JOHN Swinney is to deliver his first speech of the new year on Monday morning.
The First Minister will warn that blocking the Scottish Government’s draft Budget risks “feeding the forces of anti-politics and populism”.
The draft Budget is expected to be voted on in the coming weeks. Here’s all you need to know about the speech.
What time is the speech and how can I watch?
According to the Scottish Government’s official Twitter/X page, the speech is due to begin around 10am.
It will be available on a range of social media platforms, including Twitter/X, Facebook and YouTube.
Watch live as First Minister John Swinney delivers a speech ahead of the vote on 2025-26 Budget. He will set out how the government’s priorities present an opportunity to deliver real progress for Scotland. Watch live on X, Facebook and YouTube at 10am. pic.twitter.com/nhrSbLE5k4
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) January 6, 2025
What is Swinney expected to say?
The speech in Edinburgh marks the first of a series of events across Scotland where Swinney will set out what he sees as the benefits of the 2025-26 Budget.
He is expected to say: “In these opening days of 2025, let us resolve that it be a year of progress for Scotland.
“The first step is for Parliament to come together and to pass a Budget that enables us to get on with delivering.
“So let’s choose progress, let’s choose renewal and let’s choose hope.”
