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NICOLA Sturgeon has denied “weaponising” children’s rights in order to pick an election fight with Westminster after criticism from Scotland’s top lawyer. The First Minister was put on the defensive after she and her ministers repeatedly accused the UK Government of trying to undermine children’s rights. The UK Government’s law officers last week raised a legal challenge against a recent Holyrood Bill intended to incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law on the grounds it encroached on Westminster’s powers. The UK Government warned Edinburgh last month about specific legal issues with four sections of the Bill and asked for changes, but deputy First Minister John Swinney refused, calling it a “menacing” letter.
THE SNP’s Westminster leader has condemned Boris Johnson for his ‘morally repugnant’ legal challenge against the Scottish Government. Ian Blackford called on the Prime Minister to withdraw the challenges and accused his government of “robbing children of their rights in Scotland”. His remarks at Prime Minister’s Questions today come after MSPs unanimously approved bills relating to children’s rights and local government last month. However the UK Government is concerned that the legislation could place obligations on them and is outwith the competence of Holyrood’s devolved powers. Two bills have been referred to the UK Supreme Court for judgement.
The SCTS emphasised that physical distancing and mask-wearing is mandatory in its building. Justice of the Peace Courts – which hear minor cases and can impose punishments of up to 60 days in prison of fines of £2,500 – are also expected to fully commence on June 7.
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