THE SNP’s manifesto will pledge a 25% increase in international aid in “stark contrast” to the UK Labour Government slashing its overseas aid budget.
John Swinney is set to launch the party’s Holyrood 2026 manifesto in Glasgow on Thursday, with a focus on helping households “feeling squeezed” by the cost of living crisis.
The First Minister said ahead of the launch that where the Scottish Government has powers: “We will act.”
The manifesto says an SNP Scottish government will “stand by its moral responsibility to the world's poorest”, pointing out that the Westminster government slashed its aid budget by 40%.
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It comes after the UK Government decided to withdraw from traditional aid funding for G20 countries, despite warnings that the move will "make the world more dangerous".
Several countries will lose out as aid spending falls to less than 0.4% of national income this year before falling again to 0.3% in 2027 under plans announced by Keir Starmer last year. It means defence spending will see a boost instead.
Angus Robertson, candidate for Edinburgh Central, told The National that there would be a “substantial increase” in aid funding over the next parliamentary term if the SNP are re-elected.
“Honouring our moral responsibility to the world’s poorest represents a symbol and the substance of our values as a nation – I am proud that this manifesto will substantially increase Scotland’s International Development Fund,” he said.
“That commitment builds on the work already established and embedded by the SNP Scottish Government – on climate justice, global health programmes and responding to humanitarian emergencies. All those investments and programmes represent Scotland’s values in action.
“This manifesto pledge is equally significant because it stands in stark contrast to Westminster’s savage cuts to international aid - implemented by the Labour Party because of their fear of Nigel Farage.
“At one of the most dangerous moments in recent history, the Labour Party has chosen to make the world yet more unstable through savage cuts to Westminster’s overseas aid budget.”
He added that the SNP will “always protect Scotland’s values at home and on the world stage”.
It comes as Swinney said the SNP manifesto will contain “bold policies” to support households across Scotland, and will build on existing policies, including the abolition of peak rail fares, lower income tax for lower earners, free prescriptions and free tuition.
The party has already confirmed the manifesto will include a “transformation” in childcare, which will mean families with a child from nine months old to the end of primary school will receive support.
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Swinney has also pledged to introduce a “Welcome to School Bag” for all primary one pupils, £10,000 help towards a deposit on a home for first-time buyers, and for tenants to be given “first refusal” if their landlord decides to sell up.
The SNP have also promised £3 million in investment towards a new ferry route between Scotland and Europe.
Ahead of the launch, Swinney said: “People are really struggling at the moment – bills just keep going up, food prices are extortionate and the prices at the pumps are through the roof. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer and the UK Labour Government are not lifting a finger to help.
“Well, my message is clear – if the UK Labour Government are not going to act to bring bills down they should get out of the road for an SNP government that will.
“Where we have the powers in Scotland, we will act – building on the support we already have in place to support people with the cost of living, including abolishing peak rail fares, extending childcare provision and ensuring most people in Scotland pay less income tax than south of the border.
“The manifesto we publish will have supporting people with the cost of living at its heart – and in contrast to the other parties, it will be bursting with ambition for Scotland’s future.”
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