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The SNP was founded in 1934 and scored its first parliamentary success at Westminster when it won a by-election in 1945. The Party has had continous representation at the Westminster Parliament since 1967. At the 1997 UK General Election the SNP polled 22% of the vote and doubled its number of MPs to six. During the 1980s and 1990s the rising levels of support for independence put the constitutional issue at the top of the Scottish political Agenda and forced the Labour Party to address the Scottish question by offering a referendum for a devolved Scottish parliament. Although remaining firmly committed to Independence the SNP campaigned hard for Yes-Yes vote at the 1997 Referendum and succeeded in mobilising support among the Scottish People for this option. A total of 74.3% agreed that there should be a Scottish Parliament and 63.5% agreed that a Scottish Parliament should have tax-varying powers. At the first Scottish Parliamentary Elections, held on 6 May 1999, the SNP returned a total number of 35 MSPs. In the first "Constituency" Ballot (using the first past the post system) the SNP polled 28.7%, returning 7 MSPs. In the second "Regional" ballot (using a proportional representation system) the SNP secured 27.3% of the vote and returned 28 MSPs, giving a total number of 35 SNP Members of the Scottish Parliament. The SNP is now the Official Opposition in the Scottish Parliament. All of our sitting Westminster MPs chose to stand for election to the Scottish Parliament and all were elected. In May 1999, the SNP reached its best score in local elections, and scored 27.2% in the elections for the European Parliament. The SNP pose the only serious challenge to Labour.
The Scottish people have invested a lot in their Parliament but already there is a growing realisation that it has limited powers, in key areas, is totally subservient to Westminster. It is the job of the SNP to argue the case for an independence paliament and to demand greater power for the parliament we have - power over key areas such as employment, welfare, broadcasting etc. Above all, it is our job to use the power given to us to implement policies that reflect the community values of the Scottish People.
Better Government. We pledge to make the new Scottish Parliament a success. The example of good government will prove the case for self-government. A confident, democratic Scotland within Europe is the best prospect for the people of Scotland. An Enterprising Scotland. We will introduce a new era where the talent of Scotland is employed to create an enterprising and stable economy. A Compassionate Scotland. We will protect Scottish education and the Health Service. We believe that these are fundamental services where every citizen can expect the highest possible standard. A Decent Scotland. We are committed to working towards a Scotland where every citizen can expect the dignity of a warm, dry and secure home. A Cleaner Safer Scotland. Scotland's environment is a priceless asset which must only be developed in a sustainable manner. The safety and security of Scotland will not be compromised by nuclear weapons. A Democratic Scotland. We will reform Scotland's administration to ensure open and honest local government and an end to unaccountable quangos. A Scotland where public funds are spent wisely and citizen's rights are respected. But our vision goes further. We are committeed to Independence. We see the future that Scotland will move on from devolution to full membership of the European Union and to the full utilisation of our ressources. The authority of an independent parliament will be limited only by such agreements as may be freely entered into by them with other nations or states or international organisations for the purpose of futhering international co-operation, world peace and the protection of the environment.
THE
SNP IN THE PARLIAMENTS
If you would like an interview, we can put you in touch with a French-speaking or German-speaking person. For more information, please contact us at: SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY
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