Rennie presses government over implementation date for Children Care and Justice Act provisions

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Willie Rennie has today pressed the Scottish Government over a date for the implementation of provisions within the Children, Care and Justice Act which will prevent children under 18 being in young offenders institutes.

His call comes after a 17-year-old, James Beadle, took his own life at Polmont Young Offenders Institution on Saturday 13th July.

During the final debate on the legislation, minister Natalie Don confirmed that these provisions would come into force later this year.

Mr Rennie said:

"When this legislation was passing its final parliamentary stage, the minister confirmed that the providers of alternative secure accommodation were ready to accommodate these changes.

"In the wake of yet another tragedy in our prison system, it is time for the Scottish Government to give us a date by which these provisions will be in place.

"Scottish Liberal Democrats have consistently raised concern about the extent to which self-harm is taking place in Scotland's prisons and pushed for mental health workers at each one.

“Whilst we do not know the circumstances of the tragic death of James, reform of prison mental health care is urgently needed but so is a recognition that young people's needs are not well served by harsh custodial sentences."