Overview

• John Swinney's Programme for Government prioritizes NHS reforms, including 100,000 targeted GP appointments to address high-risk conditions and reduce waiting times.
• The plan promises to permanently eliminate peak-time rail fares in Scotland starting September 2025 as part of a cost-of-living relief package.
• A new Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan for 2026–31 will be developed to meet statutory poverty reduction targets by 2030.
• Environmental commitments include removing the funding cap on the Acorn carbon capture project, contingent on UK Government approval.
• Opposition leaders criticize the plan as repetitive and insufficient, accusing the SNP of failing to deliver on promises after 18 years in government.