Scottish families are overwhelmingly against the Named Person scheme, according to a new survey by Scotland’s Press and Journal (P&J) newspaper.
The survey found that more than 70 per cent of P&J readers are not in favour of the controversial plans, which have been delayed following an historic legal intervention by the UK Supreme Court.
In July, judges vindicated a judicial review by The Christian Institute and ruled that the plan to appoint a state guardian to every child in Scotland is unlawful in its current form.
Opposition
Today, the Aberdeen-based paper reports that more than two-thirds of respondents would not cooperate with their child’s Named Person even if the plans were to come into force.
The survey of more than 1,000 readers also found that 56 per cent agreed the scheme is “intrusive” with 17 per cent saying they were opposed despite believing the “intention is good”.
Writing in the newspaper, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said he remains “committed to implementing” the scheme and claimed he is working to address the issues raised by the Supreme Court judgment.
However, the Press and Journal stated that the public are “very unimpressed” and that any changes will “come under heavy scrutiny”. Mr Swinney is expected to make a statement on changes to the Named Person legislation this week.
Plans halted
The Named Person scheme was due to come into force on 31 August. It was halted when Supreme Court judges struck down the key data sharing provisions in the plans, ruling that they contravened the European Convention on Human Rights.
Speaking on the 31st, Institute Director Colin Hart said it was a good day for families.
“All along we have been clear that parents are the ones who know their children best, not state officials.
Orwellian
“Yes, there will be times when people need assistance, but this scheme was aimed at every child, at all times, for even the most trivial of matters.”
“We give thanks to God for this ruling and are delighted that families continue to be free to raise their children in the way that they see fit, without having an Orwellian Government peering into their homes”, he said.