SNP Leader John Swinney MSP has issued an open letter to young voters promising that their “values will always be protected by the SNP at Westminster”.
Mr Swinney sets out the SNP’s rejection of further Westminster austerity cuts, reaffirms his commitment to an independent Scotland rejoining the European Union and outlines the SNPs firm stance on the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
A full copy of the letter is noted below:
“In just over a week, you will be given the opportunity to vote the Tories out of office.
"On 04 July, you can vote to reject more cuts to services, to rejoin the European Union and to take real action on the climate crisis. You can choose to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and to ban nuclear weapons in Scotland.
"With so much at stake, your vote in eight days' time has never been more important.
"After fourteen years of chaos, the Tories are finished - thank goodness. But the alternative on offer from Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour party is bleak.
"There will be no action on the real issues that matter to you, young voters in Scotland. Keir Starmer has promised to deliver more of the same: more cuts, more Brexit and more misery for young people.
"You deserve better than more of the same at Westminster. You deserve better than a choice between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer.
"The Scottish National Party is offering left of centre policies that will make life better for young people of Scotland.
"The SNP will stand firmly against more cuts - estimated to reach £18 billion - and we will protect our NHS from Westminster privatisation.
"The SNP is the only party that is proudly European. Brexit has failed and we want to rejoin the European Union and agree an EU-wide youth mobility scheme.
"The SNP has set targets to reach net zero by 2045, five years sooner than the rest of the UK, and we will fight for fair funding for the climate and nature crises from Westminster.
"We are the party that introduced free university tuition in Scotland and free bus travel for under 22s, and we are the only party that can be trusted to protect those policies.
"A vote for the SNP is a vote for an independent Scotland and to hand people their right to decide their own future.
"At Westminster our MPs have led the way in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Our position has been clear and consistent, and we will continue to press for an end of arms sales to Israel, the release of all hostages and the immediate recognition of a Palestinian state.
"Your values, and Scotland’s values, will always be protected by the SNP at Westminster.
"On 04 July, I ask you to vote for a future made in Scotland for Scotland.”
Yours sincerely,
John Swinney MSP
SNP Leader
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