Compared to the European Union and the United States, the UK Government has been slow in sanctioning Russian oligarchs.
The French and German governments are impounding super-yachts yet it takes people power of Orkney and last-minute appeals to the UK Transport Secretary to turn around Russian tankers from berthing at Scottish oil terminals.
There is bluster from Tory Ministers about seizing London mansions of Vladimir Putin’s pals to house Ukrainian refugees but until we see Michael Gove putting the padlocks on the gates, that will not be believed.
It is welcome that the Scottish Government has pledged it “will not support trade and investment activity with Russia” – but could more be done?
Prompted by a question in Holyrood, Nicola Sturgeon has sought advice on what action the Scottish Government can take against Putin-linked individuals and organisations.
One possible measure is ending any financial support from the public purse given to “Kremlin associates”.
Another is looking at whether the assets of Russian elites held in Scotland can be seized or frozen regardless of whether they are on the UK sanctions list.
The First Minister should explore every way possible of hampering the enablers, supporters and beneficiaries of Putin’s malign regime.
The invasion of Ukraine has shocked the world and it is vital everyone plays their part in ending the war waged on a peaceful democratic nation.
If we in Scotland can do more to help, then we must.
Tech blunders raise concerns
Justice Secretary Keith Brown’s statement on an IT glitch in the criminal justice system was deeply concerning.
Risk assessment processes are crucial in judging whether criminals still pose a danger to the public before they are released.
The data must be accurate, otherwise the public could be put at risk.
It has now been confirmed the wrong risk level was attributed to hundreds of Scottish offenders.
Some of the cases have not raised any public protection issues but that is not the point.
More than 1000 cases are being reviewed and opposition MSPs are right to be concerned.
Brown’s statement was also heavy on jargon and light on clarity, raising many more questions than it answered.
He must come back to Holyrood as soon as possible and allay concerns on this concerning development.
