John Swinney vows to deliver on public's priorities

At the SNP conference in Edinburgh, John Swinney delivered a keynote speech addressing both international and domestic issues. He began by calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged the UK government to stop arms exports to Israel, reflecting a strong stance on global humanitarian concerns. Transitioning to local matters, Swinney recognized the recent general election as a difficult experience for the SNP, vowing to learn from the results and encouraging the party to focus outward rather than inward. Swinney's leadership approach centers on earning the public's trust by prioritizing their needs. He expressed a willingness to collaborate with Labour for the benefit of the Scottish populace, while simultaneously criticizing Labour's record on key issues such as NHS privatization and austerity measures. He pointed out Labour's refusal to eliminate the two-child benefit cap, contrasting it with the SNP's Scottish Child Payment initiative. The first minister emphasized the importance of addressing child poverty and improving public services, indicating that the upcoming Programme for Government would outline these priorities. He also highlighted the need for economic growth as a solution to public spending challenges, criticizing Labour for intensifying austerity measures. In conclusion, Swinney asserted that independence is not just a goal but an urgent necessity for Scotland's future. He encouraged the party to inspire optimism among Scots, asserting that a better future is achievable through self-determination and collective effort.