John Swinney: People should be 'prepared rather than scared' about economy

The First Minister said people should be “prepared rather than scared” about the economic challenges ahead during a press conference from Bute House on Monday.

John Swinney announced that he will be publishing his Government’s legislative programme earlier than usual to allow for a “full year of delivery” ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.

He said this programme will set out a list of actions his government will take as it prepares Scotland for the “undoubted economic challenges we face give the nature of fast morning events” in recent weeks – namely US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

“I know this is a time of great uncertainty for people, that many families and business are worried about what global events will mean for them,” Swinney said.

Swinney said the country faces “another storm” after almost two decades of “knocks and crisis”.

“I know people are tired and anxious, desperate for light at the end of the tunnel, that’s why I want us to be prepared rather than simply scared,” he said.

Swinney said the programme for the government would be “laser-focused” on delivery, and it will set out what it will deliver for the people of Scotland in the coming year.

The First Minister said the government is planning to do “everything it possibly can” to address the underlying feelings of anxiety at this time.

That includes NHS performance, waiting times, and health service access.

Swinney said a “corner has already been turned” in NHS performance, but over the next 12 months he wants to it to be “tangible” for people as they engage with health services.

He also wants to continue engaging with leaders of the other British nations.

That’s something Swinney said he’s already doing.

He said he had had discussions with the Prime Minister and others on Friday afternoon as they sought to “respond to the threat posed both domestically and internationally by Trump’s tariffs”.

Swinney said he’ll continue to work with the Sir Keir Starmer to make sure they understand Scotland’s challenges and needs in the coming year.

He also used his platform on Monday morning to call on the UK Labour Government to remove the Chancellor’s fiscal rules, which Swinney called a “self-imposed economic straight jacket”.

“The world is changing around us and the UK Government needs to change too,” he said.

As the trade barriers are put up across the Atlantic, Swinney also called for closer alignment with the EU.

“If British Steel has been nationalised to protect it, so too should Grangemouth,” he said.

He concluded: “I want people feeling more confident about the future and more secure in the midst of the uncertainties because they have a government that is fighting Scotland’s corner.”

Swinney said the Programme for Government would be published on May 6, “a date that will enable a full year of delivery between now and the Scottish election”.