Swinney defends food prices policy ahead of first minister vote

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Swinney defends food prices policy ahead of first minister vote12 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleJames Cook ,Scotland editorandCraig Williams , ScotlandGetty ImagesThe prices policy was a key promise in the SNP's manifestoSNP leader John Swinney has denied his food prices policy is an attempt to force a fight with the UK government. Speaking on the '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".

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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. SNP wins Scottish election as Reform and Labour tie for secondHistoric win for SNP but change and challenges ahead at HolyroodSupermarket food prices to be capped under SNP manifesto pledgeSwinney 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. "PA MediaJohn Swinney, seen here campaigning in 2024, is targeting the big supermarkets with his food prices policyLater 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 development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.