Three weeks on from the elections here in Scotland, the First Minister has been appointed and his cabinet has been chosen. Now, the First Minister’s speech delivered to the Scottish Parliament this week gave the clearest indication yet of his priorities over the next Parliamentary term. 

First and foremost, this SNP government has wasted no time in looking to pave the way for a second independence referendum. The first debate of the Parliament was on a motion laid by the First Minister to devolve the powers to the Scottish Parliament to hold a referendum on Scottish independence. The motion was passed. Whether they will be given these powers is still in the hands of Westminster and Keir Starmer’s government has signalled they are still against a second referendum, so there is still a fair way to go before any vote on independence. 

Speaking on his ambitions for Scotland, the First Minister spoke of three watchwords: prosperity, security and fairness. Economic growth has been signalled as a priority, with a High-Growth Unit to be set up to support businesses to grow. High profile commitments include a £2 bus fares cap nationwide, legislation on the cost of the weekly shop and £10,000 for first-time home buyers to go towards their deposit. 

The First Minister reiterated his commitment to reducing child poverty and combatting climate change. This government’s commitment to renewable energy will be a particularly interesting one to look at over the next parliamentary term. In terms of the ongoing debate towards net zero, the First Minister has firmly planted his colours to the mast. In his speech, the First Minister clearly stated that, if Scotland does not take steps to be carbon neutral, there will be ‘no prosperous or secure future’ for Scotland.  

The First Minister also reiterated his comments on how important he believes the energy debate is in Scotland. He stated clearly that Scotland produces ‘more oil more gas, more electricity’ that the country needs, while bills are ‘among the highest in Europe.’ Calling Scotland’s energy a source of ‘opportunity, prosperity and of security,’ the First Minister called Westminster control over Scotland’s energy resources ‘an unmitigated disaster,’ citing the North East of Scotland as an example. For Scotland to benefit from its energy wealth, John Swinney affirmed that ‘Scotland’s energy must be in Scotland’s hands.’ 

What is clear from the First Minister’s words is that not only does he see the energy sector as a growth opportunity for Scotland, he also sees it as central to his argument for independence, the SNP’s guiding priority. This is likely why the new Minister responsible for energy, Stephen Gethins, is reporting directly to the First Minister in the new cabinet. 

Second, his words do not simply apply to renewable energy, but the oil and gas sector too. This Scottish Government has committed to a just transition and support for those working in oil and gas in the North East of Scotland. How this Government will achieve this will be one of the most interesting and defining storylines over the next term.