The Scottish people have been silenced for far too long - it'stime we regained our place in the world. Scotland is widely recognisedas one of the oldest nations in the world. Even after the Treatyof Union, the nation was preserved in Scotland's distinctive educationand legal system and established church. In recent years, Scotland'snational identity has flourished, and is exhibited not just ininstitutions, but in culture and most significantly, in values.

Of all the national institutions, perhaps Scotland's educationsystem is the most prized, given its high standards and its traditionsof equality access and opportunity. Local government has alsobeen historically distinctive in Scotland, and like educationit too is facing a crisis produced by the worst financial settlementto date. But Michael Forsyth has failed to appreciate, as didBaroness Thatcher before him, that punishing the Scottish peoplefor not voting Tory doesn't turn them into Tories - it merelystrengthens their resolve and fuel the engine for constitutionaland political change.

For at the heart of Scottish identity lie the values of socialdemocracy and social solidarity. Scottish people are generallymore inclined to support a fair tax system and income redistribution.They are more committed to public investment in education, housingand the health service, recognising the benefits these bring tothe economy and the community as a whole. It is only attitudinalsurveys and electoral trends which highlight these values ofpolitical parties and policies.

While the SNP's policies reflect mainstream Scottish values, theConservatives have become increasingly anti-Scottish. And inits shameless pursuit of electoral support in Middle England,New Labour has reneged on almost every previous policy commitmentand cannot be trusted to deliver any constitutional or politicalchange to undo the damage of 18 Tory years. Devolution would dolittle to empower the Scottish people for it would still leavepower firmly in Westminster's grip. Economic policy, social security,defence and foreign affairs, and crucially, control over Scottishrevenues, would remain far beyond the scope of any devolved assembly.Power without the will to effect positive change is not a worthyprize.

As a full and equal partner in the European Union, we can properlyvoice Scottish interest in Europe and contribute both to Europeanand international developments. The aims of the SNP are simple:a revitalised education system; the eradication of poverty; theregeneration of the economy; strong local government; and fullemployment and the restoration of employment rights. We want asociety which will not deprive its young of essential benefits,nor leave its elderly and disabled citizens without the financialresources to heat their homes in winter. In short we want a societywhere economic opportunity goes hand in hand with social justice.If that sounds like a dream amid the empty rhetoric of Westminsterdebates, it is worth remembering that is these visions and valueswhich are at the heart and soul of the Scottish nation.

These aims cannot be achieved within the constraints of the Union,which, reformed or otherwise, will continue to ignore the demandsof the Scottish people, and we now know that the Government'sown figures testify that Scotland has the economic potential tobe independent. A strong and independent Parliament is the onlyconstitutional option which can bring about the social and economicchange essential to the future of the country and the people.

Margaret Ewing MP
SNP Parliamentary Leader

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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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