The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, is overshadowing a new year of politics.
After attacks against Prime Minister Keir Starmer on social media, the First Minister used his first speech of the year to warn there should be no “outside interference” in Scottish politics.
John Swinney said if MSPs don’t back his Budget, it will play “right into the hands” of the owner of the X social media platform and “other populists”.
He also warned the NHS could come to a standstill – with operations cancelled, and medicines rationed if the Budget isn’t voted through.
The Conservatives say the claim is “preposterous”, while Scottish Labour accused the SNP of populism itself.
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