Lord Advocate
Debate between Baroness Goldie and Baroness Curran
Baroness Curran (Lab)
What an interesting suggestion. I thank the noble Earl for putting that forward. I will take that back to the department. I draw his attention to the Scottish Government-commissioned McMillan report which looked into these roles. It was a very limited report and was not required to make any recommendations, but even so it highlighted some of the conflicts of the job and some of the political tensions that are there. So I can commit to making sure that I have that discussion with the Secretary of State.
Baroness Goldie (Con)
My Lords, recent events engulfing the SNP with the Murrell conviction crystallise the conflict of interest. The Lord Advocate, Scotland’s independent chief prosecutor, felt able to share information only with her client, the Scottish Government. A chief prosecutor either shares information with everyone or shares it with no one. I am comforted by the response from the Minister, to whom I also extend a welcome to her place. I think she is picking up from this House that there is an overwhelming unease that the duality of this role has run its day and change has to be made.
Baroness Curran (Lab)
I pay tribute to the noble Baroness as well, who commands great respect in Scotland across the political divide. Her comments therefore are of great significance. I repeat that I will take that back, because if someone of her standing is making that point, I regard that as significant.