The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)

The demands

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● A vote for the SNP is a vote to enable the people of Scotland to choose their own future in a new referendum on becoming an independen­t country – with the timing decided by the Scottish parliament and to have taken place by the end of 2020

● For the next UK Government to raise per-head health spending south of the border to levels seen in Scotland, which is currently £136 per head higher. Doing so would see an increase of NHS spending in England – and also mean a funding boost for NHS Scotland of more than £4 billion by the end of the next Westminste­r parliament in 2024-25.

● The end of Universal Credit and a reversal of the £1.5 billion realterms cut to Scotland’s budget and a commitment to real-terms increases thereafter.

● UK Government to match funding in Michelin Innovation Scotland Parc in Dundee by £30 million.

● Block a no-deal Brexit

● Become independen­t state within the EU.

● Devolution and then decriminal­isation of drug laws.

● An NHS Protection Act that will guarantee future trade deals will not undermine the founding principles of the NHS or open it up to profit-driven exploitati­on – with the Scottish Parliament required to give consent for any trade deal.

● A substantia­l increase in parental leave, with an additional 12 weeks to be ring-fenced for the father in order to encourage take-up – as well as increases in statutory maternity and paternity pay.

● Removing Trident from Scotland.

● Further devolution of tax-raising powers from the UK Government.

● Support a reduction in employers’ National Insurance contributi­ons and oppose any increase to VAT.

● Introduce a “credit cap” on home energy bills

● Will call for a full inquiry into HMRC and why it cannot provide a “digital tax service” fit for the 21st Century.

● Devolution of broadcasti­ng responsibi­lity in Scotland and for greater authority and funding to be moved from the BBC to BBC Scotland.

● Free TV licences for over-75s.

● Streamline­d visa processes for artists and performers should Brexit happen.

● Devolution of gambling regulation to the Scottish parliament.

● Demand the UK Government accelerate­s targets to reduce emissions by 75% by 2035.

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