David Linden
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“The first time that I was in Barlinnie, in 2008, as a case worker, I never imagined that, years on, I would be the local member of the Scottish Parliament, representing Barlinnie and overlooking justice policy.”
Scottish Parliament25 June 2026Source ↗
“Will the member give way? Stephen Kerr: I would never not give way to David Linden. David Linden: Mr Kerr will be aware that, in 2023, the then Conservative Government embarked on a process of early release.”
Scottish Parliament25 June 2026Source ↗
“Let us throw the book at the people in our society who are causing the misery that such individuals cause, but let us not run away from the realities. Speaking of realities, I draw colleagues’ attention to a letter dated 12 September 2025 from His Majesty’s chief inspector of prisons, about the prison situation.”
Scottish Parliament25 June 2026Source ↗
“All that I am looking for from the Scottish ministers is a degree of humility—for them to say, “Look, we’ve got this wrong and there’s another way to do it.” [Interruption.] For those who do not know, David Linden is holding up the report from the independent Scottish sentencing and penal policy commission.”
Scottish Parliament25 June 2026Source ↗
“I will, of course, accept an intervention from the cabinet secretary. Neil Gray: I certainly do not regret, and nor will I apologise for, the fact that we are prosecuting more serious offences, including sexual offences and historical sexual offences.”
Scottish Parliament25 June 2026Source ↗
“I hope that the cabinet secretary can count on his colleagues across Government to make sure that we mobilise every aspect of the state so that, when we come to the release measures, people do not come back into the system.”
Scottish Parliament25 June 2026Source ↗