THE Scottish Parliament’s presiding officer has said there will be “enhanced security checks” moving forward after allegations that suspended Labour representative Colin Smyth hid a camera in a Holyrood toilet.
Smyth is facing a charge in connection with a hidden recording device, as well as a charge linked to “possession of indecent images”.
Presiding officer Alison Johnstone told MSPs on Tuesday that the police had swept the parliament building and found no recording devices.
She further said that, due to the live police investigation, “the information available to the parliament at different stages has therefore necessarily been limited, and parliamentary authorities do not have confirmation of any investigation details”.
Police Scotland first arrested and charged Smyth over allegations linked to indecent images on August 5. No stakeholders, such as Scottish Labour or the Scottish Parliament, were informed. As such, he was able to access the Scottish Parliament estate on August 15 on a visit with a Girl Guide group.
On August 20, news of the charge become public, and on August 28 the second allegations about a hidden camera were also reported by the media.
The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) acted on the same day (August 28) to block Smyth’s security pass.
Addressing MSPs on Tuesday, Johnstone laid out the steps the SPCB had taken.
“You'll be aware that the corporate body met this morning, and following that meeting, a detailed note has been provided to party groups, to individual members and to staff.
“I just wish to take this opportunity to reiterate a number of points to the chamber. I'm absolutely appalled that anyone would have to face a situation like this in Parliament or indeed, in any workplace or in any other environment.
“We all feel shock and hurt at the recent allegations relating to an elected member and reports of an invasion, a shocking invasion of privacy. The safety and welfare of everyone who works in this building is our priority.
“These circumstances are unprecedented for this parliament, and it has been and continues to be a highly complex situation to navigate.
“There is an ongoing live criminal investigation. The information available to the parliament at different stages has therefore necessarily been limited, and parliamentary authorities do not have confirmation of any investigation details. If further information is confirmed or verified, we will share this.”
Johnstone highlighted that there is currently no way to remove a sitting MSP (beyond their own resignation), before going on: “Officials have worked at pace to consider how this unprecedented situation should best be responded to, establishing appropriate lawful authority to act, and carrying out a thorough risk assessment.
“Having considered this, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body agreed to deactivate the member's pass.
“And while procedures are a matter for the whole parliament, for its part, the SPCB is committed to reviewing online and physical security as a whole, in line with its remit and responsibilities.
“And as this remains a live criminal investigation, the matter is sub judice. We must avoid contempt of court, and nothing should be said or done that might jeopardise the investigation.”
She went on: “We can only comment on information that is verified, and I will continue to keep party leaders and groups across the parliament up to date.
“Police Scotland has swept the facilities in the building and no devices were found.
“Enhanced security checks of the building will also continue as we seek to provide further reassurance to you and to each and every person who works or visits the Scottish Parliament.”
Smyth has "strongly" rejected allegations he put a hidden camera in Holyrood toilets, saying the claims came "as an utter shock".
Following his charge for possession of indecent images, Smyth said: “These events have come as a shock and this is a deeply stressful time.
“I am obviously cooperating fully with any inquiries and hope the matter can be resolved quickly.
“I am not able to comment further at this stage, and in the meantime I would ask that for the privacy of my family and friends to be respected.”
