Adoption bill also to apply in Scotland

The Scottish parliament has voted unanimously to apply the
proposed English adoption legislation in Scotland deploying a
seldom used constitutional device.

The Scottish executive applied the so-called ‘Sewell motion’
allowing the Scottish parliament to accept legislation from
Westminster in spite of responsibility for adoptions being an
entirely devolved power. All parties supported the
executive’s motion and will now debate the Adoption and
Children Bill.

Education minister Jack McConnell who is also responsible for
childcare, proposed the bill saying it made sense for the same
legislation to be debated in Holyrood, and adapted to meet the
Scottish legal system as necessary. The Adoption and Children Bill
is expected to become law early next year.