MSP secures debate over court threat

Published 26 Jan 2012 09:23 2 Comments

THE fight to save Haddington Sheriff Court from potential closure steps up a gear next month after county MSP Iain Gray secured a parliamentary debate on the issue at Holyrood.

Mr Gray has secured a members' debate on proposals by the Scottish Court Service - detailed in a leaked 'Future Court Structures' document - which could see 15 of Scotland's sheriff courts closed, including the only one in East Lothian.

The debate is set to take place at 5pm on Wednesday, February 29.

The MSP said: "Aside from the emotional argument about bringing to an end centuries of locally delivered justice, the closure of Haddington Sheriff Court would mean the loss of much-needed local jobs and would make it harder for many victims of crime and witnesses to get to court.

"This debate will mean these issues will be discussed.

"I am pleased that MSPs from the Lib Dems and Conservatives have put party allegiances aside to join Labour MSPs in backing my very reasonable motion and I am disappointed no SNP MSP has yet done so.

"I hope at least some of them will consider the possible consequences to Scottish justice of these plans."

As reported in the Courier last month, the document earmarked Haddington for the axe because the town has a population of less than 20,000 and is less than 20 miles from the nearest sheriff court in Edinburgh.

Under the proposal, all business would be transferred to the Capital court.

The Courier launched a 'Save our Sheriff Court' campaign and has received more than 100 coupons of support from readers to date. You can still add your support by completing the coupon on the right and sending it to us.

Mr Gray has secured a limited number of tickets to view the debate from the public gallery at Holyrood. Anyone wishing to attend should contact his office on 01875 616610 or 0131 348 5839.

He added: "This is a very important issue and it would be great if there was a big turnout in the public gallery.

"No vote takes place following this type of debate, but a Scottish Government minister has to be there to respond to points raised and set out the Scottish Government's position."

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Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  Socialist
  Unregistered User
  Jan 26, 13:07
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  It would be interesting to hear from "homer" or "nationalist" why the SNP are not involving themselves in the campaign.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  mogatrons
  Unregistered User
  Jan 28, 22:05
  Report comment

  As an SNP voter who has previous experience of the court systems in various guises I'd like to see a complete overhaul of the entire system nationwide.
  
  I've attended three different courts, and was struck each time by the huge delays and waste of tax payers money displayed........
  
  .......having said that, Haddington Court never struck me as any more wasteful than others and I beleive justice is best served at public convenience.
  
  Personally, I am not happy about the prospect of losing Haddington Court. There are far more fundamental savings to be made elsewhere in the Scottish justice system.
  
  I would like to see the SNP review the entire system, seeking to preserve local courts where possible.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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