Convener hits back at Salmond decision

ALEX Salmond has been told to reconsider his refusal to appear in person before Holyrood’s inquiry into the Scottish Government’s botched investigation of sexual harassment claims against him.

The former first minister had been invited to give evidence next Tuesday, but his lawyer rejected the request, citing public health concerns and the Scottish Government’s refusal to publish its legal advice.

Mr Salmond’s lawyer said appearing next week would “send the wrong message”, and he suggested giving evidence on February 16 instead.

But the committee has said an appearance on that date would be too late, and it criticised his failure to discuss arrangements with Parliament clerks.

In her response to Mr Salmond, convener Linda Fabiani states the Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints wants to hear from all witnesses by the end of January to allow the Government and Parliament to consider its recommendations before election purdah rules come into force.

Ms Fabiani said she was “disappointed” Mr Salmond declined the offer to give evidence, and wrote: “I invite you to reconsider the committee’s invitation.

“As I have said to you before, it is for the committee to set its own timescales and its clear preference is to complete oral evidence-taking in January to ensure it can report as early as possible.”

Addressing Mr Salmond’s reluctance to appear in light of the pandemic and latest lockdown restrictions, Ms Fabiani assured the former SNP leader there are “numerous measures” in place to allow parliamentary work to continue safely.

She said hearing his evidence in person is considered “exceptional circumstances”, after an attempt to hold this week’s committee meeting entirely remotely was plagued by connection and audio problems.

Ms Fabiani said the committee may have to meet in-person, with Mr Salmond appearing remotely.