Claire Inglis was tortured and murdered in her own home, leaving behind a young son. Fiona and Ian Inglis have found the strength to be here today, 24 hours after their daughter’s killer was jailed. They are here for answers. Why was a violent criminal with dozens of convictions granted bail not just once or twice but five times? Since Claire’s murder, why has the Scottish National Party Government passed a law that will make it even harder to remand criminals in custody? Will Humza Yousaf commit to an independent, robust and transparent inquiry?

First and foremost, my thoughts are very much with Ian and Fiona Inglis—Claire’s parents. I cannot imagine the trauma and grief that they are going through. There cannot be anything more unnatural in this world than to have to bury one’s child. I extend the condolences and sympathies of the Government to Ian and Fiona.

Forgive me, Presiding Officer, but, with your indulgence, I will take a bit of time to answer some of the questions that Russell Findlay has posed on behalf of the family.

First, it is appropriate for me to say that decisions about bail and remand are, of course, for the independent judiciary and courts to determine. They are not for the First Minister, any Government minister or any politician to interfere in or intervene in.

I do not agree with Russell Findlay’s characterisation of the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act 2023. The act makes it clear for the first time that the court should specifically consider victim safety, which includes safety from physical and psychological harm, when applying the new bail test. That is explicit for the first time in the 2023 act. Victim safety is at the heart of any decision that should be made on bail and remand.

On the independent inquiry that Russell Findlay has asked for, he knows that I cannot intervene or interfere in the decisions of the judiciary. On the concerns that have been raised by Russell Findlay and Ian and Fiona Inglis when it comes to prosecutorial decisions and decisions to either oppose or accept bail conditions, I will convey those concerns directly to the Lord President and the Lord Advocate, and it will be for them to appropriately respond. I cannot demand an investigation into a decision that has been made by the independent judiciary; it would be unwise for me to do so, because that would undoubtedly be seen as interference with a decision that has been made by the independent judiciary.

This dreadful and tragic case reminds us of the need to do more to tackle domestic abuse and domestic homicide. That is why the Scottish Government is committed to developing a multi-agency domestic homicide review model in partnership with key stakeholders. I will give more information on that to Russell Findlay and any other member who has an interest.