Thread by @Bruce_Adamson

1. Following a challenge by @UKGovScotland the @UKSupremeCourt has determined parts of the UNCRC (Incorporation) Scotland Bill which @ScotParl passed unanimously in March are outwith the competence of the Scottish Parliament and must be amended to proceed. supremecourt.uk/cases/uksc-202…

2. @SupremeCourt said that there is no dispute about the @ScotParl decision to incorporate the UNCRC into domestic law, but just about the way it is done and the impact that the bill has on matters reserved or protected from modification under the Scotland Act 1998.

3. @UKSupremeCourt clarified the limits of the powers of the @ScotParl, but this does not change the commitment renewed by @scotgov to take a maximalist approach to the incorporation of #UNCRC as far as devolution allows. There was unanimous support across the @ScotParl in March

4. @ScotGov must take every step it can so @ScotParl can amend the bill. It is important that this is done to deliver on the commitments made to children and young people to incorporate the UNCRC.

5. Children, young people and other #HumanRightsDefenders like @together_sacr have been campaigning for this law for decades. It is the most important thing we can do in legislative terms to ensure children’s rights are respected, protected and fulfilled.

6. This law is needed to ensure that decisions are taken in children’s best interest; that children have a say in decision making; that all available resources are used to the maximum extent possible to fulfil rights like education, health, and an adequate standard of living

7. MSPs in last @ScotParl, of all political parties, unanimously supported the Bill which will benefit all children and their families, but particularly those whose rights are most at risk such as - disabled children, care experienced children, children impacted by poverty.

8. That cross party political support and commitment must remain to ensure real accountability for the delivery of children’s rights into everyday life across Scotland. While this judgment is a set-back, the protection of children’s human rights must still happen.

9. Children’s rights protections must not become the victim of the limitations and complexities of devolution, children have already been waiting far too long to have their rights properly protected. Finding a way to address the issues raised must be a priority.

10. Children have been waiting for this protection. UK ratified UNCRC 30 years ago. The last 18 months have shown just how urgent it is to strengthen rights protections for children. We will work with the @ScotGov @ScotParl @UKGovScotland to get this done as soon as possible.