SNP MSP Angus MacDonald asks the Scottish Government how much funding EventScotland will receive in the current financial year.

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Deputy Presiding Officer Christine Grahame chastises those in the chamber for the length of the questions and answers, allowing only four of the ten justice questions.

MSPs and ministers be warned as we move on to culture, external affairs and tourism!

Solicitor General Alison Di Rollo says a constructive meeting was held on 19 April.

The change is not to compel rape complainants to testify, but to ensure decisions made are appropriate, she clarifies.

Ms McKelvie seeks assurances that no rape complainant will be jailed if they refuse to give evidence even if compelled.

Ms Di Rollo says she cannot rule out a complainant being compelled to give evidence but adds that this would be rare.

We will take careful account of the risks of not proceeding against a particularly dangerous accused, but a complainant's welfare will be at the heart of the policy, she states.

In some cases this means it might mean the best option is not to continue with a case.

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A new policy which could compel reluctant rape victims to give evidence has been criticised by a charity.

Prosecutors have been reviewing the way they deal with reluctant complainers in rape cases and have produced new guidance.

But Rape Crisis Scotland said issuing warrants for the arrest of victims who do not wish to testify in court would reduce confidence in the system.

The Crown Office said it consulted with stakeholders before making the change.

The new policy has already come into force.

The Crown Office said it would take into account the attitude of the complainer and the individual circumstances in serious sexual offence cases.

It has insisted it will try to re-engage and support victims but has admitted that in some cases it will compel them to give evidence even if they are reluctant.

Read more here.

SNP MSP Christina McKelvie asks the Scottish government whether it will provide an update on its response to the concerns raised by Rape Crisis Scotland and others regarding the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service's changes to prosecution policy in cases of rape and sexual violence.

Mr Coffey raises the case of the death of William Murray in 2013.

In 2015 we reported that a biker who crashed head-on into another motorcyclist, leaving him with fatal injuries,was found guilty of causing death by careless driving.

Alan Taylor, from Erskine, crossed onto the wrong side of the road at a sharp bend near Inveraray in September 2013.

The High Court in Glasgow heard that his motorbike smashed into a Honda being ridden by William Murray, who died days later from his injuries.

Judge Lord Brodie deferred sentence on 36-year-old Taylor until 26 August.

Read more here.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson says the Sentencing Council has set up a subcommittee to look into deaths by driving.

This area of law is reserved, he notes, and anticipated changes will delay the publications of guidelines.

Labour MSP Daniel Johnson asks about representations made to the council.

Mr Matheson reiterates it is an independent body.

Last year we reported that members of the public ere to be asked to comment on how offenders were sentenced by the courts.

The Scottish Sentencing Council launched a consultation on new guidelines, which was due to run up until the end of October 2017.

It said it would be the first time a comprehensive definition was provided for the principles underlying sentencing decisions.

Observers called for the guidelines to help courts ensure prison was not used as an alternative to the welfare state.

The body's first draft guideline sets out the principles and purposes of sentencing for all offences.

Read more here.

What progress is the Scottish Sentencing Council making with guidelines on sentencing in relation to deaths caused by driving, asks SNP MSP Willie Coffey.

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Mr Matheson says knife crimes have significantly reduced since 2006-07.

The justice secretary says there is no room for complacency.

"One knife crime will always be one too many."

He praises the No Knives, Better Lives campaign, external.

The number of teenagers being killed in London has returned to its worst levels since 2008, prompting calls for fresh ways to combat violent crime.

Thirteen years ago, Scotland had one of the worst murder rates in western Europe, but a new approach has seen cases almost halve. Could the same approach work in the capital?

During 2004/05 there were 137 murders in Scotland, giving the country its highest number of homicides in almost a decade. In Glasgow, there were 40 cases alone - double the national rate.

It was this peak which spurred Strathclyde Police to set up the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) in 2005, a specialist team tasked with preventing violent crimes rather than solving them.

By viewing violence as a disease, external, its goal was to diagnose the problem and treat its cause - adopting a so-called "public health approach" which saw officers working with teachers, social and health workers to collate and share knowledge of people involved in gangs.

Read more here.

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SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson asks the Scottish government whether Police Scotland has shared its experience of tackling knife crime with the Metropolitan Police.

Tory MSP Jamie Greene says there are "serious concerns" about the merger and urges the cabinet secretary to "go back to the drawing board".

Mr Matheson highlights the merger was agreed and approved by the parliament.

He raises concerns about the UK government's preferred approach to abolish the BTP and integrate it with MOD services.

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Justice Secretary Michael Matheson says he does not recognise the figures Mary Fee has produced.

Mr Matheson says the polic reform budget will provide the resources requried.

He insists the government is fully committed to fully integrating BTP officers into Police Scotland.

The minister reassures the public saying BTP officers continue to police Scotland's trains.

Image source, British Transport Police

The controversial merger of British Transport Police with Police Scotland will be be delayed, the Scottish government has announced.

.Justice Secretary Michael Matheson described the longer timetable beyond April 2019 as "disappointing".

But he said it would allow more time to engage with the Transport Police Federation on issues like pay and conditions.

The Conservatives had already called for the move to be be put on hold.

Read more here.

Labour MSP Mary Fee asks the Scottish government whether it will provide an update on the timetable of the merger between Police Scotland and British Transport Police.