First Minister Humza Yousaf will pledge to be a voice for progressive politics in a speech to trade unionists in Dundee.
The SNP leader will address delegates at the three-day Scottish Trades Union Congress at the city’s Caird Hall on Monday.
He will tell them he won the SNP leadership contest on a “very clear commitment to progressive politics”, and accuse Westminster of “lurching to the right”.
Mr Yousaf’s speech comes after a disastrous few weeks for the party he leads and following escalating concerns over its finances.
Speaking after the SNP’s National Executive Council (NEC) met on Saturday, he denied claims the SNP faces bankruptcy and described the party as “solvent”.
‘Progressive agenda’
The first minister is expected to say: “Now, as your First Minister, I will unapologetically drive that progressive agenda forward to the benefit of the country.
“Because one thing is clear – the need for progressive politics – and the need for a healthy trade union movement – has never been greater.
“In the UK today, the whole Westminster system is lurching to the right – to a reactionary and sometimes downright nasty style of politics that is too often characterised by a race to the bottom.
“It shouldn’t be hard to say that working people need help and support during a cost-of-living crisis – but instead we have a Tory government which relishes taking them on in a fight and trying to sack those who go on strike for better pay.
“It shouldn’t be hard to say that desperate people arriving on our shores, including children, should be offered sanctuary and safety – but instead they are used as a political football and often treated in the most inhumane manner possible.
“It shouldn’t be hard to say that transgender people, who suffer some of the worst discrimination of any members of our society, should be offered solidarity, love and acceptance – but instead they are often scapegoated and marginalised.
“And it shouldn’t be hard to point out the immense damage that Brexit is doing to our economy and our public services – but instead, many of those who were the fiercest Remainers are now engaged in a conspiracy of silence and too frightened to speak up.”
Who else is attending?
Mr Yousaf is one of a number of speakers at the three-day event in Dundee.
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner is due to speak on Tuesday, as are STUC general secretary Roz Foyer and general sector Paul Nowak.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar will address delegates on Wednesday – the final day of the conference.
This year’s congress will attract more than 350 delegates and visitors, representing 37 trade unions and 20 trade union councils.
Issues debated by congress include saving public services, the national care service, plans to tackle the energy crisis, safe travel for workers and abortion buffer zones.
A UK Government spokesperson said: “The UK Government is looking forward to working constructively with the first minister on the issues that matter most to people in Scotland, including continuing to tackle the cost of living, growing Scotland’s economy, tackling NHS waiting lists, ensuring our energy security and improving transport links.”
