MSP calls for public inquiry into historical child abuse

MSP calls for public inquiry into historical child abuse

MSP calls for public inquiry into historical child abuse
30 April 2014 Last updated at 18:41

Scottish Labour MSP Graeme Pearson asked the Scottish government to consider holding a public inquiry into historical child abuse, during a member's debate on 30 April 2014.

The member for South of Scotland said that the survivors of abuse deserved action and that "we have a responsibility to answer clearly and simply the demands of survivors."

Mr Pearson added: "If there is to be no response akin to a Northern Ireland public inquiry will the minister explain why?

Will the government reconsider their decision now?" Community Safety and Legal Affairs Minister Roseanna Cunningham replied that the issue was a very complicated one and "some victims expressly didn't want a public inquiry".

Ms Cunningham also said: "Concerns around the issue of an inquiry included it might take a very long time, the outcomes might not offer tangible support, that it might be expensive, and that it would have the potential for conflict and further trauma."

The minister, however, accepted that such an inquiry could be held in the future should it be deemed to be the best way forward.