Judicial interests register still on Justice Committee agenda

A petition for a register of interests for Scotland's live is to remain on the agenda of Holyrood's Justice Committee, despite a letter from the Cabinet Secretary stating his opposition to the proposal.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf wrote to the committee last month to confirm that it remained the Scottish Government's position that a register should not be introduced. 

"I share the views of both of my predecessors that there are sufficient safeguards in place to ensure the impartiality of the judiciary", he stated, citing the judicial oath, the statement of principles of judicial ethics and the rules concerning complaints about the judiciary and judicial conduct. He added that no further evidence had beem provided to the committee strengthening the arguments already made in favour of a register.

The judges have also continued to oppose the introduction of a register, the subject of a petition from campaigner Peter Cherbi first raised in 2012, which is backed among others by Moi Ali, the former judicial complaints reviewer. MSPs have also supported the idea following a debate in the full Parliament.

Despite Mr Yousaf's letter the committee agreed this week to take further evidence at a future meeting on issues raised by the petition.

Mr Cherbi said he was surprised but happy that the committee were taking the petition forward.