Scottish Conservatives oppose prisoner voting

14 Dec 2018

The Scottish Government has today launched a consultation on prisoner voting.

In a written answer the Scottish Government has confirmed that it intends to give prisoners the vote but seek views on the appropriate length of term prisoners would be serving.

Scottish Conservative equalities spokesman Annie Wells said:

“The Scottish Conservatives are the only party that oppose prisoners having the right to vote.

“The committee report correctly identified that there are significant logistical difficulties with organising voting in prison, regardless of the length of sentence.

“Our focus is on ensuring that victims are the centre of our justice system, not the criminal.

“Along with the presumption against sentences of less than 12 months, this proposal is another soft-touch justice message from the SNP.

“Our message is clear. If you break the law and require to be removed from society, you will not be allowed to vote.”