Swinney targets child poverty, economy and public services in New Year message

First Minister John Swinney reflected on a “remarkable year” in his New Year’s message.

Mr Swinney, who was appointed to the role in May 2024, encouraged Scots to “look forward, to engage in acts of kindness and to renew past friendships” in the new year, which he described as a “time for togetherness and also for reflection”.

He pledged to use the coming year “to eradicate child poverty, to grow the economy, to tackle the climate crisis and to improve our public services”, and described 2024 as “a remarkable and memorable year for me as I was given the honour of serving you all as First Minister of Scotland”.

Mr Swinney thanked Tartan Army fans for the “moments of joy that we shared together” in Munich during the Euros, and said those moments along with the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament helped to “fill me with purpose and with energy”.

However, he referred to the “challenges” faced, in particular, by families and pensioners, and said: “That is why my Government has set out a budget to ensure that pensioners will once again receive universal Winter Fuel Payments; that will move a step closer to eradicating child poverty by mitigating the two-child cap; and that will deliver record investment for our precious National Health Service.”

He issued a reminder to be “safe” during festivities, and concluded his message by wishing Happy New Year in both English and Gaelic.

Political rivals also issued New Year messages, with Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay vowing to be “a voice for everyone in Scotland who just wants sensible and practical solutions to the issues that affect their everyday lives”.

Mr Findlay, who was elected to his role in September 2024, said that many people felt Holyrood was not reflecting their concerns and said that “2025 must be the year where we start to restore trust in politics”.

He added: “I will work hard to win back trust by only making promises I can keep and committing to deliver on any promises I do make.

“That’s my commitment to you for 2025 and all the years ahead.”

Russell Findlay after he was announced as new Scottish Conservatives leader (Andrew Milligan/PA). PA Media

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said 2024 had been “one of the most transformative in our recent history”, and added: “We had to get rid of one government that was doing so much damage to our country.”

He said the “hard work of change has begun – but the job is only half done. Over the course of 2025 – with energy, humility and hard work – I will seek to demonstrate that we need a new direction in Scotland, too”.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray also focused on change and said: “People voted for change. And we are delivering on that with the Prime Minister’s plan for change.”

He said “great strides” have been made since Labour’s win at July’s general election and promised to do more.

Mr Murray added: “As we look ahead to next year, I and the Scotland Office are focussed on my four priorities: clean energy; economic growth; tackling poverty; and rolling out Brand Scotland around the world.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said his party would push to see its priorities reflected in the Scottish budget, including: Winter Fuel Allowance; spending on social care; affordable homes; family carers; additional support needs; and the Belford Hospital in Fort William and the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh.

He described the new year as “critical” and said: “Over the coming weeks, we will continue to put pressure on the Government to set out the detail of those commitments.”

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said the new year is an opportunity to “work to make our future one we can be proud of”.

He said: “The decisions we make in the months ahead will be remembered and felt for decades to come. If we are to build a brighter and more equal world, then we need to get them right.

“In 2025, we can and must act for people and planet, to build a society that reflects our values and a country that future generations can cherish and where everyone can thrive.”