SNP manifesto: the ten key pledges

Ten main points from the launch of the SNP's general election manifesto today.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks during the launch of the SNP General Election manifesto at Perth Concert Hall. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

• An “alternative to austerity” that will release almost £120 billion for public spending over the next parliament, achieving a current budget balance by the final year of the parliament

• Protect public services, including a plan for additional NHS spending across the UK that would, by 2021/22, increase the NHS Scotland budget by up to £1 billion over and above our existing plans

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks during the launch of the SNP General Election manifesto at Perth Concert Hall. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

• Increase the Minimum Wage to the level of the Real Living Wage, taking the Minimum Wage to over £10 per hour by the end of the parliament

• Lift the freeze on benefits and abolish the two-child cap and the Rape Clause

• Protect the Triple Lock on pensions, protect the winter fuel allowance and support fair pensions for women

• No increase in taxation on the low paid, in National Insurance or in VAT.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks during the launch of the SNP General Election manifesto at Perth Concert Hall. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

• Support a UK-wide increase in the higher rate of taxation from 45p to 50p.

• Double the employment allowance providing a National Insurance discount for job-creation

• Protect Scotland’s place in the single market, and demand for the Scottish Government a place at the table in Brexit negotiations

• Secure, by winning a majority of Scottish seats, a reinforcement of the existing mandate for Scotland having a choice on its future when the terms of Brexit are clear