DON’T MAKE US SUFFER ANY LONGER
Plea over abuse inquiry hold-up
The long-awaited probe into decades of abuse at chi ldren’s homes and residential schools has been plunged into chaos after two members quit over alleged Government interference.
Chai rwoman Susan O’Brien resigned last Monday after moves by John Swinney to remove her over alleged offensive comments to victims, which she denies.
The inquiry panel now has only one member.
Lawyer Cameron Fyfe, who represents hundreds of victims, said: “The Scottish Government need to work hard now to prove there will be no interference from them or it will be extremely difficult to regain the trust of those whose lives have been devastated by abuse.
“Because of the sensitive nature of the inquiry and need to preserve evidence for any future criminal or civil action, only an eminent QC or retired judge can properly do this job.
“The person at the helm must also ensure that the inquiry does not last years and years as Chilcot and the Bloody Sunday inquiry did.
“Many abuse victims have died waiting for this inquiry, others suffered terribly with health issues because of what happened to them. They need to see a conclusion.”
O’Brien quit last Monday, claiming she did not trust the Government not to interfere in the probe.
Professor Michael Lamb quit days earlier over alleged political interference.
But Education Secretary John Swinney said O’Brien faced the sack over alleged comments that would have been offensive to survivors.
Survivors’ spokesman David Whelan said: “Vulnerable people are relying on the inquiry to help them come to terms with what happened to them.
“These setbacks have re-traumatised them.”