SNP vow cost of living action with price cap of supermarket essential foods

John Swinney declared he is “only just getting started” as Scotland’s First Minister, as he announced plans to tackle the cost of living crisis by capping the price of essential food if his party wins the Holyrood election.

With exactly three weeks to go to polling day on May 7, the SNP leader said rising costs faced by households are the “defining issue of this election”.

He accused the Westminster Government of a “complete failure to get a grip” of the problem, and promised “bold action” from the SNP if it is re-elected for a record fifth consecutive term at Holyrood.

Announcing plans to set a maximum price for essential food items in the shops, Swinney told supporters: “Things have got so tough it is now impacting upon our nation’s nutrition.”

John Swinney has unveiled the SNP’s election manifesto PA Media

He said that under the current devolution arrangement, he cannot normally set prices at the till – but Holyrood has powers over public health and he plans to use them to put a price cap on certain items.

These “fair food prices” could cover “everyday items that make up a decent diet”, he said, such as bread, milk, cheese, eggs, rice and chicken.

He added that the plan shows his Government is working on “reducing the price of the weekly shop” and “putting more money in people’s pockets”.

The policy was announced as part of the SNP manifesto for the election, with Swinney also promising a £2 cap on bus fares across Scotland.

Unveiling the manifesto, he told voters in Scotland he offers “experienced, principled, reliable leadership” during “troubling and uncertain times” when “the world is riven by conflict”.

Speaking to party supporters in Glasgow, Swinney said: “My entire adult life has been spent in the service of this country. I have given that calling my everything.

“Today, I offer to do more. To serve more.”

The SNP leader has set his sights on winning a majority of seats in the Scottish Parliament, insisting this will be key in forcing Westminster to grant a second vote on independence.

The SNP has only won an overall majority once before – but Swinney said if Scots back his party on both the constituency and regional sections of the Holyrood ballot, it can do so again.

The First Minister’s message to voters was clear, telling them supporting the SNP is “a vote to put Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands, for a referendum on independence”.

He added that would be a “referendum that I intend to win”, claiming independence could allow Scotland to “reclaim” its place in the European Union and also bring down energy bills.