SNP 2017

For the wider public sector, we will enter into negotiations for
next year’s pay settlement in good faith and with a view to
agreeing a fair outcome that takes account of both the public
finances and the cost of living.
Better rail services
We are committed to improving standards for rail users.
Since the SNP took office, we have invested £7.7 billion to
maintain and upgrade tracks, stations and trains in Scotland.
Scotland’s rail passengers benefit from the lowest levels of
fare increases since rail powers were devolved in 2005, as
well as more seats, services and stations. And we are already
using new powers to ensure a public sector operator will be
able to bid for a future rail contract.
ScotRail has worked in recent months to improve the
punctuality of its services. However, fifty-four per cent of
ScotRail delays are caused by issues connected to Network
Rail. SNP MPs will make a strong case for the full devolution
of Network Rail so that we can deliver a more effective and
efficient rail service for Scotland.
Connecting Scotland to HS2 must be a priority, with
construction beginning in Scotland as well as England, and
a high speed connection between Glasgow, Edinburgh and
the north of England as part of any high-speed rail network
SNP MPs will engage the UK government in discussions on
the feasibility of improving cross-border rail links, including
linking Carlisle to the Borders Railway.
Championing public service broadcasting
and a thriving press
We continue to believe that responsibility for broadcasting
in Scotland should transfer from Westminster to the Scottish
Parliament. In the meantime we welcome the creation of a
new BBC Scotland TV channel and its associated investment.
We will continue to push for greater authority and funding to
be moved from BBC network to BBC Scotland. We will also
continue to push for a fairer share of the TV licence fee raised
in Scotland being spent in Scotland.
We welcome the proposals for the relocation of Channel 4
outwith London, and SNP MPs will make a strong case for as
many functions of the Channel 4 operation as possible to be
based in Scotland.
As the UK government consults on proposals to reduce
the requirement for local content on radio, SNP MPs will
seek to protect local news and other content provided by
local commercial radio stations, recognising the valuable
contribution they make to informing and entertaining listeners.
We remain committed to a vibrant, free press and we will work
with other parties, in Scotland and at Westminster, to ensure
it is supported.
We will make the case for the Scottish Parliament to have
the power to decide which sporting events in Scotland are
included in the list of those that are free to view in Scotland.
We will demand that the UK government reinstates its funding
for Gaelic broadcasting.
20 SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY MANIFESTO 2017