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Swinney Faces Parliament Barrage Over DRS, NHS, and Economy

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 12:54 GMT by Daily Record
      Locales: Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM

Edinburgh, Scotland - February 18th, 2026 - Scottish First Minister John Swinney faced a barrage of criticism today as the Scottish Parliament reconvened after the recess. Opposition leaders relentlessly questioned the SNP's handling of critical areas including the perpetually delayed Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), the escalating crisis within the National Health Service (NHS), and concerns surrounding the sustainability of the nation's economy and budget. The session, marked by heated exchanges, painted a picture of a government increasingly on the defensive.

While the immediate context was a First Minister's Questions session, the issues raised reflect deeper, systemic challenges facing the SNP after years in power. The party, once lauded for its progressive policies and strong mandate, is now grappling with a growing sense of public dissatisfaction and dwindling confidence in its ability to deliver on promises.

Deposit Return Scheme: A Continuing Saga

The DRS, designed to boost recycling rates by placing a deposit on drinks containers, remains a significant political headache for the SNP. Labour leader Anas Sarwar aggressively challenged Swinney on the scheme's repeated delays, accusing him of a lack of transparency and effective management. The initial postponement in 2024 stemmed from concerns voiced by the drinks industry regarding logistical challenges and a lack of alignment with the UK-wide scheme. Despite assurances from the First Minister today that work continues to address these issues, Sarwar argued the debacle had irrevocably damaged trust in the government's competence.

The scheme's repeated setbacks aren't merely procedural; they represent a failure of consultation and planning. Industry experts have long warned of the complexities involved, and critics suggest the SNP pushed ahead with the scheme prematurely, prioritizing political optics over practical implementation. The ongoing delays are costing businesses millions and fueling frustration across the sector. Furthermore, the lack of a clear, definitive timeline for launch continues to undermine the scheme's credibility.

NHS Scotland: A System Under Strain

Conservative leader Douglas Ross focused his attack on the state of NHS Scotland, citing record-high waiting times and a growing backlog of patients in need of treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly exacerbated existing pressures on the health service, but Ross argued that pre-pandemic issues - including staffing shortages, underfunding, and inefficient management - were the root causes of the current crisis.

Swinney acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the government's commitment to improving the situation. He highlighted recruitment drives and efforts to increase hospital capacity, but critics point to a chronic lack of long-term planning and a failure to address the underlying structural problems plaguing the NHS. The workforce is aging, burnout is rampant, and morale is low. Simply adding more staff without addressing these systemic issues is seen as a short-term fix that will ultimately prove ineffective.

Budgetary Concerns and Economic Headwinds

The Scottish budget also came under intense scrutiny, with Sarwar accusing the government of unsustainable financial practices. He questioned the logic of shifting funds between departments, arguing that this approach merely masked deeper problems rather than resolving them. Ross echoed these concerns, highlighting concerning economic data that suggests Scotland's economy is struggling.

Scotland's economic performance has lagged behind the UK average in recent years. Businesses cite factors such as high taxes, complex regulations, and a lack of infrastructure investment as barriers to growth. The SNP's commitment to independence, while still a core tenet of the party's platform, continues to create uncertainty and discourage investment. The debate over fiscal autonomy and the potential economic implications of secession adds another layer of complexity.

Looking Ahead

Today's session underscored the significant challenges facing the SNP. While Swinney skillfully defended his government's record, the opposition's relentless questioning exposed vulnerabilities and highlighted the urgency of addressing these pressing issues. The coming months will be crucial for the SNP as it attempts to regain public trust and navigate a difficult political landscape. The success of the DRS, the recovery of the NHS, and the revitalization of the Scottish economy will all be key determinants of the party's future prospects. The pressure on John Swinney and his government will only intensify as the next Scottish parliamentary elections draw closer.