Swinney sticks with pledge to cap prices on basic foods in Scotland

First minister sets out his government’s agenda and defends policy described by industry groups as a ‘potty gimmick’

John Swinney insisted on Tuesday he still planned to introduce a legally binding price cap on bread, milk and other essential food items in Scotland despite fierce opposition from farming and business groups.

Unveiling the Scottish National party’s programme for government – the equivalent to the king’s speech – the first minister said he wanted to give “families greater peace of mind at a time of rising prices”.