Holyrood members' bills to be squeezed
New rules for introducing members' bills feared to hit independents and small parties
Independent MSPs and those from smaller parties have criticised proposed new rules on introducing private members' bills, saying they will affect their ability to publicise important issues.
The Scottish Parliament's Procedures Committee has recommended that instead of a bill requiring support from 11 MSPs of any party in order to be introduced, it will need the backing of at least 18 MSPs from three different parties. MSPs are expected to support the changes next week with immediate effect.
The intention is to improve the running of the parlimentary timetable and reduce the pressure on Holyrood's Non-Executive Bills Unit.
But Tommy Sheridan of the Scottish Socialists, supported by independents Margo MacDonald and Campbell Martin, claimed: "The new rules are designed to undermine the ability of smaller parties and rebel MSPs advancing radical and non-mainstream ideas."
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