John Finnie MSP, Scottish Green Party

Local MSP John Finnie the Scottish Greens Justice spokesperson has welcomed moves to block mobile phone signals in Scottish prisons after receiving assurances from the Scottish Government that those living near prisons would not be affected.

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Michael Matheson, appeared before the Justice Committee and Mr Finnie sought assurances that no “collateral intrusion” would impact communities who live near to prisons.

Finnie used the example of Inverness Prison advising the Cabinet Secretary that he was further away across the table, than the distance between some dwellings and Inverness Prison. He also raised concerns around the impact this technology may have on people using apps to access healthcare solutions.

Mr Matheson assured Mr Finnie that this had not been an issue in trials or in other prisons where this system operates.

John Finnie said:

“I was pleased to support the proposals to block mobile phones in Scotland’s prisons. I raised concerns with the Justice Secretary around possible collateral intrusion potentially inconveniencing local communities. I was pleased he was able to provide assurances and confirm that were such intrusion to take place it could be rectified quickly.”