First Minister John Swinney has unveiled a bold proposal to legally cap the prices of essential supermarket groceries as part of the SNP's Holyrood election manifesto. The plan aims to address mounting cost-of-living pressures by limiting what consumers pay for basic items like bread, milk, cheese, eggs, rice, and chicken in large supermarkets.
Speaking at a campaign event in Glasgow, Swinney framed the measure as both an economic and public health initiative, stating, "People are, quite simply, struggling to afford food. In a rich country like Scotland, that is a moral outrage." The manifesto outlines that between 20 and 50 essential items would be subject to the cap, with supermarkets required to limit prices on at least one variation of each listed product—such as a specific brand of bread—though not all brands would need to be capped.
The proposal draws parallels to Scotland's minimum unit pricing for alcohol, positioning it as a public health intervention. However, details on enforcement remain unclear, and the SNP has called on the UK government not to block the move under the Internal Market Act, which standardizes trading rules across the UK.
Beyond the food price cap, Swinney highlighted other key pledges, including simplifying Scotland's income tax system—which currently has six bands compared to three in the rest of the UK—while ensuring most Scots pay less than they would elsewhere. He also promised a £2 cap on single bus fares, expanded funded childcare, and a three-point NHS plan focused on investment, protection, and renewal to cut waiting lists and improve GP access.
Swinney emphasized that the May 7 election is a referendum on independence, energy bills, and rejoining the EU, setting a "very realistic" target for a second independence vote by 2028 if the SNP secures a majority. However, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed the prospect, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting recently stating, "We're not having one," citing a desire to avoid further chaos.
The manifesto launch underscores the SNP's dual focus on immediate cost-of-living relief and long-term constitutional ambitions, positioning the party for a contentious election battle.