RE-ELECT
Manifesto2011
PROGRESS HASBEENMADE
Since 2007, every household in Scotland has benefited from the policies of the SNP government. Unlike the other political parties, who remain focused on the Westminster agenda, we continue to stand up for Scotland.
We’re building a smarter Scotland by scrapping Labour’s backdoor tuition fees, giving everyone entitlement to free university education. Primary class sizes are at a record low, and exam rates in our Secondaries are at a record high.
We’re building a safer and stronger Scotland with over 1000 more police on the beat and more resources for divisional forces.
We’re building a wealthier and fairer Scotland by freezing the Council Tax during economic recession and fighting for a new fiscal framework for Scotland.
We’re building a healthier Scotland, with record levels of NHS investment and significant upgrades to NHS estates.
And we’re building a greener Scotland, with additional investment into Scotland’s renewable energy potential.
MARVEL ON THE FORTH
Thanks to the SNP, the Queensferry Crossing will be complete by the end of the next parliamentary term.
MY VISION
All of us who live here in Scotland love our country, and we all have a positive and vibrant vision of what Scotland can become.
In this election, Scotland has a choice between two futures. We can keep moving forward toward a better future for all who live here or we cam have our future dictated to us by a Government and Parliament that is hundreds of miles away.
The SNP will continue to put Scotland and her priorities first, and we will continue to deliver stable governance for the good of Scotland.
Unlike both Labour and the Liberal Democrats, we remain focused on getting the best deal for Scotland. SNP MPs have been hard at work fighting to get more powers for the Scottish Parliament and a new fiscal framework.
We’ve shown since 2007 that progress has been made and that we are moving forward. We’ve shown what we can do within the confines of the current devolved arrangements, and in this election we are asking the people of Scotland to take their future into their own hands and vote for an independence referendum on Scotland’s future in the UK.
There is no reason whatsoever that Scotland could not emulate the success of other small independent countries like Ireland, Norway and Denmark, and it is vital that the question of independence is put to the Scottish electorate, therefore we will deliver an independence referendum by the end of the next parliament.
I have a vision for a much better future for Scotland. I am proud of the progress that has been made, but I am even more ambitious to do so much more.
The journey to a healthier, wealthier, fairer, safer, stronger and greener country is far from over.
Let’s keep Scotland moving forward and take the next steps to a more prosperous future for everyone who lives here.
#BothVotesSNP for a Scottish Government that works for Scotland.
Nicola Sturgeon, SNP Leader
A NEW TIME FOR INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
We’re investing billions into new infrastructure projects right across Scotland. We’re investing into the future of our country, and delivering better connectivity for all corners of Scotland.
In the Highlands, we’re upgrading Inverness Airport and building a new Inverness Airport railway station. We’re making huge upgrades to the A82 and the A9, and we’re building the vital Corran Bridge in Lochaber.
In Edinburgh, we’re building the new Edinburgh Gateway interchange along with new upgrades to the Edinburgh - Glasgow railway. We’re also investing billions into the new Queensferry Crossing, replacing the current Forth Road Bridge.
In Fife, we’re building the Levenmouth Rail Link and the West Fife Rail Link, along with upgrades to the current rolling stock in operation. We’re also investing £129 million into the vital M90 spur, as part of the Queensferry Crossing project.
In Glasgow and the West of Scotland, we’re investing millions into a Glasgow Airport Rail Link and upgrading infrastructure between Glasgow Central and Paisley.
And in the North East, we’re kickstarting a brand new Aberdeen Harbour project, expected to create hundreds of new jobs and boost the local economy.
The SNP Government is starting a new time for infrastructure investment, and in this election keep Scotland moving forward and these projects on track by re-electing a government that is working for Scotland.
This May, make it Both Votes for the SNP to re-elect Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister and keep Scotland moving forward.
Kate Forbes, Depute Leader
A GOVERNMENT WORKING FOR SCOTLAND
Since 2007 we’ve been working hard to get things done and deliver strong, stable governance that works for all of Scotland.
As Nicola says, progress has been made.
We’re building a smarter Scotland with record low class sizes in our primary schools, and record exam passes in our secondary schools.
We’re building a greener Scotland with world leading climate targets and we’re working hard to see a 42% reduction in our emissions by 2020.
We’re building a wealthier and fairer Scotland with over 80,000 small businesses benefiting from the Small Business Bonus scheme, and 60,000 paying no business rates at all.
We’re building a healthier Scotland with more staff in the health service, record levels of NHS investment, and prescription charges scrapped.
We’re building a safer Scotland with more police on the streets and we’re building a stronger Scotland by making the most of the powers that we have.
As we now step toward the next stage of Scotland’s journey we must now be bold and ambitious in our decision making.
The rest of this manifesto sets out how we will move Scotland forward, and with your help the Scottish National Party can keep Scotland on the right path, the path of progress.
Together, we’re making Scotland a better place.
At this election, let’s protect the progress that has been made and take the next steps toward a better future, I have no doubt that the best is yet to come.
Alex Salmond, Westminster Leader
The SNP’s aim of building a smarter Scotland has had a huge impact on my family.
The expansion of childcare hours has made a huge impact over recent years, and thanks to the SNP government my children can now go to university or higher education without any financial barriers.
The pledge in this manifesto to double the number of childcare hours shows how serious they are about helping families and helping children get the best start in life.
That’s why I am making it Both Votes SNP in this election.
Joy, Montrose
A SMARTER SCOTLAND
Since 2007, we’ve made progress towards building a smarter Scotland. We’ve scrapped Labour’s backdoor tuition fees, class sizes are at a record low and exam passes at a record high, and we’re expanding childcare hours with more investment.
Over the next Parliament, we will remain focused on our mission for a smarter Scotland and we will continue to invest record amounts into retain teachers and keeping tuition free.
THE BEST START IN LIFE
We believe that Scotland’s children deserve the best start in life. We’ll introduce a new Baby Box scheme, where essentials for having a newborn baby is delivered free of charge from the Scottish Government. We’ll roll this out by 2014. Additionally, the number of government funded childcare hours will be doubled from 16 to 30 hours a week
A NEW DEAL FOR EARLY YEARS
We recognise the huge role that Early Years Practitioners play in the development of our young people. At present, they are paid to the equivalent of a support assistant. This is unfair, and we will work with Councils, COSLA and Trade Unions to secure an above inflation payrise of at least 10%.
CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE
The implementation of the new curriculum for excellence has proved to be a success for learners and teachers across Scotland. Over the next Parliament we will carefully monitor it’s impact, and establish a new Curriculum for Excellence Advisory Body, that will help Education Scotland and Schools get the best deal for young people.
THE SCHOOLS ESTATE
The number of pupils in sub-standard schools has fallen by over 120,00 since the SNP took office in 2007. We will renew our investment into the Schools Estate, with a target of refurbishing or constructing 600 schools by the end of the next parliamentary term.
The SNP’s small business bonus scheme has supported the growth of my business over recent years. They have continued to recognise the huge impact our food and drink sector.
Over 80,00 small businesses are now benefiting from the scheme, and 60,000 are paying no business rates at all.
The SNP shares my vision for a better future. They want to help businesses like mine by boosting tourism and help every business deliver a living wage.
That’s why I am voting SNP.
Carole, Isle of Skye
A WEALTHIER SCOTLAND
Since 2007, we’ve made progress towards building a wealthier Scotland. We’ve introduced new policies like the Small Business Bonus, which is helping to create more opportunities and a fairer economy.
SMALL BUSINESS BONUS
Over the next Parliament, we will remain focused on our mission for a wealthier Scotland and we will continue to build upon the progress that has already been made to build a fairer economy. The SNP’s small business bonus scheme is helping to create opportunity for Scottish firms. Over 80,000 small businesses now benefit from the scheme, and 60,000 are paying no business rates at all. Over the next parliament, we want to review, expand and enhance the scheme so that over 100,000 small businesses won’t pay any rates at all, boosting economic growth and showing confidence in business.
MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS
We propose the creation of a new Graduates Apprenticeship, a university-level apprenticeship which will enable new links between business and universities, allowing students to work and earn as they study and improve workforce skills.
FISCAL FRAMEWORK
We believe that the current fiscal framework is outdated and doesn’t work in a fashion that has Scotland at heart. Therefore, over the next Parliament we will create a new cross-party working group to work with the UK Government to propose changes to the Barnett formula and how the Scottish Budget is funded.
We will propose that alongside a fairer funding model, Scotland should have more powers over borrowing and controls over corporation taxes
INCOME TAX
With the new Income Tax powers now devolved to the Scottish Parliament, thanks to the SNP’s Scotland Act, we will propose that Scotland adopts a progressive income tax system that asks those who earn the most to pay a little more towards public services.
Thanks to the efforts of the SNP government, I was recently able to purchase my first home. The SNP has shown that they want to build a fairer country, and that’s why I am happy to support their policy of building 120,000 new homes over the next Parliamentary term.
The SNP’s work to make Scotland better for our young people has also boosted my confidence in them.
I am making it Both Votes SNP on May 5.
Scott, Glasgow
A FAIRER SCOTLAND
Since 2007, we’ve made progress towards building a fairer Scotland. We’re making Scotland the best place to grow up and grow old. We’re investing in the future, with over 40,000 new affordable homes delivered since 2007.
Over the next Parliament, we will remain focused on our mission for a fairer Scotland and we will build over 120,000 new homes and create a new Social Security Agency, tasked with handling Scotland’s new benefit powers.
AFFORDABLE HOMES
We’ve built over 40,000 new homes since 2007. Over the next Parliamentary term, and backed by £3.6 billion from the Scottish Budget, we will near double that figure and build 120,000 new affordable homes by 2016. 85,000 of these new homes will be within the social rented sector.
SOCIAL SECURITY
With the new powers over social security now in the hands of the Scottish Parliament, we will establish a new social security agency. We will not means test disability benefits and we will raise the Carer’s Allowance to the same level as the Jobseekers Allowance.
SUPPORTING FAMILIES
We will introduce a new Scottish Child Payment for those already in receipt or eligible for Child Tax Credits. The Scottish Child Payment will be £18 per week and for all children up to aged 12. Our aim is to expand that to all children aged under 16 by the end of the parliamentary term.
Alongside this, we will continue to support families with new provision for universal Free School Meals for all children up to Primary 5
TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL
We will continue to protect the Older Persons bus pass, and we will introduce free bus travel for all young people aged under 20.
Additionally, we will hand local authorities the power to bring local bus services into public hands if the operator is not meeting service standards.
The SNP has shown real leadership when it comes to the climate crisis and dealing with the ecological challenges that Scotland faces.
My confidence in them is boosted by their pledge to introduce a new minister for farming and agriculture.
The SNP is working hard to support my way of life, and I am thankful for that.
That’s why I am making it Both Votes SNP in this Scottish election.
Heather, West Linton
A SUSTAINABLE SCOTLAND
Since 2007, we’ve made progress towards building a sustainable Scotland. We’re making Scotland a greener country with ambitious climate targets, and we’re supporting rural communities and the farming and fishing sectors.
Over the next Parliament, we will remain focused on our mission for a sustainable Scotland and support rural communities and sectors as we transition toward a net-zero economy.
TRANSPORT
We will begin to invest in electric car infrastructure, starting first in urban areas and the central belt. We want to introduce a new National Transport Strategy to deliver a low carbon transport network. We will continue to invest in the procurement of electric rolling stock for ScotRail and we will continue to upgrade vital rail infrastructure.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The SNP government is delivering record levels of infrastructure investment, and over the next Parliament we will continue with our programme of renewing vital infrastructure across Scotland.
RURAL COMMUNITIES
Alongside the need for greater energy security through renewable sources, we recognise the beauty of Scotland’s landscape and we want to protect it. That’s why we will introduce a ban on the construction of wind farms in National Parks and National Scenic Areas.
We will create a new rural housing fund of £50 million to invest in the construction of new sustainable homes for rural communities and we will invest £1.3 billion over the next 5 years into a Rural Communities Fund.
Alongside this, we will invest in Superfast full-fibre broadband connectivity for all of Scotland, backed by over £50 million from the Scottish Budget.
CLIMATE CHANGE
We recognise that more work must be done to tackle climate change. That’s why over the next parliament we will invest in the creation of a Green Investment Bank.
We will set even more ambitious targets and protect Scotland’s biodiversity with a new Climate Change Act.
I have made Scotland my home, and I am passionate about the future for everyone who chooses to live here.
The SNP is working to make Scotland safer and stronger, and their recruitment of 1000 new police officers has aided that.
In this election I want our country to keep moving forward.
That’s why I am voting SNP on Thursday May 5.
Roza, Glasgow
A SAFER & STRONGER SCOTLAND
Since 2007, we’ve made progress towards building a safer and stronger Scotland. We’ve made communities safer by investing in 1000 more police officers, and we’re moving Scotland forward with ambitious decision making that has Scotland at heart.
Over the next Parliament, we will remain focused on our mission for a safer and stronger Scotland and we will introduce new reforms to reorganise the structure of policing in Scotland, and we will continue to make the case that Scotland can do better with independence.
POLICING
We have reached our target to get 1000 more police officers on the beat. Over the next parliament, we will invest in getting even more police patrolling communities and we will oppose the closure of any rural police stations
In addition to this, we will reform and reorganise the structure of the divisional police forces to save public funds and make the allocation of resource much more efficient.
WOMEN & MINORITIES
We will have already made efforts to make Scotland fairer for women and girls with new legislation that protects them from discrimination
Over the next parliament we will go even further with new hate crime legislation to protect the most vulnerable
CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
The SNP remain opposed to the un-elected House of Lords and the outdated Westminster system. Our Scotland Act delivered new powers to the Scottish Parliament that will have a real impact on daily life in Scotland, but we believe that we can go further.
We will continue to support Scotland’s membership of the European Union and we will oppose any attempt to take Scotland out of the EU against our democratic wishes.
We will oppose any plan to waste millions, if not billions, on Trident nuclear weapons and our stance of removing nuclear weapons from Scotland remains unchanged.
SCOTLAND’S FUTURE
We believe that Scotland should be an independent country, and that all the decisions that affect Scotland should be taken in Scotland
We will propose that a referendum on the question of independence takes place before 2015.
