During today’s First Minister’s Questions (FMQs), Humza Yousaf is expected to face inquiries regarding the handling of the Emma Caldwell murder investigation. An announcement regarding a public inquiry into the matter is anticipated later in the day.
Last week, both the Labour and Tory parties urged the SNP leader to initiate a probe into the case promptly. Yousaf expressed his intention to meet with Caldwell’s family before making any decisions, and this meeting reportedly took place on Tuesday.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance is slated to announce the inquiry after 2:30 PM at Holyrood. Additionally, FMQs coincide with the aftermath of the UK Budget announcement, which revealed plans to allocate an extra £300 million to Scotland.
Humza Yousaf (Credits: The Independent)
Notably, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed the extension of the windfall tax until 2029, a policy opposed by both the SNP and the Scottish Tories.
Today’s session promises to address these pressing issues and more, with questions likely to focus on the timing and scope of the public inquiry into the Emma Caldwell murder investigation. The handling of such a high-profile case is of significant public interest, and the Scottish government’s response will be keenly scrutinized.
The decision to hold a public inquiry follows years of campaigning by Caldwell’s family and supporters, who have raised concerns about the initial police investigation into her murder in 2005. Caldwell’s body was found in woods near Biggar, South Lanarkshire, five weeks after she was last seen alive in Glasgow.
The case remained unsolved for over a decade until 2015 when four men were arrested and later released without charge. In 2019, a new investigation was launched, resulting in the arrest of a man in connection with Caldwell’s death. However, no further action was taken, and the case remains unresolved.
The public inquiry is expected to examine the police investigation into Caldwell’s murder, including any failings or shortcomings. It will also consider whether there were any issues with the initial handling of the case and whether lessons can be learned to prevent similar tragedies.
The announcement of the public inquiry has been welcomed by Caldwell’s family, who have long campaigned for justice for Emma. They hope that the investigation will provide them with the answers they have been seeking for over 17 years.
Extending the windfall tax until 2029 is likely to be another key topic of discussion at FMQs. The policy, introduced in 2016, imposes a tax on oil and gas companies operating in the UK continental shelf. The SNP and Scottish Tories have opposed it, arguing that it harms the oil and gas industry and jeopardizes jobs in Scotland.
Today’s FMQs are set to be a crucial session, addressing important issues affecting Scotland’s justice system, economy, and political landscape. The outcomes of these discussions could have significant implications for the country’s future direction.
