Programme for Government LIVE: John Swinney sets out SNP Government policy plans on economy, NHS, transport
First Minister John Swinney has unveiled his Programme for Government (PfG), setting out the Scottish Government’s policy priorities and legislation for the next 12 months.
He has made announcements on eradicating child poverty and scrapping ScotRail peak fares as well as how ministers are seek to mitigate the impact of Donald Trump’s tariff scheme.
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Hide AdUsually announced in September, Mr Swinney said he had brought the PfG forward to “ensure people know that the Government I lead is entirely focused on improving their lives”.
With this rhetoric, make no mistake about it, today has seen the starting gun fired on the race to Holyrood.
Stay tuned to the live blog for all the announcements as they happen, as well as for reaction, analysis and exactly what the announcements mean for you.
Programme for Government LIVE: John Swinney sets out SNP Government policy plans on economy, NHS, transport
Key Events
- John Swinney is promising “serious action” to improve Scotland’s NHS – with the First Minister pledging to tackle “the 8am lottery” for GP appointments.
- The Programme for Government that Mr Swinney has announced on Tuesday afternoon sets out his administration’s policy objectives and legislation for the coming 12 months.
- Ahead of the statement, the Tories urged the First Minister to ditch “Nationalists’ fringe obsession with gender self-ID” and “finally focus on the priorities of ordinary Scots”.
Here we go
Good afternoon politics fans. We are about half an hour away from the First Minister setting out the Scottish Government’s spending plans for the year, in an event that essentially marks the beginning of the race for Holyrood.
Expect announcements on welfare, climate, and a series of other areas. If you’d like a primer on what’s coming, my colleague David Bol has you covered
Timely intervention
The announcement isn’t the only thing happening today. Nicola Sturgeon, with an incredible sense of timing, has this morning been speaking about trans rights. Ignoring the merits of her argument, doing it on the day of the Programme for Government is the sort of political idiocy you can only get away with once you’ve left politics.
Change candidate
I think what’s really interesting about the SNP’s turnaround in fortunes is they have done it while in government. For all the scandals, leaders, and years of issues around ferries and public services, the party has still rallied in the polls. Today could be a chance to build on that, or a reminder that the party making the announcements has had years to do so.
International correspondent
My colleague Rachel Amery has written an interesting piece comparing life in Geneva, where everything apparently works, to Scotland, where much of it doesn’t. It’s a fun read comparing the two countries, though I do feel she missed the best part of Switzerland, Lausanne, where I did my Erasmus. How many years ago was that, I hear you ask? No comment.
Livin’ on a Prayer
Not content with a good first person piece, Rachel Amery has also filed this cracking exclusive, on Scottish ministers being accused of creating “bizarre inequality” on religious worship in schools.
Slàinte Mhath!
Big news just breaking, with the UK and India having sealed a free trade agreement, in a deal which is hoped will boost sectors hardest hit by Donald Trump’s tariffs.
The deal, announced on Tuesday afternoon, will mean dramatic tariff reductions on scotch whisky and car exports to India, while levies on aerospace, electricals and other food products will also fall.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “We are now in a new era for trade and the economy. That means going further and faster to strengthen the UK’s economy, putting more money in working people’s pockets.”
He added: “Today we have agreed a landmark deal with India – one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which will grow the economy and deliver for British people and business.”
More than a dozen rounds of talks involving successive governments have taken place since 2022 with the aim of securing a trade pact with India, which is forecast to become the world’s third largest economy.
So it begins
The First Minister is now on his feet delivering the statement. He’s currently talking about real progress and corners being turned. Huge if true
Health is wealth
The First Minister says a stronger NHS is fundamental to his government. Says it will deliver an extra 150,000 appointments and procedures in 2025-2026. Promises 50 per cent increase in surgical procedures, and a renewed focus on cancer. Those targets are bold, expect to hear a lot about them if they’re hit or otherwise.
Can't do it all
The First Minister started by addressing some of the policies which have been left out of the speech, saying there were “clear limits” as to what is possible.
The Misogyny Bill was dropped earlier this week but Mr Swinney insisted his Government “remain entirely committed to tackling misogynistic abuse against women”.
He added: "Regrettably, I do not believe there is sufficient parliamentary time to make progress through a standalone Bill."
Mr Swinney also said LGBTQI+ would have their rights protected, which will be a surprise given the recent court verdict.
The First Minister says peak rail fares in Scotland will be scrapped for good from September, citing the cost of living crisis. That’s decent to be fair, immediate saving for the public. He says it will save tens of thousands of people money
Tariff reaction
The First Minister talks about the problems with Trump’s tariffs, and highlights “three particular initiatives designed to respond directly and specifically to the challenges we now face”.
They include a new 6-point Export Plan, which will see more support for SME’s to participate in trade missions in both established and emerging markets, additional grant funding to help companies unlock specific, targeted international growth, and bespoke support in key sectors – technology, life sciences, renewables and hydrogen – to maximise international opportunities.
Secondly, a “Proof of Concept” fund, with a focus on supporting the commercialisation of research projects with significant economic potential.
Finally, he reiterates the commitment to the green transition. So that’s nice.
Blame game
The First Minister is now doing an extended bit having a go at the UK Government, citing Grangemouth, a site the Scottish Government also failed to do anything about. Still, politicise the thousands losing their jobs while you can, eh
I got a plan, John
The First Minister says eradicating child poverty remains the most important thing, and announces a "Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan for 2026-31". Given the SNP came into office in 2007, probably one to have thought of earlier, but still. He also says they’re taking steps to remove the two-child benefit cap, but not that they are.
I also think it’s worth noting the UK Government also has a child poverty plan, and were criticised for having one rather than simply doing something. Not sure what’s different here.
Acorn to oak
The First Minister also said his government is willing to increase support for the Acorn carbon capture project in Aberdeenshire. The SNP had already committed up to £80 million, but Mr Swinney says that could go up if the UK Government backs the project.
Question time
Speech over, we’re now at the questions stage. If you were in Holyrood, dear reader, what would you be asking?
First indy mention
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay is, unsurprisingly, not having any of it. He says John Swinney has a terrible record of delivery, has been part of the Scottish Government for ages, then does a whole thing about independence, meaning he’s the only one who has mentioned it so far. Calls this is a "flimsy" programme for government and just "more of the same". He adds: "John Swinney is the politician who has failed to deliver for the last 18 years."
Labouring the point
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar says he agrees with the “bits” of the Programme for Government, specifically the bits he’s “nicked from Scottish Labour”. Points out Mr Swinney has been at the "heart of government for nearly two decades". He adds "how can the man who broke it, fix it?". There was also a good joke about Nicola Sturgeon doing a press conference outside, but not coming inside to watch the speech.
On a more serious point, he challenges the First Minister’s rhetoric around child poverty, pointing out the number of homeless children in Scotland
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