Christina spoke in the debate on Wednesday 2 September.

“I welcome the bill in great measure. It is a welcome development that will give parents and communities some say in how the schools in their area are organised…I particularly welcome the involvement of children in the consultation. Many of the rights that are enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child—in articles 12, 28 and 3, as we have heard—are met fully in the bill. The incorporation of the convention into as much of Scots procedure as possible is very important to me, and I am proud of the fact that those rights are in the bill…

Consultation right across communities that are affected by changes to schooling in their areas is appropriate and right, and I congratulate the cabinet secretary on ensuring that such consultation will take place. She is being brave in putting ministerial action at the front and centre, requiring the minister to be aware of changes to school provision and to be responsible for calling in any closure decision that falls outwith the provisions of the bill. That is brave, but it is the right thing to do.”

To read the full text of Christina’s speech, go to http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0902-02.htm#Col19133