Going all out for growth is the only option - Scotsman leader

There is a certain expectation of a steady-as-she-goes, do-little Budget statement from John Healey today. Such a result would be preferrable to the Liz Truss horror show, but is frankly not what the country needs. John Healey must seize the opportunity to start putting flesh on the bones of the Burnham premiership, and key to that has to be a laser-focus on getting the economy growing. We have already heard from names including Sandy Begbie of Scottish Financial Enterprise who has warned against a raid on the banks as a “short-term” fix which would undermine the economy.

Business on both sides of the border are in need of respite to unlock investment and break out of a firefighting cycle. Of course Mr Healey has to balance a difficult domestic economic situation, made worse by the international market turmoil caused by the Iran war. But a stronger private sector will drive the economy and public finances. Over the weekend, Charandeep Singh, the chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, offered a 10-point plan to help Scotland’s economy “reach its full potential”.

He said four in 10 Scottish businesses reported falling confidence in the second quarter of 2026, while 75 per cent continue to feel pressure from labour costs and 57 per cent are concerned by taxation. “We are clear-eyed on the pressure the fiscal backdrop poses to your decisions this autumn, but would encourage you to be bold,” he said in a letter to the Chancellor. “Measures that unlock private investment and growth will, in turn, strengthen the tax base that supports those finances.”

How bold Mr Healey may be remains to be seen as he will be acutely aware of a precarious political situation, amid persisting rumours of a snap election. Mr Burnham has done little wrong so far, but has also not faced a serious test since entering Downing Street. We know he can hold his own on TikTok and Gogglebox, but what about the serious business of politics? Today we may get the answer.