John Finnie: Scottish Government must seek section 30 order
Scottish Greens MSP John Finnie has called on the Scottish Government to seek an order under section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998, to allow Ministers to fully incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law.
Mr Finnie, who recently steered the Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Bill through parliament, made the call in response to a statement from Education Secretary John Swinney this afternoon.
Although most measures contained within the convention are devolved a number, including military recruitment, are reserved.
John Finnie MSP said:
“I was delighted to bring forward and pass a bill that provided Scotland’s children with equal protection from assault recently. This was a huge step forward for children’s rights in Scotland, but if we are serious about becoming the best country for children to grow up in then it is incumbent on both the Scottish and UK Governments to work together to this end. With some aspects of the UNCRC reserved and others devolved, I hope both Scottish and UK Ministers can put differences aside and deliver positive change for children in Scotland.”