ANAS Sarwar has confirmed Scottish Labour will not oppose the Scottish Budget.
It means the SNP should have the numbers to pass their tax and spending plans when it goes to a Holyrood vote.
In an interview with ITV on Thursday, the Scottish Labour leader said: “We're not going to make the Budget fall, but we'll of course have to look at the individual provisions in the Budget."
"So, probably abstain. The SNP can be happy it’s going to pass,” political editor Kieran Andrews then interjected (below).
Labour won't oppose the Scottish Government's budget.
Leader @AnasSarwar tells @KieranPAndrews his party will 'reserve the right' to look at options to potentially change the financial plan if his party wins the Holyrood election in May. pic.twitter.com/ynrnlLg7T1— Representing Border (@ITVBorderRB) January 8, 2026
Sarwar added: “The point I would make is, look, we're not going to make the Budget fall but the key point here is that whatever and whenever the Budget is passed, it's actually for any new government that's elected after May to set a different direction for our country.”
READ MORE: 'Hands off': Scotland's Greenland in warning to Donald Trump
Scotland’s Finance Secretary Shona Robison will set out her proposals for 2026/27 on January 13, less than four months before the Holyrood election in May.
She previously warned that “difficult choices” will be needed , claiming this stemmed from “Scotland’s disappointing settlement in the UK spending review”.
Robison said: “Our Budget will target key priorities for Scotland such as eradicating child poverty and supporting the NHS, whilst setting out a comprehensive approach to ensure our finances remain sustainable.
“The late UK Budget – which prevents us from bringing forward our budget before Christmas – must support the delivery of sustainable and efficient public services, whilst increasing business confidence, investment, growth and jobs.
“Difficult choices will be required as a result of Scotland’s disappointing settlement in the UK spending review but we will continue to produce a balanced budget that delivers for the people of Scotland.”
Share