Scottish Government Faces Double Defeat in Holyrood on School Meals and Rail Fare Policies

Scottish administration defeated in votes on school meals and train ticket prices

After two distinct discussions at Holyrood on Wednesday, the SNP-led government isn't required to implement changes despite the voting outcomes.

Scotland correspondent @Jenster13

Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 7:

The Scottish administration was unsuccessful in an advisory vote that urged officials to broaden the program of complimentary school lunches to include every student in primary education.

The SNP government faced two setbacks in Holyrood, as MSPs supported another motion urging the government to overturn its decision to reinstate peak-time ScotRail fares.

Opposition parties united to confront the SNP following First Minister John Swinney's initial Government Program, which retreated from an earlier promise to provide universal free school meals.

At present, students from Primary 1 to Primary 5 are provided with free school meals. This provision will soon be extended to also cover students in Primary 6 and Primary 7 who are beneficiaries of the Scottish Child Payment.

Financial constraints have forced a delay in the universal rollout initially promised in the 2021 SNP manifesto, which will no longer be achieved by 2026.

Despite the defeat in Wednesday's vote, the Scottish government is not required to act, as Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes had previously suggested that the government's stance would remain unchanged regardless of the vote's result.

The discussion was initiated by the Scottish Conservatives. MSP Liam Kerr accused the first minister of failing to uphold the commitments made by the SNP.

He expressed, "It's common knowledge that children must be nourished to effectively engage in learning."

The children's commissioner emphasized yesterday that arriving at school hungry not only hinders educational success and learning, but also significantly affects development from childhood through to adult life.

Mr. Kerr asserted that the Scottish government currently holds the biggest block grant in terms of cash since the beginning of devolution.

He additionally referenced a recent analysis from the independent economic forecasting agency, the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC), which noted that although policies from the UK government do impact the budget of Holyrood, "a significant portion of the strain is due to the decisions made by the Scottish government itself."

Mr. Kerr mentioned several governmental financial choices, among them the £400 million allocated to the two significantly postponed and over-budget ferries.

He additionally alleged that Nicola Sturgeon's SNP allocated over £180 million towards public relations experts, advisors, international travel, and entertainment expenses.

"Mr. Kerr highlighted that over the past two years, there have been upwards of 120 international journeys made by ministers to over 30 distinct locations, despite foreign affairs being under Westminster's jurisdiction,"

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He also highlighted MSP Angus Robertson, the Scottish Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs, and Culture, and pointed out that his budget of £347 million was not reduced in the recent budget cuts made by Finance Secretary Shona Robison last week.

Mr. Kerr commented, "The SNP's decision to cancel the widespread implementation of free school meals in primary schools is a disgraceful letdown for Scotland's most disadvantaged students."

"They've given up any claim of knowing how to eliminate educational disparities or child poverty, and they have recklessly gambled with the confidence that the Scottish public placed in them."

Discover further details on Sky News: Swinney's inaugural Government Program. Analysis indicates that Starmer's initial grace period has decisively ended.

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Responding to the issue, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth stated that she had strongly advocated to her colleague Ms. Robison to uphold the commitment, expressing her own "disappointment" about the postponement.

The ex-social sciences instructor informed the assembly that the Scottish administration was in agreement with the core idea of the proposal and continues to be dedicated to providing universally free school lunches.

She stated that the existing free school meals program is helping families save an average of £400 annually for each child.

Ms. Gilruth stated, "As a politician, I am a staunch believer in the concept of universality. From my experience as a teacher, I understand that hungry children are unable to focus on learning."

Ms. Gilruth raised concerns regarding how the government plans to cover the estimated £256 million shortfall required to implement the entire program within this legislative session.

Due to a lack of clear information regarding extra funds from the UK government, the Scottish government presently lacks the necessary resources to carry out the task.

Ms. Gilruth stated that the financial decision-makers have not provided any assurances, and added, "Therefore, I would appreciate it if any Labour MSP present could confirm today the full extent of funds expected to come to Scotland from the newly established UK Labour government."

The proposal was approved with 64 votes in favor, two against, and 60 abstentions.

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Highest train ticket prices

The Scottish administration faced a symbolic defeat in a vote urging the SNP to reconsider its termination of a program that eliminated peak-time fares on ScotRail.

Transport Scotland revealed that the experiment, which was financially supported by the Scottish government with £40 million, failed to meet its objectives of persuading more individuals to choose trains over cars.

Despite a rise in passenger numbers reaching up to approximately 6.8%, the initiative would need a boost of 10% in order to sustain itself financially.

The program, which started in October of the previous year and was prolonged beyond its original six-month duration, is set to conclude on September 27.

Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell stated: "Fares for the frequently traveled Edinburgh to Glasgow line are set to more than double, soaring from £14.90 to an astonishing £31.40.

"This move represents a backward step. Surely, it shouldn't be more affordable, convenient, and straightforward to opt for private vehicles instead of public transportation."

The proposal was approved with a vote count of 64 to

After facing two consecutive losses, the Scottish Conservatives called on Mr. Swinney to acknowledge his mistakes and reverse his administration's policies.

MSP Alexander Burnett, the party's chief whip, commented: "It would be both presumptuous and unwise for John Swinney to disregard the dual setbacks in today's Holyrood session."

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