Moves to compel Alex Salmond to give evidence amid calls for 'emergency meeting' of harassment committee

Alex Salmond could be compelled to give evidence in front of the harassment complaints committee as pressure mounts on the ongoing parliamentary inquiry following a High Court ruling.

The Scottish Conservatives are hoping to compel Alex Salmond to appear in front of the harassment committee.

Scottish Conservatives are pushing for the Scottish Parliamentary committee on the handling of harassment complaints to “compel Salmond to attend” following the decision by a High Court judge to amend a court order.

Lady Dorrian agreed to vary the court order banning the publication of the names of complainers at a hearing on Thursday following an application by The Spectator magazine.

However, it will not be clear what can be published by the committee or by the magazine until the judge publishes her written decision, most likely early next week.

The non-publication of Mr Salmond’s evidence is understood to be the main reason why the former first minister will not appear in front of the committee.

However, other issues such as the risk of prosecution following the evidence session are also unresolved.

It is understood Mr Salmond intends to hold a press conference, most likely next week, if he does not appear in front of the inquiry.

Murdo Fraser, the Scottish Tory spokesperson on the inquiry, said he was “satisfied” the committee could compel the former first minister to attend.

He said: “We have been saying from the outset that our committee will not be able to do its job properly unless we are able to question Alex Salmond in person.

“While we await the full details of the revised order and what implications it will have, I am satisfied that we now have grounds to compel Salmond to attend.

“I would expect SNP members to agree that this must happen, as suggested yesterday by Nicola Sturgeon herself.

“Sturgeon has already lied to Parliament by saying she and her party would ensure full co-operation with the inquiry. The reality has been a cynical and determined campaign to thwart us at every turn.

“People may be confused and frustrated at this despicable SNP chicanery. It is therefore vital for the committee shows our teeth. A failure to do the right thing would undermine the reputation of our Parliament.”

Scottish Labour’s interim leader and member of the committee, Jackie Baillie, said the court decision was “clear” and called for an emergency meeting of the committee on Friday.

She said: “This decision presents the committee with the opportunity to publish the evidence and question Mr Salmond – we must seize that opportunity with both hands.

“It is clear from today’s decision that the publication of the evidence is in the public interest and that it may be used by the committee.

“I have called for an emergency meeting of the committee tomorrow and I hope that colleagues will allow publication of the evidence and invite Mr Salmond to attend in person.

“Failure to seize this opportunity would be most unfortunate for the credibility of the committee and its work.”

The committee is examining the botched handling of harassment complaints against Mr Salmond by the Scottish Government, which led to a £500,000 legal bill after the government conceded a judicial review challenge on the grounds of the process being “tainted by apparent bias”.

Mr Salmond was also acquitted of sexual offence charges in a trial last year.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.