SNP 2017

To be taken out, not just of the EU, but also of the Single
Market, poses a real and present danger to Scottish jobs
- to our farmers and fisherman, our universities, our food and
drink businesses and to almost every sector of our economy.
Indeed, it has been estimated that leaving the Single Market
could cost 80,000 jobs in Scotland.
That is why the Scottish Government published compromise
proposals that would keep Scotland in the Single Market, even
as we left the EU.
These proposals were rejected out of hand by the UK
government. Despite promising to listen to the devolved
administrations, and being prepared to countenance a
special deal for the car industry, they refused to consider
arrangements that would address the specific needs
of Scotland.
However, this election offers people the chance to give the
Scottish Government’s proposals real democratic legitimacy
and make it impossible for the Prime Minister to continue to
ignore Scotland’s voice.
If the SNP wins the election, it will give us a mandate to
demand a place for Scotland at the Brexit negotiating table
and the inclusion of the case for our place in the Single Market
in the UK’s negotiating remit.
Protecting fundamental rights
Brexit threatens the fundamental rights that people in the UK
currently enjoy, including workers’ rights, as well as vital social
and environmental protections. SNP MPs will hold the Tories
to account to ensure that the rights and protections currently
safeguarded by EU membership are not diminished after the
UK leaves.
We will also seek a cast-iron guarantee from the UK
government that they will seek the consent of the Scottish
Parliament under the Sewel Convention to the terms of the
Brexit Bill.
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is
enshrined in the Scotland Act 1998, ensuring that human
rights are protected by the Scottish Government and all
Scottish legislation. The SNP re-affirms its commitment to the
Council of Europe, the ECHR and their institutions.
We will fight to protect human rights across the UK. SNP MPs
will oppose any attempts by the UK government to scrap the
Human Rights Act and withdraw the UK from the ECHR.
So long as Scotland is covered by trade arrangements
negotiated by the UK government, the SNP will call for
greater transparency in any proposed international trade deals
following Brexit, with the UK and Scottish Parliaments being
given a say.
The benefits delivered by EU funding for Scotland are
significant and wide-ranging - supporting jobs, paying for
new infrastructure across the country, funding research at our
universities, and providing support for our farming and fishing
industries. SNP MPs will demand urgent clarity from the UK
government on long-term funding arrangements after the UK
leaves the EU, and ensure that current funding levels
are matched.
30 SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY MANIFESTO 2017