Swinney to meet abuse survivors over inquiry fiasco

Deputy first minister John Swinney will meet survivors of abuse today to answer concerns and reassure them on the steps being taken to keep the public inquiry into child abuse on track amid claims of government interference and the resignations of key inquiry members.

Mr Swinney will also outline his reasons for taking the decision to investigate comments made by the former chair, Susan O’Brien QC, following concerns raised by a senior trauma professional that threatened to lead to the withdrawal of support for those giving evidence to the public inquiry.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Swinney said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to meet survivors and their representatives to discuss the public inquiry into historic child abuse and the wider support available to them.

“Since this meeting was arranged, two members of the inquiry panel have stepped down and made claims about the operation of the inquiry that the Scottish Government rejects in the strongest possible terms.

“I realise that the events of the last week have caused survivors great anxiety and upset. I can’t undo that, but today I will have the opportunity to listen carefully to their concerns and hear what they feel is needed to move forward.

“Today’s meeting will also allow survivors the opportunity to ask me all the questions they have about what has happened so that I can share the evidence that was put to me that led to the decision to begin an investigation into the comments made by the former chair.

“I will also be able to set out precisely the level of interaction the Scottish government has had with the independent inquiry and reassure them of our commitment to the inquiry’s independence.”