Alex Salmond

Full text: Salmond’s opening statement to the Holyrood inquiry

(Photo: Getty Images)

This inquiry is not about me. I’ve already established the illegality of the actions of the Scottish government in the Court of Session, and I’ve been acquitted of all criminal charges by a jury in the highest court in the land. These are both the highest courts in the land, the highest civil court and the highest criminal court. 

The remit for this inquiry is about the actions of others. It’s an investigation into the conduct of ministers, the permanent secretaries, civil servants and special advisers. It also requires to shine a light on the activities of the Crown Office, and to examine the unacceptable conduct of those who appear to have no understanding of the importance of the separation of party and government and prosecution authorities — and indeed of the rule of law itself. 

It was the government who were found to have acted unlawfully, unfairly and tainted by apparent bias. I know that the First Minister asserts that I have to prove a case. I don’t. That has already been done. There have been two court cases, two judges, one jury. In this inquiry it is the Scottish government, a government which has already admitted to behaving unlawfully, who are under examination. 

Secondly, my interest in assisting this inquiry is out of respect for our parliament. I have made no personal public comment on these matters of any kind for 11 months, not a single television interview or press interview or statement. I have turned down hundreds of such offers, which as committee members will know, has hitherto not been my normal policy. 

I have watched with growing frustration over the last six months while this committee has been systematically deprived of the evidence it has legitimately sought. Indeed, I’m just about the only witness who has been actively trying to present you with evidence as opposed to withholding it.

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