Meeting of the Parliament 08 June 2016
Nothing has changed. We remain completely opposed to the policy, but the debate—[Interruption.] Members can say all that they like, but as we indicate in our motion, every single party in the chamber has acknowledged that there are very serious concerns about the policy. There is another, separate issue, which comes from the professionals who are being asked to deliver the policy on the ground. We remain opposed and we will say so, as we always have done. There is no problem about that whatsoever.
Another problem is that there is now considerable confusion, with parents completely unsure about where they stand in relation to their child’s named person. The First Minister told them that a named person is only an entitlement for each family, that it is not compulsory to engage with the named person or accept his or her advice. That is fine, but the legislation and statutory guidance are both quite clear that all named persons are, by law, compelled to look after the wellbeing of the children who have been assigned to their care, and that the duties and functions of the named person do not require parental permission to be fulfilled. There is no opt-out for named persons, so if any risk is identified, parents have to accept that the chain of paperwork will start for their child.