JOHN Swinney has promised to work on making Scots “healthier and wealthier” in the run-up to next May’s Holyrood elections.
The Scottish First Minister will use his Programme for Government statement this week to set out his policy priorities and legislation for the next 12 months in the run-up to that vote.
And he insisted that measures in that will focus on putting the “needs and interests of the people of Scotland first”.
While the First Minister would usually make the keynote statement in September, just after Holyrood returns from its summer recess, Mr Swinney said he had brought it forward to “ensure people know that the government I lead is entirely focused on improving their lives”.
He said: “Times are tough for households and businesses across Scotland, and the world around us is changing in ways that are difficult to predict.
“But my promise to the people of Scotland is that amidst the uncertainty there is one thing they can be sure of – the government I lead will always seek to do what is best for Scotland.”
The SNP leader vowed: “As First Minister, I will always put the needs and interests of the people of Scotland first.
“On Tuesday, I will bring my plan to Parliament that will strengthen our health service and ensure more money stays in people’s pockets during this cost-of-living crisis.
“The 2025-26 Programme for Government will make Scotland healthier and wealthier.”
