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For example, a submission from the Faculty of Advocates, whilst expressing support for the proposed rule, also highlighted the importance of being able to test the evidence of the vulnerable witness on an informed basis:
In principle, the Faculty of Advocates has no opposition to the introduction of such a rule.
Views on the Barnahus principles
A range of witnesses expressed support for the implementation of the Barnahus principles in Scotland for children – at least as a longer-term goal.
The Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations did not however believe that the expression "one that has trade as the majority of its content" is appropriate without further definition.
This inquiry arose following concerns expressed by several stakeholders on the need for Scotland's national anti-bullying strategy, Respect for All, to be as comprehensive as possible in addressing this issue.iEHRiC Committee Annual Report 2016-17: https://digitalpublications.parliament.scot/Committees/Report/EHRiC/2017/5/31/Annual-Report-2016-17#Bullying-a...
r=11483&c=2085117The Committee is aware of the concern expressed in relation to local authorities and potential conflicts of interest but is of the view that with adequate separation of decision making within councils, these concerns are not insurmountable.
These were withdrawn, after Committee members expressed concern about their wording. The Minister offered to work with opposition parties to bring forward amendments to achieve their intended effect at stage 3.
Stage 1 scrutiny by the Justice Committee disclosed broad support for the way in which the proposed offence was defined in the Bill as introduced. This was despite concerns expressed by some witnesses that it set the threshold for criminality too low.
I am grateful to Inclusion Scotland and others for their evidence on the matter—in particular, the clarification that advocacy does not mean
“mediation, giving advice ... or speaking up for someone when they are able to express themselves”.
I am happy to say that we will take steps to address that issue at stage 2.