First Minister meets with Sheku Bayoh family

First Minister John Swinney has met with the family of Sheku Bayoh at the Scottish Parliament. 

Speaking after the meeting, the First Minister said:

“I was pleased to meet the family of Mr Bayoh following their invitation to do so and welcomed the opportunity to hear from them directly.

“During the meeting I reiterated the Scottish Government's commitment to establishing the relevant facts surrounding Mr Bayoh's death.

“The independence of public inquiries is vitally important and it would not be appropriate for me to discuss any matters it is considering. I did however assure the family that our immediate priority is to appoint a new Chair to enable the inquiry to complete its work.

“The work to appoint a new Chair is being led by the Deputy First Minister and taking place at pace.”

Background

The First Minister has also agreed to meet Nicole Short and her colleagues, following an invitation from the Scottish Police Federation. Arrangements for this meeting are being taken forward.