Sturgeon: SNP majority will reinforce case for second referendum
The SNP leader launches her party's manifesto today, which includes a pledge to spend tens of billions more on public services.
Tuesday 30 May 2017 11:05, UK
Nicola Sturgeon is urging Scottish voters to back the SNP at the General Election, as it will reinforce her case for a second referendum on independence.
At the launch of her party's election manifesto in Perth later, the SNP leader will say that the argument for another referendum will be strengthened if they win the most seats in Scotland.
In their manifesto, the Conservatives have already said that there will be not be another vote until the Brexit process has "played out" and there is "public consent for it".
But in a radio interview, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would open discussions with the Scottish Government if he becomes Prime Minister.
Ms Sturgeon is also expected to announce plans to spend an extra £118bn on public services.
Among the key pledges which the party says will alleviate "Tory cuts" are:
:: Removal of the pay cap on public sector pay
:: Retention of winter fuel payments and the triple lock on pensions
:: An increase in the minimum wage to match the living wage over the course of the next parliament
:: Support for a UK-wide 50% tax rate on high earners. This is despite the fact that the SNP hasn't backed such a rate in Scotland, arguing that money would be shifted south and the tax-take would fall too far.
On Brexit, Ms Sturgeon will say that a majority of SNP MPs should mean a place for Scotland in negotiations with the European Union, with a view to staying in the single market. Downing Street has already rejected any such possibility.
Speaking before the manifesto launch, Ms Sturgeon said: "Central to our manifesto are three core pledges which underpin why it is so important for people across Scotland to get out and vote for the SNP next Thursday.
"SNP MPs will always be a strong voice for Scotland, standing against Tory cuts. We will set out a clear plan to end mindless Tory austerity across the UK and to invest in public services.
"While the Tories are set to plunge Britain into Brexit without a clear plan, a vote for the SNP will give us a strong hand in the Brexit negotiations to ensure Scotland's interests - on jobs and our economy - will be heard at the top table.
"Regardless of whether you voted Leave or Remain, a vote for the SNP at this election is a vote to ensure Scotland's interests are protected throughout that process.
"And the SNP will always make the case that Scotland should have the right to make our own decisions on Scotland's future - and stand against any Tory attempts to diminish the powers of our Scottish Parliament or reverse the gains of devolution.
"Today's manifesto launch will set out the real alternative to Tory cuts and Brexit chaos. That is the positive case we will take to voters next week."
Opponents of Scotland's First Minister rounded on her plans for a hike in tax for high earners.
Scottish Labour's economy spokeswoman, Jackie Baillie, said: "Nicola Sturgeon must think voters in Scotland are daft. Claiming to be in favour of a 50p top rate of tax across the UK but refusing to introduce one in Scotland where she actually has the power to do so is cynical politics at its worst.
"The reality is that the SNP has voted against a 50p top rate of tax in the Scottish Parliament eight times. Nobody believes Nicola Sturgeon when she claims to have had a sudden conversion just a few days out from the General Election."