I am writing this column after attending the 90th SNP annual conference in Edinburgh. There was a real buzz about the future, but there was also recognition that lessons need to be learned in the wake of the General Election.

As ever, there was lots to pack into three days of conference sessions. The keynote speeches, fringe events, meetings and informal chats around the exhibitions and receptions help make these annual gatherings hectic yet invigorating.

I had the opportunity to speak on a resolution that condemned the UK Labour Government’s plans to expand the Scotland Office, giving it a discretionary budget of £150 million, at the same time as it removes £160 million of funding for Scottish pensioners. 

Labour at a UK level is introducing further austerity, as we see money being taken out of the pockets of pensioners ahead of another winter of expensive energy bills. I am sure that this is not the change folk who voted Labour in July thought they were going to get.

Speaking of that vote in July, an important departure from the norm was a Friday morning session for members to review those General Election results, which saw us lose so many great MPs. We had a thorough and frank discussion during the two and a half hours, and lessons will undoubtedly be learned as the leadership listened to the wider membership. I came away from this constructive session feeling that we can now start to focus positively on the Holyrood elections in 2026, which feel like they are just around the corner.

From Labour’s actions since forming the UK government, it is clear to me that we didn’t just lose out on more SNP MPs in July; we lost out on MPs who would stand up for Scotland.

As we look ahead to 2026, I hope that folk will reflect on how Scotland is being treated by a Labour government that told us we would see change. Its members have defended the Tory two-child cap – now the Labour two-child cap – deepening child poverty. If Labour was really serious about tackling child poverty in Scotland, this cap would be gone – yet, no Labour MP representing a Scottish constituency rebelled on this vote.

The new government has already reneged on its promise to work more constructively with devolved nations, bypassing our parliament to spend in devolved areas, and informing the Scottish Government of its plans through the press.

The SNP could do so much more with that money, and we would spend it on Scotland’s real priorities.

As long as the SNP holds power at Holyrood, it will continue to act in the best interests of the people of Scotland, and make the case for independence. Taking control of our own decisions would allow us to create a better future for ourselves as a successful, happy and prosperous nation.

This is a regular column by SNP MSP Emma Roddick. All Highlands and Islands MSPs have been offered the same space in The Orkney News to share their personal views.