Scotland’s newly installed First Minister John Swinney has announced plans to fast-track his Programme for Government, moving the annual policy blueprint forward by four months in a bid to respond to what he called “undoubted economic challenges” looming over the nation.
The SNP leader confirmed the government’s legislative and policy priorities will now be unveiled on May 6, replacing the traditional post-recess reveal in September. The move, Swinney said, is designed to offer “a full year of delivery” before the 2026 Holyrood elections.
‘Economic Straitjacket’ and a Year of Risk
Speaking from Bute House, Swinney warned of a cocktail of pressures facing Scotland’s economy — from Brexit fallout and the lingering effects of the pandemic, to geopolitical shocks including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and U.S. trade tariffs under Donald Trump’s renewed presidential leadership.
“There is real risk of recession,” he said, “and real anxiety among people across Scotland.”
The First Minister insisted that his programme will be focused on “meaningful solutions” to the cost-of-living crisis and long-standing issues in public services. He pledged that the new legislative agenda would prioritise:
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Reducing NHS waiting times
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Improving GP access
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Tackling child poverty
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Reinforcing economic resilience
Grangemouth Enters the Nationalisation Debate
Among the most immediate economic flashpoints is the Grangemouth oil refinery, facing potential closure amid falling profitability and a push for greener energy transitions. Swinney argued that if British Steel can be nationalised to preserve jobs in England, then Grangemouth should receive the same treatment.
“If British Steel is to be nationalised to protect it, then so too should Grangemouth,” Swinney said, directly challenging the UK government.
His remarks follow emergency legislation passed in Westminster to maintain operations at the Scunthorpe steel plant. The UK government has so far resisted calls for similar intervention in Scotland’s petrochemical sector.
Tensions with Westminster
Swinney also used his remarks to criticise what he called the “economic straitjacket” imposed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ fiscal rules, which limit borrowing and spending. He called on the UK government to:
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Roll back recent employer national insurance hikes
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Forge closer ties with the EU
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Loosen fiscal constraints to enable regional economic interventions
The First Minister confirmed he had discussed Trump-era tariffs and wider trade risks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other devolved leaders during a Friday conference call. He described the call as “constructive,” but insisted the UK must “do much more to protect Scotland’s economic interests.”
Opposition Lines Up
Predictably, opposition parties were quick to pounce. Scottish Labour’s Michael Marra dismissed Swinney’s appeal for fiscal flexibility as “economic chaos,” warning that abandoning the rules could trigger “vast interest rate rises” and “hammer mortgage rates.”
Scottish Conservative finance spokesperson Craig Hoy went further, accusing Swinney of “economic self-harm” for tying the debate to Scottish independence.
“Tearing Scotland out of the UK at a time of global instability would be utterly reckless,” said Hoy.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton accused the SNP of offering “jam tomorrow” while failing to produce a credible industrial strategy.
Greens Seek Climate-Focused Agenda
The Scottish Greens, while still loosely aligned with the SNP after their 2021 cooperation agreement, used the occasion to lobby for stronger environmental measures. Co-leader Lorna Slater called for a “green backbone” to the new Programme for Government.
“With bills soaring, we must urgently transition from fossil fuels and support households in making sustainable choices,” she said.
The Greens’ backing may prove critical for the minority SNP government, especially as it faces growing resistance on net zero and energy transition policies — both from the right and from sectors tied to North Sea oil and petrochemicals.
Political Clock Ticking
With the 2026 Holyrood election now less than 13 months away, the decision to accelerate the policy agenda is widely seen as a strategic pivot to demonstrate delivery under Swinney’s leadership. He was appointed First Minister just last week after Humza Yousaf’s sudden resignation, and is already seeking to shape a legacy of steady leadership and economic responsiveness.
Whether Swinney’s policy programme succeeds in quieting criticism — or simply resets political battle lines — will depend heavily on what his government unveils in May.
