Swinney defends food prices policy ahead of first minister vote

The UK and Scottish governments have each proposed plans to cap food prices, facing opposition from retailers and significant legislative hurdles. First Minister John Swinney's SNP aims to legally cap up to 50 essential items in Scotland^[1], while the UK government has floated voluntary caps on staples like bread and milk^[2].

Scottish First Minister John Swinney has proposed legislation to compel large supermarkets to cap the price of up to 50 essential food items, such as milk, eggs, and cheese, as a response to the cost of living crisis^[1]. He stated people are "struggling to afford a very basic shop" and framed the policy as a public health responsibility^[1]. However, the plan has been criticized by the Scottish Retail Consortium, which labeled it a "gimmick" and warned it could make smaller, exempt shops uncompetitive^[1]. Separately, the UK government has proposed a scheme for voluntary price caps on key groceries like eggs, bread, and milk, in exchange for easing certain regulations, a plan that is also strongly opposed by supermarkets^[2]. Swinney's proposal faces major implementation challenges. It is thought to require amendments to the UK Internal Markets Act 2020, which was designed to prevent trade barriers between UK nations^[1]. Furthermore, with the SNP lacking a majority in Holyrood, Swinney acknowledged he must work with other parties and UK ministers to enact the policy^[1]. Meanwhile, supermarkets are under broader scrutiny over whether they are profiting from elevated food prices during a period of high inflation^[3].