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Panel member quits 'doomed' Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry; hakken in het zand

BBC
28 - 6 - 2016

A key member of the Scottish government's child abuse inquiry has resigned, saying it is "doomed" by government interference.

Psychology professor Michael Lamb said there had been "repeated threats" to the independence of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.

The major review is scheduled to last four years, but has been criticised by survivors of abuse.

The Scottish government said it "entirely rejects" Mr Lamb's comments.

The inquiry, which concerns historical allegations of child abuse in Scotland, will examine the extent of abuse of children in care, and identify any systemic failures.

It launched a formal call for evidence in March, but has already heard from some seriously ill or very elderly survivors.

Mr Lamb - one of three members of the panel, alongside chairwoman Susan O'Brien QC and Glenn Houston - said the project had "noble and worthy goals", but that it was ultimately "doomed".

'Continuing interference'

In a letter to Education Secretary John Swinney, he said: "It has become increasingly clear over the last nine months that the panel cannot act independently and that the Scottish government intends to continue interfering in ways large and small, directly and indirectly.

"Continuing interference threatens to prevent the inquiry from investigating thoroughly and taking robust evidence of the highest quality.

"Repeated threats to the inquiry's independence have undermined the panel's freedom and have doomed the inquiry before the first witness has been heard.

"The Scottish government has delayed or prevented the appointment of crucial members of staff for prolonged periods of time while its officials have questioned the decisions made by the supposedly independent inquiry."

A spokesperson for the Scottish government said: "We entirely reject Prof Lamb's comments about the Scottish government.

"The Scottish government has a clear obligation to fulfil its responsibilities within the requirements of The Inquiries Act 2005 and other relevant legislation. Our primary focus remains on supporting the successful operation of the independent statutory inquiry.

"Ministers are grateful to Prof Lamb for his work."

The government spokesperson added: "The deputy first minister has also written to survivors and their representatives about Prof Lamb's departure and assured them that his primary objective is to ensure that this does not impact on the progress that the independent inquiry has been making."

Survivors and their representatives are due to attend a ministerial meeting to discuss the progress of the inquiry and support for victims.

Angela Constance, who established the inquiry in 2015, said the inquiry would "aim to shine a light in the dark corners of the past, to shape how we respond in the present and guide how we go forward in the future."

Ms Constance was forced to defend the inquiry's remit after campaigners claimed institutions such as the Catholic Church and Boy Scouts could be "let off the hook" by its terms of reference.

29-6-2016

The credibility of the Scottish government's child abuse inquiry is at risk after a key panel member resigned, an abuse survivors group has said.

Psychology professor Michael Lamb stood down on Tuesday over what he claimed were "repeated" threats" to the inquiry's independence.

Helen Holland, from In Care Survivors, said those who had already given evidence deserved answers quickly.

The Scottish government has rejected Prof Lamb's comments.

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry - which concerns historical allegations in Scotland - will examine the extent of abuse of children in care, and identify any systemic failures.

It launched a formal call for evidence in March, but has already heard from some seriously ill or very elderly survivors.

Ms Holland told BBC Radio Scotland that she would like to hear in what way the professor felt the inquiry process was being hindered.

"I have been wracking my brains to find out what gain there would be in him making a statement like that if there wasn't any truth in it and there is no answer to that," she said.

"Until Prof Lamb is interviewed himself and we are able to identify exactly in what way the government were seen to be hindering the inquiry then that's something that definitely needs to be done."

Inquiry 'doomed'

Ms Holland said she had co-ordinated a lot of survivors to give evidence to the inquiry.

"They have already given their statements and they deserve answers, they deserve answers quickly," she said.

"I was really surprised that the chairperson herself didn't come forward and make a statement yesterday on the back of this and I think that needs to happen for the inquiry to gain credibility."

Prof Lamb was one of three members of the panel, alongside chairwoman Susan O'Brien QC and Glenn Houston. He said the project had "noble and worthy goals", but that it was ultimately "doomed".

In a letter to Education Secretary John Swinney, he said: "It has become increasingly clear over the last nine months that the panel cannot act independently and that the Scottish government intends to continue interfering in ways large and small, directly and indirectly.

"Continuing interference threatens to prevent the inquiry from investigating thoroughly and taking robust evidence of the highest quality.

"Repeated threats to the inquiry's independence have undermined the panel's freedom and have doomed the inquiry before the first witness has been heard."

Prof Lamb also accused the Scottish government of delaying or preventing the appointment of "crucial" members of staff.

A spokesperson for the Scottish government said on Tuesday: "We entirely reject Prof Lamb's comments about the Scottish government.

"The Scottish government has a clear obligation to fulfil its responsibilities within the requirements of The Inquiries Act 2005 and other relevant legislation. Our primary focus remains on supporting the successful operation of the independent statutory inquiry.

"Ministers are grateful to Prof Lamb for his work."

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