On Thursday the SNP published a major consultation document, entitled 'Programme forGovernment', which details the policy priorities of the Scottish National Party for thefirst four-year term of an independent Scottish Parliament. The 'Programme for Government'is another first for the SNP and Scottish politics, representing the only detailed andcosted plan for the future governance of our country.

We have put forward not justproposals for the mechanisms by which new and better government can be delivered inScotland, but also the details of what needs to be delivered in the first term of anindependent Parliament. And we are stating our intention to deliver these proposals ifelected. Scotland is a small country, but Scottish political parties must not have smallambitions.

We must be able to articulate, to illustrate and ultimately to implement thechanges that are needed in Scotland in order to allow everyone who lives here to fulfiltheir potential. Our document brings together the key areas of existing policy, andprioritises those which the SNP propose to implement in the first four years ofIndependence.

Every spending commitment made by the SNP has been fully costed, and we havespelt out in detail how our commitments will be financed. By liberating the Scottish peoplefrom the smothering grip of the Union, we will be able to release the energies and talentsof the Scottish people, and build a new Scotland with the potential to become one of therichest nations in Europe, as well as one of the fairest. The priorities during the firstfour years of Independence will be jobs and justice, and making a distinctive Scottishcontribution to Europe and the wider international community. Unlike the Tories and NewLabour, the SNP believe that economic prosperity and social justice go hand in hand, witheach strengthening the other. That is the essence of the agenda of 'Mainstream Scotland'.

The idea that there is a conflict between a buoyant Government in Scotland must enablebusiness to flourish, jobs to be created and services provided. The SNP's exciting andforward looking programme shows how we can create that new environment in Scotland - whereScottish business can grow and meet the challenges of the twenty-first century; whereemployment can be boosted and living standards improved; and where good housing, good healthcare, good education and good local government can be provided as of right. The SNP don'tbelieve in soundbites without substance and we are committed to raising the level of debatein Scotland.

To this end we will be making our consultation documents as widely available aspossible.

Very soon you will be able to access; 'Programme for Government'; our majoreconomic document which accompanies it 'The Economic Case for Independence'; and 'ScotlandPays Her Way', a detailed breakdown of revenue and expenditure figures in Scotland for thecurrent financial year, which shows a Scottish surplus relative to the UK as a whole of someŁ400 million; through the Library on the SNP Web Site which can be accessed through Highlander Web Magazineusing the SNP button at the bottom of these pages. Alex Neil
Vice Convener Policy

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If you would like to know more about the SNP and HELP SCOTLAND contact snp.hq@snp.org.uk or visit the official the Scottish National Party web site.

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