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Edinburgh Live
11-07-2025
- Edinburgh Live
Former Edinburgh police chief says murderers 'must reveal where bodies are to get parole'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A former police chief who brought killer Peter Tobin to justice says he backs calls for murderers who do not reveal where victims' bodies are to be kept in prison. David Swindle told the Daily Record podcast, Criminal Record, that he backs Suzanne's Law. This demands that killers must disclose their victim's whereabouts if they are to be considered for parole. The Scottish Government has included a proposal for Suzanne's Law in the Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill which is going through parliament. Suzanne's Law is named after office worker Suzanne Pilley, who was murdered by colleague and ex David Gilroy in 2010. He was sentenced to life in 2012 but has never revealed what he did with her body, which is believed to be buried in Argyll. Other high-profile cases include Arlene Fraser, Margaret Fleming and Lynda Spence. Swindle, who probed more than 100 murders in a 34-year police career, said: 'We need to have something like a Suzanne's Law to stop people getting out if they don't reveal what they did with the body. 'With Suzanne Pilley her body has never been found and there is a person convicted of that, the same as Arlene Fraser, Margaret Fleming and Lynda Spence. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox 'These people have never revealed what they did with the bodies. If they don't reveal what they did they should not then be eligible for parole. If your loved one is murdered by someone who is in prison and has never revealed what they did with the body you would not want them to get out." Swindle, who retired in 2011, says a murder without a body leaves victims' families in limbo. He added: 'People think by destroying the body that there is no evidence but you will still be caught." England and Wales already have a similar measure – Helen's Law. Suzanne's dad Rob died in 2019 without knowing where she was buried. Detectives believe Gilroy killed her in the building where they worked in Edinburgh after he confronted her over ending their affair. Arlene, from Elgin, Moray, vanished from her home in 1998 after her children went to school. Her husband Nat Fraser, who is serving life for her murder, has refused to say what became of his wife. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Avril Jones and Edward Cairney were jailed for life in 2019 for killing Margaret, 19, at their home in Inverkip. They refused to say where they put her. Financial adviser Lynda was abducted, tortured and killed in 2011. Colin Coats and Philip Wade were convicted of killing the 27-year-old Glaswegian in 2013. Her body has never been found. Swindle led the probe into Tobin's murder of Polish student Angelika Kluk in Glasgow in 2006 for which he got life. He set up Operation Anagram which led to Tobin being convicted of the murders of Vicky Hamilton, 15, and Dinah McNicol, 18. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The Justice Secretary supported an amendment at Stage 2 in May which requires the Parole Board to take account of whether the prisoner has information about the disposal of the victim's remains but has not disclosed it. "If the Bill is passed then this will become law."
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Henry: Increasing state seats a logical step toward more parliamentary representation
Dato Henry Harry Jinep KUCHING (July 7): The move to increase state seats is a logical step toward increasing parliamentary seats for Sarawak, said Deputy Transport Minister Dato Henry Harry Jinep. 'Normally, one parliamentary seat comprises not less than two state seats. If we want Sarawak to increase its parliamentary seats, then logically, we need to increase the existing state seats so that the number goes (up) proportionately… It's a simple logic,' he said in a statement. Henry, who is also Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) deputy president and Tasik Biru assemblyman, was responding to critics of the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 which aims to increase the number of elected representatives in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) from 82 to 99. This increase would result in the creation of 17 new state seats. The Bill was tabled by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the DUN special one-day sitting today. Once appoved by the DUN, the Bill will then be brought to Parliament for federal approval After both legislative bodies have endorsed the Bill, the Election Commission (EC) will be responsible for conducting the redelineation exercise. Sarawak has been seeking an increase to its current number of parliamentary seats, which stands at 31. This is in line with the proposal to restore the 35 per cent representation of Sabah and Sarawak in Parliament, in honour of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Henry Harry Jinep increase lead parliamentary seats state seats
The National
19-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Scotland can lead the world with 'ecocide' bill currently in Holyrood
Good evening! This week's edition of the In Common newsletter comes from Michaela Girvan and Tara Pierce of the Ocean Rights Coalition. IMAGINE the scene: a CEO sits handcuffed, silent, in the dock of a Scottish courtroom. He is not there because of a shareholder scandal or financial fraud but because the company he leads has caused widespread, long-term destruction of the marine environment through illegal bottom trawling in Scottish waters. Expert witnesses describe the devastation. Once-thriving seabeds flattened. Biodiversity lost. Species pushed to collapse. Carbon stores released from the seafloor, worsening climate change, communities along the coast left with the wreckage and coastal artisan fishermen struggling. The courtroom listens, and the law now recognises this harm for what it truly is – not an unfortunate side effect of business but a crime against nature. That scene may feel like fiction. However, it is exactly the kind of accountability the Ecocide (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill currently progressing through the Scottish Parliament could make real. If passed, Scotland would become the first country in the world to criminalise ecocide in domestic law – a powerful and necessary step at a time of ecological crisis. The bill, brought forward by Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon (above), defines ecocide as the causing of severe environmental harm, whether intentional or through reckless disregard. The harm must be either widespread or long-term – measured not in headlines, but in habitats, ecosystems and years. If passed, the law would make individuals, companies and public bodies liable for the most serious kinds of environmental destruction. Punishments include up to 20 years in prison, fines and court-ordered restoration of the damaged ecosystems. Importantly, it introduces personal liability for directors and decision-makers. In a world where corporate impunity too often shields those at the top, this matters. What sets this legislation apart is not only its ambition but its timing. Just last week, world leaders gathered in Nice for the third United Nations Ocean Conference. Once again, they committed to reversing marine biodiversity loss and protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. The pledges are noble. But if we are honest, global action has repeatedly failed to match the scale or speed of the crisis. Here in Scotland, we have a rare opportunity to do something the international system has so far failed to do: make marine destruction legally actionable as a criminal crime. From deep-sea mining and industrial overfishing to oil spills, chemical dumping and plastic pollution, Scotland's marine environment is facing an onslaught of threats. Some of these are caused by foreign actors; others are permitted under existing UK or devolved policy. Either way, the law has not kept up with science, morality or the pace of destruction. That is why this bill matters so deeply to those of us working in ocean protection. It acknowledges that the sea is not an industrial buffer zone or economic abstraction. It is a living system on which we all depend. Its kelp forests and corals store carbon. Its species form fragile food webs. Its health is climate health, biodiversity health and human health. The bill does not mention the ocean by name, but its scope is broad enough to include it and serious marine harm. In doing so, it brings new hope to those who have campaigned for decades for stronger protections for the sea. It gives voice to communities who have watched polluters act with impunity. It sets a legal precedent that others can follow. Scotland is no stranger to progressive leadership. From banning smoking in public spaces to providing free period products, it has shown the courage to legislate ahead of the curve. With this bill, it can again lead – not just the UK, but the world – on environmental justice. There will be attempts to dilute this legislation as it moves through Parliament. Some will argue the definitions are too broad. Others will raise fears about economic impact. The truth is this: the cost of doing nothing is far greater. The science is clear, the damage is real and the legal gap is glaring. We must not allow this bill to be watered down into symbolism. It must retain the strength to do what it promises: hold powerful actors to account for the destruction of the natural world. This is not about stifling enterprise. It is about drawing a line. About saying, as a country, that we will no longer tolerate the wilful wrecking of our wild ecosystems that sustain life. The Ocean Rights Coalition is calling on MSPs to support this bill with integrity and urgency. We are asking members of the public to do the same. If you care about the future of our seas – about their resilience, their beauty and their survival – now is the time to act. Email your MSP. Tell them you support the Ecocide (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill. Tell them not to weaken it and to keep the lion's teeth, and remind them that Scotland has a chance, right now, to lead the world and make history. To make sure the Scotland their grandchildren will inherent is protected. The ocean is rising. It's time Scots law rose with it.
The National
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Ash Regan faces questions over 'ludicrous' costs of prostitution bill
Regan is seeking to criminalise the purchase of sex, something opposed by the sex worker pressure group National Ugly Mugs (NUM) which claims she has significantly underestimated the associated costs. In a financial memorandum submitted to the Scottish Parliament for her Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill, the Alba MSP claimed that it would cost as little as 50p to train 17,000 police officers in the new laws if the bill was passed. The memo said: 'There will also be one-off training costs for Police Scotland to prepare for the introduction of the new offence. READ MORE: 'Multiple serving MSPs have paid me for sex', former sex worker tells Ash Regan 'The estimated cost of delivering a two-hour training session to all approximately 17,000 Police Scotland officers, assuming the training is conducted in-house during normal working hours, is approximately £17,000 to £85,000.' At the higher end of the scale, Regan estimates that it would cost £2.50 to train every officer per hour. But the same document states that Police Scotland estimates the hourly rate of officers at £79.50. The total cost of enforcing the new laws would be £2.6 million, falling to £2.2m annually thereafter. Regan estimates that securing charges in a case would take 'on average an additional six hours of police work' and that this would amount to each case costing £477. NUM said her figures were 'laughably false'. READ MORE: Former sex worker supports Ash Regan bid to criminalise buying sex Lynsey Walton, chief executive of NUM, said: 'As the UK's national sex worker safety charity, NUM works with police forces across the country to support sex workers during investigations. This means we know that Regan's estimates of police time needed to enforce her proposed legislation are laughably false, just like her ludicrous claims that it costs just 50p an hour to train officers. 'Sex worker groups, alongside NGOs like Amnesty and the World Health Organisation, oppose the new law on the grounds that it will make life more difficult and dangerous for sex workers, while costing taxpayers millions of pounds a year to enforce.' Regan was approached for comment.
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Stirling politicians open up over Holyrood assisted dying vote
The highly-debated topic was in the spotlight this week as the Scottish Parliament held an initial vote on proposals to allow the practice in Scotland - with local representatives on both sides. The region's political representatives have been offering their thoughts after a landmark bill aimed at legalising 'assisted dying' passed an initial vote at Holyrood. The bill would allow terminally-ill, mentally competent adults to seek medical assistance in ending their own lives - but only if they had a terminal illness and had been ruled capable of making the decisions by two separate doctors. It has been a controversial issue, with protestors gathered outside the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday while legislators cast their votes inside the chamber on the very first stage of the proposals. Following an emotionally charged and sometimes poignant debate, MSPs decided to vote in favour of the bill at stage one by 70 votes to 56. It will now need to clear two more phases of parliamentary scrutiny before it could become law. The issue was subject to a rare 'free vote' at Holyrood - meaning politicians were able to cast their vote without having to take into account party affiliations. An example of that saw Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed and Clackmannanshire and Dunblane representative Keith Brown - who both represent the SNP - casting votes on opposite sides. Ms Tweed voted yes to the bill and said afterwards: 'I know assisted dying is an emotive issue and feelings run strong on both sides of the debate. 'This is the most important bill I will ever consider in my time as an MSP and it is important that the issue is approached carefully with sensitivity and compassion. 'I want to thank the many constituents who have taken the time to contact me to share their personal stories and views on this. I have listened closely and deeply value the range of perspectives I've heard. 'At Stage One, I have supported the general principles of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. 'I believe it is right that we explore whether there can be a dignified, safeguarded, compassionate framework that gives people with a terminal illness more choice over how and when they die, whilst also ensuring protections are in place for the most vulnerable. 'There is still a long way to go, and this is not a decision I will take lightly at any stage. I look forward to the further scrutiny that will take place at Stage Two, and I will continue to engage with the evidence and the arguments presented as the bill progresses. 'I want to thank Liam McArthur MSP for his approach to handling this issue with the sensitivity, openness and respect it deserves.' Meanwhile, following his vote against the plans, Mr Brown told the Observer: 'Deciding how to vote on this Bill was very difficult. 'I approached it with deep care, listening closely to the heartfelt arguments from all sides - especially those shared by people living with terminal illness, their families, and advocates for both choice and protection. 'I understand the profound pain and complexity involved in these situations, and I have great respect for those who support this Bill in the hope of easing suffering. 'However, after much reflection, I could not support it. 'My greatest concern remains the absence of strong, clear safeguards to protect the most vulnerable - especially the elderly, disabled, or terminally ill - who may, even unintentionally, feel pressure or obligation to end their lives for the sake of others. 'No one should ever feel like a burden. 'Protecting vulnerable people must always be our priority, and I did not feel this bill provided the level of protection and reassurance that is absolutely necessary.' Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Alexander Stewart also voted for the proposals - but said more work had to be done during the remaining stages of parliamentary scrutiny if he was to give the bill a final thumbs up. Mr Stewart said: 'This proposed bill covers an exceptionally emotive and poignant issue which is so close to nearly everyone's hearts. 'Every single constituent who has been in touch with me — whether this be via email, campaign card, letter or telephone — has experienced some form of first-hand trauma, towards which this issue resonates most powerfully. 'To this end — and also by personal experience —this was one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make as an MSP. 'I was in the end content to support the principles of the bill at stage one, however there has to be a raft of strong amendments coming forth in stage two, to ensure that powerful safeguards are in place. 'As such, I want to see the bill properly amended before I will even consider supporting it at stage three.' Meanwhile, Green MSP Mark Ruskell joined every member of his own party in showing his support for the initial assisted dying plans. Mr Ruskell said: 'Ending the ban on assisted dying is so important to give us choices about how we can end our lives free from suffering. 'I was proud to vote for the bill. Assisted dying was in the Greens election manifesto and we see it as an important right in a compassionate society. 'There is still some way to go before the bill becomes law. 'I'm hoping we can get more support for it at Holyrood as the bill is amended and concerns are hopefully ironed out.'
