Amanda Bland
Reform UK · Scotland
“I move amendment S7M-00469.1, to leave out from “acknowledges” to end, and insert: “notes that data on prison population published in 2025 show that 63% of current prisoners have been incarcerated before, highlighting the highly cyclical nature of the prison population; expresses concern that the Scottish Government has sought to attribut…”
“The measures that are used to tackle drug addiction, community sentences, electronic monitoring, treatment and addiction recovery programmes that are designed to rehabilitate offenders and protect victims too often fail.”
“I thank the cabinet secretary and Pauline McNeill. I am interested in your proposals. We agree that the Scottish Prison Service continues to operate in crisis management mode. Sadly, under the Scottish National Party Government, prison governors have become experts in crisis management.”
“In cases of domestic abuse and sexual offences, prisoners can be released after serving only 50 per cent of their sentence. The public are rightly dismayed at that piece of legislation and need to know how the Scottish Government will ensure their safety, especially that of victims of crime.”
“Police Scotland recorded 64,967 incidents of domestic abuse in 2024-25. The scale of the problem is immense, and I appreciate your acknowledging that, cabinet secretary. Does the Scottish Government think that having someone serve only 50 per cent of a prison sentence for that type of crime is acceptable?”
“They were originally estimated to be between £100 million and £400 million but rose to £1 billion, with a prisoner capacity of 1,344. The question is whether the Scottish Government is satisfied that that is a sustainable approach in terms of cost, prisoner capacity and satisfying the public about value for money.”
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Every one of 25 lines we hold for Amanda Bland, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account.
“I move amendment S7M-00469.1, to leave out from “acknowledges” to end, and insert: “notes that data on prison population published in 2025 show that 63% of current prisoners have been incarcerated before, highlighting the highly cyclical nature of the prison population; expresses concern that the Scottish Government has sought to attribute the unsustainable prison population to external factors, while not fully acknowledging the extent to which failings in both its rehabilitation programme and its approach to tackling the longer term issues have a comparatively much bigger impact; agrees that these failings, combined with the use of early release, put the public at increased risk, and resolves that more intensive support is required to support individuals out of a life of crime and offending, alongside the introduction of minimum sentences for crimes as a stronger deterrent.””
“The measures that are used to tackle drug addiction, community sentences, electronic monitoring, treatment and addiction recovery programmes that are designed to rehabilitate offenders and protect victims too often fail. The data on prison population that was published in 2025 showed that 63 per cent of current prisoners have been incarcerated before, which highlights the revolving door of the prison population. I appreciate the cabinet secretary’s acknowledgment that that needs to be addressed. We are not only failing victims and the public; we are failing the offenders, who are stuck in an eternal cycle of reoffending. Prison staff are at their wits’ end trying to manage the unmanageable. The Scottish Government has created and presided over that shambolic set of affairs, which puts criminals first and victims last. It cannot go on.”
“Police Scotland recorded 64,967 incidents of domestic abuse in 2024-25. The scale of the problem is immense, and I appreciate your acknowledging that, cabinet secretary. Does the Scottish Government think that having someone serve only 50 per cent of a prison sentence for that type of crime is acceptable? I accept that some prisoners may be eligible for early release, but, after 19 years of governing, the Scottish Government needs to come up with a better plan than just relying on mass early release. What we have heard sounds like a desperate, knee-jerk plan, but I appreciate what you have said, cabinet secretary, and look forward to discussing with you the measures around the rehabilitation and management of offenders in the community. On rehabilitation, we need a fresh pair of eyes on the whole system.”
“In cases of domestic abuse and sexual offences, prisoners can be released after serving only 50 per cent of their sentence. The public are rightly dismayed at that piece of legislation and need to know how the Scottish Government will ensure their safety, especially that of victims of crime. I am happy to hear that you are discussing domestic abuse and sexual crimes in particular. It sounds like that is one of the Government’s priorities. Perpetrators of domestic abuse and sexual offences should be given a clear message: your crimes are completely unacceptable and you pose a real and persistent danger, especially to women and children. Domestic abuse has become normalised in our society. That must stop. As a former police officer, I completely understand how devastating those crimes are for victims and their families.”
“You have added some information on that already. That approach puts the public, victims and prison staff at risk. The message is clear: the Scottish Government is failing our prison service and is soft on crime. There is overcrowding and crisis management, using desperate early release measures, designed to mitigate years of Government failures. That is a high-risk strategy for victims and the public, who deserve to be and feel safe. The Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Act 2025 allowed prisoners sentenced to less than four years to be released after 40 per cent of their sentence had been served. That was the original figure, but my understanding is that it is now 30 per cent and that that four-year threshold will be changed.”
“They were originally estimated to be between £100 million and £400 million but rose to £1 billion, with a prisoner capacity of 1,344. The question is whether the Scottish Government is satisfied that that is a sustainable approach in terms of cost, prisoner capacity and satisfying the public about value for money. I hear that you are planning some pods on existing prison estates. I presume that that is to increase capacity at a quicker pace. Barlinnie prison, which was originally designed to hold 987 prisoners, now frequently holds 1,400 depending on the daily intake and transfers. However, I understand that the SNP Government is pinning all its hopes on early prisoner release rather than long-term planning to establish a prison estate that is fit for purpose with sustainable funding models.”
“I have the figure 8,400, but I think that you said that it was 8,500. Neil Gray: I should correct the statistic that I gave. It is 8,459 not 8,549. There was a typo in the speech. Amanda Bland: So, we are looking at 106 per cent overcapacity. That is one of the highest levels ever recorded. We are all in agreement that that is unsustainable, is unsafe and represents an ineffective Scottish Prison Service. After 19 years in government, the SNP has failed to expand prison capacity quickly enough and avert the crisis with an effective approach to reducing reoffending. The delayed replacement and construction project for HMP Glasgow has worsened the situation. You mentioned HMP Highland, which is also delayed further. HMP Glasgow has escalating costs, which are eye watering.”
“I thank the cabinet secretary and Pauline McNeill. I am interested in your proposals. We agree that the Scottish Prison Service continues to operate in crisis management mode. Sadly, under the Scottish National Party Government, prison governors have become experts in crisis management. The public, victims, prison staff and the agencies that are involved in managing prisoners’ release deserve a prison service that functions safely, effectively and sustainably. You clearly said that. Since 2020, the number of long-term prisoners has risen significantly and serious offences, including organised crime and sexual offences, are on the increase. In addition, there is a high remand population of prisoners who are awaiting trial or sentencing, which puts additional pressure on capacity. Since late 2025, the prison population has surged.”
“The central purpose of any Government is to protect its citizens. In an increasingly interconnected and digital world, threats to our national security no longer come solely from conventional military conflict. Foreign states can interfere in elections, steal sensitive information, target critical infrastructure and exert influence through covert means. The bill is designed to address those modern challenges. It updates our laws to meet contemporary threats. Doing so helps to safeguard the integrity of our democratic society. We support strong national security measures while continuing to hold Governments accountable for how those powers are used. Although safeguards and oversight remain essential, the need for effective protection is clear. Hence, we support the motion. The Presiding Officer: Maggie Chapman joins us remotely. 17:37”
“Instead, it must be judged against its promises to accelerate climate action, eliminate child poverty and truly build a more equal and sustainable Scotland.”
“Will the member take an intervention? Patrick Harvie: No, I will not give way. I do not think that Reform itself is the true threat that our politics faces. Despite its economic irresponsibility, anti-environment ideology and instinctive desire to punch down on minorities, I do not think—to be frank—that Reform members are good enough at the job to be a real threat in their own right. The real danger is if the Government comes to feel that that is the standard against which it will be judged—that all that it needs to do is say that climate change is real and that racism is bad, and that it will then look progressive by comparison. That must not happen. The Government should not be judged in contrast with the incoherent agenda that Reform has to offer.”
“Finally, Reform UK Scotland seeks to separate the Lord Advocate’s responsibilities as chief adviser to the Government and head of the prosecution service, therefore we do not support the motion. 17:20”
“Public concerns should be addressed, and a parliamentary inquiry into the Murrell embezzlement scandal would address them. However, I understand that the Scottish Government has ruled out splitting the Lord Advocate’s dual role, and has ruled out a parliamentary inquiry into the Peter Murrell embezzlement scandal. In England, the role of attorney general and the post of director of public prosecutions are held by two different people, which seems logical and avoids any conflict of interest. Subject to Parliament’s agreeing to the motion at decision time, will the Scottish Government confirm what criteria were used when selecting a candidate for the position of Lord Advocate? Were alternative governance models considered before recommending Ruth Charteris KC for the role?”
“The First Minister seeks Parliament’s agreement to recommend to His Majesty the King the appointment of Ruth Charteris KC to the role of Lord Advocate and BJ Gill KC to the role of Solicitor General. The Lord Advocate has a unique position as both the chief legal adviser to the Government and the head of the prosecution system, which has understandably led to ongoing speculation and concerns about potential conflicts of interest and accountability. Some serious doubts were raised about the dual role of the Lord Advocate when it emerged that the First Minister was informed of criminal charges against Peter Murrell nearly a year before they were made public. That raises concerns. The public need to know that all criminal cases are handled impartially and without political interference.”
“My job was to hear hard-to-hear information and not to turn away but, rather, to act, investigate, arrest, interview and charge, and to work towards a successful conviction. As a teacher, my job was to educate and nurture young minds, to care for and be part of a wider community and to raise children in a safe, happy and secure environment. All those skills I bring to the table. As an MSP, I will be shining a torch in dark corners. I will not turn away when the darkness disturbs me. I will not be deterred. I will not be silenced. I will work with others who work with me. I will challenge and question the Government. I will remain resilient, because people rely on those who are in positions of authority to do better. We must, we can and we will do better. 16:08”
“However, those charities, despite having huge waiting lists, are left to seek funding each year through a variety of means, not knowing from one year to the next whether they can keep their doors open. One manager said to me: “On Christmas eve, we didn’t know if we would have to shut our doors for good. Our funding streams are unpredictable and fragile.” We need to do better. Criminals do not work in isolation; they are in our communities, workplaces and homes—they are among us. Criminals rely on individuals failing to act; on failing systems and smokescreens; on whistleblowers being silenced; and on coercion and control of others. As a police officer, my job was to shine a torch in some very dark corners.”
“My point, as justice spokesperson for Reform UK Scotland, is that we have the legislation, guidelines and frameworks in place to protect our children; however, the systematic abuse of children and young people continues in our communities. We must do better. Domestic abuse and child abuse are often intrinsically linked. As an MSP, I have visited amazing domestic abuse charities. Many charities provide services to victims of crime, which are a lifeline for them. Statutory agencies depend on those charities as part of the wider referral systems to keep victims safe, and individuals rely on the ability to self-refer to try to protect themselves.”
“After the death of baby Peter, I, along with other multi-agency professionals, delivered high-level training, based on the recommendations in the Lord Laming report, to front-line professionals, in order to prevent anything like those cases from ever happening again. Yet, child abuse continues and organisations that are designed to protect do not deliver, and here we are again. In Scotland, we have key pieces of legislation, guidance and frameworks for protecting our children: the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, the “National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021” and the getting it right for every child—GIRFEC—guidance, to name but a few.”
“The experiences described in the report reflect the very worst outcome when systems that are designed to protect the most vulnerable fail to function as they should. Key strategies for improvement for the Scottish Government to consider have been highlighted in the report, and I look forward to working with the Government on delivering those improvements. I reflect on the tragic deaths of the children Victoria Climbié, who died on 25 February 2000, and Peter Connelly, known as baby P, who succumbed to his injuries on 3 August 2007. Those young, innocent lives were lost to abuse, which led to serious case reviews in England and lessons to be learned.”
“I specialised in child protection and worked on incredibly complex, disturbing and serious cases in which children were abused and neglected, and, sadly, some died at the hands of their abusers. I have a deep respect for the public sector workers who serve us with grace and dignity and who sacrifice themselves and their families to serve their communities. I thank them for their service. However, we must acknowledge that the very services that are designed to protect the most vulnerable sometimes fail to do so. The recent publication of the learning review into the family C case outlines a deeply disturbing case of systematic child abuse in a family unit that took place in Glasgow.”
“Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I very much look forward to working with you and all my colleagues in the Parliament; I wish you all the best of health. May we all serve Scotland with integrity, compassion, justice and wisdom. To the constituents whom I represent in Central Scotland and Lothians West—I will serve you well. I deliver my first speech with a sense of irony, because, as I arrive in the Parliament and am given my portfolio as justice spokesperson for Reform UK Scotland, the biggest political scandal in Scottish history unravels and the former chief executive of the SNP, Peter Murrell, pleads guilty to embezzling £400,000 from SNP funds. You could not make it up. I take my duties as a regional MSP and justice spokesperson seriously. Many people know me as a primary teacher, but, before teaching, I was a police officer.”
“I am not sure what the composition of this parliamentary session’s finance committee will be, but there is every opportunity for members to scrutinise the public finances of Scotland. That gives me the opportunity to make it absolutely crystal clear—in case anybody was in any doubt—that the issues that affected the court process yesterday affected only the funding of the Scottish National Party and not public funding in relation to the Scottish Government. Amanda Bland’s question gives me the opportunity to state that clearly. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, First Minister. I apologise to members who were not called to speak in relation to the urgent question, but it is time to move on to the next item of business. Parliamentary Bureau Motions 17:15”
“I am not quite sure who Amanda Bland is targeting her question at, but I will answer in relation to the two organisations that I have the privilege to lead. The Scottish National Party has very stringent financial controls in place and, as I have just recounted to Graham Simpson, the transparency to match. The Scottish Government has a comprehensive range of financial measures in place to guarantee accountability to Parliament and the public. The Government is audited by Audit Scotland. All the issues are discussed and aired openly by the Parliament’s finance committee, of which the Presiding Officer was a distinguished convener in the previous parliamentary session, and are open to scrutiny by members of all political parties.”
“I thank the officers involved in operation Branchform for their integrity and commitment that led to Peter Murrell’s admission of guilt early on in the process. Maybe we can all agree that this is a shameful episode in the history of Scottish politics. What internal mechanisms has the Scottish Government put in place—or what does it plan to put in place—to ensure that this never happens again? The First Minister: I associate myself with the point that Amanda Bland made about the police officers. They have conducted an investigation that, in collaboration with the Crown, has resulted in a compelling evidence base being made available in this case, which has resulted in a guilty plea at the earliest and first possible opportunity.”
“I, Amanda Bland, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me”