SNP Launches 2024 General Election Manifesto in Edinburgh

John Swinney, the Scottish National Party (SNP) leader, launched the party’s general election manifesto in Edinburgh on June 19, 2024. The manifesto outlines several key policies, including a strong push for Scottish independence and NHS funding improvements.

Scottish Independence:
The manifesto reaffirms the SNP’s commitment to independence, stating that winning a majority of Scottish Westminster seats would initiate negotiations with the UK government.

NHS Funding:
The SNP calls for an additional £10 billion annual increase in NHS funding, with £1.6 billion allocated to Scotland. The manifesto also suggests a bill to maintain the NHS in public hands.

Economic and Social Policies:
Swinney’s manifesto opposes continued cuts by Westminster and advocates for investment in public services. It proposes scrapping the two-child limit on benefits, which affects 550,000 UK households.

Foreign Policy and Defence:
The SNP urges the UK government to push for a ceasefire in Gaza and to halt arms sales to Israel. It also calls for the abolition of Trident, the UK’s nuclear deterrent based in Scotland.

Brexit and EU Membership:
The manifesto aims for Scotland to rejoin the EU and the single market, emphasizing the reversal of Brexit’s impact.

Energy and Environment:
The SNP focuses on transitioning to a green economy, calling for an investment of £28 billion per year and matching a £500 million “just transition fund” for Scotland’s oil and gas regions.

Immigration:
The SNP advocates for devolving immigration control to Scotland to attract more foreign migrants, aiming to address demographic challenges.

Drug Policy:
The manifesto proposes decriminalizing drug use for personal reasons and implementing drug treatment rooms, contingent on devolving drug policy to Scotland.

Broadcasting:
The SNP calls for devolving broadcasting powers to better serve Scottish audiences and ensure major sporting events are shown on free-to-air channels.

The SNP manifesto aims to address multiple facets of Scottish governance while reiterating the party’s foundational goal of independence.