The debate about the age of criminal responsibility has been re-ignited after it emerged the Scottish Government is planning to raise the criminal age from eight to 12.
A spokesman for the Scottish Government says no decision has been made, but it is understood ministers realise the change is necessary to bring Scotland in line with other European countries. It follows a recommendation by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child that the criminal age in Scotland should be "raised considerably".
However, there is no indication that Westminster will follow suit, despite renewed calls from children's rights campaigners for the criminal age to be raised above 10 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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