Tag: First Minister John Swinney

First Minister sets out major increase in NHS capacity

‘Protecting, strengthening and renewing the NHS’

People across Scotland will have better access to NHS treatment through increased capacity, expanded primary care services, enhanced use of digital innovations and a range of other measures, First Minister John Swinney announced yesterday.

Speaking to representatives from across the health and social care sector, the First Minister set out action to drive down waiting times and reduce pressure on frontline services.

The First Minister was joined by Health Secretary Neil Gray and announced a range of actions including:

  • A substantial increase in capacity, with 150,000 additional appointments and procedures per year
  • Increased investment in primary care, making it easier for people to get appointments with their GP
  • Improved use of data and new digital innovations including the roll-out of a Scottish health and social care app – a ‘Digital Front Door’ to the NHS for patients

The First Minister said: “Protecting, strengthening, renewing our National Health Service – that is a goal I think we can all get behind. A real focus of common purpose.

“That requires action from me, as First Minister, from my Health Secretary Neil Gray, and from my Government. We can offer the leadership and direction – as the measures outlined today seek to do.

“So, today, we commit to a substantial increase in capacity in order to significantly reduce people’s waits.

“Our plan will ensure that a greater proportion of new NHS funding goes to primary and community care. GPs and services in the community will have the resources they need to play a greater role in our health system.

“This increased investment will result in GP services that are easier for people to access. That is important in terms of people’s confidence in the health service – but equally, it will make it more likely that health issues are picked up quickly and dealt with earlier.

“Our National Health Service is there when we need it. No other public institution supports us with so much care through life’s biggest moments. We must support it in return.

“The approach I set out today charts our course to do that. It addresses both the challenges and the opportunities. It sets the NHS on a path of modernisation and renewal.”

Improving Public Services and NHS Renewal – First Minister’s speech – gov.scot

Light the Darkness on Holocaust Memorial Day

At 8pm tonight – 27 January – join us to Light the Darkness for #HMD2025.

On Monday, people will light candles and place them safely in their windows to remember those who were murdered for who they were, and stand against prejudice and hatred today.

#LightTheDarkness

#HolocaustMemorialDay.

On #HolocaustMemorialDay First Minister

Scotland’s First Minister @JohnSwinney has honoured the millions of Jewish people that were murdered at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust.

He paid tribute to everyone who continues to be affected by the Holocaust and genocide across the world:

State of the art learning campus opens in Fife

INVESTING IN SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

First Minister John Swinney has officially opened two new schools in Dunfermline which were supported by £53.4 million of Scottish Government investment.

Based within the new state of the art Dunfermline Learning Campus, St Columba’s RC and Woodmill High School will provide education opportunities from primary school all the way through to college. The campus will also be home to the new Fife College which is expected to open in early 2026.

If the Scottish Parliament votes for the 2025-26 Budget, it will ensure councils share a record funding settlement of more than £15 billion which will help provide vital support for schools and education.

The opening of the two new schools also adds to the proportion of schools in “good” or “satisfactory” condition which has increased from 62.7% in April 2007 to 91.7% in April 2024.

The increasing number of high quality school buildings is supported by the Scottish Government’s £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) – delivered in partnership with local authorities. A further nine school projects included in the programme will open in 2025-26.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Investing in our children’s education is one of the most important investments we can make and my government is determined to continue to deliver progress in Education. The pupils of the two schools on the Dunfermline Learning Campus will be learning in state of the art and modern facilities.

“It is my pleasure to officially open the schools within the Dunfermline Learning Campus and to see this fantastic facility come to life which has been supported by over £53 million of Scottish Government investment.

“There is so much to be proud of in Scottish education, with literacy and numeracy at a record high and record numbers of our young people going on to university.  Our budget will invest to ensure we can continue this progress.

“That is why I am calling on Parliament to unite behind the Budget and ensure we can drive further improvements in our schools, and deliver for our young people.”

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The Dunfermline Learning Campus is a key example of the Scottish Government – in partnership with local authorities – delivering for local communities through the £2 billion LEIP. For the pupils attending these schools, this campus will be transformative for their education, for their families and for their future.

“I’m really pleased to see that community initiatives have been a focus during the building period. 814 weeks of apprenticeships have been supported for local young people and more than £56,000 donated to local community groups – putting community and social value at the heart of the campus.”

Mr Swinney attended a rather older ‘learning campus’ earlier this week when he returned to Carrick Knowe, his old primary school in Edinburgh.

Carrick Knowe opened 70 years ago this week and the school has been celebrating that special anniversary by creating an impressive exhibition highlighting key moments in the school’s history. Current pupils also performed a wonderful birthday celebration show – on the very same stage that young John Swinney himself will doubtless have performed as a wee laddie quite a few years ago!

Happy birthday, Carrick Knowe!

COVID-19 Day of Reflection

SUNDAY 9th MARCH 2025

2025 marks five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Sunday 9 March 2025, A Day of Reflection will be held. This will be an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives and reflect on the sacrifices made by many during the pandemic.

First Minister, John Swinney said: “The Day of Reflection is an opportunity for people to remember and commemorate those who lost their lives during the pandemic, to reflect on the sacrifices made by many people and the impact of the pandemic on the nation and our daily lives, as well as honouring the work of health and social care staff, frontline workers, researchers and all those who volunteered and showed acts of kindness during this unprecedented time.

“The COVID-19 pandemic impacted all of us in different ways and you can mark the day in a way that feels right for you – whether it’s organising your own get together, joining in a local event or remembering in your own way at home.”

Find out more about how you can participate at gov.uk/dayofreflection

First Minister’s Christmas card 2024

Supporting children to have the best start in life

First Minister John Swinney has launched his official Christmas card in partnership with charity Children First.

Children and young people supported by the charity were invited to Bute House to meet the First Minister and share their hopes and dreams for 2025.

This year’s Christmas card design features a photograph of Loch Faskally taken by Jane Barlow, an award-winning photographer at the Press Association. In the new year, a framed copy of the photograph signed by the First Minister will be auctioned to raise proceeds for Children First.

The First Minister said the card, and launch event, was an opportunity to highlight his commitment to eradicating child poverty and ensuring every child in Scotland has a safe, happy childhood and opportunities to succeed in life.

He said: “The Scottish Government is committed to making Scotland the best place in the world to grow up. So, it was important to me that this year’s Christmas card reflected that pledge.

“This year saw the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child incorporated into Scots law through ground breaking legislation, helping to make sure public authorities across Scotland respect, protect and fulfil all children’s human rights and that children live free from discrimination – an ambition championed by Children First.

“Children First does tremendous work protecting children from harm and delivering emotional, practical and financial support for families. Meeting the children and young people today at Bute House was an excellent opportunity to hear first-hand about the issues affecting them, and their aspirations for the future.

“I’d like to thank the very talented Jane for contributing her photograph for this year’s Christmas card. Loch Faskally is a place of great natural beauty that showcases the very best Scotland’s environment has to offer.”

Chief Executive of Children First Mary Glasgow said: “We are delighted and honoured that the First Minister has chosen Children First to benefit from his Christmas card this year. We are very grateful to John Swinney for thinking of us and to Jane Barlow for sharing her beautiful image to help children across the country.

“Through our national support line and in homes, schools and communities across Scotland our teams are working with families, day in day out to help protect their children from harm. 

Every child should have a safe and happy childhood we will continue to champion children’s rights with the Scottish Government to make the future, safer and brighter for every child.”

Jamieleigh, aged 14, said: “Meeting the First Minister, him sitting down with us and hearing what we say, could be a once in life-time opportunity, not many people get to do this. It’s great that he’s chosen Children First for his Christmas card.”

Swinney welcomes political leaders as British-Irish Council meets in Edinburgh

First Minister John Swinney will welcome political leaders to Scotland today as he hosts the 42nd Summit meeting of the British-Irish Council.

The First Minister will hold talks with the UK Prime Minister, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, Prif Weinidog Cymru (the First Minister of Wales), the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, the Chief Minister of the Isle of Man, the Chief Minister of Jersey and the Chief Minister of Guernsey.

This main focus of the summit – which marks the 25th anniversary of the first meeting of the British-Irish Council – will see leaders gather for substantive talks on financing a just transition and tackling climate change.

First Minister John Swinney said last night: “Scotland will welcome political leaders to our capital city as we gather for the 42nd Summit of the British-Irish Council – a meeting which also marks 25 years since the first council was held following the Good Friday Agreement.

“As we reflect on 25 years, it is testament to the value of the British-Irish Council that the partnership conceived a quarter of a century ago has prevailed in the midst of unprecedented change and challenge.

“The meeting in Edinburgh provides a forum for us to discuss the greatest challenge facing the next 25 years that of climate change and delivering a just transition. The need to share our knowledge, our efforts and our actions is no less urgent today than it was when the first British-Irish Council meeting was held in 1999.

“As First Minister of Scotland, achieving a just transition is integral to the four main priorities of my government. Scotland needs to attract investment to tackle climate change and grasp the opportunities of that journey to Net Zero in a way that grows our economy and helps provide investment to tackle child poverty and improve public services.”

The Summit will be attended by political leaders from the BIC’s eight Member Administrations and will focus on the theme of ‘Financing a Just Transition’. Leaders will also discuss topical political developments.

This will be the sixth Summit hosted by the Scottish Government. The last was in November 2020 and was virtual owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. Previous BIC Summits hosted by the Scottish Government have taken place in Glasgow (June 2016), Stirling (June 2012), South Queensferry (September 2008) and New Lanark (November 2002).

This Summit in Edinburgh will also mark the 25th anniversary of the very first BIC Summit, which took place at Lancaster House in London in December 1999.

Home | The British Irish Council

The British-Irish Council was formally established following the Good Friday Agreement and brings together political leaders from the Northern Ireland Executive, the Government of Ireland, the UK Government, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government, the Isle of Man Government, the Government of Jersey, and the Government of Guernsey.

The following political leaders are attending the 42nd meeting of the British Irish Council in Edinburgh:

Scottish GovernmentRt. Hon. John Swinney MSP, First Minister 
Kate Forbes MSP, Deputy First Minister 
Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs & Culture (Thursday only) 
UK GovernmentRt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer MP, Prime Minister
Rt. Hon. Pat McFadden MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Rt. Hon. Hilary Benn MP, SoS NI (Thursday only) 
Government of Ireland Simon Harris TD, Taoiseach 
Micheál Martin TD, Tánaiste  
Welsh GovernmentRt. Hon. Eluned Morgan, Prif Weinidog Cymru (First Minister of Wales) 
Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning 
Northern Ireland ExecutiveMichelle O’Neill MLA, First Minister 
Emma Little-Pengelly MLA, deputy First Minister 
Minister Conor Murphy MLA, Minister for the Economy  
Minister Andrew Muir MLA, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs 
Isle of Man GovernmentAlfred Cannan, Chief Minister 
Government of Jersey Deputy Lyndon Farnham, Chief Minister 
Deputy Ian Gorst, Minister for External Relations  
Government of Guernsey Deputy Lyndon Trott, Chief Minister 

Swinney to set out his vision for Scotland in St Andrew’s Day speech

FM’s pledge to ‘create the conditions for every person in Scotland to thrive’

First Minister John Swinney will this week pledge to ‘create the conditions for every person in Scotland to thrive’, as he urges the country to pull together in a spirit of collaboration to remove barriers to economic and social progress.

In a major speech to representatives from organisations across the public and private sectors ahead of St Andrew’s Day, Mr Swinney will reflect on his approach to leadership and why challenges must be ‘understood and solved from the bottom up’.

In the speech – which will be delivered one week before the publication of the 2025-26 Scottish Budget – the First Minister will say he is “here to do the hard work” in finding lasting solutions to improving people’s lives.

The First Minister is expected to say: “Every single day, I meet inspirational people from all walks of life – people who are doing their bit to make their community, their business or their country that wee bit better today than it was yesterday.

“When added together, those efforts form the engine of progress that is driving our country forward. For me, unlocking that potential is what government is about – it is about creating the conditions for every person in Scotland to thrive.

“I do not believe in trying to solve problems from the top down. Rather, I believe they need to be understood and solved from the bottom up. I am not here to dictate from on high to those on the front line.

I am prepared to roll my sleeves up every single day to properly understand barriers to their progress and to find solutions. And in identifying those solutions, I am not looking for quick-fixes or sticking plasters.

“I am here to do the hard work, to lay the foundations for lasting improvements to our country, our economy, and our society. I do not pretend that this style of government is always headline-grabbing, but I do believe it is effective. And, in the long run, I know the results will speak for themselves.”

John Swinney: Chancellor must invest in opportunity

First Minister and Scottish Chambers of Commerce issue joint call for investment to support growth

A joint call for investment has been issued to the Chancellor on the eve of the UK Budget from Scottish Government and Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

Speaking to business leaders at a reception with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce yesterday (Tuesday 29 October), First Minister John Swinney said: “My Government is committed to growing the economy to generate the wealth to invest in our public services and eradicate child poverty.

“We want to use that investment to create a partnership between government and business that will make the most of Scotland’s many economic opportunities.

“It takes political willpower to adapt and evolve our economies and grow thriving societies in all four nations – something the Chancellor can signal by including steps to advance the Acorn carbon capture and storage project in the UK Budget, which would provide new opportunities for workers in the oil and gas sector in Grangemouth and in other parts of Scotland.

“The Office for Budget Responsibility highlighted recently the potential for public investment to deliver permanent improvements in the economy. It is welcome that my calls for the Chancellor to amend her fiscal rules have been heard, with indications last week that there will be scope for greater investment.

“The Chancellor has the chance to choose to deliver a UK Budget that invests in our public services and supports the entrepreneurial spirit displayed in Scotland’s business sector.

“With these new rules in place the Chancellor must use the fiscal headroom they create to deliver a Budget that immediately and significantly enhances Scotland’s resource and capital funding, enabling us to invest more in our public services and take forward the vital infrastructure projects that support economic growth, net zero, and action to tackle child poverty.”

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Dr Liz Cameron CBE said: “Our budget focus is on growth, investment and competitiveness. That means investing in skills, technology and infrastructure, and equipping the workforce for tomorrow’s challenges. 

“The Chancellor’s actions and the message they send will directly impact business confidence and investment at a time when we need to create positive momentum. We hope that our calls to support business have been listened to and not ignored.” 

Leaders speak out on anniversary of 7th October attacks

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s statement on one-year anniversary of the October 7th attacks:

7 October 2023 was the darkest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust. One year on, we stand together to remember the lives so cruelly taken. 

Over a thousand people were brutally murdered. Men, women, children and babies killed, mutilated, and tortured by the terrorists of Hamas. Jewish people murdered whilst protecting their families. 

Young people massacred at a music festival. 

People abducted from their homes.

Agonising reports of rape, torture and brutality beyond comprehension which continued to emerge days and weeks later. 

As a father, a husband, a son, a brother – meeting the families of those who lost their loved ones last week was unimaginable. Their grief and pain are ours, and it is shared in homes across the land. 

A year on, that collective grief has not diminished or waned.

Yet their strength and determination to cherish the memories of those they had lost continues, and our determination to bring those still captive home endures. I stand firm in our commitment to bring the hostages home, and we will not give up until they are returned.

One year on from these horrific attacks we must unequivocally stand with the Jewish community and unite as a country. We must never look the other way in the face of hate. 

We must also not look the other way as civilians bear the ongoing dire consequences of this conflict in the Middle East. I reiterate my call for immediate ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, and for the removal of all restrictions on humanitarian aid into Gaza.

We will not falter in our pursuit of peace and on this day of pain and sorrow, we honour those we lost, and continue in our determination to return those still held hostage, help those who are suffering, and secure a better future for the Middle East.

First Minister John Swinney expresses sympathy as he calls for peace:

First Minister John Swinney expressed his sympathy to the Jewish community as he remembers all those who lost their lives in the Hamas 7 October terror attacks a year ago.

Since the attacks, the Scottish Government has consistently called for the immediate release of all hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza, the urgent provision of humanitarian aid to all who need it, and a two-state solution with sovereign Israeli and Palestinian states.

The First Minister said: “The atrocious attacks carried out by the terrorist organisation, Hamas, on 7 October resulted in the worst single loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust. Jewish communities across the world, including here in Scotland, are deeply traumatised by the attacks.

“As we remember those who died, I express my sympathy to the Jewish community and all those who mourn. 

“I also remember the thousands of innocent people who have been killed in the crisis over the last year. Now more than ever, an immediate ceasefire is needed in Gaza, and the Middle East.

“As communities across Scotland reflect on the 7 October terrorist attacks and the subsequent loss of further innocent life that has followed, I pledge the unwavering support of my government to ensure our communities remain united, that all communities are kept safe and that we live in a Scotland where people of all faiths, and none, can live in peace.”

Brave@Heart Awards: First Minister celebrates acts of courage

Brave@Heart Awards given to emergency service workers and members of the public

Brave@Heart Awards have been presented to 12 emergency service workers and six members of the public by First Minister John Swinney.

Among those recognised for acts of courage were two police officers who rescued a woman from a burning flat and an officer who dragged a woman to safety after she had been in the sea for more than an hour. Three other officers were recognised for swimming out to help someone trapped in a submerged vehicle 15 metres offshore.

Other winners included a six-year-old girl who alerted her father to the fact her younger brother was having a seizure and then kept watch for the ambulance arriving. Five members of the public received awards for helping people in burning buildings before firefighters arrived.

Constable James Henderson, Constable Steven Prentice and Winch Paramedic Norman MacLeod from the Stornoway Rescue Team were additionally awarded the St Andrew’s Award for acts of exceptional bravery.

Constables Henderson and Prentice entered an unsafe roof space and revived a man who had attempted to take his own life. Norman McLeod was lowered from a helicopter to a Spanish ship were he tended to and then evacuated two crew members who had sustained life-threatening injuries. 

Since 2010, the Brave@Heart Awards have recognised acts of bravery by staff of the blue-light services, voluntary sector rescue organisations and members of the public. The recipients each year are chosen by an independent validation panel.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Celebrating heroism and remarkable deeds that save lives is one of the greatest honours I have as First Minister.

“The Brave@Heart Awards recognise courage and demonstrate that it can be shown at any age and in different circumstances.

“Every one of this year’s winners chose to act with bravery when it mattered most. That was clear from what the validation panel shared with me, and it was clear from speaking to these inspiring members of the public and representatives of Scotland’s emergency services.”

Brave@Heart Validation Panel Chair David Garbutt said: “It has been an honour to hear of so many inspiring acts of courage and selflessness undertaken by citizens in Scotland and by members of the emergency services. 

“I am grateful to the First Minister for continuing to sponsor these awards and congratulate all of the award recipients for their achievement and for demonstrating the public spirited actions which help keep our society safe. Finally, I thank the members of the emergency services who worked with me as members of the validation panel.”