While we are still facing challenges on a number of fronts, I am positive as we enter 2022.

Alongside my Scottish Conservative colleagues, I am determined to work hard to improve people’s standard of life here in Dumbarton, the West of Scotland and across the country.

One example of this comes from my colleague Jamie Greene who has introduced his plans for a Victims Law which will bring about overdue positive changes to the Scottish justice system.

All too often the SNP’s soft-touch justice attitude has betrayed victims and failed to put their interests first, often prioritising those of the criminal.

The Victims Law proposals are wide-ranging and will reform the flaws that victims and campaigners alike have seen fallen on deaf ears with the SNP for too long. I am proud to stand with Jamie and victims of crime in proposing these significant changes.

Perhaps the most headline-grabbing is the plan to abolish the not proven verdict, which is an outdated verdict and has caused far too much grief to victims of crime since the 19th century.

The Victims Law will also implement two key laws which will give victims more rights and say in their cases and how their attackers are treated. Firstly, Michelle’s Law will give victims a voice when criminals are being considered for release. This will be a vital change, meaning that victims and the local communities can feel heard and safer.

Secondly, it will implement Suzanne’s Law, which will bring true justice to victim’s families as it will prevent the release of killers from prison if they refuse to tell where a victim’s body is buried.

Furthermore, the Victims Law provisions will allow all victims the opportunity to make statements in court, and will ensure all victims are notified if no further action is to be taken on their case.

It will also completely reform the Victims Notification Scheme and introduce statutory timescales for fatal accident inquires.

Those two areas in particular are where the SNP have dragged their heels for too long. They trumpeted the Victims Notification Scheme but have failed to resource it. And victims and families are shamefully waiting years for FAIs to begin.

The SNP have been in power for almost 15 years. They have had a chance to stand up for victims and they have failed them for far too long.

This is a wide-ranging bill and I know how much work Jamie has put into bringing it to fruition.

I would encourage everyone to take part in the consultation, which is open until Wednesday, March 9, and make your feelings known. You can do so at victimslaw.org.