John Swinney has said his government would begin its push for powers to hold another independence referendum on the first parliamentary day after it is formed. Setting out his plans for the first 100 days if the SNP are re-elected, the First Minister also said he would publish the draft legislation for a price cap on staple goods in supermarkets.
First 100 Days Agenda
In a speech in Glasgow, the SNP leader said his party would “hit the ground running” if it is returned to power after the Scottish Parliament election, which takes place next week. The SNP leader has already said he would seek energy powers from Westminster on the first day if he is sworn in again to the top job, as well as create a £10 million fund for businesses impacted by ferry disruption. The party has already pledged to legislate for caps on food prices this year.
Section 30 Order and Referendum Bill
Speaking on Monday, the First Minister said: “I can confirm today that on the first sitting day after the appointment of the new government, we will bring forward a vote of the Scottish Parliament to approve the development of a Section 30 order to give Scotland the power to hold an independence referendum.” A Section 30 order is required when the Scottish Parliament legislates in an area which is normally reserved to Westminster. Mr Swinney said his government would publish a draft Referendum Bill within its first 100 days, adding: “The parliament chosen by the people of Scotland will have the chance to represent the democratic will of the people of Scotland.”
Energy Powers and Other Measures
He also said the Scottish Government would formally request the immediate transfer of powers to give Holyrood control over energy policy. The First Minister produced a document which set out the SNP’s plans for its first 100 days in office, claiming Westminster is “nowhere to be seen” on the cost-of-living crisis. The first 2,000 families would receive help for buying their first home, he said, under proposals for deposit support of £10,000 for first-time buyers.
Price Cap on Staple Goods
Discussing the price cap policy, he said: “Within 100 days, we will publish the draft legislation, including proposals to be developed in partnerships with representatives of farmers and food producers, to put in place the necessary mechanisms to ensure that costs are not passed on to them. That’s an SNP government that’s hitting the ground running for Scotland.”
