Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of “virtue signalling” by apologising to witches but failing to tackle the care home visiting scandal still happening on her watch.
Campbell Duke spoke out after the First Minister failed to attend a parliamentary debate on Anne’s Law – legislation named after his late wife which Sturgeon promised a year ago but is yet to be delivered.
It would give families the same rights as staff to enter care homes and ensure residents can never again be left alone during virus outbreaks.
Retired social worker Campbell said: “The First Minister did much virtue signalling recently when she rightly apologised for witches who were executed hundreds of years ago.
“That’s the easy stuff. But she was sadly absent in the chamber to participate in the vital debates on Anne’s Law.
"I want to appeal to her directly and say that this is a real wrong that can righted now.
"We do not care to wait 400 years.
“So I challenge Nicola Sturgeon – organise a photo op holding a sunflower, the symbol for Anne’s Law, and demonstrate your intent to right this wrong happening now on your watch.
"You have the legislative power but do you have the willpower?”
Public health experts, doctors and care workers have all backed the Anne’s Law proposals, which have cross-party support.
But at a debate on Wednesday, the Scottish Government was accused of “dithering”.
Sturgeon was not present for the Anne’s Law debate – but had marked International Women’s Day in parliament 24 hours earlier by issuing a formal apology to women executed hundreds of years ago under the Witchcraft Act of 1563.
Labour’s Monica Lennon, who has campaigned for Anne’s Law along with the Sunday Mail, said: “Nicola Sturgeon needs to visit a care home and explain to residents why she’s delaying giving them the rights to have contact with the people who matter most to them.”
Cathie Russell, of the Care Home Relatives Scotland group, said: “We are disappointed older people in care are still to be locked up for 10 days every time they are close contacts, even though they don’t have Covid.”
The Scottish Government said: “The Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care, Kevin Stewart, set out to parliament he was bringing forward new statutory standards this month to help ensure care home visitors can be involved in the care and support of their loved ones as the first step of introducing Anne’s Law.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
