Summary

  • John Swinney says the NHS is at the heart of his annual programme for government

  • The first minister announces that an extra 100,000 appointments will be made available in GP surgeries to help tackle the "8am lottery"

  • Swinney also says peak rail fares will be "scrapped for good" from 1 September

  • He says the programme for government will be focused on "delivery" and "providing hope"

  • Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay describes the legislative programme as "flimsy", while Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar asks: "Is that it?"

Live Reporting

Edited by Paul McLaren

  1. Swinney will pledge to tackle GP appointment 'lottery'

    John Swinney says the NHS will be "at the heart" of his government's legislative plans for the final year of the Scottish Parliament's current term.

    The first minister has brought forward the annual programme for government, which he is unveiling 12 months ahead of the Holyrood election in May 2026.

    In his speech this afternoon, Swinney will pledge to increase capacity in the health service to tackle what he called the 8am "lottery" for making GP appointments.

    Labour has accused the SNP of "broken promises" while the Tories say ministers must move away from "fringe obsessions".

    Read more here.

  2. What is the programme for government?

    Swinney says the programme for government will provide meaningful solutions to challenges

    The programme for government sets out the policy and legislative goals of the Scottish government for the next parliamentary year.

    It is usually published after the summer recess, but Swinney moved the date this year to "enable a full year to delivery" before the Holyrood election.

    Opposition MSPs accused the Scottish government of economic incompetence.

    Speaking earlier at Bute House, Swinney said the programme for government would take action ahead of the "undoubted economic challenges" facing the country.

    He cited Brexit, the pandemic, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and US trade tariffs as sources of financial turmoil and said there was a risk of recession.

  3. Welcome

    John Swinney stands in front of a pictureJane Barlow/PA Wire

    First Minister John Swinney focused on the NHS during a visit to Newfield Medical Group in Dundee ahead of his programme for government statement

    Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of John Swinney's statement on the SNP's programme for government.

    The first minister's statement is due to begin at 14:20 and you can watch it by clicking on the Watch Live at the top of the page.

    We'll also bring you all the reaction from the opposition party leaders during this afternoon's debate, as well as reports and analysis from our correspondents throughout.