Scottish Prison Service Chief Calls to End Crown Immunity for Prosecution

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) chief Teresa Medhurst has called for the abolition of Crown immunity, which currently protects the service from criminal prosecution, particularly in light of the suicides of Katie Allan and William Lindsay at Polmont Young Offenders Institution in 2018. During a meeting with the families, which was described as 'robust and painful', Medhurst acknowledged the need for systemic change following a fatal accident inquiry that made 25 recommendations, all accepted by the SPS and Scottish government. Family lawyer Aamer Anwar emphasized that there is significant support for lifting this immunity, which has been echoed by the Scottish government and opposition parties. The families expressed relief at feeling heard for the first time, with Allan's mother stating the meeting marked a complete reversal of their previous experiences with the prison service. The Scottish government is pursuing a change in law, pending approval from the UK government. The families plan to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to advocate for this legislative change.