INVERCLYDE’S MSP says the Scottish Government can deliver ‘real change’ after the First Minister outlined his priorities for the coming year.

John Swinney set out his 2024/25 Programme for Government to MSPs today.

It includes action to eradicate child poverty, grasp opportunities to deliver net zero and grow the economy by investing in public services.

The First Minister announced that nearly £600 million would be invested in affordable housing, as well as £2.5 billion to support public transport services.

Other key announcements include the opening of a sixth Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service, intensifying work on designing a cruise ship levy, and a social security investment of over £6 billion.

Stuart McMillan, SNP MSP for Inverclyde, said: “The Scottish Government has already delivered an expansion of funded childcare, record investment in the NHS, renewable energy development, and the introduction of the Scottish Child Payment, which are strong foundations for this year’s Programme for Government.

Stuart McMillanStuart McMillan (Image: Scottish Parliament TV)

“In Port Glasgow, families are benefitting from a Scottish Government funded pilot childcare hub to provide effective whole-family support in a place-based way that works for people.

“I particularly welcome plans to tackle economic inactivity and skills shortages in our workforce and remove barriers to employment, as this has been a key focus of the Inverclyde Taskforce which I co-chair.”

Mr McMillan said he was also pleased to see that specialist support for disabled people will be ‘enhanced’ across all local authorities by the summer of 2025.

He added: “This Programme for Government also prioritises economic growth – and whether it’s from tourism, to finance and technology, to food and drink exports, the Scottish Government will work to create growth, create jobs and maximise the huge economic opportunities that lie ahead.

“However, the reality remains that were Scotland an independent country, we would not be paying the price for bad decisions taken at Westminster – because it’s now clear that no matter whether it’s the Tories or Labour, austerity will continue.

“With limited powers and against the backdrop of Westminster cuts, the SNP is delivering economic growth – but with the full powers of independence we could do so much more.”