Tributes as Alex Salmond dies aged 69

Scotland’s former First Minister Alex Salmond died of a suspected heart attack yesterday while on a speaking engagement in North Macedonia. The Alba Party leader, the man who lead the independence movement for many years, was 69.

Mr Salmond was a political giant, by far the foremost politician of his generation in Scotland, and while his fallout with the Scottish National Party in recent years is well documented his death is a massive loss to the independence movement.

As often happens in the sometimes grubby world of politics, former political opponents and colleagues – many of whom had latterly plotted and briefed against Mr Salmond – have come forward with words of praise for the former leader.

In a message issued by Buckingham Palace, King Charles said: “My wife and I are greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond.

“His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service.

“We extend our deep condolences to his family and loved ones at this time.”

Commenting on news that the former First Minister and SNP Leader Alex Salmond has died, First Minister John Swinney said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely death of the former First Minister Alex Salmond and I extend my deepest condolences to Alex’s wife Moira and to his family.

“Over many years, Alex made an enormous contribution to political life – not just within Scotland, but across the UK and beyond.

“Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her Independence. He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into Government and led Scotland so close to becoming an Independent country.

“There will be much more opportunity to reflect in the coming days, but today all of our thoughts are with Alex’s family, and his many friends and right across the political spectrum.”

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind a lasting legacy.

“My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family, and his loved ones. On behalf of the UK government I offer them our condolences today.”

Former Prime Minister David Cameron said: “We disagreed about many things, but there is no doubt that Alex Salmond was a giant of Scottish and British politics.

“Hugely passionate about the causes he championed, he was one of those rare politicians with both enormous charisma and genuine conviction, who always held the room.

“No matter your own point of view, you couldn’t help but stop and listen to his every word. He might have had his faults, but he was as sharp as a button with a strategic mind – I once said you had to count your fingers on the way out of a meeting with Alex! He has been taken far too young; my thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family.”

Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament Alison Johnstone said: “On behalf of @ScotParl, on the sad news of the passing of Rt Hon Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014, my most sincere condolences to his wife Moira, his family and friends at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.

“Flags at the Parliament have been lowered as a mark of respect.”

Nicola Sturgeon has also paid tribute to her former SNP colleague and political mentor Alex Salmond.

The pair were almost inseperable for more than three decades as they helped transform the Nationalists from a noisy fringe movement into what became an impressive election-winning machine.

The pair were also the driving force behind the 2014 independence referendum and the campaign for a Yes vote.

But there was a dramatic parting of the ways for the Indy ‘dream team’ after allegations of sexual assault were made against Salmond by several women, which led to a criminal trial in 2020. Alex Salmond was cleared on all charges, and questions remain over some aspects of the case against Salmond.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I am shocked and sorry to learn of Alex Salmond’s death. “Obviously, I cannot pretend that the events of the past few years which led to the breakdown of our relationship did not happen, and it would not be right for me to try.

“However, it remains the fact that for many years Alex was an incredibly significant figure in my life. He was my mentor, and for more than a decade we formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics.

“Alex modernised the SNP and led us into government for the first time, becoming Scotland’s fourth First Minister and paving the way for the 2014 referendum which took Scotland to the brink of independence.

“He will be remembered for all of that. My thoughts are with Moira, his wider family and his friends.”

Former Westminster colleague Joanna Cherry said: “I am devastated to hear that Alex Salmond has died. He was one of the most talented politicians of his generation, and, by any measure, the finest First Minister our country has had. He changed the face of Scottish politics.

“Sadly, he was ill used by some of his former comrades, and I am sorry that he has not lived to see his vindication. I shall remember him as an inspiration and a loyal friend. My heartfelt condolences go to Moira, his family, and all who loved him.”

City of Edinburgh Council leader Cllr Cammy Day said:

ALBA Party MSP Ash Regan tweeted: “A tour de force in politics, who took us close to independence. Alex had the nation believe in itself.

“My thoughts to his family, friends and all those who he inspired to dream. ”

Journalist and independence campaigner Lesley Riddoch commented: “Maybe naysayers will think Alex Salmond’s death marks an end to the campaign for independence. I’d suggest it’s quite the opposite.

“The responsibility has been handed on to everyone who would now vote Yes. And the baton has been handed over to new generations.”

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.”

First Minister to stand down

Humza Yousaf ‘indicates intention to resign’ – but not yet

First Minister Humza Yousaf has announced that he will stand down.

Speaking at a news conference at Bute House, Mr Yousaf confirmed: “After spending the weekend reflecting on what is best for the government and country I lead, I have concluded that repairing our relationships across the political divide can only be done with someone else at the helm.

“I intend to stand down as Party Leader. I will continue as First Minister until my successor has been elected, particularly as the Parliament will be debating some incredibly important legislation in the coming days and weeks.

“I cannot tell you what an honour it is being the First Minister of the country I love, the country I am raising my family in, and the only country I will ever call home. I have had the honour of serving in Government for almost 12 years in a variety of roles.

“Although I am sad that my time as First Minister is ending, I am so grateful and blessed for having the opportunity so few are afforded – to lead my country, and who could ask for a better country to lead than Scotland?”

Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross commented: “We knew the best chance of winning a VoNC was in Humza Yousaf himself. That’s why @ScotTories tabled it last Thursday and he’s now jumped before being pushed.

“We saw off Nicola Sturgeon and now Humza Yousaf.

“Now we work to remove this entire rotten SNP Government from office.”

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon commented: “I know how big a privilege being First Minister is, but also the toll it can take. I also know what a wrench it is to step aside, even when sure it is the right thing to do.

“Humza has conducted himself with grace, dignity and integrity – both as FM and in the manner of his leaving. I am and always will be proud to call him a friend.”

STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer commented:

Read the First Minister’s official statement in full at:

First Minister to resign – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

SNP to go it alone as coalition collapses

Bute House Agreement is OVER

The Scottish Government’s formal co-operation agreement with the Scottish Green Party has ended, First Minister Humza Yousaf has confirmed.

Mr Yousaf met Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater this morning and, following a meeting of the Scottish Cabinet, the First Minister informed them formally of the end of the Bute House Agreement, and their tenure as Ministers, with immediate effect.

The full text of the First Minister’s letter:

Patrick, Lorna

I am writing to confirm the decision taken by Cabinet today to bring the Bute House Agreement to an end. This decision is effective immediately.

As per the terms of the Bute House Agreement, this development also marks the end of your tenures as ministers.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your service to the Scottish Government and for your evident commitment to improving the lives of the Scottish people. The Bute House Agreement delivered bold action on pressing social issues, including securing a better deal for tenants and action to tackle poverty and inequality. We have worked together, too, to accelerate our transition to net zero, with a focus on fair work, green jobs and more support for active travel and the launch of free bus travel for under 22s.

We can all be proud of our work together to build a greener, fairer and independent Scotland and for the role you played in working collaboratively to find solutions for the problems confronting the world today.

This spirit of co-operation and consensus-building is in keeping with the founding principles of our Scottish Parliament. Those principles will continue to guide my Government’s approach and to be innovative in the ways we serve the people of Scotland.

The cessation of the Bute House Agreement should not be a barrier to our parties continuing to work together to make progress on the policies Scotland needs to thrive; not least our shared commitment to securing independence for Scotland and to giving people the right to choose our country’s future.

Thank you once again for all you have done to deliver for the people of Scotland. I wish you well for the future.

HUMZA YOUSAF

The Greens have called the decision to end the Bute House agreement ‘an act of political cowardice’ and have accused the First Minister of weakness.

Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater MSP accused the SNP of selling out future generations by walking away from the Bute House Agreement.

Confirming the end of the cooperation agreement she said: “This is an act of political cowardice by the SNP, who are selling out future generations to appease the most reactionary forces in the country.

“Voters deserve better, Scotland deserves better. Scottish Green voters certainly deserve better.

“They have broken the bonds of trust with members of both parties who have twice chosen the co-operation agreement and climate action over chaos, culture wars and division. They have betrayed the electorate.

“And by ending the agreement in such a weak and thoroughly hopeless way, Humza Yousaf has signalled that when it comes to political cooperation, he can no longer be trusted.

“In just a few weeks’ time our own members were to have a democratic say on endorsing the co-operation agreement. We are confident they would have supported us in continuing our work for Scotland, as they have done at every turn.

“Neither they nor SNP members will have that opportunity. Instead, the most reactionary and backwards-looking forces within the First Minister’s party have forced him to do the opposite of what he himself had said was in Scotland’s best interests.

“By contrast we as co-leaders of the Scottish Greens were prepared to put our own political careers on the line with our members, to defend our achievements in government, despite enduring all that SNP backbenchers and others threw against us.

“What a pity he didn’t have the fortitude or the bravery to do the same. If they can’t stand up to members of their own party, how can anyone expect them to stand up to the UK Government at Westminster and defend the interests of Scotland?

“We want, we demand, a fairer greener Scotland. We believed the Bute House Agreement would speed up that process, only to be let down by the SNP time and time again – on council tax, on oil and gas, on 2030 and most obviously, again today.

“I appeal to those SNP members who do care about climate, trans rights, independence and our country to consider if they are in the right party for their values, or if their home should be with us as we prepare to step up our defence of the planet in opposition.

“Finally, to all those who will feel hurt and betrayed today, know this: our resolve is absolute, we will not abandon you as the SNP have, we will fight for your future with every breath we take. “

Climate campaigners have said that the end of the BHA ‘does not change the fact’ that the Scottish Government needs to get its climate plans back on track.

A Friends of the Earth Scotland spokesperson said: “The end of the Bute House Agreement does not change the fact that the First Minister must take responsibility for getting Scotland’s climate plans back on track, strengthen the desperately weak policy package offered last week and recommit to bringing down climate pollution in line with our 2030 legal targets.

“The announcement that the Scottish Government wants to scrap its critical 2030 climate target has caused huge anger and concern amongst people who, regardless of their political persuasion, clearly recognise that we need urgent action this decade.”

“The government must urgently clarify how they will deliver the vital climate legislation that will bring down pollution and improve lives through both the Circular Economy Bill and the Heat in Buildings Bill, both of which were being overseen by Green ministers.”

ALBA MSP Ash Regan commented: “48 hours ago I put a motion of no confidence in against Patrick Harvie, today the Government have agreed.

“I am glad to see the extremely unpopular politics of the Greens have been abandoned and the SNP have found a backbone.”

SNP MP Joanna Cherry has also welcomed the ‘divorce’: “If true this would be excellent news.

“The Scottish Greens have brought nothing transformative to the table on climate change that was actually viable, their science denying response to the #CassReport was disgraceful & their identity politics are toxic.

“Out with identity politics & virtue signalling, in with policies to tackle the bread & butter issues that our constituents bring up on the doorsteps.”

Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie said: “The government is falling apart before our eyes.

“Humza Yousaf is too weak to hold his own government together. Three years into the Bute House Agreement the promises the SNP and Greens made have been torn to shreds.”

The Scottish Conservatives said: “The SNP-Green deal was only ever about one thing – their shared nationalist obsession.

“Humza Yousaf may have been forced to end this disastrous pact before the Greens quit but nothing will really change. He will continue to put his independence obsession above your priorities.”

Tory MSP Craig Hoy said: “The collapse of this toxic coalition is an utter humiliation for Humza Yousaf, who hailed it as ‘worth its weight in gold’ – and continued to back it to the hilt right until the end.

“It beggars belief that the Greens were invited into government in the first place.”

LATEST: At First Minister’s Questions Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has announced that his party will lodge a vote of no confidence in Humza Yousaf’s government

Investigation into Scottish National Party finances: Peter Murrell charged

PETER Murrell has been charged with embezzlement in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party.

Mr Murrell, the former Chief Executive of the SNP and the husband of former leader Nicola Sturgeon, announced last night that he has resigned his party membership.

An SNP spokesperson said last night: “While this development will come as a shock, the police investigation remains ongoing and it would, therefore, be inappropriate to make any comment.”

POLICE SCOTLAND ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT LAST NIGHT:

‘A 59 year old man has today, Thursday, 18 April, 2024, been charged in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party.

‘The man, who was arrested at 9.13am today and had previously been arrested as a suspect on 5 April, 2023, was charged at 6.35pm after further questioning by Police Scotland detectives investigating the funding and finances of the party.

‘A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in due course.
The man is no longer in police custody.

‘As this investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.

‘The matter is active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media.

‘For this reason, Police Scotland has turned off the comments function on this post.’

Policy announcements at SNP conference: What do they mean for Scotland?

Humza Yousaf addressed the Scottish National Party Conference for the first time as First Minister, in a speech that contained a few new proposals. We’ll take you through some of the main consequences of what was announced (writes MAIRI SPOWAGE, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute).

Council tax frozen, but at what cost?

The centrepiece announcement was that 2024-25 council tax rates across Scotland would remain the same as in 2023-24. This was a surprise to many – including COSLA – although the Scottish Government has said it “will fully fund the freeze to ensure councils can maintain their services.”

What does that mean in practice? Councils will already have been in the process of deciding what council tax policy will be for the 2024-25 financial year – many of us will have seen consultations and discussions in our local area about this. As they are constrained to fund current spending out of current sources of revenue – of which council tax is a significant component – decisions on spending going forward may have already been taken on the basis of future income from council tax. The First Minister’s announcement changes that prospective revenue.

Whether or not the promise of “fully funding” the freeze in council tax will depend on what the Scottish Government assesses as the counterfactual for what increases in rates would have been – and how that will be put into practice.

Our calculations indicate that accounting for growth in the number of properties expected in 2024-25, total net revenue from council tax will be £2,865m.

But it we assume councils would have applied the same increases as they did last year (which averaged 5%), revenues would have been £3,013m. And if the proposal for increasing multipliers for the higher bands in the recent council tax consultation had been taken forward revenues would have been higher still, at £3,196m.

In summary then, the freeze in council tax – assuming that councils would have followed the increases from the previous year – will cost £148m. In addition, the decision not to increase the multipliers as has been consulted on will cost £183m.

The true size of the shortfall will depend on what councils were actually budgeting for. If we assumed an 8% increase was being planned – which is lower than some councils implemented last year, and would still not bring much in terms of real increases in funding for local authorities – the total shortfall would be £417m (£229m from the freeze plus £188m from not increasing the multipliers).

How much of the shortfall is covered by the First Minister’s funding pledge will be the subject of a negotiation process with COSLA, and we’ll need to wait to see how it plays out. But ultimately it could lead to councils having less spending power than was expected if the definition of “fully funded” is in dispute.

The Scottish Government was already facing challenges on its budgetary position, given the gap it set out in the Medium Term Financial Strategy in May, of an estimated £1 billion gap between its commitments and likely resources.

Despite a better outturn on income tax than expected, and an increase in borrowing powers, prior to the Programme for Government this was still likely to be around £600m. It is not clear where the extra funding will come from to pay for the council tax freeze – and indeed the announcement on health below.

An “additional” £100m a year to cut NHS waiting lists – but within the fixed envelope

The First Minister also outlined a proposal to spend an extra £100m a year on reducing the NHS waiting lists. The goal is to reduce waiting list by 100,000 by 2026.

As with so many of these proposals, the devil is in the detail, and in this case, the additionality of the pledge is questionable. While the First Minister has announced that more money will be spent on this particular issue, there was no detail where the money was coming from.

With the Scottish spending envelope through the Block Grant largely fixed, spending commitments well ahead of funding sources (as discussed above) for 2024-25, and limited options in terms of yield from tax rises, this announcement seems like it will lead to a reallocation of funding, either from other areas of the health service or from other areas of government spending rather than actual additional spending.

Scottish bonds for capital investments announced – how and why?

The FM announced plans to issue the first-ever government bonds for Scotland to finance infrastructure.

In theory, the power to issue government bonds was devolved as part of the Scotland Act 2012, with the power given full effect in April 2015.

So what would be the process for this? One of the key steps is likely to be establishing a credit rating from major rating agencies. This would provide potential investors with a professional evaluation of Scotland’s creditworthiness.

This process is likely to be fairly involved, consisting of a detailed assessment of Scotland’s economic, fiscal and political environment.

Two questions we’ve been asked already are (i) what will this rating (and therefore the likely interest rate that would have to be paid) be compared to UK government bonds and (ii) to what extent does this tell us about the likely cost of borrowing for an independent Scotland?

The answer to the first question is that there is likely to be a premium to be paid by Scotland compared to UK Government bonds (i.e. it will be more expensive), as a new entrant to the bond market. However, given that ultimately the borrowing is underwritten by the UK Government, it may be that the premium is fairly small. But it will of course depend on the rating and then investors’ reaction to that.

The answer to the second is much more unknown. Given this is underwritten by the UK Government, it is likely that this tells us little about the interest rate that may need to be paid by an independent Scotland.

It is worth underlining that this plan does not increase the borrowing available to the Scottish Government. The annual limit (of £450m in 2023-24 prices) and total cap (of £3bn in 2023-24 prices) will still apply. Rather, it is an alternative to borrowing from the National Loans Fund (essentially from the UKG).

It’s unlikely that the terms of borrowing through issuing bonds will be more favourable than borrowing from the National Loans Fund, which tends to be very close to Bank Rate plus a minimal spread.

Another point to note is that the Scottish Government in recent years has used its capital borrowing powers extensively. In the current year, its debt stock sits at 73% of the debt cap already – forecast to rise to around 80% by the end of the parliament. Therefore the borrowing that will be possible may be more limited by the end of the parliament, particularly as borrowing costs are rising.

The FM set out why they may wish to do this in his speech – focussing on the enhanced profile it could give Scotland internationally, and the additional investment it could attract from international investors. It may be that the process of establishing and issuing the bonds is seen as strengthening the Scottish state in advance of a future independent Scotland.

But in a constrained fiscal environment, it will be fair to ask whether borrowing in a more expensive way makes sense.

Bute House Agreement ‘delivering Scotland’s energy transition’

SNP-GREEN DEAL IS TWO YEARS OLD

The journey to a greener, fairer, net zero economy is accelerating as the Bute House Agreement, the shared policy programme between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party, marks its second anniversary.

In the past year there has been an 8% growth in renewables capacity in Scotland, more than one-and-a-half times the rate of growth seen in the rest of the UK, and the Scottish Government has published its draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, setting out a route to secure Scotland’s fastest possible fair and just move away from fossil fuels.

Analysis estimates that the number of low carbon production jobs could rise from 19,000 in 2019 to 77,000 by 2050, meaning there will be more jobs in energy production in 2050 than there are now.

The Scottish Government has also released an Onshore Wind Policy Statement, confirming an ambition to more than double the country’s onshore wind capacity, while the new National Planning Framework 4 will help further realise Scotland’s renewable energy potential.

To mark the anniversary, Energy Secretary Neil Gray and Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie officially opened the Greengairs East windfarm in North Lanarkshire.

Energy Secretary Neil Gray said: “Delivering on our climate obligations is an absolute priority for this Government – as is our unwavering commitment to ensuring the journey to net zero is fair and just for everyone.

“The Bute House Agreement signalled our shared commitment to working together to build a greener, fairer and independent Scotland. An unstable world needs more co-operation and more constructive conversation if governments are to effectively meet the challenges they face.

“Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine triggered an energy price crisis which caused governments around the world to consider the long-term future to ensure our energy security, affordability and sustainability.

“The Scottish Government, underpinned by the principles and policies of the Bute House Agreement, has set out a very clear direction on how it can help overcome these issues and capitalise on the enormous opportunities our energy transition presents, while understanding that we need the UK Government to do more in areas which are reserved.

“It is absolutely fitting therefore, that we are marking the second anniversary of the Agreement here at the new Greengairs East windfarm.”

Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie said: “The Bute House Agreement established a shared policy programme that has tackling the climate emergency and supporting Scotland’s renewable energy industries at its core, and it’s great to see the impact that this is having.

“The energy bills crisis has hit everyone hard, particularly the most vulnerable, and has not gone away. While the UK Government needs to take urgent action in reserved areas, over the last year we have set out a very clear pathway on how we can transition to clean, green energy, to tackle the climate crisis and to capitalise on the enormous potential we have to ensure everyone and every household in Scotland can benefit.

“The Bute House Agreement is also a commitment to a constructive way of working, based on shared aims and the core principles of building trust and good faith. Our approach to delivering a just and fair energy transition – ensuring we work across parliament, with the sector and with communities – is a prime example of how this approach benefits Scotland.”

Bute House Agreement

Back to the Drawing Board!

YOUSAF ANNOUNCES ‘A FRESH START FOR SCOTLAND’

PRIORITIES OF ‘EQUALITY, OPPORTUNITY, COMMUNITY’ SET

First Minister Humza Yousaf has published a new ‘policy prospectus’, setting out how the government will deliver for Scotland over the next three years – but his big policy announcement was overshadowed by the news that SNP treasurer Colin Beattie had been arrested by police as they continue to investigate the SNP’s finances.

In his first major statement to Parliament, the First Minister said three missions, centred on the themes of equality, opportunity and community, will be central to his government.

Announcing he will seek to reach agreement on a ‘New Deal for Scottish Business’, the statement revealed that the launch of Deposit Return Scheme will be set for March next year, that proposals on alcohol advertising will go “back to the drawing board” and that the Scottish Government will look at ways to use Business Rates to boost business and further support communities.

Titled ‘New Leadership – A Fresh Start’, the prospectus details the key aims the government intends to achieve in each Cabinet portfolio, working with the Scottish Green Party to build on the success of the Bute House Agreement.

equality-opportunity-community-new-leadership-fresh-start Download

Actions set out by the First Minister and the prospectus document to tackle poverty, build a fairer, greener and growing economy, and improve public services by 2026 include:

a ‘New Deal for Scottish Business’ will be sought, with urgent discussion to agree how government can better support businesses and communities using policy levers such as Non-Domestic Rates.
an extension of the Deposit Return Scheme launch date to March 2024, from August this year.
an explicit commitment to support economic growth for a purpose – to help business and trade to thrive and maximise the opportunity for a fair, green economy.
confirmation of a further £1.3 billion investment for the Scottish Child Payment over the next three years
improved cancer outcomes through better prevention and diagnostics, including expanded Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services in Lanarkshire and Borders by June 2023
investment of up to £25 million to convert suitable properties into affordable homes for key workers and others, as part of an action plan to increase housing in remote, rural and island areas
confirmation of a six-month pilot removing peak-time fares from ScotRail services from October to make rail travel more accessible, available and affordable.
the delivery of six new vessels to serve Scotland’s ferry network and a doubling of the charge point network for electric vehicles to at least 6,000
reinstating Scotland’s participation in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science (TIMSS) and Progress in International Reading Literacy (PIRLS) studies to increase the availability of internationally comparable data on Scotland’s education performance
seeking a new agreement with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) to support the delivery of shared priorities, and legislation to give councils powers to apply a Local Visitor Levy on overnight stays in commercially let accommodation as additional means to raise revenue

https://twitter.com/i/status/1648362128712126465

The First Minister said: “Scotland is a land of opportunity, I’m very proud of that fact, I’m proud to be a product of that.

“My grandparents came to this country in the 1960s, barely speaking English, little money in their pockets. Despite the challenges they faced, and at times hostility they faced, due to their background, they overcame those barriers and provided a life for their children, and for their grandchildren that I will forever be grateful for.

“It is my responsibility to ensure every family in Scotland has that equality of opportunity, regardless of their background or where they live in Scotland.

“I am optimistic we can achieve that equality of opportunity, and the three missions that I have set out today, will determine the priorities of the government that I lead for the rest of this parliamentary session, and help us to achieve that.

“Together, we will be focused on the delivery, we will ensure that we have affordable, ambitious measures in place, which protect our environment, which protect business prosperity, they improve people’s well-being, and they reduce poverty.

“They will ensure the actions we take over the next three years, stand Scotland in good stead for the next decade to come. And they will use our present, very significant, strengths to deliver a fresh start for Scotland.”

Environmental campaigners are dismayed by the news that Scotland’s deposit return scheme, which was due to launch in August 2023, has been delayed until next year.

The deposit return scheme has already been delayed twice, with its initial launch date set for April 2021. The latest postponement will mean that 2.5 billion more drinks containers will have been littered, landfilled or incinerated than if it had gone ahead as planned.

Hundreds of Scottish producers and businesses, accounting for over 95% of Scottish drinks containers, have already registered to take part in the scheme from August and completed the necessary preparation to do so, including the biggest producers of single use drinks cans in the country.

Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “This delay marks a shameful breaking of promises which will ultimately be paid for by the people of Scotland and the environment. Over 70% of people in Scotland support the deposit return scheme, but the First Minister has decided to put corporate interests and politics before people and the planet.

“The repeated delays by the Scottish Government to deliver this scheme are as damaging as doing nothing. Companies have had five years to prepare, and the majority of them are ready to go as planned in August.

“We are living in a climate emergency, and this simple scheme should be an exciting bit of progress. It’s a concerning start to Humza Yousaf’s leadership.”

Dr Kat Jones, director of APRS, which is running the Have You Got The Bottle? campaign, said:

“Yet another delay to Scotland’s deposit return system should send a chill down the spine of everyone who understands the environmental crisis we face. Both the Scottish and UK governments need to get their act together if a third delay is not to become a fourth or worse.”

Calum Duncan, head of conservation Scotland at Marine Conservation Society, said: “Bottles and cans were littered on 95% of Scottish beaches cleaned and surveyed by our volunteers in 2022. We’re disappointed that, yet again, Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme will be delayed.

“We know deposit return schemes have huge potential to turn the tide on this kind of pollution, for the benefit of both people and the planet. Scotland’s seas cannot, and should not, be paying the price for our waste.”

The deposit return scheme will work by people paying a fully refundable 20p deposit when they buy a drink in a single-use container made of plastic, metal or glass.

First Minister’s speech – 18 April 2023

Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership – A fresh start

Spring Budget: Chancellor to set out ‘Budget for Growth’

Chancellor sets out next stage of the Government’s plan to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt.
Building on the stability he gained from Autumn Statement, Jeremy Hunt will set out next steps to drive economic growth across the UK.
Plan will help ease the cost of living, remove barriers into work to boost incomes, drive business investment, and support new, high-growth industries of the future.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt will unveil the next phase of the Government’s plan to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt in his Spring Budget today.

In his first Budget speech as Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt is expected to build on the stability gained at the Autumn Statement, with new measures to support families and businesses with the cost of living, before setting out an agenda to grow the UK economy.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt is expected to say: “In the Autumn we took difficult decisions to deliver stability and sound money. Today, we deliver the next part of our plan: a Budget for growth.

“Not just growth from emerging out of a downturn. But long term, sustainable, healthy growth that pays for our NHS and schools, finds good jobs for young people, provides a safety net for older people … all whilst making our country one of the most prosperous in the world.

“Today I deliver that by removing the obstacles that stop businesses investing; tackling the labour shortages that stop them recruiting; breaking down the barriers that stop people working and harnessing British ingenuity to make us a science and tech superpower.”

The Government is already protecting struggling families with one-off payments worth £94 billion. After a decade of reforms, people on low incomes can now earn £1,000 a month without paying tax or national insurance thanks to rises in tax thresholds. This has helped to lift two million people out of absolute poverty, after housing costs, including 400,000 pensioners and 500,000 children.

The Chancellor is expected to announce fairness reforms to energy bills, bringing the bills of families on prepayment meters in line with average direct debit energy bill under the Energy Price Guarantee. This will enable four million families to save £45 a year on their energy bills from July.

He will also announce his plan to go even further with and ambition to get hundreds of thousands more people into work. Support will focus on disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, parents, the over 50s, and people on Universal Credit. The changes are also expected to encourage benefit claimants to move into work or increase their hours with increased sanctions enforcement and Work Coach support, and childcare costs on Universal Credit to be paid up front.

The Chancellor is also expected to reject the narrative of decline, champion the successes the UK has achieved over the past decade, with a promise to build on the country’s competitive advantages to spread wealth and opportunity everywhere.

UK BUDGET MUST REVERSE TORY COST OF LIVING CRISIS

TOMMY SHEPPARD MP AND DEIDRE BROCK MP: SLASH ENERGY BILLS AND PUT MONEY BACK IN PEOPLE’S POCKETS

The SNP has said “the number one priority for the UK budget must be to put money back into people’s pockets” – warning the Tories can’t continue to hammer household incomes.

Ahead of today’s budget, Tommy Sheppard MP and Deidre Brock MP have urged Jeremy Hunt to deliver a comprehensive package to boost household incomes and economic growth. The MPs for Edinburgh East and Edinburgh North & Leith have challenged the Chancellor to deliver the SNP’s five-point plan:

Saving families £1400 on energy bills – by cutting the Energy Price Guarantee to £2000 and maintaining the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme to the summer.
Raising public sector pay and benefits by CPI – putting money into the pockets of millions of workers and delivering Barnett consequentials for Scottish spending.
Scrapping Tory plans to raise the pension age to 68 and reinstating the Triple Lock – so no one must struggle in old age.
Re-joining the European Single Market – to boost economic growth and halt the multi-billion pound long-term damage being caused by Brexit.
Investing in green growth – by competing with EU and US subsidies to attract green investment.

In addition to the headroom identified by the IFS, and the billions of pounds saved as a result of the falling wholesale price of gas, the SNP is calling for the Chancellor to scrap non-dom tax status, tax share buy backs, and expand the windfall tax, which would raise billions more to fund cost of living support for ordinary households.

Commenting, Edinburgh East MP, Tommy Sheppard said: “The number one priority for the UK budget must be to put money back into people’s pockets – and reverse this Tory-made cost of living crisis.

“Scotland is a wealthy, energy-rich country but families are being fleeced by Westminster. By refusing to act, the Tories are showing why Scotland needs independence, so we can escape Westminster control, re-join the EU, and build a fair and prosperous economy.

“Families are sick to the back teeth of being ripped off by the Tory government. Instead of hammering household incomes, the Chancellor must save families £1,400 by slashing energy bills and deliver a comprehensive package of support.

“The SNP’s five-point plan would reduce bills, raise incomes and boost economic growth, at a time when many families are struggling to get by. With energy companies making record profits and the wholesale price of gas falling, there is no excuse for failing to act.”

Edinburgh North & Leith MP, Deidre Brock, added: “The SNP Scottish Government is doing everything it can with limited fiscal powers, including delivering the Scottish Child Payment, higher energy bill support, and higher public sector pay.

“The UK government must finally step up to the plate and use its reserved powers to introduce a Real Living Wage and raise public sector pay and benefits by CPI. In doing so, it would raise the incomes of millions of workers and deliver Barnett consequentials which would benefit Edinburgh and Scotland.

“This UK Budget is all about choices. Instead of making families in Edinburgh pay for Westminster failure, the Tories must fund support by scrapping non-dom tax status, expanding the windfall tax and taxing share buy backs, which would raise billions.

“And if we are serious about delivering economic growth and reversing decline, the UK government must re-join the European single market and properly invest in green energy.

“Scotland is suffering the consequences of Westminster control. The Tories trashed the economy with Brexit, austerity cuts and thirteen years of mismanagement. And with the pro-Brexit Labour Party becoming a pound-shop Tory tribute act, it’s clear independence is the only way for Scotland to secure the real change we need.”

Budget predictions – Bank of Scotland

Chris Lawrie, area director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland, said: “Business confidence in Scotland rose in recent months and, after business rates were frozen in a bid to help smaller businesses in the Scottish Budget, firms will be looking to the Chancellor to continue supporting long-term, sustainable growth and encourage higher levels of productivity.

“Growing the economy is key and the Budget is an opportunity to bring further stability and encourage investment in future growth. The Chancellor could show that he can help meet these ambitions by increasing capital allowances and providing the greater certainty and support businesses need to invest in a more high-tech, low-carbon economy.”

Edinburgh MPs demand Chancellor uses budget to support local families

HOUSEHOLDS ACROSS EDINBURGH SUFFERING FROM TORY-MADE COST OF LIVING CRISIS

The Chancellor must use next week’s budget to tackle the Tory-made cost of living crisis harming households across Edinburgh, Tommy Sheppard MP and Deidre Brock MP have said.

Polling carried out by Survation in partnership with campaign group 38Degrees revealed the stark impact of rising costs imposed on households in recent months, with findings showing in Edinburgh East: 21% of people have missed rent payments in the last six months, 32% haven’t been able to afford to turn the heating on, and 21% fear they may have to use a foodbank.

Meanwhile, in Edinburgh North and Leith the figures are even higher, with 22% of people have missed rent payments over the same period, 41% unable to afford to turn the heating on and 28% are worried they may have to use a foodbank.

Commenting, Edinburgh North and Leith MP Deidre Brock, said: “All eyes are on next week’s budget to see what support is on offer to assist households through a cost-of-living crisis of the Tories’ making.

“People and families across Edinburgh are suffering from a toxic mix of inflation, soaring energy costs, rising mortgage rates, and Tory austerity and cannot afford continued inaction from the UK government.

“If the Chancellor wants to provide, he can start by cutting the Energy Price Guarantee to £2000 and maintaining the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme to the summer, a move that would save households £1,400.

“The fact thousands of my constituents are missing rent payments, are living without heating through the cold months, are relying on foodbanks is a disgrace that should shame the Tories into taking serious action – but I won’t hold my breath.”

Tommy Sheppard MP for Edinburgh East added: “These figures have soared, like costs, under Westminster Tory rule and we’re unlikely to see what families desperately need from a party that throughout its existence has lacked the political will to help the most vulnerable.

“In Scotland we’ve used our limited powers to support households, including with the introduction of the Scottish Child payment, described as ‘game-changing’ by leading charities. But it shouldn’t be for the SNP Scottish Government to constantly have to mitigate the worst of Tory rule.

“The impact of the Tory-made cost of living crisis has set out further proof that only with the full powers of independence can we offer real support through difficult times and secure just economic prosperity that works for everyone in our society.”