1 May 2026
John Swinney, the First Minister (pictured), has committed the SNP to a range of measures in support of Palestinians, if re-elected on 7 May. Here’s the report in The National.
EXCLUSIVE
SNP pledge Scottish scholarship scheme for Gaza students if re-elected
27th April
By Xander Elliards Political Editor
THE SNP will set up a Scottish scholarship for students from Gaza if re-elected on May 7, First Minister John Swinney has said.
The pledge comes alongside others – including establishing a Palestine Arts and Creatives Support Fund and greater support for the New Refugee Doctors Project – which the SNP leader said shows that Scotland will “always play our part in providing sanctuary for those who need it”.
The First Minister made the commitments during a visit to Kenmure Street in Glasgow on Monday – a site which became famous after an anti-immigration protest prevented a Home Office raid in May 2021.
Swinney said a re-elected SNP government would:
- •Set up a Gaza Student Scholarship for postgraduates, supporting Universities of Sanctuary which exist in Scotland.
- •Increase funding for the Bridges Programme and Refuweegee, which supports the integration of refugees and asylum seekers.
- •Increase use of the New Refugee Doctors Project, which supports medically trained and qualified refugees to achieve medical registration and contribute to NHS Scotland.
- •Establish a Palestine Arts and Creatives Support Fund to support creatives to come to Scotland.
- •Continue specific international development funding for Gaza, recognising “the level of devastation caused by the actions of the Israeli government”.
The First Minister said: “Scotland must always be an open and welcoming country – it is part of who we are. That was demonstrated so memorably in Kenmure Street, when the people of Glasgow stood up for their neighbours against the actions of the UK Government and their hostile environment.
“I am determined that Scotland will always play our part in providing sanctuary for those who need it – while other parties shy away from these values under the threat of Nigel Farage and Reform UK, the SNP will always stand up for the most vulnerable.
“I am proud today to confirm that the SNP Government will take decisive new steps to support refugees in Scotland and to allow them to contribute their skills and experiences to our economy and our public services – as well as enriching our society and culture.
“And in the face of everything that they have gone through in recent years as a result of the actions of the Israeli government, it is right that we take specific action to show our solidarity with the people of Gaza – under my leadership Scotland will always stand with the people of Palestine, and support an independent, sovereign Palestine.
“Because in the face of an assault from Nigel Farage and Reform UK, our values matter – and the SNP will always ensure the open, progressive values of the people of Scotland are reflected in how we act internationally.
“And with independence, Scotland can take our place among the nations of the world and be a voice for peace and justice across the globe.
“That better future is possible. But we have to make it happen – and an SNP majority does that. It is in your hands – on May 7, make it both votes SNP.”
