Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has launched a blistering attack on First Minister John Swinney, accusing him of "ducking responsibility" for his government's policy failures during a heated exchange at Holyrood.
The confrontation erupted during Thursday's First Minister's Questions, where Ross challenged Swinney on multiple fronts, including the controversial Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) policy and what he termed as the government's "abject failure" to support north-east communities.
A Pattern of Avoidance
Ross didn't hold back in his criticism, stating: "The First Minister is ducking responsibility today, just as he did when he was education secretary and just as he did when he was Covid recovery secretary." The Tory leader emphasised that this pattern of avoiding accountability has become a hallmark of Swinney's political career.
Marine Policy Under Fire
The exchange turned particularly sharp when discussing the Scottish Government's marine protection strategy. Ross highlighted the significant backlash from coastal communities against the HPMAs policy, which many fear could devastate local fishing industries.
He challenged Swinney directly: "Will the First Minister take this opportunity to rule out ever pursuing these plans in the future?" The question put Swinney on the spot regarding one of the government's most contentious environmental policies.
Broken Promises and Economic Concerns
Ross also hammered the First Minister on economic issues, particularly the government's failure to deliver on long-promised support for the north-east. "The First Minister and the SNP promised a £500 million just transition fund for the north-east, but not a single penny has been spent from that fund," Ross declared.
This accusation points to growing concerns about the Scottish Government's ability to deliver on its economic commitments, especially in regions transitioning away from traditional industries.
The Accountability Question
The core of Ross's argument centred on what he sees as Swinney's fundamental unwillingness to take responsibility for government actions. "He was the deputy first minister for nine years and is now First Minister, but he still refuses to take any responsibility," Ross stated, framing it as a character issue rather than merely political disagreement.
This confrontation underscores the increasingly tense atmosphere at Holyrood as the Scottish Government faces mounting criticism from opposition parties over its policy direction and implementation.
