John Swinney has insisted “the momentum is with the SNP” as voters in Scotland prepare to go to the polls on Thursday. With just two days remaining in the campaign, the Scottish First Minister and SNP leader urged voters to back his party, stating that doing so would “elect a government on Scotland’s side that will support people during tough times.”
Cost-of-Living Crisis at Forefront
Speaking to voters in the Highlands, Mr Swinney highlighted the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the election campaign, noting that the area had been “on the front line” as energy and fuel prices have risen. He sought to contrast his government with the Labour administration in Westminster, claiming that it “sits back and provides no help.” However, Mr Swinney said the SNP had put forward “positive, ambitious policies to support people with the cost of living.”
SNP Manifesto Proposals
The SNP manifesto for Thursday’s elections includes plans to curb the cost of essential food items and roll out a £2 cap on bus fares. Mr Swinney said: “There are now only days until we have the opportunity to elect a government on Scotland’s side that will support people during tough times.” He added: “I want to take action to support people – reducing the cost of people in Scotland’s daily commute, capping the cost of essential foods in supermarkets and bringing down electricity bills with the fresh start of independence.”
Call for Majority Government
Claiming that rival parties are “trying to stop” the SNP from implementing such policies, Mr Swinney said: “The best way to ensure we can deliver is by electing a majority SNP government.” This, he argued, would help support people with the cost of living while also keeping Nigel Farage and Reform UK out of power. An SNP majority win could also give Scots the “fresh start of independence,” the First Minister added.
He concluded: “We have to make it happen. That opportunity is in Scotland’s hands and on Thursday we can grasp it by voting SNP for a government on Scotland’s side and for my reliable, trusted leadership that will support people with the cost of living.”
