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21 April 2010
SNP SPELLS OUT VISION OF A FAIRER, WEALTHIER, GREENER BORDERS
AND SCOTLAND AND GOALS FOR 60,000 RENEWABLE ENERGY JOBS AND
HIGH-SPEED RAIL
A BALANCED PARLIAMENT OFFERS SCOTLAND'S GREATEST OPPORTUNITY
Paul Wheelhouse, SNP candidate for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and
Selkirk hailed Tuesday’s launch of the SNP's Westminster manifesto
by Party leader and First Minister Alex Salmond.
Paul Wheelhouse outlined:
“Our manifesto sets out the SNP's vision for the creation of
60,000 green energy jobs in the next decade, in areas such as
offshore renewables, and calls for Scotland to be included in the
first phase of plans for high-speed rail.
“We also offer an alternative to the London parties' cuts agenda.
Our manifesto's pledges, funded by scrapping projects such as
Trident missiles, include protection for policies like free personal
care, concessionary travel, and the SNP Government's £1.25 billion
investment in new schools. We will also promote fairness for
families by proposing that pensions and the minimum wage should rise
in line with earnings, while also backing the extension of paternity
leave.
“After having spoken to a number of veterans, most recently in
Eyemouth while campaigning last weekend, I am proud that our
manifesto also proposes more support for ex-servicemen and women by
calling for the introduction of a Scottish Veterans' Card.”
"We have set out the need for new capital acceleration to support
a recovery that remains fragile, and which would create and support
almost 5,000 jobs this year. By halting the increase in National
Insurance proposed by Labour, we can protect a further 10,000
Scottish jobs.
Paul went on to set out issues that impact locally:
“We will provide a strong voice for our fishing and agriculture
sectors, holding the UK government to account while they represent
these economically important industries in Europe.
“We will protect the incomes of many of our farm businesses and
we will oppose UK plans on CAP reform, which would see the removal
of the important First Pillar funding.
“We will also maintain our commitment to the new Border's Railway
that will provide direct access for many communities to Edinburgh,
boosting local jobs and local economies. This is an essential first
step, if the railway to Hawick is ever to be restored, as has been
recognised as a valid long term aspiration by SNP Transport
Minister, Stewart Stevenson.
"The people of the Borders can choose to elect a local champion,
and national champions in the SNP, who will win a better deal for
our nation."
Mr Salmond said:
“The prospect of a balanced parliament has now become
increasingly likely. In that context a vote for the SNP is a vote
for maximum influence for Scotland.
"What we seek to deliver is the SNP’s vision of a new future for
Scotland. A Scotland that is independent, socially just and
economically secure.
“SNP MPs will put Scotland first, and will seek to protect the
country from the Labour, Tory and Liberal cuts agenda, from
Tweedledum, Tweedledee and the Tweedledems.”
ENDS
Notes:
1. The full manifesto can be read here:
http://www.snp.org/manifestos/westminster/2010
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