Swinney defends food prices policy ahead of first minister vote

"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.""

SNP leader John Swinney denied that a food prices policy is meant to provoke a fight with the UK government. He said the plan to legally cap prices on some supermarket items responds to the cost of living crisis, where people struggle to afford basic shopping. He framed the policy as a public health responsibility to support an affordable nutritious diet. The SNP manifesto pledge would require large supermarkets to limit the cost of up to 50 essential items such as milk, eggs, cheese, and rice. The policy faced criticism, including concerns that it could disadvantage small shops not covered by the legislation. Swinney said engagement with producers and retailers would be crucial and acknowledged the need for cooperation across parties and UK ministers, given the likely requirement to change UK internal market rules.

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