Government amendments making ‘dog’s dinner’ of legal reforms Bill, say Lib Dems

The Scottish Government has made a “dog’s dinner” of attempts to reform regulation of the legal profession by lodging more than 500 amendments to its Bill, the Liberal Democrats have said.

The Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill is currently at the second of Holyrood’s three-stage legislative process, but a range of voices in the legal profession are concerned about its impact.

These include Lord Justice Clerk Lady Dorrian, Scotland’s second-most senior judge, who said it would undermine the independence of the legal profession as ministers would be able to exercise direct power over regulation.

Lib Dem justice spokesman Liam McArthur pointed out that more than 500 of the 600-plus amendments at Stage Two were lodged by the Government.

He said the Government appeared to be backing down on its position on ministerial powers, accusing the SNP of taking the wrong approach.

He said: “By not engaging properly with stakeholders, the Government risked giving ministers unchecked powers and undermining the confidence of the legal profession.

“After numerous warnings and fierce opposition, only now have they backed down and agreed to remove these powers.

“The fact that it will take more than 500 amendments to make this extremely messy legislation fit for purpose shows what a dog’s dinner they have made of it.

“Liberal Democrats are strongly in favour of modernising the legal profession, but the Government’s mishandling of it reminds us that it must be done with care.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill will implement a modern, forward-looking model for legal services regulation, which upholds the independence of the legal profession, protects consumer interests, and maintains public confidence.

“Throughout the Bill’s progression we have listened to the views of stakeholders and welcomed their constructive engagement.

“Many of the amendments that have been made are technical in nature, rather than substantive.”