John Swinney warns of ‘disruption’ to public services if SNP Government Budget voted down

John Swinney has issued a stark warning of potential “disruption” to public services if opposition parties reject the SNP Government’s Budget. The First Minister highlighted the urgency of passing spending plans before the start of the next financial year on April 1, emphasising the “very real” difficulties that would arise if the Budget is not approved.

With the SNP lacking a majority in Holyrood after the termination of the Bute House Agreement with the Greens, Swinney, now in charge of a minority administration, stressed the importance of collaboration from other parties to secure the Budget’s passage. The Finance Secretary, Shona Robison, is scheduled to present the draft spending plans on December 4.

In a press briefing in Edinburgh, Swinney urged opposition MSPs to consider the repercussions of voting against the Budget. He pointed out that without sufficient votes, there would be a significant impact on public services as the government would struggle to meet public expectations.

The SNP is anticipated to fall short by two votes for a majority when the Budget faces MSPs for approval in the new year. Potential allies such as the Scottish Greens or the Liberal Democrats have been identified, though the Lib Dem leader, Alex Cole-Hamilton, has indicated that his party will object to any allocation for independence spending in the Budget.

Swinney, speaking at the Royal Society, made an earnest plea for cooperation among all parties in the parliament, emphasising the need to prioritise the collective welfare of the people of Scotland over party politics. He stressed the importance of reaching agreements to ensure the successful passage of the Budget.

In conclusion, Swinney’s message highlighted the necessity of working together towards a common goal for the betterment of Scotland, rather than engaging in divisive politics that could impede the progress and provision of essential public services. His call for collaboration underscores the crucial role that unity and consensus play in the effective functioning of government and the delivery of services to the citizens of Scotland.