![]() ![]() ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Scottish Conservative Party ![]() ![]() The Scottish Conservative Party has launched its election manifesto with seven pledges to the people of Scotland. The party, which opposed devolution but now endorses it in the light of overwhelming support for reform in the 1997 referendum, conceded it has been perceived as out of touch, divided and arrogant in the past. However, it says it has learned from its mistakes to present the most radical agenda for the new parliament.
Essentials
The Scottish Tories say they will oppose any moves towards independence but will seek to extend devolution and decentralisation within Scotland.
Health
It says it wants to see decision making devolved to local GP surgeries and hospitals developed into centres of excellence. The Scottish Tories want to see the introduction of "modern matrons" as visible ward leaders in hospitals.
Economy
The party says it will ease the burden and has also expressed opposition to plans to "destroy" the Uniform Business Rate.
Transport
Environment
They will support co-operation between Holyrood, Westminster and Brussels on environmental measures. The party says Combined Heat and Power pilot schemes should be investigated and diverse sources of energy, including renewable and nuclear energy, supported.
Education
The money would go to the institution and not to the government, which currently receives tuition fee money. It says it will restore the right of parents to choose which nursery school their children attend. This will be done through nursery vouchers equivalent to the value of a full-time place. The party says new Local Schools Boards, funded by the Scottish Parliament, should take over the local authority role of running schools.
Law and Order
They say a new indictable offence of Home Violation should be created for house breaking crimes, with the punishment reflecting the seriousness of the crime. They want an end to "cuts" in the victim support scheme in Scotland and the necessary funding to ensure efficient and accountable police forces. The party also advocates setting up a Parliamentary Committee to review all aspects of the criminal justice system.
Housing
Private sector investment would be encouraged to effect repairs and renovations. The Scottish Tories say local housing providers would be required to provide a minimum of 5% of sheltered accommodation in any new development. The party says it will support extension of the Rough Sleepers Initiative.
Nationalism
They are staunchly opposed to independence and say a successful Scottish Parliament will blunt the nationalists' separatist ambitions.
Europe
It warns that a European Central Bank's influence on Scotland's economy would be detrimental to the country and would lead to the abolition of Scottish bank notes. Scottish Tories say government adherence to the European Working Time Directive is costing businesses and will ultimately cost jobs.
Miscellaneous
The party wants to see support for Scotland's agriculture and fishing industries, with the setting up of a powerful Agriculture Committee and an end to European fisheries policies, which, it says are hurting Scottish fishermen.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]()
|