Yousaf should take his fingers out of his ears on children's rights

Responding to Humza Yousaf rejecting criticism of the SNP and Nicola Sturgeon by outgoing Children's Commissioner Bruce Adamson, Scottish Liberal Democrat Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

"It is now very clear that when given an opportunity to distance himself from Nicola Sturgeon, Humza Yousaf is actively choosing to tie himself to her poor record.

"The Children's Commissioner's comments were measured and thoughtful. When he says Nicola Sturgeon "absolutely" failed, that should be the spur Humza Yousaf needs to do better.

"As a former youth worker myself, I know the magnitude of the challenges that are ahead in improving life for Scotland's young people. That doesn't mean the First Minister should stick his fingers in his ears.

"Instead he should bring back a fresh bill enshrining the UN convention on the rights of the child in Scots law, ensure routine reporting of adverse childhood experiences as recommended by the Burns review and get serious about tackling the educational attainment gap."