First Minister John Swinney has written a column for the Record, reflecting on the first 50 days since the Scottish Parliament elections and looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games returning to Glasgow. The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games kicks off on July 23 at the OVO Hydro.
SNP Government's Early Achievements
Swinney highlighted that the SNP government has wasted no time in delivering on priorities such as the cost of living and the NHS. The First Homes Fund has been launched, offering first-time buyers up to £10,000 of support for purchasing their first property. A new GP walk-in clinic has opened in Glasgow, with another opening in Invergordon this week.
The government is also consulting on Mansion Tax proposals to help fund local services. The Deputy First Minister will announce the roll-out of an expanded 10-year Homelessness Prevention Fund, backed by £50 million of government funding.
Future Plans and Economic Growth
Swinney stated that the government will keep up momentum with actions such as a cap on the cost of essential foods and further reducing NHS waiting lists, which have been falling for 11 months for outpatients and 15 months for inpatients. He will convene the first meeting of the National Council for Economic Growth and deliver support to cities from Aberdeen’s Union Street to Glasgow’s People’s Palace. Breakfast clubs will be expanded to improve whole family support.
Commonwealth Games and Independence
Despite Scotland's early exit from the World Cup, the Summer of Sport continues with the Commonwealth Games. Swinney will outline further support to encourage participation in activities like football. He reiterated his vision of building a fairer, more prosperous Scotland as an independent nation. The government will publish a draft Referendum Bill, asking the question: 'Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes or No.'
Criticism of Westminster
Swinney noted that while Keir Starmer's government was an improvement over the Tories, it has slipped into old Westminster habits of ignoring Scotland's needs. He expressed patience with Westminster is paper thin and stated that Scotland will not tolerate another Prime Minister making big promises and then ignoring Scotland.
