Meeting of the Parliament 08 June 2016
No, I am sorry; I am in my final minute.
The Tories do not have a problem with the definition of wellbeing; it is the definition of opposition and principle that they do not understand. Our position, which they have tried to copy, is one that Ruth Davidson described as “humiliating hypocrisy”. It was a “screeching U-turn” she said. Well, humiliating hypocrisy is turning up with a motion that hides the real purpose behind the pause that has no purpose except to allow more debates and, presumably, more Tory press releases that say something different out there to what they say in here. That is not strong opposition; it is the weakest of opportunism.
We do not want a pause to debate the policy; we want it to be fixed properly and proportionately implemented, parents’ confidence to be regained and the benefits for children to be secured. That is what our amendment calls for.
I move amendment S5M-00345.2, to leave out from “, irrespective” to end and insert:
“recognises that the Named Person policy contained in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 is supported by the majority of organisations working in the interests of child welfare, including backing from experts from Children 1st, Barnardo’s, Save the Children, Children Scotland and the NSPCC; considers, however, that the rollout of the policy by the Scottish Government has been poorly carried out, from communication of the policy to the public to guidance produced by government officials to the way that the legislation has been presented in the Parliament, causing anxiety for parents and resulting in many losing confidence in the Named Person provision, and proposes a pause to the process in order that the Children and Young People’s Commissioner can carry out a full review of the implementation of Named Person to address concerns of parents, teachers, health visitors, social workers and other partners.”
Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.
- S5M-00345.2 Education Motion