Johann Lamont calls for inquiry into child protection

ALEX Salmond is facing calls to back a government inquiry into child protection after Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont said there were “systemic failures” in the inspection regime.

Ms Lamont made the demand during First Minister’s Questions following the “tragic case” of Declan Hainey, whose mother Kimberley murdered him in a flat in Paisley.

She also said that two weeks before Declan was found dead Renfrewshire Council had received a report into another unidentified case which highlighted failures in the child-protection system.

Mr Salmond said: “The process of inspection and re-inspection has resulted in an improved situation on child protection across Scotland”.