in due course.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-00263 on 2 June 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-00062 on 2 June 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.