John Swinney has said he is willing to work with the UK Government in a bid to help cut the weekly food shopping bill for families.
With Chancellor Rachel Reeves announcing action to help bring down prices, the Scottish First Minister said there is now the “possibility of co-operation” between the two governments on the issue.
Ms Reeves has announced plans to suspend tariffs on some food items, in a bid to cut costs after recent rises in the wake of the Iran war, and said she expects supermarkets “to pass these savings on in full to their customers”.
However the UK Government has backed away from reports suggesting it could bring in a voluntary price cap on some essentials – with M&S boss Stuart Machin insisting such a move would be “completely preposterous”.
The Scottish Government has said it is determined to bring forward legislation to curb the price of essential items – with Mr Swinney making this one of his key commitments in the recent Holyrood election.
Speaking after meeting with families in Edinburgh, he was clear that the cost of living had been “probably the most significant issue” in the campaign and that he had “pledged we would take practical measures to support families”.
While retailers and others have raised concern about the Scottish Government plans, Mr Swinney said he will be “taking forward the preparation of legislation to put in place a price cap on a limited number of items that are essential for a nutritional shop for families”.
I want every family to have fun this summer. That's why I’m cutting VAT on children’s activities and meals with Great British Summer Savings.
— Rachel Reeves (@RachelReevesMP) May 21, 2026
Our economic plan is the right one, to support families and businesses, and build a stronger and more secure Britain.
He told the Press Association: “I really welcome the fact that in the measures the Chancellor is outlining there is an indication of some measures to tackle that same issue.
“I think that opens up the possibility of co-operation with the United Kingdom Government to make sure we can deliver that practical support to ease the cost of the weekly shop for families, so they can have access to nutritional food items.”
He said it is a “welcome step that the UK Government is contemplating actions in relation to the weekly shop”, adding this “recognises the problem I am concerned about which is the cost of a nutritional shop for families”.
The First Minister continued: “If we’ve got agreement about the problem, I hope there is an opportunity for us to work together to find a solution.
“That certainly is how I will approach this to try to find a way in which we can implement the legislative proposals I set out so we can provide the practical support to families in Scotland today.”
