NOT all legislation proposed by governments can claim massive public support plus the backing of experts. But the announcement by the Scottish Government of plans to provide an opt-out system for organ donation was greeted with a widespread mixture of relief and acclaim (and a small amount of the usual party-political bickering).

Government consultation found that 82 per cent of more than 800 responses backed a change, which will see the “opt-in” system for donation replaced by one in which the assumption is that organs may be used, unless the patient had previously registered an objection. Furthermore, removal of organs would not occur against the wishes of families and next of kin. Last year, former Labour MSP Anne McTaggart brought forward a member’s bill that had merits but also flaws, according to the Scottish Government. It determined to bring forward its own legislation after wide consultation with an eye to sensitivities and safeguards.

Ms McTaggart’s initiative remains commendable, as does the campaign by our sister paper, the Evening Times, and the petition with 20,000 signatures from those favouring change. With change coming, and assuming NHS resourcing to deal with it, we look forward to the legislation being brought forward as soon as possible and to more lives being saved.