SNP too nannying

The controversy surrounding the appointment of a state guardian to all children in Scotland has naturally focused on the undermining of the natural rights of parents and the undermining of parental authority.

However, what is often overlooked is that the principle of parental authority is one of the fundamental safeguards against tyranny, and against the imposition of state ideology.

It is a key and vital mechanism which keeps the state subordinate to the society it serves, maintaining a diverse and organic society with freedom of thought.

It is for that very reason that the principle of parental authority is enshrined in the European Convention of Human Rights, established after the Second World War to prevent a repeat of that conflict, as well as in other human rights legislation.

Humanity has learned this lesson the hard way.

For a truly free society to exist, parental authority must always be sedulously guarded, and the state’s task is to protect vulnerable children without encroaching upon it.

If it cannot do that, it is either incompetent or dangerous.

Michael Calwell

Oxford Street

Edinburgh

There are far too many unanswered questions on the Specific Named Persons aspect of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill.

Despite this, and seemingly on the basis that what suits Highland Region must suit the rest of Scotland, our parliamentarians have voted through what is nothing more than a fluffy nanny state proposal.

NHS/council staff can now look forward to carrying out their dual roles and being held responsible for the outcomes.

Welcome to the new SNP – the Scottish Nanny Party – a taste of things to come.

Rosemary Macdonald

Corstorphine Bank Drive

Edinburgh