Lord Advocate
Debate between Lord Marks of Henley-on-Thames and Baroness Curran
Baroness Curran (Lab)
I thank my noble friend for that question—I think. Of course, he is right on so many things, and I will listen very closely to what he has to say. He makes reference to the Peter Murrell case. Here, I must emphasise to noble Lords that this is a matter of great scandal in Scotland, and there are very serious concerns about what this has meant for Scottish politics and governance. So, I take very seriously these points and recognise what has been said. I commit to having that discussion with the Scottish Secretary and will of course communicate his views, and those of the Opposition, as forcefully as he has put them.
Lord Marks of Henley-on-Thames (LD)
My Lords, we welcome the outline position taken by the Minister. But formally, and uniquely in the United Kingdom, the Lord Advocate is both head of the Prosecution Service in Scotland and a Government Minister who attends Cabinet. This duality, as has been said by everyone, has long been criticised. It has caused considerable public unease, particularly in relation to the Peter Murrell case. So, when will the Government separate and clarify the two roles, probably with the Solicitor-General responsible for prosecutions and the Lord Advocate for advising the Scottish Government on the law? That is the position in Wales with the Counsel General, and I suggest it represents a sensible position that everyone can support.
Baroness Curran (Lab)
I recognise the depth of the argument that the noble Lord has put forward and understand the issues at stake, which are live in Scotland. We also have to acknowledge that this has implications for the Scottish Government, because they are responsible for the justice system and for prosecutions in Scotland. I am sorry to repeat the point, but the best way forward, I believe, is for joint co-operation between the UK Government and the Scottish Government. But, believe me, this is a live issue for the UK Government; it is one that is on our agenda and which we will pay attention to.