MSP Richard Simpson has called on his constituents in Clackmannanshire to cast their views on the withdrawal of corroboration from Scotland’s criminal justice system.

Dr Simpson, a list MSP for Central Scotland and Fife, says the need for legal safeguards is crucial if Scots Law is to abolish the need for corroborative evidence in criminal trials.

Under the current legal framework, for evidence to be accepted in court it must be verified by two independent sources.

The Scottish Government wants to abolish this requirement, claiming it to be outdated and restrictive.

Opposition to the proposal led to the Bonomy Review which has suggested a series of safeguards which could replace corroboration to prevent any miscarriages of justice.

Members of the public are invited to submit their views on these provisions, should the removal of corroboration be agreed in parliament.

Dr Simpson said: “It is incredibly important that we have the right checks and balances in place before consideration of a removal of corroboration is decided.

“We rely on our justice system in many different ways, and interact with it for a variety of different reasons. And we need to have faith in the integrity of that system.

“That is why this review is so important – and why the expert group needs to hear from people across the country.

“The thoughts, experiences and opinions that you share can only help the process, and help ensure that the recommendations made in April are the right ones.” The consultation period will run until November 28, with a number of public meetings to be held in Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Hamilton.

For more information on the review, upcoming public meetings, and details on how to respond to the consultation, visit www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Review/post-corroboration-safeguards.