I am not afraid to take on vested interests, Swinney to say

Scotland’s First Minister is expected to tell trade unionists he is “not afraid of taking on vested interests” in a speech on Tuesday after he proposed plans to cap food prices.

Announcing the SNP’s manifesto last week, John Swinney said an SNP government elected after May 7 would put a ceiling on up to 50 essential items.

The plan was immediately criticised by the industry and the UK Government – who suggested it could cost “millions” in legal fees if retail giants take action.

In an address to the STUC Congress, the First Minister will suggest he is up for the fight.

The First Minister is expected to say: “As First Minister, when it comes to helping people with the cost of living, I am not afraid to take on vested interests.

“I know just how unaffordable food is for too many people – and it is impacting on health and nutrition.

“That’s why I will use public health powers to introduce a maximum price for essential food items.

“There are some who have criticised this policy. But, congress, we will take forward fair food pricing because it is the right thing to do. I believe it will be transformational.

“In these tough times, that is the sort of bold vision that you should rightly expect from your government.”

He will also take aim at Reform UK, its leader Nigel Farage and his “cronies in Scotland”.

“You know that the rise of the far right has been a top concern of mine since I took office. If I am re-elected, I promise that I will not let up on this fight,” he will tell delegates.

“My government will continue working to build a Scotland where everyone’s rights are respected – and where every person is given the chance to make their contribution to Scotland’s story.

“Be in no doubt – when it comes to Reform UK, I will have absolutely no truck with Nigel Farage or his cronies in Scotland.

“There will be no grubby deals. No backroom conversations.

“I will use every power at my disposal to lock Nigel Farage and the far right out of Holyrood.”