Scottish government refusal to support Culpable Homicide (Scotland) Bill criticised

Scottish Labour has criticised the Scottish government’s refusal to support the Culpable Homicide (Scotland) Bill after the stage one debate at Holyrood.

The bill, introduced to the Scottish Parliament in 2019 by Scottish Labour’s Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker, sought to ensure suitable convictions could be obtained in the event of a workplace death, where recklessness or gross negligence of individuals, companies or organisations could be proven.

Currently, common law determines how culpable homicide applies to individuals, but there is no expectation that large businesses can be successfully pursued through criminal courts. The bill would seek to rectify that issue.

Figures from the Health and Safety Executive show the number of Scottish workplace deaths increased to 29 in 2018/19, with the highest number of deaths of the four UK nations over the last decade.

The bill has received widespread support from unions, organisations and families who have been affected by the deaths of loved ones in the workplace.

Ms Baker said: “I am disappointed at the Scottish government’s lack of support on this important Bill which would have ensured justice for families left behind – not least because many SNP ministers, including the First Minister, supported a similar bill when in opposition.

“Very little time was afforded at committee stage to hear from the families and trade unions who have long campaigned for this legislation. Those who have lost loved ones and suffered years pursuing justice deserve to have their voices heard.

“There have been too many deaths in workplace accidents in Scotland over the past decade, and there is not sufficient deterrent – the current laws are inadequate to ensure prosecution.

“If culpable homicide can be identified as the cause of the death in the workplace, it should not matter whether that is by the actions of an individual or by a small or large company – the treatment under the law should be equal.”

Share icon
Share this article: