The SNP’s manifesto for the 2019 general election lists 19 demands to the UK Government.
The party, led by Nicola Sturgeon, want the following:
- A vote for the SNP is a vote to enable the people of Scotland to choose their own future in a new referendum on becoming an independent country – with the timing decided by the Scottish parliament and to have taken place by the end of 2020
- For the next UK Government to raise per-head health spending south of the border to levels seen in Scotland, which is currently £136 per head higher. Doing so would see an increase of NHS spending in England – and also mean a funding boost for NHS Scotland of more than £4 billion by the end of the next Westminster parliament in 2024-25.
- The end of Universal Credit and a reversal of the £1.5 billion real-terms cut to Scotland’s budget and a commitment to real-terms increases thereafter.
- UK Government to match funding in Michelin Innovation Scotland Parc in Dundee by £30 million.
- Block a no-deal Brexit
- Become independent state within the EU.
- Devolution and then decriminalisation of drug laws.
- An NHS Protection Act that will guarantee future trade deals will not undermine the founding principles of the NHS or open it up to profit-driven exploitation – with the Scottish Parliament required to give consent for any trade deal.
- A substantial increase in parental leave, with an additional 12 weeks to be ring-fenced for the father in order to encourage take-up – as well as increases in statutory maternity and paternity pay.
- Removing Trident from Scotland.
- Further devolution of tax-raising powers from the UK Government.
- Support a reduction in employers’ National Insurance contributions and oppose any increase to VAT.
- Introduce a “credit cap” on home energy bills
- Will call for a full inquiry into HMRC and why it cannot provide a “digital tax service” fit for the 21st Century.
- Devolution of broadcasting responsibility in Scotland and for greater authority and funding to be moved from the BBC to BBC Scotland.
- Free TV licences for over-75s.
- Streamlined visa processes for artists and performers should Brexit happen.
- Devolution of gambling regulation to the Scottish parliament.
- Demand the UK Government accelerates targets to reduce emissions by 75% by 2035.
