First Minister John Swinney – The NEN

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.”

Faith and belief leaders light candles for peace

First Minister supports Scotland’s diverse communities

First Minister John Swinney joined faith and belief leaders at the Candle for Peace ceremony to encourage dialogue, reflection and remembrance among Scotland’s diverse communities.

At the annual ceremony, he was invited to light a candle with the Chief Imam from the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, Dr Sayed Razawi, and the Welfare Convenor of the Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation, Edward Green.

It was the first time senior Muslim and Jewish leaders have come together in this way at the ceremony, a gesture reflecting their shared commitment to peaceful coexistence and community cohesion.

Representatives of NHS Scotland and Police Scotland also took part to honour sacrifices made by health workers and police officers.

The First Minister said: “Strengthening the connections between our diverse communities is so important, especially at a time when we see so much conflict across the world.

“I was honoured to attend this profound and symbolic peace ceremony alongside so many of Scotland’s faith leaders. We are united in our shared commitment to eliminating barriers and increasing understanding.

“Scotland is a diverse, multi-cultural society and this diversity strengthens us as a nation. We continue to work cooperatively with partners to tackle all forms of hatred and prejudice, so people of all faiths, and none, can be supported to follow their way of life without fear of discrimination.”

The Candle for Peace ceremony took place at Edinburgh City Chambers. The annual event is organised by the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, which represents Shia Muslims.

Education Summit session held at Royal High School

The Atlantic Rim Collaboratory Summit is being co-hosted by @ScotGov this year. The annual gathering brings together pupils, teachers and education experts.

Over four days, participants will share ideas about how to improve schools in the different countries taking part.

First Minister @JohnSwinney and Education Secretary @JennyGilruth (a former teacher at RHS) met international delegates, pupils and teachers attending a Summit session at the Royal High School.

They discussed ways to improve attendance at school and help children get the most from their education.

Royal High School said on Twitter: “Our School Captain, Hannah & Vice Captains Hollie & Skye delivered exceptional speeches and were a credit to RHS. It was a pleasure to welcome delegates to our school.”

Delivering a ‘wealthier, fairer and greener Scotland’

Swinney to publish Programme for Government on Wednesday

Plans to deliver a wealthier, fairer and greener Scotland despite difficult financial challenges will be announced by First Minister John Swinney at Holyrood this week.

The First Minister will this week deliver his first Programme for Government since taking office, laying out how the Scottish Government will focus on improving the lives of the people of Scotland.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Against a challenging financial backdrop this year’s Programme for Government will set out clear actions to deliver real change for the people of Scotland.

“The Prime Minister was clear last week that the UK Budget, to be delivered in October, will be painful, and the reality is that the UK’s finances will inevitably affect the funding available to us here in Scotland. Their decisions mean tough decisions ahead for Scotland.

“Yet despite this the Scottish Government will continue to prioritise action to eradicate child poverty, to grasp the opportunities of delivering net zero and to grow the economy by investing in public services and infrastructure.

“While we will work with the UK Government wherever we can, we will continue to urge them to drop the damaging cuts and set new spending rules that support investment.

“The Scottish Government already has a strong track record of improving lives in challenging circumstances. We have delivered an expansion of funded childcare, record investment in the NHS, renewable energy development, and the introduction of the Scottish Child Payment, which are strong foundations for this year’s Programme for Government.

“Even when faced with unprecedented budgetary constraints, our aim will be to improve people’s lives by focusing on clear priorities that make the biggest difference.”

SNP Conference: First Minister taught a lesson by his former teacher

The First Minister’s former school teacher sought to give a climate lesson to her famous ex-pupil today as the SNP conference got underway in Edinburgh.

The teacher was part of a group of activists from the Edinburgh Climate Coalition urging the SNP to stop rolling back on climate change action following the decision earlier this year to scrap its critical 2030 climate targets.

The teacher wore a black gown and cap whilst standing in front of a large blackboard with repeated lines written on reminding the First Minister “I must try harder to protect the climate. I must try harder to protect the climate. I must try harder to protect the climate…”

Environmentalists have been angered by the regressive approach taken under Swinney’s leadership including removing its opposition to drilling new oil and gas fields, announcing it will increase train fares and slashing millions of pounds from environmental restoration schemes.

Activists spoke to SNP conference delegates and politicians as they went inside the conference urging them to put pressure on decision makers to get back on track.

Caro Wilkinson, who was John Swinney’s German teacher at Forrester High School in Edinburgh commented, “When I taught John Swinney, he was both intelligent and caring. His kindness was clear when he organised a class whip round when I was pregnant to buy me a teddy bear for my new baby.

“He is clever enough to know how urgent the threat of climate change is and so I hope he cares enough for the planet to take the action that’s needed.

“If he does, he’ll speak out against the huge Rosebank oil field, reject the proposed Peterhead gas fired power station and do what he can to put the Scottish Government back on course to fight climate change.”

Luke Henderson, Edinburgh Climate Coalition spokesperson added: “People around the world are already suffering from the impacts of changed climate in fires, floods and landslides but the Scottish Government is going backwards and slowing down the action that will improve lives and cut climate pollution.

“Renewable energy is already far cheaper than new fossil fuels whilst solutions like making public transport more affordable and accessible will help more people get to where they need to be.”

Improving cancer care

Funding for projects to benefit patients and clinical staff

A total of £1.5 million funding in 2024-25 is supporting 12 projects to continue providing direct and personalised support to patients with cancer.

The Single Point of Contact (SPoC) pilots provide patients with ongoing contact to support them, putting them at the heart of all decisions and actions involving them throughout their care journey.

The NHS Lothian SPoC uses a centralised digital hub delivering telephone communication and support to patients with a range of cancer types.

Around 40% of calls are diverted away from Clinical Nurse Specialist workload, which has led to improvements in the quality of their telephone contacts. Patient engagement work carried out by NHS Lothian and Healthcare Improvement Scotland has indicated high satisfaction with the service.

Confirming the funding, which is included in the 2024-25 Budget, as he met nurses at Edinburgh Cancer Centre with experience of the service, First Minister John Swinney said: “We are fully focused on improving cancer survival, and delivering excellent and accessible care is at the core of how we do that.

“The Single Point of Contact Service meets requirements identified by Boards to deliver improvements in communication and support for patients with navigating cancer care.

“By taking in the region of 2,000 calls per month and providing person-centred support to those patients throughout their care journey, the Edinburgh Single Point of Contact project provides consistent access for patients to have conversations about their care, freeing up capacity for specialist staff to focus on the most complex cases.”

Katie Gibson, Neuroendocrine Tumour Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how the SPoC service has transformed our ability to care for cancer patients.

“The centralised system streamlines communication and allows us to spend more quality time with those who need it most.

“As a result, patients are aware of who to contact for the support and advice they require from diagnosis , treatment and beyond.”

Over £1.5 million will support 12 pilot projects across Scotland to deliver a single point of contact to people diagnosed with cancer.

Funding has been delivered in response to needs identified by individual Boards and proposals submitted by them, pilots vary by cancer type and location:

NHS Lothian has received £ 343,740 to support the telephone-based SPoC service at Edinburgh Western General, serving boards within the South East Scotland Cancer Network
NHS Borders has received £82,000 for 3 cancer care co-ordinators, providing support across a variety of cancer sites
NHS Dumfries and Galloway has received £71,000 for 2 cancer co-ordinator posts, providing a telephone-based support service across a range of tumour sites
NHS Fife has received £107,354 to staff a Single Point of Contact Hub, dealing with all urgent suspected cancer referrals.
NHS Forth Valley has received £67,556 for 2 healthcare support workers (HCSW) providing a single point of contact for 7 tumour groups
NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Forth Valley, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and NHS Lanarkshire have received total funding of £202,668to develop a regional approach to digital remote follow up of prostate cancer patients in the West of Scotland
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has received £67,566 for 2 support workers to augment specialist gynaecological nursing support and £141,324 for 4 SPoC roles across GGC sites to smooth and facilitate the patient journey, for people diagnosed with lung cancer
NHS Grampian has received £84,500 for 3 posts to provide a joint service with Macmillan Navigators, providing support following an Urgent Suspicion of Cancer (USC) referral
NHS Highland has received £270,680 for 7 Cancer Support Workers providing tailored support throughout diagnostic pathway and onto treatment
NHS Tayside has received £33,288 to provide support for people diagnosed with advanced Upper Gastrointestinal or Hepatopancreatobiliary tumours and lung, renal and prostate cancers
NHS Western Isles has received £68,000 for 2 HCSWs, as part of the Macmillan Team, to support people with all types of cancer

Health Improvement Scotland is currently carrying out a scalability assessment of all 12 projects in order to identify best practice and how best to scale and expand these pilots.

First Minster thanks Makar as tenure comes to an end

First Minister John Swinney has thanked Scotland’s national poet, Makar Kathleen Jamie, for her contribution to public life as her three year tenure comes to an end.

The Makar’s work was celebrated at an Edinburgh International Book Festival event, attended by the First Minister, which saw award-winning composer David Paul Jones take Kathleen Jamie’s back catalogue of poems and set them to music.

Mr Swinney said: “I want to thank Kathleen Jamie and pay tribute to the stellar work she has done over the last three years as Scotland’s fourth modern Makar, and as a national ambassador for poetry in Scotland and overseas.

“Her term as Makar will leave a powerful legacy. She encouraged the public to become engaged with the role by writing a series of collective poems curated from individual lines of poetry submitted by the people of Scotland. This allowed a large number of people to contribute to the important role of Makar.

“Kathleen has also recently completed a collective poem using lines from prisoners throughout Scotland on the theme of hope, which I am very much looking forward to reading when it is published shortly.”

Kathleen Jamie said: “It’s been a huge honour to be Scotland’s fourth modern Makar and I have greatly enjoyed this role.

“I have performed at the opening of Parliament, written poems to commemorate the COP26 Summit and the life of the late Queen and I have toured libraries from Kirkwall to Coatbridge, tapping into the rich seam of grassroots poetry activities taking place across Scotland.

“In 3 ‘collective poems’ I curated pieces from lines provided by hundreds of members of the public. We wrote a National Nature Poem, a Letter to the People of Ukraine, and a Letter to World Leaders. I was happy to be asked to extend this to the prison population and develop a poem on the theme of hope.

“The role of the Makar is vital in engaging a vast audience with poetry. Rather than speaking to or for the nation, I am most proud of enabling the nation to speak for itself, and keep poetry at its heart.”

First Minister Takes The Salute at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

First Minister John Swinney attended The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo last night (Wednesday 14 August) to fulfil the prestigious role as Salute Taker for the Show at Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade.

Mr Swinney was met by Jason Barrett, Chief Executive Officer of the Tattoo, before taking his seat in the Royal Gallery to enjoy this year’s Show Journeys, which honours the seafarers who courageously traverse the oceans to connect people and cultures across continents.

The First Minister was part of the crowd to enjoy 800 talented performers from across the world, in a powerful display that embraces both tradition and modernity, through the creative light shows, drill, dance and so much more.

Journeys, runs until Saturday 24 August 2024, with tickets still available to purchase: edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or by calling +44 (0)131 225 1188.