SNP launches its manifesto for the Highlands ahead of general election
The SNP has unveiled its manifesto for the Highlands today ahead of the general election on July 4.
It focuses on six key themes – supporting young people, driving economic growth, creating a green future, fairness of the energy system, strengthening community and culture and investment in public services and infrastructure.
The manifesto aims to “highlight the unique challenges” faced by the Highlands, such as higher living and energy costs and the negative impacts of Brexit, while offering solutions that focus on supporting local industries and promoting Scottish independence.
Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes joined SNP candidates Drew Hendry (Inverness, Skye and West Ross-Shire) Dr Lucy Beattie (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) and Graham Leadbitter (Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey) for the manifesto launch today.
She said: “The SNP will always put the Highlands first. Despite the pressures on our public finances during 14 years of Tory austerity, we have delivered significant improvements to health, education and the Highland economy.
“We’ve built several new hospitals and new schools, created the potential for thousands of new jobs as part of the green industrial revolution and made the case for reversing depopulation.
“SNP MPs at Westminster have argued for lower energy and living costs, protection for our NHS, and more capital to invest in infrastructure.
“This manifesto sets out how we will continue to deliver for the Highlands.”
Drew Hendry, who has been a Highland MP since 2015, said: "This manifesto is a plan of action which has been informed and shaped by the people, families and businesses of the Highlands. We’ve listened and we understand the fears, the hopes and the aspirations.
“There's a strong call for investment in public services and protection for the NHS and that’s why both are at the heart of this manifesto.
“Our fantastic businesses also want to be in a prime position to benefit from our green energy future – we want to help ensure that happens. This manifesto is deeply rooted in the values of the people of the Highlands, and we will work tirelessly to deliver on its commitments.”
Dr Lucy Beattie said: “Since the new year, I've been engaging with the community to understand their needs. People prioritise health, warm homes, jobs, and opportunities for the younger generation.
“To achieve this, proper funding for healthcare and infrastructure is crucial. Thirty-six percent of Highland homes face fuel poverty, and businesses are struggling. Our Highland manifesto proposes specific measures to address these challenges, including implementing the Highland Energy rebate and urging OFGEM to review standing charges.
“As a local candidate with a background in research and rural economy, I believe that voting for the SNP will ensure the region's interests are championed."
Moray councillor Graham Leadbitter said: "Our constituency faces many challenges, such as affordable housing, worker shortages, high energy costs, and infrastructure needs. The SNP's priorities align with mine: ending austerity, reinvesting in public services, addressing Brexit impacts, and tackling the cost-of-living crisis. Independence would have made a difference in these issues.
“As the only party that consistently prioritises Scotland's interests, the SNP offers hope and opportunity, in contrast to the damage inflicted by the Conservative Party."
