The Latest Breaking News from John Swinney

Tory leader Findlay pledges to cut taxes ahead of ‘cost-of-living election’

Russell Findlay vowed to increase some tax rate thresholds which he said were a ‘stealth tax’.

Evening Standard · Jan 5

Scotland set for new public holiday in celebration of World Cup return

New bank holiday to mark mens national team playing in the World Cup for the first time since 1998

The Independent UK · Jan 5

Trump breached international law with Venezuela operation, suggests Swinney

The South American country’s president Nicolas Maduro was arrested and taken to the US over the weekend.

Evening Standard · Jan 5

Swinney says ‘variety of tactics’ could be used to win second independence vote

The Holyrood elections take place in May.

Evening Standard · Jan 5

Do not muck about at election, Swinney warns independence supporters

The First Minister said voters need to make sure the SNP ‘does really well, because that’s the only way Scotland is going to make progress’.

Evening Standard · Jan 4

John Swinney calls on parties to agree budget quickly

The Scottish Government’s tax and spending plans have been delayed as a result of the UK Budget.

Evening Standard · Jan 2

We’re making headway on reducing NHS waiting times, says Swinney

The Scottish Government has vowed to clear 78,000 year-long waits by March.

Evening Standard · Jan 1

Compston: I now show support in ‘quieter manner’ due to online hate

The actor said there is a lack of real debate on social media these days and instead people are just ‘screaming’ at each other.

Evening Standard · Dec 30, 2025

Peace in Ukraine cannot be at any cost, says Swinney

Talks on a peace deal took place between presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in the US over the weekend.

Evening Standard · Dec 29, 2025

My family and I will face ‘personal pain’ in toxic election campaign – Sarwar

The Scottish Labour leader said he is certain his loyalty, his ‘identity’ and his ‘belonging and commitment to Scotland’ will be questioned.

Evening Standard · Dec 29, 2025