Public Trust in SNP Hits Historic Low Amid NHS Concerns

Published: 09 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Public confidence in the Scottish National Party (SNP) government has plunged to an unprecedented low, largely due to growing dissatisfaction with Scotland’s National Health Service, according to the latest research.

The Scottish Social Attitudes survey revealed that only 47 per cent of respondents trust the Scottish Government, led by John Swinney, to act in the nation’s best interests – the lowest level since devolution began in 1999.

The survey also highlighted severe discontent with the NHS, with a mere 22 per cent of participants expressing satisfaction, marking the steepest decline in the survey’s 25-year history. Confidence in the government’s responsiveness to public opinion is similarly diminished, with only 36 per cent believing the administration listens before making decisions, the lowest level since 2006.

Identity trends in Scotland show a nuanced picture. Around 74 per cent of people identify as Scottish, a drop of ten percentage points since devolution, while those identifying as British fell from 42 per cent in 2023 to 25 per cent last year. Support for Scottish independence remains relatively strong at 47 per cent.

Despite these divisions, views on taxation and public spending between Scotland and England remain largely aligned, with Scotland described as only “slightly more left-leaning” than its southern neighbour.

Opposition parties in Holyrood have described the findings as a damning assessment of the SNP’s governance ahead of next year’s election. The survey follows criticism of an economic blueprint for independence proposed by the SNP leader, which opponents labeled as unrealistic.

Recent polling corroborates these findings. A September Survation poll of 2,051 people found that only 39 per cent viewed the SNP’s handling of the NHS positively, while 56 per cent expressed disapproval. The British Medical Association has warned that Scotland’s NHS is “dying before our eyes,” highlighting widening inequalities between those who can afford private healthcare and those stuck on long waiting lists.

Rachael Hamilton, deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives, said: “Trust in John Swinney’s government is at an all-time low after nearly two decades of SNP failure in every major policy area. Scots see a government that ignores their concerns, prioritising independence over frontline services. They have imposed the highest taxes in the UK while failing on NHS waiting times, teacher numbers, and housebuilding.”

Dame Jackie Baillie, deputy leader of Scottish Labour, added: “This survey demonstrates that the SNP government has lost the public’s trust and undermined the NHS’s founding principles. Nearly one in six Scots remain on NHS waiting lists, and essential services are becoming increasingly difficult to access.”

Historical data underscore this decline. Trust in the Scottish Government fell from 81 per cent in 1999 to 61 per cent in 2019, reaching the current 47 per cent. Satisfaction with the NHS dropped from 55 per cent in 2010 to 22 per cent, closely mirroring the UK-wide figure of 21 per cent.

Economic pressures are also evident. Around 41 per cent of adults report living comfortably or doing alright financially, while 24 per cent say they are struggling.

Paul Bradshaw, director of the Scottish Centre for Social Research (ScotCen), said: “The results show a clear decline in trust in the Scottish Government alongside ongoing concerns about public services and the economy. While attachment to Scottish identity remains strong, confidence in political institutions is under pressure, which is a crucial consideration for policymakers and the public.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes noted that much of the data was collected up to two years ago and highlighted recent government initiatives. “We have made significant progress on priorities for the people of Scotland, including abolishing peak rail fares, implementing winter heating support for pensioners, and investing a record £21.7bn in health and social care this year,” she said.

The survey paints a stark picture of eroding trust and growing public frustration, with implications for the SNP as it approaches the next Holyrood election.