"A FUTURE
MADE IN
SCOTLAND."
VOTE SNP
FOR SCOTLAND
VOTE SNP
FOR SCOTLAND
TO BECOME AN
INDEPENDENT
COUNTRY.
OUR
VISION
"We will put
the interests of the
people of Scotland
first, and protect
public services like
our cherished NHS."
I believe people are crying out for principled
leadership, which is prepared to argue for
what it believes in.
In this election, and in this manifesto, that is
what the SNP is offering.
Moderate left of centre policies to make life
better for the people of Scotland.
SNP MPs who will always put the interests of
the people of Scotland first, and protect public
services like our cherished NHS.
And, at the core of what we offer, the belief
that decisions about Scotland should be made
in Scotland through independence.
The Westminster system is broken, and for far
too many people, the UK economy has failed.
So at this election the SNP is putting forward
a positive, optimistic and hopeful alternative
to that broken system and that failed economy.
The Tories have enforced deep spending cuts,
they've imposed Brexit and have worsened the
cost of living crisis. They need to go.
But we have to take care about what replaces
them - the answer is not more spending cuts.
It is not more Brexit and it is definitely not more
Westminster decision-making about Scotland.
And yet that is what the Labour Party is
committed to: cuts, Brexit and continued
Westminster control.
I honestly don't believe that's something
Scotland can bear.
Voting SNP is the best means of ensuring Labour
are stopped from carrying out their cuts.
SNP MPs will do all that they can to protect
Scotland's NHS and act to stop further austerity
being imposed by Westminster.
But, however hard we work, the Westminster
conspiracy of silence between Labour and the
Conservatives on the cuts to come and on
the damage of Brexit, demonstrates that
decisions about Scotland's future should
be taken in Scotland.
In Government at Holyrood with limited powers
and in line with our principles, we're helping with
the cost of living through free prescriptions, all
day off peak rail fares and free bus travel for
young people.
We've grown the economy faster, per head,
than the UK, we have the best performing core
A&E units in the UK, and we've built 40% more
affordable homes per head than in England,
and over 70% more than in Wales.
With independence, all the key decisions over
our economy, taxes, and spending will transfer
from Westminster to Scotland.
I have no doubt that everyone who lives in our
wonderful, diverse country - whether they were
born here, or have come from the rest of the UK
or further afield - are the best people to make
decisions about Scotland's future.
So on Thursday, 4th July, to remove the Tories
from office, to put the interests of Scotland first,
and for a future made in Scotland, vote SNP.
John Swinney MSP,
Leader, Scottish National Party.
OUR KEY
"We will protect
our NHS from
the twin threats
of Westminster
privatisation
and austerity."
PLEDGES
Deliver independence to strengthen our
economy, tackle the cost of living, and bring
about a fairer country.
End 14 years of austerity, reversing deep
damaging cuts to public services that have put
real pressure on the money available for the
NHS and schools. We will stand against the
Westminster consensus on cuts.
Rejoin the EU, reverse the damage of Brexit
and re-enter the single market restoring free
movement for EU citizens.
Tackle the cost of living crisis by providing
urgent support for household finances and
reducing the impact of rising interest rates and
inflation.
Protect our NHS from the twin threats of
Westminster privatisation and austerity. The
UK Government should back our Bill to keep the
NHS in public hands and boost NHS England
funding by at least £16bn each year, providing an
extra £1.6bn to NHS Scotland.
Reverse the £1.3bn Westminster cut to our
capital budget, to enable us to invest in new
hospitals, schools, rail and road infrastructure
and help to achieve net zero.
Demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,
release of hostages and ending arms sales
to Israel. We call on the UK Government
to immediately recognise Palestine as an
independent state.
Scrap the two child benefit cap, ending the
unnecessary suffering caused by both the benefit
cap on children and associated rape clause.
Demand the devolution of new borrowing
powers to invest in a just transition and that
the new UK Government match our £500m Just
Transition Fund for the North East and Moray
to help build on the region's world-renowned
expertise, create jobs, foster innovation and
deliver a fair and managed transition to net zero.
Legislate for an essentials guarantee ensuring
that everyone can afford basic necessities like
food and utilities.
Support the abolition of the undemocratic
House of Lords.
Stand up for WASPI women by making sure
the UK Government delivers full, fast and
fair compensation for women who have been
wronged by pension inequality.
Devolve powers to create a bespoke migration
system for Scotland that values those who
decide to work, live, study and invest here and
allows us to address our specific demographic
and economic needs.
Empower workers by scrapping exploitative
zero hours contracts, banning callous 'fire and
rehire' practices and repealing the Minimum
Service Bill.
Scrap the Rwanda scheme and stand firm
against the demonisation of migrants.
Tackle the drugs death crisis by taking a radical
public health approach; decriminalising drugs
for personal use and introducing a framework to
allow Supervised Drug Consumption Facilities.
Protect pensions by maintaining the triple lock
and move to deliver a wellbeing pension. We
will oppose any further increases in the state
pension age.
Scrap Trident and invest the money into
conventional defence and public services.
Increase maternity pay by bringing the UK into
line with other European countries and promoting
shared parental leave.
Defend free university tuition in Scotland.
The SNP is the only party that will protect
students and defend free education, meaning
graduates in Scotland are thousands of pounds
better off.
WHY
"In an independent
Scotland, decisions
about Scotland will be
made in Scotland,
for Scotland."
SNP General Election Manifesto 2024
INDEPENDENCE?
Independence is a vital necessity for Scotland
because decisions taken at Westminster have
made life more difficult for people, families,
communities and businesses across the country.
Austerity has caused cuts to public spending,
Brexit has wiped billions of pounds from our
economy compared with EU membership and
made the cost of living crisis worse by pushing up
food prices and other household costs.
The UK economy has delivered stagnant wages
and, for typical households, low living standards
compared with similar countries.
Indeed, for far too many people the UK economy
is broken and it is clear Westminster doesn't
work for Scotland.
It doesn't have to be that way.
Independent countries comparable to Scotland
like Denmark, Sweden and Ireland have used the
decision-making powers of independence
to create more successful countries.
They enjoy higher national income per head and
combine that with lower inequality than the UK.
They have higher levels of productivity, which
is the key driver of living standards, and lower
levels of poverty.
So why not Scotland? We have the resources,
industries and talent to match that success.
We have extraordinary energy resources,
a world-class food and drink industry, brilliant
tourism, financial services and creative industries
and we are leading in cutting edge sectors such
as satellite building.
Independence is the means of addressing
concerns over the cost of living and funding
of the NHS. We believe the powers that come
with independence are essential to building
the stronger economy required to boost living
standards and public services.
The Scottish Parliament election of 2021
resulted in a clear majority of MSPs in favour
of both independence and a referendum.
People gave their democratic verdict.
The UK Government, however, refused to
cooperate with the Scottish Government
to put that democratic mandate into effect.
Given the UK is going so badly in the wrong
direction it is more important than ever for
the mandate won in 2021 to be respected.
At this election we are asking you to vote SNP
for an independent Scotland. If the SNP wins
a majority of Scottish seats, the Scottish
Government will be empowered to begin
immediate negotiations with the UK Government
to give democratic effect to Scotland becoming
an independent country.
It is through the power of democratic pressure
that we will secure the right of people in Scotland
to decide their future.
DECISIONS MADE IN SCOTLAND, FOR SCOTLAND. 07
ENDING
AUSTERITY
"We will stand
firmly against the
Westminster consensus
on continued cuts and
demand increased
investment in our vital
public services."
Scotland has suffered fourteen years of Tory
imposed austerity. Simply put, this means
Westminster Governments have chosen to
repeatedly slash public spending when our NHS,
schools and other public services desperately
need investment. These cuts have stripped
Scotland's budget of billions - disproportionately
hurting the poorest and most vulnerable in society.
Cuts are a choice. And both the Tories and
Labour have chosen to continue with further cuts
to public spending if elected. Unless they change
their spending plans, the Institute for Fiscal
Studies is clear there will be a staggering £18bn
of cuts to public services.
In stark contrast, the SNP Scottish Government
has chosen to do all it can to mitigate these
callous cuts but with limited economic and
financial levers we are constrained in what
we can do.
Only independence can free Scotland from
the brutal impact of Westminster cuts,
invest properly in public services and unlock
economic growth.
Until then, SNP MPs will stand firmly against
the Westminster consensus on continued cuts
and demand increased investment in our vital
public services.
A FAIRER TAX SYSTEM
Against a backdrop of biting austerity, we've
delivered the fairest and most progressive
income tax system in the UK - raising an
additional £1.5bn to invest in our public
services, fund fair pay deals for nurses and
other public sector workers and support our
economy. However, without the full powers of
independence, we only have a very limited range
of tax powers to work with.
SNP MPs will demand the full devolution of tax
powers to enable us to create a fairer system
that protects public services and invests in
our economy. With the devolution of National
Insurance, we could ensure rates and thresholds
fit our progressive income tax rates.
With devolution of windfall taxation for companies
operating in Scotland, we would be able to
tackle the twin crises of cost of living and
climate change while meeting the specific needs
of Scotland. We believe it is only right that
companies making excess profits shoulder the
burden that families face, but that this must be
a wider tax - balanced across companies - rather
than the raid on the North-East of Scotland
proposed by Labour and the Tories.
With the full devolution of tax powers, we would
crack down on tax avoidance and evasion
and improve the transparency of tax paid by
international companies to ensure that they make
a proportionate contribution to tax revenues.
Devolving road tax and fuel duty would allow us
to develop a new approach to funding road travel
that meets Scotland's needs.
We believe it is wrong that suncream is subject to
VAT, but caviar is not. We support the reform of VAT
to address the current imbalances and to ensure
that life saving products, like defibrillators, are as
accessible and affordable as possible.
We have already removed charitable rates relief
from private schools in Scotland, and with full
powers over VAT we would go further and end the
exemption for private schools.
To drive economic growth and help in our
transition to net zero we would introduce a
lower rate of VAT for hospitality and tourism
sectors, address the imbalance in VAT rates
in the construction sector to encourage the
refurbishment and retrofitting of existing
buildings and remove VAT from on-street electric
vehicle charging.
UNLOCKING INVESTMENT
Decades of Westminster cuts have left
infrastructure across the UK creaking. It is clear
there is a need for more investment - not only to
support the delivery of public services but also to
grow the economy.
The Tories in Westminster have set their fiscal
rules to choke off borrowing for investment and
cap welfare spending, creating a barrier to a
pragmatic approach to deliver vital infrastructure
projects. We have a much more ambitious vision
for Scotland.
We have already invested in key infrastructure
projects like the Borders Railway and the
Queensferry crossing and delivered over
128,000 affordable homes, but without a change
in approach to fiscal rules we are reaching the
limits of what can be done.
The SNP is calling on the UK Government to
scrap their fiscal rules and introduce new
ones to allow greater investment in renewing
infrastructure and services. The UK Government
must abandon the current trajectory and
recognise the value of investing in national
infrastructure.
Fiscal Rules
We're proposing a sensible alternative,
setting out three new fiscal rules to enable
increased capital investment while instilling
a new prudent approach to government
finances:
● Public Sector Net Worth rule - recognising
the value of investing in infrastructure
and public sector assets, rather than
just liabilities
● Upper limit on debt servicing costs -
to allow explicit consideration of the
sustainability of the stock of debt
● Three-year detailed spending plans -
to support detailed planning and improve
clarity for devolved administrations.
"We will call on the
UK Government to
scrap their fiscal
rules to allow
greater investment
in infrastructure
and public
services."
PRIORITISING PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Scotland's capital budget, which pays for
our hospitals, roads and schools, has been
hammered by successive Westminster
Governments refusing to prioritise investment.
Westminster's cuts to capital funding have
disrupted longer term investment and, as a
result, restricted the growth of the Scottish
economy.
In the UK Spring Budget, the Tories cut capital yet
again, this time by almost 9% - or a cumulative
loss of £1.3bn by 2027/28. This cut, coupled
with sky high inflation, places unprecedented
pressure on our infrastructure budget.
It is vital that the UK Government at least reverse
the £1.3bn cut to our capital budget, to enable
us to invest in the new hospitals, schools, rail
and road infrastructure we would like to see,
and help to achieve net zero and secure the
sustainable jobs we need for the future.
Brexit has been a disaster for Scotland. Despite
REVERSE
voting overwhelmingly to remain within the EU,
we have been dragged out against our will and
are powerless to escape the consequences.
Brexit has wiped billions of pounds from the
Scottish economy, pushed up prices on food
and services and hit hard our ability to fund vital
public services such as the NHS.
We have lost access to one of the world's most
sophisticated and integrated international justice
and crime-fighting ecosystems, red tape is
exacerbating medicine shortages, and the end of
freedom of movement has made it much harder
to recruit staff to work in our NHS, social care
and other vital sectors.
SNP General Election Manifesto 2024
BREXIT
The Tories and Labour don't want to talk about
what we've lost, or how much worse off we are
"We will champion
with Brexit. But ignoring Brexit is ignoring the
cost of living, the economy and, fundamentally,
our vision for
the views of Scotland.
These Brexit harms will continue no matter
an independent
who is in charge at Westminster.
Scotland in the EU."
We want a different future. One where decisions
are made in Scotland, for Scotland.
The SNP is the only party offering people
Rejoining the EU would deliver: in Scotland that opportunity - and the choice
of a better future.
● Freedom of movement to live, visit,
study and work freely in any EU country We will champion our vision for an independent
● Cheaper and quicker trading for business Scotland in the EU, offering Scotland the
● More funding for farming, fishing and opportunity to regain what has been lost as
other rural sectors a result of a hard Brexit and harness the
● Access to workers from across the EU, opportunities that independence would provide.
enabling many of our industries to grow
● Re-entry to the Erasmus+ scheme,
widening educational opportunities
for Scotland's future generations
● A safer Scotland, working closely with
police in the EU to help fight cross
border crime, serious organised crime,
cyber crime and terrorism
● Access to the Creative Europe scheme,
supporting culture sector cooperation
and boosting economic potential of
our creative industries
DECISIONS MADE IN SCOTLAND, FOR SCOTLAND. 13
TACKLE
THE COST
OF LIVING
CRISIS
"We will push for the
fundamental change
that is needed to tackle
the cost of living crisis
and improve living
standards for all."
SNP General Election Manifesto 2024
Reckless Tory economic mismanagement has
resulted in spiralling interest rates, sky high
energy costs, increased mortgage payments
and left people struggling to pay their bills.
Despite limited powers, the SNP Scottish
Government is doing all it can to support
people through the Westminster-made cost
of living crisis.
How has the SNP Scottish Government
supported households?
● Protected free prescriptions, personal
care and eye tests for all
● Expanded free childcare, saving families
£5,500 annually
● Extended free school meal provision and
cancelled school meal debt
● Increased the Scottish Child Payment
to £26.70 per child per week
● Frozen Council Tax across Scotland
● Mitigated the UK Government's bedroom
tax in full, supported people with housing
costs and introduced temporary rent
cap controls
● Provided free bus travel for over 60s and
under 22s - over 2.2 million people
● Removed peak fares from our railways,
saving commuters as much as £26.20
per return journey
With the full powers of independence we could
do much more but until then, to relieve the
immediate pressure on households, SNP MPs
at Westminster will:
● Demand an essentials guarantee,
ensuring that, at a minimum, everyone
can afford basic necessities like food
and utilities
● Call for a statutory social tariff for energy,
broadband and mobile charges for all
who need one
● Press for a significant cut in standing
charges for all and removal of
standing charges for anyone with
a prepayment meter
● Push for an annual uplift of Local
Housing Allowance, whilst ensuring rental
costs are taken into account
● Call for a combination of the Warm Home
Discount and Energy Company Obligation
to create a single, flexible fuel poverty
scheme in Scotland - one that better
reflects our definition of fuel poverty and
supports our most vulnerable
● Introduce a fair energy pricing and rebate
scheme for Highland and Islands
residents, offering financial relief and
offsetting the higher per-unit costs of
electricity those residents currently face
● Reintroduce a simplified Help to Buy ISA
scheme to help first time buyers
But we believe that more fundamental change
is needed to tackle the cost of living crisis and
improve living standards for all.
Shockingly, recent analysis showed this
generation of young people is set to be the
first in living memory to be worse off than their
parents. That is not the future we want for our
young people.
With independence we can reverse Brexit and
austerity which are making the cost of living
more expensive and have been imposed upon
us against our will.
Our vision is of an independent Scotland, where
decisions are made in Scotland, for Scotland,
and where we can match, and indeed exceed,
the economic success and living standards of
neighbouring European countries.
DECISIONS MADE IN SCOTLAND, FOR SCOTLAND. 15
DEFENDING
SCOTLAND'S
PARLIAMENT
AND YOUR
RIGHTS
SNP General Election Manifesto 2024
Scotland is a proud, democratic nation. From
the independence referendum with record high
levels of engagement, to introducing a fairer
electoral system and extending the right to
vote, we have taken important steps to advance
democracy and human rights.
In stark contrast, Westminster has launched
repeated attacks on our democracy,
undermining the Scottish Parliament, something
the people of Scotland voted overwhelmingly
for, with something they voted overwhelmingly
against - Brexit.
There is a long-standing convention that
Westminster should not pass laws in devolved
areas without the consent of Holyrood. But,
since Brexit, we have seen a complete disregard
for Scotland's democratic institutions, resulting
in 12 occasions where the views of the Scottish
Parliament have been overridden.
And they have gone further. The UK Internal
Market Act reduces the powers of the Scottish
Parliament and allows the UK Government to
override our democracy at a stroke.
And, the Tories have taken the unprecedented
step of blocking legislation passed by Scotland's
Parliament - on a cross party basis - setting
a dangerous, anti-democratic precedent.
Now the UK is even threatening to prevent
Scotland from promoting our country, our culture
and inward investment into our economy to
countries overseas.
Scotland deserves so much better.
The SNP Scottish Government has a clear
mandate to offer the people of Scotland a
choice over our future, the choice to become
a fairer, democratic, independent nation.
And given the state of the broken Westminster
system, it is critical that the next UK
Government respects that mandate.
The SNP is the only party who will protect
Scotland's parliament, democracy and crucially
give people the right to decide their own future.
DECISIONS MADE IN SCOTLAND, FOR SCOTLAND. 17
PUTTING
SCOTLAND'S
INTERESTS FIRST
PROTECTING SCOTLAND'S NHS
Our NHS is our most cherished public service.
Under the SNP, funding for Scotland's NHS has
more than doubled and NHS staffing is at a
record high - with far more doctors and nurses
per head in Scotland than south of the border.
When it comes to investment and improvement
in our NHS, we're determined to go further -
including investing £300m to drive down waiting
times - but we are doing that with one hand tied
behind our back by Westminster.
SNP MPs will demand that the UK Government:
Protect the NHS from Westminster
privatisation through our 'Keep the NHS in
Public Hands' Bill. Further privatisation must
be ruled out and the new UK Government should
commit to back our Bill, ensuring the health
service is fully protected as a publicly owned
and operated service. The Bill will stop any UK
government undermining the principles and
protections of the NHS as part of any future
trade deals.
Boost NHS spending by a minimum of
£10bn extra each year to address rampant
inflationary pressures and improve
performance. This investment into NHS England
would generate an additional £1bn annually for
NHS Scotland to help meet increasing demand.
Match Scotland's NHS pay deals by increasing
investment in NHS England staff pay and
conditions of at least £6bn. This would deliver
around £600m for Scotland that we could
invest in pay deals for our hardworking NHS
staff. Combined with our calls for additional
investment to improve performance, this £16bn
funding boost would generate £1.6bn annually
for Scotland's NHS.
Standing up for our workforce. SNP MPs
will call for the reversal of recent moves by
the Tories to stop care workers from overseas
bringing their families with them to work in
the UK. Without these vital workers coming to
care for our loved ones, we will see shortages
increase further and the most vulnerable in our
society suffer.
SNP General Election Manifesto 2024
BUILDING A FAIRER, GREENER ECONOMY
A green energy powerhouse
Scotland is an energy-rich nation but without the full powers of independence we
cannot fully harness the opportunities our vast renewable energy sources provide.
We will demand the devolution of powers over energy regulation, pricing and
production to ensure that our natural energy resources are used to best serve
the needs of the Scottish people.
Scotland has won the energy lottery not once but twice - but instead of
benefiting Scotland's interests, our energy resources have bankrolled successive
UK Governments. Scotland as a whole should see far more of that benefit, but
we also believe the local communities who house the infrastructure - like pylons
and wind farms - should get a much greater degree of benefit.
Devolution allows us very few mechanisms via the planning system to deliver
increases in community benefit. Therefore, it is vital the UK Government devolves
the powers to us, so that wherever there is a significant investment, we can
ensure our communities feel the benefit.
With full powers, we could make changes to the electricity grid system that
currently holds back the development of renewable energy in Scotland, including
reducing fees for Scottish producers to connect.
Until we have those powers, it is crucial that the UK Government steps up.
The UK Government must invest at least £28bn a year in the green economy
to deliver a step change in public and private investment in net zero and major
investment in the domestic supply chain. As part of this investment, the UK
Government should seek an equity stake in future energy projects. The return
on this investment for the taxpayer will be used to directly benefit the Scottish
people by protecting jobs, growing the green economy and lowering energy bills.
DECISIONS MADE IN SCOTLAND, FOR SCOTLAND. 19
BUILDING A FAIRER, GREENER ECONOMY
Under the SNP, Scotland's economy is already
one of the best performing parts of the UK with
both GDP per head and productivity growing
faster in Scotland than the UK as a whole.
But we want to go further.
Our commitment to tackling the twin crises of
climate change and nature loss is unwavering
and we believe emissions reduction and
economic prosperity go hand in hand. We want
to share in the enormous economic opportunities
of the global transition to net zero.
SNP MPs will demand the UK Government:
Bring forward an immediate emergency budget
following the election to reverse cuts to public
spending and deliver meaningful investment in
economic growth, including green energy.
Work at pace with the Acorn Project and
Scottish Cluster to secure the fastest possible
deployment following the UK Government's
failure to support the Acorn carbon capture,
utilisation and storage project at track 1. Urgent
clarity is required to restore investor confidence,
boost economic opportunities and make progress
against our net zero obligations.
Modernise the Contracts for Difference
scheme to enable the stable deployment
of Scotland's renewable energy pipeline.
Take an evidence-based approach to oil and
gas. The UK Government is the decision-maker
on new oil and gas licences. We believe any
further extraction must be consistent with
our climate obligations and take due account
of energy security considerations. Decisions
must be made on a rigorously evidence-led,
case-by-case basis, through a robust climate
compatibility assessment.
Support the North East and the Just Transition.
North Sea oil and gas is naturally declining,
and as the transition to new industries gathers
pace, we are clear that the workers, families
and people of that industry and the North East
must not be abandoned. We are supporting
them with the £500 million North-East Transition
Fund - a fund the UK Government must now
at least match.
Deliver a sustainable future for Grangemouth.
The future of the Grangemouth complex must be
secured and a just transition delivered for the
workforce. The UK Government must recognise
the importance of the whole site to Scotland's
economy and communities and must invest in
a sustainable future. Time is needed to unlock
the significant opportunities for green industries
of the future and it is important that the skilled
workforce is retained, by extending refining for as
long as possible, while that happens. Only in this
way, can as many jobs as possible be protected
and the transition made to working on the new,
greener technologies that offer a long-term future
for the site..
Rule out new nuclear power plants in
Scotland. The SNP believe the best pathway to
net zero and secure, affordable and clean energy
is through significant growth in renewables,
storage, hydrogen and carbon capture.
Promote Scotland's hydrogen export potential.
Scotland is well placed to supply significant
amounts of hydrogen to continental Europe.
SNP MPs will press for the UK Government to
secure progress with direct interconnection
between Scotland and the continent, and
regulatory agreement to unlock Scotland's
renewable potential.
SNP General Election Manifesto 2024
Ban new coal licences. Follow the SNP Scottish
Government's lead and commit to no support for
new coal mines, which would undermine
our action to reach net zero.
Provide fair funding for climate. Scotland
has over two thirds of the UK's peatland, and
currently plants over 60% of trees in the UK,
yet funds restoration and planting within our
budget, with no help from the UK Government.
Westminster must ensure fair funding flows to
devolved nations to enable our, and their, climate
ambition given that for the whole of the UK to
reach net zero by 2050, Scotland must do so
by 2045.
Establish a Four Nations Climate Response
Group to agree climate plans across the UK
that deliver on our net-zero targets and ensure
the UK Government stops backtracking on
climate ambition.
Devolve powers to create a bespoke migration
system for Scotland that values those who
decide to work, live, study and invest here and
allows us to address our specific demographic
and economic needs.
Introduce a rural visa pilot scheme. Scotland
should have full powers over immigration,
including the devolution of overseas workers'
employment visas. Until then, it is vital the
UK Government acknowledges the distinct
demographic challenges we face in Scotland
and introduce a pilot to mitigate against labour
shortages as a result of a hard Brexit and hostile
immigration policies.
Mitigate the harm of Brexit on productivity
by reviewing immigration rules and expanding
shortage occupation lists, so businesses have
access to the workforce they need.
Provide sustainable funding for farming.
Despite numerous requests, Scotland has had
no commitment from Westminster on any future
funding for farming after 2025. The UK
Government must increase funding for farming
- to at least pre-Brexit levels - and provide certainty
through multi-annual funding frameworks.
Agree a veterinary agreement with the EU to
ease exports and imports.
Give Scotland our rightful share of marine
funding. Scotland has 63% of UK fishing waters
and over 90% of aquaculture production but,
since Brexit, Westminster has shortchanged
funding for innovation and investment -
allocating only £14m directly, instead of the
£62m we were entitled to. The UK Government
must give Scotland our rightful share of marine
funding - and provide certainty through multi-
annual funding frameworks.
Prioritise Scotland's unique fishing needs.
The Tories' post-Brexit trade agreement with
the EU has created a £281 million shortfall in
quota value and threatens a key export market
for Scottish salmon after 2026. Only with
independence will we get the change Scotland's
seafood sector really needs. Until then, to
protect our interests, we will press for real and
meaningful engagement for Scotland through
the upcoming review of the trade agreement
and continue to call for our fair share of quota
through a shift to zonal attachment.
Prioritise research and investment in Artificial
Intelligence to capitalise on the technological
revolution and ensure its full potential is
maximised in supporting our public services in
a way that is open, ethical and transparent.
DECISIONS MADE IN SCOTLAND, FOR SCOTLAND. 21
A CLEANER, GREENER TRANSPORT SYSTEM
Under the SNP huge improvements have
been made to our transport system. We've
scrapped bridge tolls, invested over £11bn on
rail infrastructure, brought Scotland's railway
into public hands and removed peak fares,
provided free bus travel to 2.2 million people and
completed the Queensferry crossing on time and
under budget. But our ambition is constrained by
resources and powers controlled by Westminster.
SNP MPs will call for the UK Government to:
Transfer full powers for complete integration
of track and train to Scotland - a fully devolved
railway, including full ownership and powers
over Network Rail Scotland and with powers for
permanent public ownership of rail services to
best serve Scotland's passengers, communities
and economy.
Promote a fair and affordable transition to
zero-emission transport fuels and ban the
import and sale of new, non zero-emission buses
by 2025. The UK Government must also fully
support the production and use of sustainable
bridging fuels in the maritime and aviation
sectors.
Strengthen incentives to purchase cleaner
vehicles. Following the example of France, the
UK Government should establish a new Low
Income EV Car Leasing Fund, backed up by at
least £500m, to enable 50,000 EV leases a year
to benefit low income families.
Invest in safer roads. Reducing road traffic
is key to cutting emissions, but in a rural and
sparsely populated country, not everywhere and
everyone can be expected to make the same
changes at the same time. It is vital that we
ensure roads are as safe, reliable and resilient
as possible. We are committed to dualling the
A9 in full between Perth and Inverness and
improving the A96, including dualling Inverness
to Nairn and the Nairn Bypass. We will press the
UK Government to fulfil their commitment to fund
improvements to the A75.
BROADCASTING
Broadcasting is a crucial platform to showcase
Scottish life and culture, but with power over
broadcasting reserved to Westminster we are
restricted in our ability to ensure it better reflects
the needs and priorities of Scottish audiences.
SNP MPs will call for the UK Government to:
Devolve broadcasting powers to enable
broadcasters who have a public service remit to
better meet the interests of Scottish audiences.
Support increased investment in Scottish
broadcasting. Until devolved, we will continue
to push all public service broadcasters to invest
a far fairer share of spending on production
in Scotland.
Give Gaelic broadcasting a statutory parity of
esteem with Welsh language broadcasting.
The UK Government must rectify the disparity
between Gaelic and Welsh language caused by
the recent Media Bill and ensure proportional
funding for BBC Alba.
Include major Scottish national team matches
on the list of sporting events for free-to-air
channels, ensuring no financial detriment to the
game while guaranteeing parity of access for all.
SNP General Election Manifesto 2024
STANDING UP FOR WORKERS
Years of attacks on workers' rights have shown
that Westminster is not working for workers. With
independence we can guarantee the rights of
working people in Scotland are protected and
strengthened. Until then, it is vital Scotland has
strong SNP voices at Westminster to stand up
for workers. SNP MPs will demand that the
UK Government:
Devolve employment rights and the minimum
wage so that we can scrap exploitative zero
hours contracts, ban 'fire and rehire' practices
and take action to close the gender pay gap. We
would increase the minimum wage to at least the
level of the national living wage and increase in
line with inflation, and end age discrimination of
pay levels.
Amend the definition of worker to strengthen
protections for those with unfair contracts by
creating a single status of "worker" for all but
the genuinely self-employed.
CREATING A JUST
AND HEALTHIER SCOTLAND
While Westminster governments prioritise
tax cuts for the wealthy, the SNP Scottish
Government is focussed on mitigating the cruel
policies inflicted on the poorest in our society -
investing around £3bn a year in helping tackle
poverty and the impacts of the Westminster
made cost of living crisis.
Within our devolved powers, we are delivering
14 benefits - 7 of them brand new and only
available in Scotland. Our game changing
Scottish Child Payment now sits at £26.70 per
Scrap the sick pay threshold to ensure lower
paid workers have access to statutory sick pay
and scrap the four day waiting period to allow
those who need financial support through illness
to access it sooner.
Increase paid maternity leave to one year, with
maternity pay set at 100% of average weekly
earnings for the first 12 weeks, then 90% for 40
weeks or £185.00, whichever is lower. The UK
Government should increase shared parental
leave from 52 to 64 weeks, with the additional
12 weeks to be the minimum taken by the
father on a 'use it or lose it' basis, in order to
encourage an increase in shared parental leave.
Protect the right to strike. SNP MPs will
demand the next UK Government stand with
workers and repeal the Strikes (Minimum
Services Levels) Act. Instead, they should
learn from the recent success of the Scottish
Government and resolve industrial disputes
through constructive negotiations. SNP MPs
have long called for the repeal of the Trade Union
Act 2016, and we will continue to press the UK
Government to do so without delay.
child a week and is lifting thousands of children
out of poverty. The UK Government should
take complimentary action to help the Scottish
Government fulfil its mission to eradicate
child poverty.
While we do all we can to lift people out of
poverty, it is clear that Westminster control holds
us back. With the powers of independence,
Scotland could unleash its full potential and build
a better, fairer society. We will continue to call for
the full devolution of social security powers so
that we can put those foundations in place. Until
then, SNP MPs will call for the UK Government to:
DECISIONS MADE IN SCOTLAND, FOR SCOTLAND. 23
Scrap the two child benefit cap and associated
rape clause which has driven thousands of
families into poverty and forced women to relive
the trauma of rape in order to claim the support
they, and their children, need to live. Unlike
Labour and the Tories, we stand firmly against
this abhorrent policy and will continue to call for
its abolition.
End the young parent penalty in Universal
Credit which sees under-25s receiving
considerably less.
Scrap proposed punitive welfare reforms for
sick and disabled people which will take support
away from some of the most vulnerable people
in our communities, and halt DWP repayment
demands on Carer's Allowance.
Protect pensions by maintaining the triple lock
and move to deliver a wellbeing pension. We will
oppose any acceleration of planned changes or
further increases in the state pension age.
Stand up for WASPI women by pressing the
UK Government to deliver full, fast and fair
compensation for women who have been
wronged by pension inequality.
Reverse the cut to Pension Credit that means
older couples in Scotland could be £7,000 worse
off per year.
Maximise Pension Credit uptake by following
Scotland's lead and introducing a comprehensive
benefit take-up strategy for all benefits.
Provide full restitution for the victims of the
Equitable Life scandal. It is time for the UK
Government to end the delay and provide urgent
funding to compensate in full those who saved
diligently for retirement in good faith yet suffered
serious losses through no fault of their own.
Scrap the cruel bedroom tax which punishes
people claiming Universal Credit or housing
benefit if they have a spare room in their rented
council or housing association home.
Devolve Housing Benefit and Local Housing
Allowance which will allow the Scottish
Government to take an innovative approach
to tackle child poverty, expand the delivery of
social housing and to help fund and encourage
investment in house building.
Tackle the housing emergency caused by
decades of Westminster underinvestment, a
hard Brexit and a £1.3bn cut to the Scottish
Government's capital budget from the UK
Government. The UK Government must restore
the cut to our Capital Budget.
Protect the right to abortion. We are clear
that all women should have access to abortion
services in a timely and safe manner. The UK
Government should follow Scotland's lead in
reviewing the law on abortion to ensure that
abortion is first and foremost treated as a
healthcare matter.
Provide justice for Infected Blood victims. We
believe that compensation for victims of infected
blood is long overdue and will work with the UK
Government to ensure any compensation scheme
works effectively for everyone who is infected or
affected and is delivered without delay.
Take a public health approach to tackle the
drug deaths crisis, devolving powers to the
Scottish Parliament so we can go further to
reduce harm and improve lives in Scotland. We
would decriminalise drugs for personal use and
introduce a framework to allow Supervised Drug
Consumption Facilities.
SNP General Election Manifesto 2024
Reintroduce UK-wide legislation to create
a smoke free generation and recommit to
following the SNP Scottish Government's lead
by banning single-use vapes.
Treat problem gambling as a public health
matter and take action to tackle the impacts
of advertising. We believe a Gambling Levy is
long overdue and the UK Government must
act urgently to bring forward a levy without
further delay.
Introduce a RAAC Remediation Fund to ensure
new capital money is made available to allow us
to take any action that may be required to tackle
the problem of ageing Reinforced Autoclaved
Aerated Concrete in our public sector.
Deliver justice for Post Office Horizon
victims. It is vital that the UK Government pay
compensation at pace to all sub postmasters
who have suffered horrendous miscarriages
of justice due to the failings of the Post Office
Horizon IT system. The vast majority of payments
should be made by the end of 2024.
Refund the £175m in VAT owed to Scotland's
emergency services so we can invest it in our
vital emergency services.
Introduce 'Martyn's Law' without delay to
ensure venues and councils have preventative
plans in place against terror attacks.
Protect people, particularly children, by
ensuring the Online Safety Act comes into
force on time. SNP MPs will press the UK
Government to ensure tech firms cannot escape
their responsibilities for the content on their
platforms through full enforcement of the
Act and prompt strengthening of these laws
when required.
Introduce a right to consular assistance
for British nationals including those who are
stranded, imprisoned or who die overseas and
to implement in full the recommendations of the
2019 All Party Parliamentary Group report on
deaths abroad.
DEFENDING DEMOCRACY
AND HUMAN RIGHTS
The SNP stands on a strong record of defending
Scotland's democratic functions and institutions,
and we will always stand up to promote and
protect Scotland's democracy and make sure
that the people of Scotland's voices are heard.
SNP MPs will demand the UK Government:
Give the people of Scotland a say on their
future. Demand the permanent transfer of legal
power to the Scottish Parliament to determine
how Scotland is governed, including the
transfer of power to enable it to legislate for
a referendum.
End Westminster's power grab by demanding
the UK government repeal the reprehensible
Internal Market Act. We are clear that UK
ministers must not be able to act unilaterally
across policy areas that are within devolved
competencies, and will push for the Sewel
Convention to be put on a proper statutory footing.
Support abolition of the undemocratic House
of Lords.
Reform the voting system by replacing the
first past the post system with the Single
Transferable Vote.
DECISIONS MADE IN SCOTLAND, FOR SCOTLAND. 25
Increase access to democracy by extending the
voting age to 16, and eligibility to all residents,
including all international students and those
with refugee status, as is the case in Scotland.
Scrap Voter ID. SNP MPs will continue to call on
the UK Government to repeal the legislation and
seek to rebuild trust in our democratic processes
with voters. We will push for the introduction
of automatic voter registration so that no-one
needlessly misses out on their democratic
right to vote.
Respect international law and protect rights.
Rather than rolling back on rights, we should be
seeking to strengthen human rights protections
for all. We will call on the UK Government to
respect international law and strongly oppose any
attempts by the UK government to withdraw the
UK from the ECHR or change the Human Rights
Act which is integral to the devolution settlement
for the Scottish Parliament.
Protect and enhance the rights of LGBTI
community. The SNP has a proud record of
advancing and championing LGBTI rights in
government, and we will continue to build
on this, working with LGBTI communities, to
make Scotland a fairer and more equal place
to live. With independence we would have
the full powers to improve equality in law and
society, and the ability to champion LGBTI
equality internationally.
Strengthen children's rights by demanding the
UK Government follows Scotland's approach and
incorporates the UN Convention on the Rights of
the Child into law, to take a maximalist approach
to the protection of children's rights.
Stand up for asylum seekers by scrapping
the morally repugnant Rwanda scheme and
continuing to strongly oppose no recourse to
public funds. We will urge the UK Government
to grant asylum seekers the right to work and
fundamentally change their approach to housing
asylum seekers, ensuring accommodation is
safe, suitable and dignified.
SNP General Election Manifesto 2024
SCOTLAND'S PLACE IN THE WORLD
We want to see an independent Scotland take its
place in the international community; alongside
the 193 other United Nations member states,
able to join the European Union, with the powers
necessary to protect our citizens and prosper
in the global economy. We are determined
that Scotland plays a positive and progressive
role in international affairs through action
and leadership. SNP MPs will call on the UK
Government to:
Demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,
release of hostages and end arms sales to Israel.
We will continue to call on the UK Government
to follow the lead of Ireland, Norway and Spain
by immediately recognising Palestine as a state.
We believe that recognising Palestine as a state
in its own right is the only way to move towards a
just and durable long-term peace, in the interests
of both Palestinians and Israelis.
Stand by Ukraine and continue to strongly
oppose the Russian invasion. We will continue
to support Ukrainians who have settled in
Scotland and will press the UK Government to
extend visa rights whilst the conflict continues.
We will do everything in our power
to see the restoration of peace and ensure
Ukraine's sovereignty, democracy, independence
and territorial integrity is maintained. We will
continue to back military support from the
United Kingdom to Ukraine and will press the
UK Government to ensure the sanctions regime
against Russia is effective.
Scrap Trident and invest the billions spent
funding these immoral weapons in public
services, like our NHS and schools and
adequately funding conventional defence.
The SNP has never and will never support the
retention or renewal of Trident, and will press
the UK government to meet their international
obligations on nuclear disarmament.
Connect Scotland's diaspora across
the globe by working with national and
international partners to implement the
Scottish Connections Framework.
Agree an EU-wide youth mobility scheme.
Despite the EU proposing a post-Brexit mobility
scheme for young people, both the Tories
and Labour rejected it within hours. The UK
Government must stop failing young people and
agree a scheme so that young people can benefit
from the opportunities that living, working and
studying in the EU can bring.
Immediately restore and maintain the UK
international aid budget to 0.7%.
Increase investment into loss and damage.
Scotland was the first developed nation in the
world to commit funding to address loss and
damage, sparking debate and showing global
leadership. Since then, the global loss and
damage fund has reached $700 million. Instead
of following Scotland's bold leadership, the
UK Government opted to repurpose existing
funding. The UK Government must provide a new
contribution to the new Loss and Damage Fund
which is truly additional to existing commitments.
DECISIONS MADE IN SCOTLAND, FOR SCOTLAND. 27
Strengthen Scotland's security by pushing
the UK to focus on countering disinformation
and misinformation, better protecting national
critical infrastructure, improving supply chain
resilience and strengthening the ability of the UK
to rebound and rebuild from the aftermath of a
shock or crisis.
Raise the military recruitment age to 18. SNP
MPs will urge the UK Government to phase out
the recruitment of people under 18 in line with
international standards.
Prioritise the needs of our Armed Forces and
Veterans community. We have long campaigned
for an Armed Forces Representative Body
to accommodate the wide range of needs,
concerns, and identities within the Forces
Community. We believe it is vital that the UK
Government prioritise employment, social
inclusion, health and wellbeing for veterans and
their families.
Support our veterans by following the approach
of the SNP Scottish Government and ensure that
the War Disablement Pension is exempt from the
assessment of income for veterans who require
social care services.
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