John Swinney has challenged the UK Government to end its “failed policy of austerity” – with the Scottish First Minister insisting this is the change that people are “desperately seeking”.

The SNP leader went on to warn both Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his Chancellor Rachel Reeves that without “urgent action to rectify the damage caused by austerity” there was a “very clear risk that community cohesion across the United Kingdom could be permanently damaged”.

He spoke out ahead of a visit to London on Wednesday, which is taking place a week before Ms Reeves will deliver her Budget.

Mr Swinney stressed: “UK Ministers must recognise how people are feeling and deliver a budget that responds to their concerns.

“Failure to do so will further damage public trust and result in people c

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