Dumfriesshire MSP Oliver Mundell says that potential backtracking from the Scottish Government over their controversial Named Persons scheme shows the policy should be scrapped altogether.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney has said he might remove 16-18 year olds from the scope of those who would be required to have a so-called Named Person, with Mr Mundell arguing this shows pressure from the Scottish Conservatives is beginning to pay off.
Commenting Oliver Mundell MSP said: “If John Swinney is seriously considering removing 16-18 year olds from this legislation, then that would be welcome news, but I have always been of the belief that the Named Person scheme should be scrapped altogether.
“Mr Swinney’s potential changes show the pressure from the Scottish Conservatives is beginning to have an effect but he needs to go much further.
“During the election campaign as I travelled across Dumfriesshire, I found this to be a major concern among voters and the SNP should realise this is a policy they will never gain support for.
“Parts of the scheme have now been ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court showing how unworkable the policy is in any form and families across Scotland will be dismayed if they go ahead and railroad their plans through.
“It is high time they realise that support for the scheme is fast eroding and listened to the Scottish Conservatives who have consistently opposed this scheme which would be an intrusion into the lives of families in my constituency and across the country.
“I will be keeping up the pressure on the Scottish Government to finally admit they are wrong and scrap the scheme.”
