HMICS probe into undercover policing welcomed

Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Liam McArthur has said confirmation that HMICS are set to investigate the actions of undercover police officers in Scotland is nothing less than required.

Mr McArthur was speaking after Justice Secretary Michael Matheson announced the new probe.

Mr McArthur said: “The allegations that have been made against undercover officers are hugely serious and the revelations have resulted in serious emotional trauma for those who have been duped.

“It was clear that a Scottish probe into the actions of undercover police would be necessary if the UK government refused to extend the Pitchford Inquiry and this announcement is nothing less than required. Lib Dems have been calling for a proper investigation for months. We need answers over the extent of the activities of these officers in Scotland.

“Citizens are entitled to expect the highest standards of policing and rightly expect that there should be clear justification and authorisation of any clandestine policing.”

In January then Home Secretary Theresa May said the UK government was “not minded” to extend a judge-led inquiry into undercover police officers’ activity north of the border.