JUSTICE ARGUMENTS ATTACKED FOR LACKING EVIDENCE

JUSTICE ARGUMENTS ATTACKED FOR LACKING EVIDENCE

CRIME DEBATE MUST BE BASED ON EVIDENCE

The SNP has welcomed calls for parties to base their justice policy on evidence rather than partisan politics.

The call, from Former Labour First Minister Henry McLeish, was particularly directed at the Labour party over the issue of prison reform and alcohol.

SNP MSP and Justice Committee member Stewart Maxwell said:

"The SNP's proposals for Scotland's justice system are based on doing what works to cut reoffending, to reduce knife crime and to tackle alcohol abuse.

"It is time all parties focussed on that and worked with the SNP to deliver solutions that work instead of seeking to make political points.

"When it comes to prison policy, knife crime and alcohol these issues are too serious to become political footballs."