UK Government Dismisses SNP's Food Price Cap as 'Undeliverable'
A senior UK Government source has branded the Scottish National Party's manifesto pledge to cap the price of essential food items as "incoherent and undeliverable", warning it could cost the Scottish Government "millions in legal bills". The criticism comes after First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney unveiled his party's election platform on Thursday, promising to limit costs for up to 50 staple goods like milk, bread, and eggs amid growing concerns over the cost-of-living crisis.
Legal Hurdles and Public Health Justification
Mr Swinney argued that while devolution arrangements normally prevent Holyrood from setting prices at the till, the Scottish Parliament holds powers over public health. He plans to use these to implement "fair food prices" on everyday items that constitute a decent diet, citing impacts on national nutrition. However, any such move would be subject to the UK Government's Internal Market Act, which can block legislation affecting other parts of the country. The UK Government source did not explicitly state whether ministers would block the policy but emphasised its impracticality.
"John Swinney has invented a policy more likely to put money in the pockets of lawyers than the pockets of working people," the source said. "The UK Government is focused on taking immediate action on the cost of living – like cutting fuel bills now."
Manifesto Details and Opposition Criticism
The 76-page SNP manifesto outlines plans to introduce legislation early in the new parliamentary term, with individual price caps set by ministers and a sunset clause to scrap the measure when no longer needed. It also pledges not to increase income tax rates or bands, aiming to simplify the tax regime to aid those struggling financially. Additionally, Mr Swinney promised to cap bus fares at £2 per journey if re-elected, with subsidies potentially reaching £210 million by 2031-32.
Opposition parties were quick to condemn the proposals. Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie called SNP promises "not worth the paper they are written on", citing unmet pledges from past manifestos. Scottish Liberal Democrat deputy leader Wendy Chamberlain described the document as a "snoozefest", while Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay urged pro-UK voters to see it as a wake-up call.
Retail Sector Concerns and Independence Focus
Ewan McDonald-Russell, deputy head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, labelled the food price cap "wrongheaded", suggesting that instead, more money should be directed to retailers to enable cost reductions for consumers. Meanwhile, Mr Swinney framed the manifesto around his "experienced, principled, reliable leadership" during turbulent times, reiterating his commitment to securing a majority in the May election to force a second independence referendum. "Supporting the SNP is a vote to put Scotland's future in Scotland's hands," he declared.
