Scottish Labour has unveiled its 2026 election manifesto, placing a strong emphasis on digital transformation across the National Health Service, business innovation, and workforce skills. The document, released ahead of the May 2026 Scottish Parliament election, outlines a comprehensive strategy to harness technology as a driver of economic growth and public service improvement.
At the heart of the manifesto is a £680 million dedicated fund for digital and technological enhancements within the NHS. This investment aims to accelerate the rollout of Scotland's NHS app, with a commitment that every health board will have access to the app within 100 days of the election. The app is intended to streamline patient interactions, reduce administrative burden, and improve access to care. Alongside this, the manifesto proposes a virtual hospital programme that would allow patients to attend outpatient consultations from their homes, reducing travel and waiting times. A single patient record system is also promised, intended to integrate health data across different providers and improve continuity of care.
The manifesto states: "For too long, Scotland's NHS has remained stuck in the analogue age. Scottish Labour will realise the benefits of modern technology and digital working." This includes expanding the use of wearable technology to enable patients to monitor chronic conditions and take proactive steps without necessarily seeing a general practitioner. Artificial intelligence-enabled scanners are also part of the plan, which could enhance diagnostic accuracy and speed.
Digital Skills and Business Support
Beyond healthcare, the manifesto dedicates significant attention to digital skills and business productivity. A £15 million digital adoption fund is proposed to help companies—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises—improve their operations through technology. This is part of a broader industrial strategy that will be developed in partnership with businesses to ensure Scotland remains competitive in rapidly evolving markets.
The manifesto emphasises the importance of innovation: "Innovation helps Scottish businesses stay competitive, open new markets and build resilient local supply chains. Technological innovation does not stand still and so neither can Scotland if our growing tech sector is to thrive." To support startups and scale-ups, Scottish Labour pledges to expand the Techscaler programme—a network of incubators originally launched in July 2022 by then-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The existing hubs in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Stirling, Aberdeen, Dumfries, and Inverness would be complemented by additional locations, prioritising areas with geographic gaps and maximum potential for business growth. Dedicated support for creative technology businesses is also promised.
A flagship initiative is the Digital Skills Passport, a portable digital record capturing an individual's qualifications, work experience, training, and skill levels. This passport can be shared with employers and used to facilitate career moves, including for apprentices. The manifesto argues this will help both workers and employers match skills to job opportunities more efficiently.
Education and Digital Inclusion
The education system is also targeted for digital transformation. Scottish Labour vows to embed digital skills across the curriculum, teaching students how to ethically use technology, understand risks associated with artificial intelligence and social media, and become responsible digital citizens. Additionally, the party proposes a ban on mobile phones in classrooms to reduce distractions and improve focus.
Digital inclusion is a key theme, with the manifesto stating: "Digital access and skills are crucial for participation in modern society, but the urgency to tackle digital exclusion has been lost." To address this, Scottish Labour plans to create a network of digital mentors—volunteers based in community spaces such as supermarkets and libraries—who will offer targeted assistance to those less likely to seek help. The party also proposes "digital playgrounds," public spaces equipped with digital technology in libraries and museums where young people can safely explore innovation.
Every local authority in Scotland would be required to appoint a digital champion responsible for coordinating digital inclusion policy and connectivity under a Labour government. This role would work with national initiatives to ensure consistent access and support across all regions.
According to the manifesto, the combined effect of these policies could close the economic performance gap and deliver between £600 million and £700 million additional spending on public services by the 2030/31 financial year. The document states: "This economic growth would be delivered through our plans to transform skills and employability, overhaul planning, increase innovation and improve productivity through adoption of new technologies. This would all be underpinned by our new industrial strategy and a relentless focus on business growth from the Cabinet down to refocused government agencies."
The pledges build on previous Scottish Government digital strategies, including a joint local and central government plan that involved a personalised public services app, an ethical AI framework, and increased public sector data sharing. However, Scottish Labour argues that more urgent and coordinated action is needed to catch up with other nations and fully realise the benefits of digitisation.
Critics have questioned the feasibility of such rapid digital changes within the NHS, given challenges around data security, interoperability, and the need for training. Supporters, however, point to successful digital health initiatives in other countries and the growing imperative to reduce pressures on frontline services.
The digital skills and business proposals also face scrutiny over implementation. The Techscaler expansion will require additional funding and collaboration with universities, local authorities, and private sector partners. The Digital Skills Passport concept has been tried in various forms across the UK, but adoption has been uneven. Scottish Labour believes that making it a central part of the skills system, linked to apprenticeships and continuous learning, will drive uptake.
Overall, the manifesto represents a significant bet on technology as an enabler of both social progress and economic competitiveness. With the election only weeks away, these commitments are likely to be a focal point of debate, particularly against the record of the incumbent Scottish National Party, which has also prioritised digital policy but with mixed results. The coming months will reveal whether voters accept Labour's vision of a digitally-driven Scotland.
Source: ComputerWeekly.com News