‘No trans women in female jail have history of violence against women’, says Justice Secretary Keith Brown
Scottish Justice Secretary Keith Brown has claimed there are no transgender prisoners with violence convictions against women in the female prison estate.
It comes amid the Scottish Conservatives’ call for First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to make a statement to Holyrood to clarify government policy following a pause on the transfer of transgender inmates.
The issue has been in the spotlight following the controversial court case of transgender double rapist Isla Bryson.
The 31-year-old was remanded in custody pending sentencing next month. Following her conviction last week, she was initially taken to Cornton Vale prison near Stirling – Scotland’s sole women-only facility.
Following public outcry, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) moved Bryson to another prison on Thursday.
Isla Bryson arriving at the High Court in Glasgow last week
The row continued over the weekend when reports emerged that Tiffany Scott – who had been convicted of stalking a 13-year-old girl before her transition from Andrew Burns – would be sent to a female unit, reports which were denied by Mr Brown.
On Sunday, the justice secretary announced a pause to transgender prisoners with convictions for violence against women being moved to the female estate, along with an urgent review of the handling of the Bryson case.
Speaking on Monday, Mr Brown said a decision on Scott’s placement “wasn’t taken” and had not been given approval from the risk management authority.
Tiffany Scott, who stalked a 13-year-old girl while known as Andrew Burns
He also said he understands that none of the five trans women currently in the female estate has a history of violence against women.
Mr Brown said: “This changes, as you can imagine, on a regular basis, but my understanding is there are no transgender women in the female estate that have violence against women convictions.”
However, he added that, in exceptional circumstances, a trans woman could be moved to the female estate, but that would require the approval of Scottish ministers before a decision is taken.
Mr Brown said the SPS is “taking their time” to make sure they get the review “right”, adding that the Scottish government will look at creating a specific unit for trans prisoners if that is what the review recommends.
Asked if Bryson and Scott are transgender women or violent males attempting to manipulate the system, Mr Brown said: “If someone presents as a trans person, then we accept that at face value; what we do not accept is that that gives them the right to go to the prison estate of their choosing.”
Read more:
Scotland pauses movement of all transgender prisoners while rules reviewed
Transgender rapist in women’s prison in Scotland ‘raises safety fears’
Transgender woman found guilty of rape when she was a man
Justice Secretary Keith Brown
Tensions around the issue of gender recognition have been heightened in recent months by the passage of Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill in December – legislation that would make it easier for trans people to obtain a gender recognition certificate.
Opponents of the Bill raised concerns about the impact on women and girls, while its supporters said it is a minor administrative change.
The UK government moved to block the Bill from becoming law by using, for the first time, Section 35 of the Scotland Act.
‘Nicola Sturgeon needs to explain her government’s shambolic mess’
Following the pause of the transfer of transgender inmates, the Scottish Conservatives have called on Ms Sturgeon to make a statement to MSPs this week.
Scottish Tory shadow community safety minister Russell Findlay said: “After days of SNP chaos, confusion and U-turns, Nicola Sturgeon must come to parliament as a matter of urgency.
“She needs to explain her government’s shambolic mess and make clear how the safety of female prisoners can be guaranteed.”
He added: “But a ‘pause’ on criminals with a history of violence against women being housed in female prisons does not go far enough.
“We need a permanent ban to safeguard vulnerable female inmates.”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq over allegations she lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh.
It comes after the current Bangladeshi leader, Muhammad Yunus, said London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated.
He told the Sunday Times the properties should be handed back to his government if they were acquired through “plain robbery”.
Tory leader Ms Badenoch said: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.
“He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.
“Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”
Ms Siddiq insists she has “done nothing wrong”.
Her aunt was ousted from office in August following an uprising against her 20-year leadership and fled to India.
Ms Siddiq is also named with her aunt in Bangladesh court documents about meetings with the Russian government.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir to sack the minister
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As economic secretary to the Treasury, Ms Siddiq is responsible for policy on both the City and tackling corruption.
She referred herself to the prime minister’s ethics watchdog on Monday following the reports about the properties.
On the same day, the prime minister said: “Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.
“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”
Police in Aberdeen have widened the search area for two sisters who disappeared four days ago in the city.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were last seen on CCTV on Market Street after leaving their home on Tuesday at around 2.12am.
The sisters – who are part of a set of triplets and originally from Hungary – crossed the Victoria Bridge to the Torry area and turned right on to a footpath next to the River Dee.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti were last seen on CCTV in Market Street. Pic: Police Scotland/PA
They headed in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club but officers said there is no evidence to suggest the missing women left the immediate area.
Specialist search teams, police dogs and a marine unit have been trying to trace the pair.
The sisters crossed Victoria Bridge before walking along a footpath next to the River Dee
The pair were heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club on the south side of the River Dee
Further searches are being carried out towards the Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour and Duthie Park.
Police Scotland said it is liaising with authorities in Hungary to support the relatives of the two sisters.
Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “Eliza and Henrietta’s family are understandably extremely worried about them and we are working tirelessly to find them.
“We are seriously concerned about them and have significant resources dedicated to the inquiry.”
The sisters, from Aberdeen city centre, are described as slim with long brown hair.
Henrietta Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Eliza Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Officers have requested businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to review their CCTV footage for the early morning of Tuesday 7 January.
Police added they are keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from that time.
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