SNP unveils 'people's manifesto'

SNP leader Alex Salmond and his deputy Nicola Sturgeon at the manifesto launch

The Scottish National Party has set out its "people's manifesto" which will focus on improving the lives of voters in Scotland.

Its measures include creating jobs for young Scots, increasing support for young families and boosting pensions.

The SNP is also committed to a nuclear-free Scotland and to saving the Scottish regiments.

The manifesto "is made in Scotland for Scotland," party leader Alex Salmond said.

Who does what - Westminster or Holyrood?

The nationalists announced the rest of their plans at a manifesto launch on Friday and said independence was at the core of their ideas.

Mr Salmond told the gathering in Glasgow: "This is a people's manifesto for a free Scotland.

"It is the only manifesto made in Scotland for Scotland.

"It is a manifesto to make Scotland matter in this election, a manifesto focussed on a better future for the people of Scotland. Independence is at its core."

READ THE MANIFESTO SNP's manifesto in full (1.3MB) Most computers will open PDF documents automatically, but you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download the reader here Watch the launch

He outlined his party's plans for helping young Scots with plans to create 200,000 extra jobs, develop a national apprenticeship scheme and replace student loans with a grant system to remove barriers to higher education.

In terms of families, the leader promised to increase free nursery provision by 50%, introduce an early education and childcare system and bring in a £2,000 first-time buyers grant.

Meanwhile, for pensioners, the party pledged to restore the earnings link to pensions and increase them to £110 for those living alone and £168 for couples and to abolish council tax.

Talking about the measures, Mr Salmond said: "Britain is draining us of our young talent.

"We need to reverse the flow south and create opportunities for our sons and daughters so young Scots can prosper here at home.

"I want a Scotland that does more to support families. That means better education for young Scots, local and faster health care and more free nursery education.

"We want to give older Scots a fairer deal. That means higher pension payments without the means test, the earnings link restored and reform of local taxation so that most pensioners pay nothing."

'Nuclear dustbin'

The nationalists also said they did not want to see Scotland become "Britain's nuclear dustbin" and promised to create a nuclear free future for the country.

They also reiterated their long-standing point of being "full-square" behind the country's under-threat regiments and said a vote for the SNP would save them from being scrapped.

Deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon added: "As votes for the SNP saved the Govan shipyards in 1999, votes for the SNP can save the Scottish regiments in 2005.

The SNP leader features prominently on the manifesto cover

"We can stop Labour's nuclear madness and say no to plans for new generation nuclear bombs on the Clyde and halt any moves to make Scotland Britain's nuclear waste dump."

Mr Salmond denied the party's ideas were utopian and explained how many of the ideas had already been put into practice by other smaller European countries.

He said: "Our aspirations in this document are already being achieved in Scandinavian countries. They're being achieved in Ireland.

"If other European countries can achieve these things then why can't Scotland."

Westminster powers Asylum/immigration Benefits Broadcasting Defence Employment legislation Energy Foreign policy Pensions Treasury UK economy

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What do you think of the SNP manifesto? How does it compare to the other parties? Are you persuaded by it? Send us your views.

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The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received:

Excellent ideas in this manifesto, makes great sense and is balanced and fair. Pity it won't have a chance against the self-seeking, cynical opportunism of the Labour Party.
Andy Monaghan, Garelochhead, Scotland

The SNP are a joke let alone their manifesto, a free Scotland is out of the question.
Jon, Kent, United Kingdom

I very much support independence for Scotland, it would save the English taxpayer about £5bn a year. They have been biting the hand that has fed them for quite enough years.
Graham Ridler, Leeds

Only Sovereign States control their own economy, national strategies and issuing of citizenship - 'regions' don't. Also many careers linked to company HQ's and state institutions only exist in sovereign states and as such keep the brightest and best in the country - 'regions' can't and don't !
Les Logan, Livingston , Alba

Since devolution, I have come round to the SNP and to independence and this manifesto reinforces my change of thinking. In 1707 Scotland entered into a Union with England to form the United Kingdom. In exchange for giving up our rights to self-government we gained access to foreign markets, to the imperial trade network denied to us after the failure of the Darien colony. The surrendering of Scotland's right to self-government was extremely unpopular with the public at the time. There was rioting in the streets and those politicians, who the public saw as being responsible for signing the Union Treaty, were in serious danger of being lynched. We can all argue about whether or not the Union was a good thing. We gained a lot, but we also lost. It has certainly changed this country beyond any recognition to what it was before 1707. However, the main reason for our giving up our rights to self-government is now gone - The Empire - and another Union has arisen which presents the same wide access to foreign markets and economic opportunities that we always sought- the EU. Now that we have entered the 21st Century, wouldn't it be better for us to move forward now, to rekindle our old links with Europe and take our place once again as an equal independent and self-governing member of the community of nations? After all, we've been living and working within a Union for 300 years. We are better placed than any to make EU membership work to our advantage.
Dave MacPhail, Edinburgh, Scotland

As under the Barnett formula government expenditure in Scotland is 25% higher per head than it is in England, the sooner the Scots get independence and get off the backs of the English taxpayer the better. It'll also mean we won't have Labour ramming through unpopular legislation that doesn't affect Scotland by using its Scottish MPs.
Colin Shepherd, Farnham UK

I listened to the SNP Election broadcast on the radio on my way home from work - all I could think of was what does this have to do with me. This is a regional party with a distinct agenda as is Plaid Cymru - do we need these broadcasts nationally?
Liam, Reading, UK

Once again it is clear that the other parties are only interested in pandering to the voters of Middle England. It is left to the SNP to speak for Scottish interests and hopefully the voters of Scotland will realise that a strong SNP presence at Westminster will ensure Scottish issues are on the agenda.
Mark McDonald, Aberdeen, Scotland

Scotland has always suffered from small man syndrome. There are more people living in London than Scotland and Wales combined so of course England is going to be richer and more powerful. Come on, for every Scotsman there are 10 Englishmen. It's people like Mr Salmond that are pushing me to become more English than opposed to British. I also find that the use of the Sean Connery is laughable as he doesn't even live in Scotland.
David Chalkley, London, England

It's the only manifesto that matters to the people of Scotland. It's focused on Scotland for the people of Scotland. Labour and the Tories argue over immigration when Scotland needs more people. Waiting Lists grow and the economy suffers under the Labour - Liberal coalition. The Lib Dems prop up Labour failure in Scotland and then try to portray themselves as The Real Alternative -it's laughable. Only the SNP have policies that will 'Make Scotland Matter'.
Paul Mclennan, Dunbar, Scotland

When are the Scottish going to stop fussing over independence and worry about the real issues facing our country, such as the crisis in the NHS, the fact that our education system is now internationally regarded as a joke - considering something like 50% of our 10 year olds can't read properly, the threat of terrorism? These are just a few examples. Now is a time for consensus - a time when selfish politics is inappropriate. Why focus on an identity crisis as the backbone of your policy when the world needs unity?
Alexander Cruz-Vidal, Farnborough, Hampshire

Sean Connery, committed Scot and SNP supporter. Ardent nationalist. Lives in the Bahamas.
Mike, London

One size does not fit all. If the Edinburgh parliament has shown us one thing it is that Westminster does not need to be part of our government. We need to be independent soon. The control of Scotland should reside in a sovereign parliament in the control of the Scottish people.
Michael Docherty, Glasgow

There seems to be a depressing rise in nationalist parties playing on very old feelings of national hate.
Martin, Leicester, England

Alex Salmond hit the nail on the head when he mentioned Michael Howard introducing the Poll Tax (to Scotland first) and Tony Blair who lied about WMDs / Iraq (most Scots didn't support the war). I'd think Scotland would be better on its own. Scots and English will still work together and get along as we do now - but Scotland would be better if it was run by our own politicians and working within the EU.
Paul B, Glasgow

Devolution has meant the end of the SNP at Westminster. Though, that is not to say they are a lost cause and should focus their energy for Holyrood in 2007. I'm not sure if I want independence but I like Salmond and he would be a good addition to the parliament.
Craig, East Kilbride

There is no logic in Nicola Sturgeon's argument - that Scotland has the lowest long-term economic growth in the whole of Europe is true. It is also true that were it not for the billions of pounds by which the rest of the UK subsidises Scotland each year that this growth rate would be even lower. Independence would be a disaster for Scotland and the Scottish people are smart enough to realise this which is why the SNP will fail dismally again come 5 May.
Mark Sander,

As much as I would like to the SNP be successful in its quest for an independent Scotland, the powers-that-be in Westminster will never allow it to happen. Scotland is the jewel in the crown in the union, we have vast oil and water revenues as well as a low population which is easily managed. Like the Irish, the arts and the history in our country is unique and is known and loved throughout the world. If Scotland had the power to control its own energy resources it would be a crippling financial blow to the government. I don't believe I will see it in my lifetime however I hope our children will benefit from a independent Scotland in the future.
Kevin Seaton, Chester, Cheshire

Why do the SNP use Sean Connery? He doesn't want to live in our country or contribute to our society but he's quite happy to tell me on TV who I should vote for. Sorry Sean, if they create a new Scottish seat of Marbella East in Spain for you to stand candidate for, then I'll listen to you, otherwise keep out of our affairs.
AR , Edinburgh

I watched the SNP party political broadcast on Thursday and the Sean Connery voiced introduction (is it really his voice?) was particularly annoying considering he lives in Barbados and spends very little time in this country. Free fruit for primary schools is already happening. I think the SNP is out of touch and still draped in tartan and white heather thinking. The SNP needs a dynamic forward-thinking leader and Alex Salmond is doing nothing for this party.
Jean Pedder, Stirling, Scotland

Even if the SNP manifesto wasn't that good it would be better for Scotland than any number of London-centric party publications. The changes for the better in Scotland since the Scottish Parliament was established only underlines the benefits that would accrue to the country if it moved to independence. I think it would be good for England too.
John McDonald, London UK

Greatly impressed with this honest policy that needs to be rolled out throughout England. The corrupt dishonest politicians have had their day. Lets move forward and cleanse are political system and parties with fresh policies and ideas that are truly in the interest of people.
Ian Gray, England

Scotland needs independence in order to benefit its population, there is so much potential wealth available which is inaccessible as we are unable to make the decisions to generate it.
Dave Crosbie, Edinburgh

As a London resident I find the SNP's catchphrase 'Make Scotland Matter' deeply ironic for two reasons - the average Londoner is a net contributor to the rest of the UK, chiefly Scotland, and our affairs are governed by Labour's Scottish elite. Scotland already 'matters' disproportionately to its population size and contribution to this country's economy. I am beginning to feel that independence from Scotland is what is required, rather than the other way around.
Terry, London

I would love to see this happen in Scotland, we have been given short measures from London for too long. I think more devolved powers to our own parliament would let it be taken more seriously in our own country and as a country.
Michelle, Glasgow

Very impressive - I wish we had the chance to vote for a party of similar principle and foresight in England.
Spyros, London

It's a winner, putting the people of Scotland first which is vital for the growth of this country. Second step towards independence
G Smithers, Aberdeen

The SNP has once again shown that it is the only party with any ambition in Scotland. This manifesto clearly places the needs of Scotland as number one priority, unlike all of the London-based parties, and clearly and comprehensively maps out a way forward. Dynamic, forwarding-thinking policies - a breath of fresh air.
David, Edinburgh

The only party sending out clear Scottish policies which matter for our country - fairer deals for pensioners, looking after our students, protecting ours regiments, opposing ID cards and no Illegal foreign wars
Michael Lockhart, Huntly, Aberdeenshire

What I would like to know is where is the English National Party? Why do Scots get better laws and benefits than us? What would Scotland do without English tax benefits to support them. Don't get me wrong I like Scots/Scotland but we all deserve better on this little island we share.
Paul, Nottingham, Great Britain

I'll be voting SNP at the general election. Tony Blair tells us that we get more money spent in Scotland per head of population and rightly so, as we give more than we receive, mainly through revenues generated by sale of North Sea oil. All the talk that's bounced around saying we wouldn't be a success story with independence is rubbish. You just have to look at countries like Ireland to see that we would be better off governing our own affairs than being governed by people in London that are only really interested in middle England.
Ian Cooper, Aberdeen

We seem to have a disproportionately high number of Scottish politicians at Westminster. Can you take some back to Scotland, please.
Chris Hall, Bournemouth

I think that Scotland should be completely independent and no longer part of Westminster. Perhaps then England will not have so many Scottish MP's telling us what to do - Gordon Brown and John Reid to name but a couple.
John Plank, Crawley, England

I think the SNP have some great plans. It certainly makes me want to move to Scotland. A beautiful country with politics which will actually help people. The student grant is a great idea, a first-time buyers grant is genius. Why can't England have something this good. I am fed up listening to the three parties bickering at each other. JUST DO SOMET!
Keith Smith, Bury, England

The manifesto states the SNP is "against...new Nuclear Power Stations in Scotland." We know wind, tide and hydro cannot meet our energy needs. Nuclear power stations provide the only green approach to generation. We can and do manage the small amount of waste safely, and can pass managed, above ground repositories to our grandchildren. Risks? The alternative gas and coal powered stations are not a matter of risk - it is 100% certain they will destroy all human life. The latter is not the heritage I want to pass to my grandchildren. I cannot vote SNP on this platform.
Ian, Houston, Renfrewshire, Scotland

Any party which claims to be 'Nationalist' is scary. What the SNP puts in its manifesto is irrelevant - their primary goal is independence from the rest of the UK. In respect of political ideology they are a mixture of Tory, Labour, Liberal, SDP etc. If independence was attained by Scotland the politics would immediately revert to the old ideologies. For the lack of anything better 'Scottish Nationalists' are bound together by a dislike of the 'English' followed by a lesser dislike in any order of other EU countries (excepting the French perhaps)
Mike, Scotland

Last month on BBC Five Live Alex Salmond said everyone living in Scotland is a Scot, including English people. What tosh this man speaks. Does that mean he is English when he is living in London for his job as a Westminster MP. So no matter what his manifesto says beware the idiocy of this man.
Englishman in Scotland, Edinburgh

I believe that true socialists from Keir Hardy through to John Smith are turning in their graves at what New Labour has done, and still is doing. They would probably vote SNP as this is now the party for true socialists, as this manifesto proves. People before wealth.
Conn McKay, Glasgow

I trust that when Scotland gets it's independence it will then grant us our independence from them and control of our oil.
Douglas, Lerwick, Shetland

This wonderful view of Scotland is all very nice but I think the SNP should recognise that the only reason they can achieve such increases in pensions and scrap student loans is because they are supported by English taxes. Maybe they should support Britain instead of trying to break away, it does them a lot of good at the expense of the English.
Rob, Bath, Great Britian

To all those from outside Scotland who claim we are subsidised, I say: fine. I disagree, but if you believe we are a financial burden, let us go. We will take our 90% of North Sea oil and you take Trident nuclear submarines from our waters. I look forward to seeing which part of England's coastline volunteers to be have the UK's most expensive and unwanted (by Scots) nuclear marina. By the way, to those in London who claim they subsidise the rest of the UK, remember where all the corporate profits come from and whose taxes pay for all the UK government jobs that are based in London - yes, that's right, it is the "provinces" of which Scotland is one. London gets all the cash, all the central government jobs and all the "national" arts and sports facilities. All we ask for is to keep our own cash and spend it how we like, not have nuclear energy and weapons because Westminster tells us we must and have the right not to send our brave boys to fight illegal wars so Blair can have photo-opportunities with "Dubya" Bush.
Paul Wheelhouse, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire

I'll be voting SNP, they only need to 347 more votes than last time to beat Labour in my constituency and I want Labour out, just like I wanted the Conservatives out in 97.
Steve, Aberdeen

I strongly support the SNP's plans for the economy. There is little doubt in my mind that their economics team very clearly understand the problems that Scotland faces. The only issue where I disagree with them is over nuclear power. If countries like Finland are building new nuclear capacity then I think it might just be too soon to rule it completely for Scotland.
Dick, Insch - Scotland

I don't agree with every SNP policy, but I think it has a core agenda - independence - which is increasingly seen as the future for Scotland by younger age groups. There are no easy panaceas for some of Scotland's ills, but they will be better dealt with by people and politicians who see them as priorities and the main 3 UK wide parties tend to have winning Middle England as their central priority. There is nothing wrong with that for these parties (Middle England represents the bulk of the UK population) but for Scotland it is fatal.
David Nummey, London

Typical nationalist nonsense - it's the usual rubbish to expect from the SNP who rely on Sean Connery (who doesn't even live in Scotland) to be the real face of the party.
Greg , Glasgow

People south of the border writing to complain about how we Scots are sponging off England really should get their facts right. England does not subsidise Scotland, it's just not true. If anything Scotland subsidises England by a small amount. A former minister, a Tory no less, acknowledged this. To Terry from London about the idea of a 'Scottish Elite' running England - you can't have it both ways, you can't say you're British and we should keep the Union but discriminate on nationality - that's about hate, not what the SNP stands for. And to Chris Hall from Bournemouth: England ruled over Scotland for years before devolution, I bet you weren't complaining when English politicians were running Scotland. It's narrow-minded England/London-centred people like you that are slowly making Scots realise that we can, and should, become independent. It isn't about anti-Englishness for the vast majority of independence-supporting Scots (if that what makes it easier for anti-Scottish biggots to take). It's just about saying, we can be better off. Other small nations do it. We're perfectly capable, so why not?
Darren Coyle, Dundee

I think every Scot should vote for SNP as this party has our best wishes at heart. We can no longer be run from a party who only thinks of the English side of the border. We can no longer bare the brunt of under-spending in our country. Vote SNP.
Grant, Kirkcaldy, Scotland

I lived in London for 12 years and throughout my time there the vast majority of voters constantly complained of having to prop up Scotland financially. Why is it these same people appear to be so hostile to letting Scotland go on its own? Scotland is a very different place to London and I for one am more than happy to let England rule itself - democracy for England and no more having to shell out money to pay for the Scots - what can be wrong with that from an English point of view. If you don't want us, let us go.
Brian , Glasgow

Naturally, many English are contemptuous of plans for Scottish independence. Where would their country be without Scottish oil, Scottish politicians and imported Scottish labour? (We'll skip on the haggis and shortbread!)
Brian , Chicago, United States

I've been planning for some time to vote SNP rather than Conservative in this election but the SNP support for a local income tax makes me reconsider that. I live, like a lot of Scottish people, in a rural area suffering from severe depopulation and one of the lowest average incomes in the country. I earn a good wage for my area and I'm glad to contribute to my local area by supporting local businesses. But a local income tax would discourage other higher wage earners from living in this area, by effectively taxing them more highly for living among others less well off than themselves. It would worsen depopulation and be a negative incentive for people and businesses to relocate to towns and regions blighted by depopulation and unemployment.
Sian Evans, Hawick, Roxburghshire, Scotland

I don't get it. Salmond says "Britain is draining us of our young talent". Leaving aside for a moment the fact that whichever way you cut it, Scotland is part of Britain, what exactly is it that the "young talent" is to return to? Is it for the Govan shipyards or the saving of the Scottish regiments, as Ms Sturgeon seems to think? If so you may as well offer a free tartan shortbread tin and a slab of tablet to each returner, for all the effect that will have. Is it to come back to Scotland to earn more money and then be taxed to the eyeballs to pay for all the "deserving people" who've stayed in Scotland but aren't prepared or won't pay for all the trinkets and excesses which the SNP are now promising them? So why then SNP should anyone come back?
The Bagged Bear, Lothian & Borders. Scotland

I would love to see an independent Scotland as part of the EU but the simple fact is that the rest of the UK needs us. Almost all of the oil is off Scotland, and sacrificing that would be too heavy a loss for the British economy to handle. Added to that, we are the primary suppliers of water and given that there are already hosepipe bans down in England at certain times of the year, can you imagine England having to pay Scotland for water if we were to become independent? When the oil runs out I'm sure Scotland will not matter nearly as much to the rest of the UK.
Fraser Sinclair, Glasgow

Dear Graham in Leeds, Colin in Farnham, Terry in London and Paul in Nottingham. Not all Scots are naive to think that we are subsidised by our neighbours south of the border. Scotland's oil has been used for over 30 years to help prop up the British economy. Perhaps if we had been able to use this windfall as Norway has done, Scotland would be a better place to live now. Do you really think Scotland has not been paying its way? Let's put a domestic analogy on this. Would you pay to keep the person living next door to you? I don't think so. As for Liam in Reading - the SNP is NOT a regional party but a national party. Scotland is not a region of the UK but one of four countries which makes up the UK. I am all for independence, maybe then we can live in harmony with our bigger neighbour and not blame them for everything that is going wrong.
S Munro, Edinburgh

I would just like to thank the numerous out-of-touch, superior, self-important and downright rude emails from our friends south of the border. Your self-righteous comments about the Scots' inability to govern ourselves with the use of our own tax powers and oil revenue (to name but a few issues) has, I'm sure, put several more crosses in the SNP voting boxes. Don't stop now!
LT, Edinburgh

Two points. Firstly in response to Liam's comment on 'regional' parties broadcasting nation-wide. In Scotland we are bombarded by England only policies from Labour, the Tories and the Lib Dems on a daily basis. With this in mind, the SNP have every right to have national coverage, especially when so many Scots, many of whom support the SNP, live in England. Secondly, many people have been criticising Sean Connery for not living in Scotland. He has said time and time again that he lives outside Scotland because he doesn't agree with the current political set-up. This should not exclude him from commenting on Scottish politics. He is aware of our needs as much as the next man. The SNP manifesto is the only true manifesto for Scotland.
Daibhidh, Edinburgh

Why don't all the anti-English supporters in Scotland (and that's most of them - think about World Cup games for a start) vote for the SNP? Does this mean that Scotland not only suffers from small country syndrome, but is also full of a nation of hypocrites, serial hate'ists and cowards, otherwise they would all want independence. I speak as a born and bread scotsman who has seen the light.
Craig Turner, Leiston, Suffolk