Split on creation of human rights czar
21 Sep 06
Growing pressure not to create new position
The creation of a human rights "czar" was debated in cabinet at Holyrood yesterday, following criticism that such a post is unnecessary and expensive.
Liberal Democrat ministers are keen to put a human rights commissioner in place, while Labour ministers are understood to oppose the move. The Finance Committee recently called for more accountability to be put in place before any more commissioners are created. The committee was concerned about the millions of pounds already being spent by the five czars already in existence.
Liberal Democrat minister Robert Brown failed to persuade Executive backbenchers to amend the Human Rights Commission Bill to provide for a human rights commission instead of a single commissioner.
MSPs split three-three on the Executive-backed amendment, and Justice 1 Committee convener Pauline McNeill used her casting vote to keep in place the original plan for a commissioner - which is no longer supported.
The committee will meet to consider further amendments to the bill next week.