Final vote to take place on new child witness laws

A final vote is to take place on legislation to ensure more children can record evidence ahead of jury trials in Scotland.

The Scottish Parliament is to decide on the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Bill, which aims to minimise distress and improve the quality of evidence given.

If passed on Thursday, it would see evidence from children involved in the most serious cases being recorded at an earlier stage in proceedings, ahead of the trial.

Offences it would cover include murder, culpable homicide, assault to the danger of life, abduction, plagium, sexual offences, human trafficking, domestic abuse and female genital mutilation.

The Scottish Government estimated the changes would benefit hundreds of youngsters each year.

Minister for Community Safety Ash Denham will lead a final debate on the legislation on Thursday, after MSPs have considered final proposed amendments to the legislation.