A LIBDEM motion of no confidence in Police Scotland has been rejected by MSPs.
Holyrood voted by 85 to 35 against the motion which would have seen parliament register “no confidence in the structure of both Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority to deliver resilient and accountable policing at a strategic level”.
It also included a call for the Scottish Government to establish an independent commission on the matter.
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LibDem justice spokesman Liam McArthur laid the blame for the problems in Police Scotland with the creation of the single force in 2013, when the Scottish Government merged eight regional services.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson disagreed: “The choice faced in creating Police Scotland was one of transforming to protect the frontline, or allowing the frontline to wither due to austerity.
“I remain in no doubt we have chosen the right course. I recognise that major reform always brings challenges.
“Nevertheless, policing in Scotland continues to perform well.”
Matheson said pressure on public spending contributed to the creation of the single force, criticising the LibDems for their role in coalition government with the Tories.
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