"The controversy began in September, when Constance opposed a Conservative amendment to a victims bill calling for an inquiry into grooming gangs. The justice secretary told MSPs that Prof Jay "did not support further inquiries" into child sexual abuse and exploitation. However, emails released by the government show Prof Jay clarified in September that she made that comment "in the context of the England and Wales Public Inquiry on Child Sexual Abuse, which I chaired"."
"The academic said Scottish ministers should collect "reliable data" about the problem and requested that her position be clarified. The government issued a clarification in meeting notes last month but not in the Holyrood chamber. Constance has described her comments about the academic as "accurate" - but opponents claim she is in breach of the ministerial code for failing to correct the record."
Justice Secretary Angela Constance faces a vote of no confidence after opposition parties accused her of misrepresenting Professor Alexis Jay's position on grooming gangs and misleading parliament. Conservatives and Labour attacked Constance during First Minister's Questions and urged her sacking; First Minister John Swinney resisted, saying Jay's views had been clarified. An alleged victim known as Taylor called Constance's position untenable and survivors reportedly distrust her. Constance opposed a September Conservative amendment and told MSPs Jay "did not support further inquiries". Government emails show Jay meant that remark in the context of the England and Wales inquiry she chaired and requested clarification. The government clarified in meeting notes but not in the chamber. Constance says her comments were accurate; opponents allege a breach of the ministerial code.
Read at www.bbc.com
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