John Swinney to open SNP conference in Glasgow

John Swinney - image credit: Aimee Wachtel

John Swinney will open SNP conference in Glasgow by pointing to the Programme for Government, unveiled by Nicola Sturgeon last month, as proof the SNP is “the only party delivering progressive government anywhere in the UK”.

Speaking at the start of a three day conference at the SECC, the Deputy First Minister will seek to highlight the party’s domestic achievements over the past six weeks.

The PfG contained 16 bills which the government proposes to put before the Scottish Parliament in the 2017/18 session.

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Last week energy minister Paul Wheelhouse announced the Government opposes fracking in Scotland, with ministers using planning powers to block potential development.

Running through the party’s legislative record, Swinney is expected to claim the SNP as the “only party firmly focused on the priorities of the people of Scotland”.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Swinney said: "SNP delegates assemble in Glasgow this week knowing that we have an important job to do for the people of Scotland.

"The SNP is the only party delivering progressive government anywhere in the UK. In recent weeks, our bold and ambitious policy plans have set the agenda in Scotland and been heard around the world.

"We are the only party firmly focused on the priorities of the people of Scotland, protecting Scotland's interests and ensuring Scotland's voice is heard."

He said: “Amidst the complete abdication of leadership on the key issues of the day, the responsibility on the SNP to deliver strong government has never been greater," he said.

"At this week's conference the SNP will build on our new plan for Scotland with a policy programme to address the concerns people care about the most, such as housing, the economy and public services - and we will continue to make the strong case for Scotland to have in our own hands all the powers we need to build an even better country for the future."