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Swinney defends food prices policy ahead of first minister vote
TL;DR
SNP leader John Swinney defends his food prices policy, stating it aims to address the cost of living crisis rather than provoke the UK government. His plan includes capping prices on essential food items in supermarkets.
Key points
- John Swinney defends food prices policy
- Policy aims to address cost of living crisis
- Capping prices on 50 essential food items
- Includes items like milk, eggs, and cheese
- Other pledges include capping bus fares and expanding childcare
Mentioned in this story
SNPJohn Swinney
SNP leader John Swinney has denied his food prices policy is an attempt to force a fight with the UK government.
Speaking on the BBC's Today programme ahead of his anticipated re-election as first minister, Swinney said his plan to legally cap the price of some food items in supermarkets was a reaction to the cost of living crisis.
He said people were "struggling to afford a very basic shop" and that he had a "public health responsibility" to provide an affordable nutritious diet.
Under the SNP manifesto pledge, large supermarkets would be compelled to limit the cost of up to 50 essential items such as milk, eggs, cheese and rice.
The party also promised to cap bus fares at £2 and expand childcare.
The food price policy has received criticism from some, including trade association the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), which described it as a "gimmick".
The SRC's Ewan MacDonald-Russell told the programme the policy risked forcing small shops - which are not covered by the proposed legislation - to be uncompetitive.
Swinney said "engagement" with producers and retailers on the legislation would be "crucial to get it right" but the challenge he has is "facing up to members of the public who are really struggling".
It is thought the proposed legislation would require changes to the UK Internal Markets Act of 2020, which was brought in after Brexit to prevent trade barriers and regulatory divergence between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland as powers returned from the EU.
Swinney accepted that, having fallen short of an SNP majority in the election, he would have to work with other parties in Holyrood as well as UK ministers if he were to implement the policy.
Asked whether he was looking for a "punch-up" with Westminster in order to make the case for independence, the SNP leader said: "What I'm doing is trying to help people who are struggling with the cost of their shopping.
"There are procedures I have got to go through to make that happen.
"I enter these discussions from a spirit of wanting to find a solution that will work for people who are struggling to afford their shopping in Scotland today."
Later on Tuesday, Swinney will stand as first minister in a poll of MSPs.
All six parties in the Scottish Parliament have nominated their leaders to serve in the post, but Swinney's success is virtually assured after the SNP's emphatic victory in the 7 May election.
The SNP won 58 seats, with its nearest rivals, Labour and Reform UK, on 17 each.
Q&A
What is John Swinney's food prices policy?
John Swinney's food prices policy involves legally capping the prices of up to 50 essential food items in supermarkets to help address the cost of living crisis.
How does Swinney justify the food prices policy?
Swinney justifies the policy by stating it is a response to people struggling to afford basic groceries and emphasizes his public health responsibility.
What items will be affected by the price cap in supermarkets?
The price cap will affect essential items such as milk, eggs, cheese, and rice, among others.
What other pledges are included in the SNP manifesto?
In addition to the food prices policy, the SNP manifesto pledges to cap bus fares at £2 and expand childcare services.
