The Scottish Conservatives have pledged their support to campaigners calling for a public inquiry into the baby ashes scandal. Party leader Ruth Davidson will today (Wednesday) meet with bereaved parents to discuss pushing the Scottish Government to commit to a full inquiry into the recent scandal.

Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: “A public inquiry is not something the Scottish Conservatives call for lightly, and in this case we feel it is essential. It will ensure two very important things; that lessons will be learned for the future, and the families who have suffered get the answers and explanations they deserve.

“This is now very much a nationwide matter, and a full public inquiry is the only legitimate way forward. Nothing can heal the wounds of the victims in this, but as a society and as a Parliament, we at least have a duty get the answers they need.”

Willie Reid, chair of the Mortonhall Ashes Action Committee has welcomed the support from the Conservatives. He added: "We have total support from all political parties except SNP, and we are urging the Government to listen to affected parents and their wider families, their political opponents and the 7,000 members of the public who have signed our petition.  A public inquiry is the only way we will get truth and justice.”

Mr Reid will be joined at the meeting by representatives from Thompsons Solicitors which is acting for the majority of the parents affected.  Thompsons Partner Patrick McGuire said: “Unfortunately the SNP has stooped to new lows over the baby ashes scandal and appears to be cutting off its nose to spite its face. It made the wrong call over the Commission and now instead of admitting this and rectifying its mistake it is steadfastly refusing to budge on an issue which has shocked and appalled the rest of the country.

“The party is doing itself no favours by taking a cold and heartless stance on such a sensitive issue. A public inquiry is the only route to establishing the truth about what happened in crematoria across the country and the harder the Scottish Government try to deny the parents this the harder we will fight.”

A petition set up by the Mortonhall Ashes Action Committee and Glasgow Answers for Ashes Parents calling on First Minister Alex Salmond and Councillor Lesley Hinds to hold a public inquiry into the handling of baby ashes has generated huge support with over 7,000 people adding their support for the campaign. Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson recently probed the First Minister on his position during First Ministers Questions where he stated that should there be benefits to bereaved parents, he would look at it.

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