THE LETTER

The letter to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon demands a timetable for the public inquiry called for by MSPS last year.

Organisations representing the elderly, disabled people, women, ethnic minorities, people in poverty and students, say their patience has run out.

They say they recognise that the Scottish government and public bodies must still dedicate resources to tackling the ongoing pandemic but demand greater clarity about when the inquiry will begin and what it will cover.

The groups suggest the inquiry carries out investigations into specific areas of concern in interim phases which will offer recommendations before the completion of the entire inquiry.

The letter states: “Specifically, we call on the Scottish government to ensure the inquiry examines as a priority, potential failings to uphold rights enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights and international human rights treaties ratified by the UK of those resident in care homes; frontline health and care workers, women, children and young people, disabled people, people of colour, and those experiencing homelessness and insecure housing.”

Amnesty International UK took the lead on compiling the letter to the First Minister and cosignatories include Age Scotland, Engender, Equality Network, Inclusion Scotland, the National Union of Students, Poverty Alliance, Scottish Refugee Council and the Health & Social Care Alliance Scotland.