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UK News

Judges begin hearing appeal against Scotland's Named Person scheme

by Desmond Busteed

Under the law, every child in Scotland will be assigned a state-employed named person to monitor their welfare.

Critics argue that assigning a single point of contact, such as a teacher or health visitor, to look out for the welfare of children aged under 18 breaches data protection laws and the human rights of parents.

A number of Christian organisations along with others are appealing a decision made in January by Judge Lord Pentland to dismiss a judicial review of the plans.

Speaking to Premier, Dr Gordon McDonald, CARE, one of the organisations which has campaigned against the new law said: "It really doesn't provide any limitation upon the extent of which, either health officials or education officials or other officials could intervene if they felt it was for the benefit of the child."

The No to Named Persons (NO2NP) coalition has been gathering signatures in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire and Dundee for a petition protesting against the measure, contained in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act.

Commenting in January on the Court's ruling of the Named Person Judicial review, which rejected the petition on all counts, Children's Minister Fiona McLeod said:

"We know that mothers and fathers are, with a very few exceptions, the best people to raise their children. This policy won't change parental rights and responsibilities. The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act, including the Named Person service, was supported by a large majority of those who responded to the public consultation, backed by a wide range of children's charities and professionals working daily to support families across the country, and endorsed by the Parliament."

Dr Gordon McDonald, CARE, speaking to Premier's Des Busteed:

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