Programme for Government 2026-31: A Welcome Focus on the Vulnerable, But Concerns Remain

The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2026-31 contains a wide range of proposals that connect with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, particularly in its emphasis on poverty, housing, families, fair work, public services, community life and care for the environment.

There is much in the Programme that is welcome: the focus on tackling child poverty, supporting families, expanding free school meals, improving access to welfare advice and reducing household pressures reflects a clear concern for those most in need. There are commitments on affordable housing, homelessness prevention, support for victims of domestic abuse, support for disabled workers, and a focus on renewable energy.

Alongside these positive commitments, there are areas that may raise ethical and religious freedom concerns. In particular, the Programme states that the Scottish Government will continue work to end conversion practices in Scotland and introduce legislation if Westminster does not act.

The Church has consistently stated that protecting vulnerable people from violent, abusive and coercive conversion practices is of critical importance. Thankfully, there are laws already in place that serve this purpose. There is, however, a significant risk that poorly drafted legislation, even if well-intentioned, could affect legitimate pastoral conversations, prayer, parental guidance, teaching in schools and professional counselling.

The Programme also includes commitments on LGBTQI+ inclusive education and further legislative action addressing inequality experienced by LGBTQI+ people. The Church upholds the dignity of every person and opposes unjust discrimination, while also recognising that some policy proposals may require careful consideration in relation to religious freedom, education, parental rights and Catholic teaching on the human person.

Whilst there is no reference to abortion in the Programme, the Scottish Government has committed to further consultation on the work of the Abortion Law Review Expert Working Group and to establish a nationally commissioned later-stage abortion service in Scotland. These developments have prompted Bishop John Keenan, Bishop President of the National Office for Marriage, Family and Life, to make a direct appeal to all elected representatives who recognise the inherent dignity of every human life, to reject any further liberalisation of abortion provisions in Scotland and to oppose measures that would remove essential safeguards or further weaken protection for unborn children.

Overall, the Programme for Government can be seen as a broadly social-justice-focused agenda, with many commitments that overlap with Catholic Social Teaching. Its emphasis on poverty, housing, public services, work, community and the environment is to be welcomed, while proposed legislation on conversion practices will require close attention as it develops.