First Minister John Swinney has issued a rallying call to parliament, warning of the risks posed by rejecting the Scottish Government’s 2025-26 Budget Bill.
In a New Year address in Edinburgh, he cautioned that blocking the budget could fuel anti-politics and populism, with serious consequences for the nation.
Swinney emphasised that political stalemates harm ordinary Scots rather than MSPs, urging cooperation to ensure Scotland’s budget is secured.
He stressed that the budget is crucial for progress, stating that political posturing would undermine public trust in parliament.
The First Minister noted that over 95% of the budget’s contents are widely supported, making its rejection difficult to justify.
He warned of the dangers of following international examples where political gridlock has led to widespread disillusionment.
Swinney made it clear that he would not tolerate a scenario where Scotland’s parliament fails its people by prioritising political games over progress.
His message was clear: failure to pass the budget would not only delay essential services but also deepen societal divides.
Swinney urged MSPs to choose progress, renewal, and hope as Scotland’s path forward in 2025.
The First Minister’s remarks come at a critical time, as the country looks to its leaders for unity and decisive action.
He reminded parliament of its duty to serve the people and avoid the pitfalls of divisive politics.
Swinney’s speech set the tone for a pivotal year, calling on all parties to collaborate for the greater good.
As the budget debate intensifies, the First Minister’s appeal for unity and common purpose will resonate widely.
The speech serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved and the need for political maturity.
Failure to pass the budget, he argued, would be a disservice to the nation and a step backward for Scotland.
Swinney’s call for cooperation highlights the urgency of addressing the challenges facing the country head-on.
With public and private sector representatives present, his words carried added weight, underscoring the real-world impact of political decisions.
As Scotland embarks on 2025, the First Minister’s message is unambiguous: unity is essential, and progress must prevail.
