Parliament backs Scottish Lib Dem call to bring back disabilities law

Scottish Liberal Democrats have successfully persuaded parliament to vote for bringing back a law to protect people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence, after the SNP government abandoned promised legislation last month.

In September, John Swinney scrapped the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill.

The legislation had been an SNP manifesto promise and it was included in their Programme for Government for 2021-22.

The bill would have created greater accountability by imposing stronger duties on public bodies, improving data collection and advocacy support. It would have created a dedicated statutory framework, similar to the Autism Act in England, alongside mandatory training for key public sector staff, bringing Scotland in line with measures already adopted elsewhere in the UK.

The bill’s consultation generated almost 900 responses, with many people sharing traumatic stories about their own experiences.

Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Adam Harley MSP said:

“Parliament could not be clearer: we need to bring back this legislation.

“Many of those who responded to the previous consultation feel betrayed by the Scottish Government inviting them to share their stories and then going on to abandon them.

“This is not a black and white choice between legislation and policy- we need both. The government should be focused on investing in services and support, as well as legislating to ensure there is proper accountability.

“The Scottish Government must respect the will of parliament after this vote. They must now do the right thing, bring back this legislation and finally get it over the line."