Monday May 19th 2025
Colin Beattie MSP, Midlothian North & Musselburgh, writes his monthly column for Midlothian View
The 2025/26 Programme for Government shows once again that the SNP Scottish Government is focused on delivering for the people of Scotland. At a time when many are struggling with rising costs and stretched public services, this plan puts people first – strengthening our NHS, supporting families, and maximising Scotland’s economic potential.
Our NHS remains a top priority. We all recognise its vital importance and the real challenges facing patients and staff. That is why the Scottish Government will continue to deliver record NHS funding enabling 150,000 additional procedures to cut waiting lists and times. The Programme for Government also commits to delivering 100,000 extra GP appointments to help beat the 8am rush for appointments.
The SNP Scottish Government reaffirmed their commitment to tackling the cost-of-living crisis – made worse by the economic mismanagement of successive Tory and now Labour UK Governments. Their failures have led to higher mortgage, energy bills and inflation that has hurt all sectors of our economy.
Despite these challenges, the Scottish Government continues to do all it can with the limited powers available – maintaining free prescriptions, free bus travel for 2.3 million Scots, the expansion of free school meals, the unique Scottish Child Payment, a childcare package worth £6,000 per child, and free university tuition. On top of this, the Scottish Government have announced new measures to keep more money in your pocket, including reinstating the winter fuel payment, removing peak rail fairs fort good and beginning work to scrap the cruel two-child benefit cap.
Of course, these efforts would be easier with the full powers of independence. The Scottish Government are currently delivering progress with one hand tied behind their back – held back by a UK Labour Government content to maintain the status quo.
I understand the scale of the challenges ahead – whether in public services or rising costs. But as your constituency representative I will continue to work with the Scottish Government to deliver on our shared priorities: eradicating child poverty, growing our economy, tackling the climate emergency and delivering high quality, sustainable public services.
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