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Police spies: Campaigners call for inquiry

© Andrew Cowan/Scottish ParliamentNeil Findlay MSP Lothian / Scottish Labour
Neil Findlay MSP Lothian / Scottish Labour

Pressure is growing on Scottish politicians to order an independent public inquiry into the activities of undercover police officers in Scotland.

Every MSP will be sent a new dossier of allegations against officers who infiltrated campaign groups and even had long-term relationships with unsuspecting women.

The report, titled Political Undercover Policing In Scotland, published by the Scottish Campaign Opposing Police Surveillance, brings together for the first time allegations against undercover officers going back decades.

The report calls on the Scottish Government to set up a public inquiry similar to one undertaken in England and Wales.

The call has been backed by MSP Neil Findlay. He said: “This is a very important report exposing the way undercover police officers infiltrated peaceful, social justice campaign groups.”

The report also criticises a review of undercover policing by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS).

However, assistant chief constable Steve Johnson defended the review. He said: “The HMICS report accurately reflected the careful consideration afforded by Police Scotland to its use of undercover officers.”

The HMICS said: “HMICS considers its strategic review of undercover policing in Scotland comprehensive and well-evidenced.”

The Scottish Government said a judicial review of its decision not to hold a public inquiry in Scotland was dismissed.