SNP ministers are facing another embarrassing defeat at Holyrood as their controversial Named Person legislation is thrown into the spotlight tomorrow.
Scottish Conservative MSPs are hoping to deliver a hammer-blow to the flagship policy, which would give every child aged under 18 a state guardian.
The scheme – due to come into force in August – has faced significant opposition from the electorate, who view it as government intrusion into family life.
The recent tragic death of Liam Fee – who had a pilot version of a named person – has also led some critics to cast further doubt over the impact of the universal policy, with the Tories suggesting it could divert resources away from the most vulnerable children.
Tomorrow, Ruth Davidson’s party will call for a pause in the implementation of the legislation, citing “confusion among parents” and “practical difficulties” in implementing it.
The motion, put forward by the Conservatives’ shadow education secretary Liz Smith, echoes calls from Labour and the Liberal Democrats for a hiatus in introducing the Named Person scheme.
Last week, Labour managed to defeat the SNP with a motion supporting a ban on fracking, exposing the fragility of Nicola Sturgeon’s minority administration.
The No to Named Person (NO2NP) campaign group has spearheaded public opposition to the legislation, but the Scottish Government insists it is “widely supported”.
Education Secretary John Swinney recently accused the Tories of “playing politics” with children’s welfare.
Ms Smith is expected to say in the debate: “We are deliberately steering clear in this particular debate of making the case to oppose the Named Person policy, although the Scottish Conservatives will continue to do so.
“This is because we believe there is an urgent need to address the practical concerns of professionals and parents about the workability of the policy which, if it is not dealt with, could seriously undermine the welfare of children across Scotland.
“That outcome would be unforgiveable, hence the reason why we are asking parliament to support our motion.”
Under current plans, every child in Scotland would be assigned a named person – most commonly a health worker or teacher – after August 31.
According to the Scottish Government, their role would be to “listen, advise and help a child or young person and their family”.
But NO2NP critics argue it is an unnecessary intrusion into the privacy of families.
Last night, a Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The Named Person policy is widely supported by leading children’s charities and welfare organisations, as well as by the Scottish Police Federation, who say it will ‘help keep children safer’.
“The legislation was passed with cross-party support and not a single vote against, by 103 votes to zero, in the Scottish Parliament – and it has also been upheld by the highest court in Scotland, including a ruling which said the policy had ‘no effect whatsoever on the legal, moral or social relationships within the family’.
“It is a policy which is aimed at protecting children’s wellbeing, and is about supporting, not diminishing, the role of parents.”
