The Scottish Government Named Person scheme will shortly come in to effect in Scotland with full statutory powers implemented in August 2016. Even before those full powers have come in to force, it is already having a negative effect on family life.
Further inforrmation can be found at the No2NP website (click here), but briefly:
WHAT IS IT?
The Scottish Parliament has passed legislation to appoint a ‘Named Person’ for every child in Scotland.
This is a state official tasked with looking after a child’s “wellbeing”, that is, their “happiness”. This state guardian will be put in place regardless of whether or not children or parents wish to have one and regardless of whether there is any need for state intervention.
Confusingly, there are already Named Person pilot schemes in operation across Scotland, but the legislation does not actually come into force until August 2016.
WHAT WILL A ‘NAMED PERSON’ DO?
Named Persons are given some of the duties of parents. A Government leaflet says this includes having to check if children get a say in how their room is decorated and what they watch on TV.
A Named Person will have the power to speak to a child, including about very personal issues, and provide information or advice – all without requiring parental consent.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
- Visit the No2NP website (here) and sign the petition calling for the Scottish Government to scrap the scheme
- Write to or email your MSP to voice your concern and ask for them to call on the Scottish Goverment to rethink this initiative
- Share with your friends and family so that they are aware of the legislation that is due to come in to force in August