First Minister’s Questions – BBC News

The Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Labor Party have agreed on the direction of the BudgetPublished 12:35 GMT 31 October

Philip Sim
BBC Scotland political correspondent

Having effectively defended the budget in his negotiations with Russell Findlay, John Swinney had to tone things down a bit during his debate with Anas Sarwar.

The Scottish Labor leader pressed the issue, saying Mr Swinney was “desperate to be disappointed” with the budget but had nothing to complain about.

Mr Swinney admitted there were many positive developments to welcome and that the budget was a “step in the right direction”.

But he did highlight familiar issues in the two-child cap, saying 63,000 children would be affected by it not being lifted by next year, as well as a review of winter fuel payments.

He also said there remains “considerable uncertainty” about how public sector employers will be compensated for the increase in their National Insurance contributions. Apparently, officials are still deciding this issue.

The fact that both parties broadly agree on the direction of the Budget puts them in remarkably similar territory ahead of the next Holyrood election. Both embrace big government views, advocating higher taxes and government spending.

They may well be vying for the same votes in 2026, and both are still figuring out exactly what their approach to this crucial election will be.