I, too, welcome the opportunity to participate in the debate. First, I thank and commend the convener and members of the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee for their consideration of the petition from Ms Nicola Murray. I welcome Ms Murray to her Parliament.
It is evident to all that the circumstances that have been outlined by Ms Murray and that have driven the debate are shattering and deeply heartbreaking, and are something that no woman should ever have to endure. The petition reflects the most tragic of circumstances arising from a relationship that was based on the cruel realities of domestic abuse, which is something that I am committed to addressing and responding to as best I can—an endeavour that I know that all parliamentarians share.
When I was first asked by the committee to consider the petition, I knew that I would have to wrestle with the natural instinct to respond positively to the tragic circumstances against some of the realities of my role and responsibilities as Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs. I come to the debate in the spirit of co-operation, collaboration and compassion. We all want to focus on doing what is right, what is deliverable and what will make a difference.