The first stage of hearings in the public inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh has concluded. Sheku Bayoh’s family, who have shown grace and dignity over the long nine years since he died, are calling for the scope of the inquiry to be widened to include the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service’s decision not to prosecute. Lord Bracadale, the chair of the inquiry, has urged the Scottish Government to make a decision on the matter as soon as possible, but the family has already waited five weeks on what is a matter of urgency. When will the Scottish Government reach a decision, and does the First Minister recognise the family’s pleas so that they can have closure?

I recognise the family’s desire for closure on the issue, and the Government established the public inquiry to enable that to be the case. The Deputy First Minister is fulfilling her statutory duties, which require her to consult extensively on any question of the terms of reference being revised. That work is under way, and a decision will be taken as soon as possible.