By Steve Bargeton, political editor

MINISTERS YESTERDAY backed down on controversial plans to reform the justice system in order to make way for new child protection legislation.

The intention had been to bring in new laws to change the judicial appointments system before the Holyrood elections next May. The move has been the target of fierce criticism from the legal fraternity, with accusations that ministers were trying to politicise the judiciary.

But announcing the Executive’s last legislative programme before the Scottish elections, Parliament Minister Margaret Curran blamed the illness of the Lord President. “Given the central role of the Lord President in the plans outlined in the consultation paper, it would not be right to proceed without his own response.”

Also dropped is planned reform of children’s hearings. In comes proposed legislation to create tougher vetting for those working with children.

The Protection of Vulnerable Groups Bill incorporates the recommendations of the Bichard inquiry which followed the Soham murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

These include the creation of a “central barring unit” which will decide on the suitability of people seeking to work with children or adults at risk.

The Bichard reforms, which ministers want to put on to the statute book ahead of the election, will cover those working with children—whether paid or unpaid.

It will also aim to make better provision for sharing information about children at risk.

The “vetting and barring” scheme is intended to prevent unsuitable people working with children.

If an individual is barred by the central unit, all present employers of that individual will be told. Under the new vetting and barring procedure, information will be contin- uously updated—reducing the need for subsequent full checks when taking up new positions.

The minister also told parliament that the Executive will bring forward a “tightly- drawn” sentencing bill that would scrap automatic unconditional early release and achieve greater sentencing clarity, as outlined by Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson this week. The bill will also bring in measures to curb the sale of non-domestic knives and swords.

Ms Curran also confirmed that the transport and works bill, school nutrition and health promotion bill and aquaculture and fisheries bill would be introduced as planned.