John Swinney must act to stop “out-of-control” youth violence by abandoning “weak and reckless” SNP policies.
At First Minister’s Questions, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay highlighted the spate of youth violence that has seen two teenagers killed and eleven injured in recent months.
Findlay called for a tougher approach to discipline in schools and more meaningful deterrents in the justice system.
The Scottish Conservative leader said Swinney must drop policies that stop young offenders from being sent to prison and divert dangerous criminals from prosecution.
He called for Swinney to bin “perverse” under-25 sentencing guidelines and to rethink SNP legislation that sends criminals aged up to 18 to the children’s panel instead of being prosecuted in court.
Findlay also said the SNP must rethink harmful policies which discourage exclusions in schools and prevent teachers from instilling basic discipline.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “Young people do not feel safe. The system does not protect them. Parents are terrified every time their son or daughter leaves the house.
“This is not happening in a vacuum. It can be linked directly to the policies and actions of John Swinney’s government.
“The SNP has systematically weakened the justice system, especially in relation to youth justice.
“They seek to make excuses for those who harm others. When those who commit crimes are told there are no consequences for their actions, there is no longer any meaningful deterrent.
“It inevitably fuels youth violence. This misguided thinking is at the heart of SNP policy-making.
“The SNP’s weak and reckless policies need to change and John Swinney must take a tougher approach because youth violence is out of control.
“John Swinney needs to wake up and start listening to parents who want to see a return to discipline in schools and deterrence in the justice system.”