Thank you. That concludes general questions. We move on to the next item of business, which

is First Minister's questions. And at question number one, I call Russell Finley.

Thank you, in criminal cases, prosecutors often strike plea deals with defence lawyers. This

practice can result in very serious charges being watered down or dropped altogether, even where

the evidence is overwhelming.

Victims are routinely not told or consulted.

This is not justice.

I have been working with a group of female domestic abuse survivors, including Liz

Shanks, who suffered from these

secretive plea deals.

This week, I have submitted amendments to the Government's Victims' Bill on their behalf.

This would give victims a voice in the process, or at the very least, to know what is

happening.

So will John Swinney work with me to back these critical amendments?

First Minister.

I share Mr Finley's objective of wanting to ensure that justice is done for those who are individuals who suffer as a

result of criminal behaviour in our society. The Government is bringing forward a bill,

the Victims and Witnesses Bill, which is currently being scrutinised within Parliament,

which is designed to strengthen the experience of victims within our criminal justice system.

We will of course consider the amendments that Mr Finley has put forward on behalf of those individuals.

Liz Shanks was the name that he mentioned, are advancing those issues and consider the contents of those amendments as the committee and as Parliament looks at the contents

of the bill.

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