Justice and Safety

  • Minister for Community Safety Ash Denham

    25th March 2020 by

    The Scottish Government recognises the important role played by legal aid providers in supporting their clients and our justice system. I also recognise that those offering legally aided services now face a time of unprecedented uncertainty, and require our support. I am keen to find ways to support cash flow in order to help alleviate...

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  • Justice Secretary comments on homicide figures

    29th October 2019 by

      Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has responded to the publication of the latest official figures showing there were 60 cases of homicide in 2018-19 – the third lowest level since 1976. Mr Yousaf said: “While the number of homicides in Scotland is significantly lower than a decade ago – in line with the overall fall...

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  • Brexit guidance for legal professionals

    14th October 2019 by

    The Scottish Government has published guidance for legal professionals to help them cope with a possible ‘no deal’ exit. Two guides cover the changes to cross border civil justice cooperation in family cases and in civil and commercial cases. Minister for Community Safety Ash Denham said: “With the UK Government refusing to take a ‘no...

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  • Review of police stop and search

    13th June 2019 by

    Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has welcomed an independent report into the use of police stop and search powers.   The report on the Stop and Search Code of Practice, carried out by the Independent Advisory Group covers the first 12 months of the code’s operation up to 31 May 2018. Mr Yousaf said: “I am grateful to the independent advisory group, whose work has provided police, Parliament and...

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  • One week to go until new domestic abuse law comes into force

    25th March 2019 by

    First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf visited Glasgow East Women’s Aid this morning (25 March 2019) to hear how staff are preparing for the Domestic Abuse Act coming into force in seven days. The Act creates a new offence of domestic abuse which covers psychological harm as well as physical...

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  • Cabinet Secretary responds to Police Scotland announcement on Brexit contingency planning

    6th February 2019 by

    Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf has responded to the announcement by Police Scotland of plans to put 360 officers on standby to deal with any incidents relating to the potential impact of the UK’s decision to leave the EU. The Cabinet Secretary said: “Decisions around officer deployment, contingency planning and mutual aid are operational...

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  • Appropriate Adult service consultation

    12th November 2018 by

    Responses to consultation on establishing a statutory Appropriate Adult service were overwhelmingly supportive, analysis has shown. Appropriate Adult services ensure vulnerable people with communication difficulties are supported during contact with police – for example during interviews and other police station procedures. Appropriate Adults can assist victims, witnesses, suspects and accused in police investigations who are...

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  • Justice Secretary comments on homicide figures

    30th October 2018 by

    Commenting on today’s publication of Homicide in Scotland 2017-18, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “While the number of homicides in Scotland has fallen this year and has reduced significantly over the last 10 years, one death is one too many. Behind these figures are grieving families and friends and my sincere sympathies go out to...

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  • Justice Secretary pays tribute to Scotland’s Jewish communities

    28th October 2018 by

    Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf has paid tribute to the contribution of Scotland’s Jewish communities to the life of the nation. On Sunday October 28th Mr Yousaf addressed Scotland’s Jewish Gathering in Edinburgh, where Jewish people from across the country were coming together through the weekend to hear speeches and take part in discussions...

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  • Justice Secretary comments on Police Chiefs’ Brexit update

    18th September 2018 by

    Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf has responded to an announcement by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) of plans to establish a safety net if access to EU security tools is lost. In a statement issued today (Tuesday September 18th, 2018) the NPCC said a new national unit will assist police forces to use...

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