John Swinney MSP
Written 56 posts
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery (Previously: Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth; Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Economy; Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills)
Autumn Statement must support sustained economic growth
30th November 2014
The Scottish Government is doing all it can, within its powers, to strengthen the Scottish economy. The latest Scottish GDP figures show the economy has grown continuously over the last two years, while our employment, unemployment and inactivity rates are the strongest of the four nations of the UK. However, there is clear evidence that…
Commonwealth Games Economic Legacy
22nd July 2014
I am delighted to have the opportunity to welcome business leaders from around the Commonwealth to Glasgow ahead of what promises to be a phenomenal Games. The opportunity the Games bring and the significant economic legacy they are already delivering is something this government is determined to see Scotland make the most of. And I…
Scottish economy at pre-recession level
16th July 2014
Scotland’s GDP grew 1.0 per cent over the first quarter of 2014, faster than the UK as a whole. Output in Scotland is now 0.4 per cent above its pre-recession level. The UK figure for quarter one was still 0.6 per cent below pre-recession levels.
Inspiring Scotland marks successful 5 years
13th June 2014
Last night it gave me the great pleasure to host an event at Edinburgh Castle to mark the success of one of Scotland’s most innovative and groundbreaking charitable organisations – Inspiring Scotland. I was impressed to hear from Inspiring Scotland their unique, yet different effective operational model of raising funding from across sectors and deploying…
Scotland’s Budget Bill for 2014-15 published
17th January 2014
This budget demonstrates the benefits of decisions being made in Scotland, by those who care most about its future. The budget will help us to ensure Scotland is the best place for our children to grow up, that we offer the most competitive environment for business within the UK and that people in Scotland are…
Scotland's economic recovery continues to strengthen
15th January 2014
listen to ‘Scotland’s economic recovery continues to strengthen’ on Audioboo
Chancellor embeds Westminster austerity
6th December 2013
It’s clear to see from the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement that Westminster’s failed economic policy has deepened the challenge of delivering a real return to growth and will see cuts to public spending in Scotland applied for years to come. The £3.1bn cuts that we’re already facing will be outstripped by the £4bn a year cuts…
Savings and Stabilisation Funds for Scotland
2nd October 2013
Today the Fiscal Commission Working Group has published its Savings and Stabilisation report, a report I welcome in its recommendation to establish both a stabilisation fund and a savings fund in an independent Scotland. Their work highlights the significant opportunities that Scotland’s oil and gas wealth presents and answers the key questions that have been…
A budget for Scotland's future
11th September 2013
Today I brought to Parliament a budget for Scotland’s future. Global economic conditions continue to impact on economic confidence, I am therefore focused on boosting confidence in our economy to encourage private sector investment and growth. This budget focuses on supporting an investment led recovery and economic growth, supporting Scotland’s people and communities against the…
Making young people your business
30th August 2013
Today, the First Minister and I updated colleagues at today’s meeting of the Council of Economic Advisors on Make Young People Your Business week – the Scottish Government’s campaign calling on employers – of all sizes, in all sectors and from across all of Scotland – to invest in young people and grow their business….