Vice-Chancellor to lead independent Government investigation

Thursday, 25 October 2012

Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell

The Scottish First Minister has today announced that Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell will lead an investigation into whether there has been any breach of the Ministerial Code in Scotland.

The investigation relates to the debate in Scotland on the existence or content of legal advice on an independent Scotland's continued membership of the European Union.

Making the announcement in the Scottish Parliament, the First Minister, Mr Alex Salmond, said: "I can confirm that I have today referred the matter to the independent panel of advisers on the Ministerial Code. I have - on the advice of the Permanent Secretary - invited Sir David Bell to join the independent panel of advisers. Sir David is currently Vice-Chancellor of Reading University and former Permanent Secretary of the Department for Education for England. He will lead the investigation into this matter."

This is a short-term commitment and the Vice-Chancellor will carry out the role alongside his normal duties as Vice-Chancellor of the University.