the UK

everyone A stronger for health with in to Scotland Transfer power from our NHS and care for all care for mental mental for care guarantee equal equal guarantee Quality health Invest the money needed to improve

to £12,500 Fair taxes Fair Cut your taxes by an additional £400 by raising the Personal Allowance

green laws green protected fight climate fight change with five Protect nature and and nature Protect Our environment environment Our Manifesto 2015 Manifesto

build a high-skill, high-skill, a build fairly and invest to Balance the budget budget the Balance Prosperity for all for Prosperity to college to low-carbon economy low-carbon every child every Opportunity for funding from nursery from funding Guarantee education education Guarantee

Manifesto 2015 Manifesto 2015

3 4 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 Contents 11 10 4 1 9 8 7 6 5 3 2 Globalaction forsecurityandprosperity Britaininthe World: people: the to Power , democracyand citizenship communities: Secure Policing, justiceandtheborder force Equal rightsforall Freedom and opportunity: Meeting ourhousingneeds Affordable homes for all: Five green laws Green Britainguarantee: Communities, farmingandthenaturalenvironment Better places to live: Protecting theNHSandimproving health Building a healthier society: World classeducationforall An opportunity society: Tax, pensionsandconsumerrights Building asustainableeconomy Prosperity for all: Responsible finances: Britain in2020:TheLiberalDemocratvision Introduction byNickClegg &WillieRennie Real helpforfamilyfinances: Balancing thebudgetinafairway

104 92 86 74 70 68 62 54 48 34 20 14 10 6

5 Introduction by and Willie Rennie Introduction Dear friend,

When Liberal Democrats launched our 2010 General Election manifesto, few people expected that many of the policies it contained would be implemented by the next Government. But that’s what happened: three quarters of those policies formed the backbone of the Coalition’s programme. Front-page commitments like raising the Income Tax threshold became flagship Coalition policies. With Liberal Democrats in Government to deliver them, those policies have started the work of building a stronger economy and a fairer society, with opportunity spread across the whole United Kingdom. Despite tough economic circumstances, those policies are making a difference to people’s lives and helping make Britain a freer, greener, more liberal country. But our mission has only just begun. You can’t build a stronger economy and a fairer society, and spread opportunity to every citizen, in five years. For the first time, this is a Liberal Democrat manifesto that builds on a record of policies delivered in UK-wide government. We can say we will finish the job of balancing the books, but do so fairly, because we have started that job in this Parliament. We can say we will cut taxes for working people by raising the tax-free allowance to £12,500 because we have raised the tax-free allowance every year since 2010. 7 8 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 opportunity for everyone. This manifesto sets out how. out sets manifesto This everyone. for opportunity with society afairer and economy astronger to build continue United Kingdom. andoutward-looking optimistic, open-hearted to one, a closed insular andbackward-looking? increasingly become do or we want the in world, place our about optimistic and confident society, open an to be we to is: do want continue face parties Scotland. for Rule Home delivering proposals, Commission Smith the to enact clauses the drafted 2012 Act and Scotland the Government in we passed because Scotland afairer build and economy the to rebalance Westminster Parliament. this in energy renewable from UK the across of electricity amount the trebled almost Government. in budget NHS the we have protected because health Government. in education years early in invested and funding schools we have19 protected because Liberal Democrats the of Leader Nick Clegg Yours, will Democrats Liberal five years, next the for Government In we an want answer: ever one only is there Democrats Liberal For political question fundamental the world, fast-changing our In from to power Scotland more we transfer say will we can And we have because environment our we protect say We will can mental in invest and funding health we increase say We will can to nursery from education for funding we protect say We will can Scottish LiberalScottish Democrats the of Leader Willie Rennie 9 10 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 supply credit, skilled workers and infrastructure. Over a third of athird Over infrastructure. and workers skilled credit, supply helping industry, and business to supporting approach long-term a take will Government region. and nation every in last that jobs shocks. futureagainst economic resilience national our arow, in year rebuilding steadily fourth the for economy of our ashare as falling be will 2020, In debt strong. country our make help that infrastructure and services public the 2017/18 in books the balancing in to investing back get we can so track, on UK the keep will plan Democrat Liberal the Only share. fair pay their wealthiest the sure fairly, it do making we must – but our communities. in and online home, at work, –at want they life live the and on to get everyone for opportunity be will there and plan Follow this country. of the part every in last that jobs be will there and again healthy be will fair, finances and public our sustainable strong, be will economy by 2020, and our plan Follow this Kingdom. United our in society open fair, a and build to plan free afive is year manifesto This Our economy will be thriving, delivering balanced growth with with growth balanced delivering thriving, be will economy Our UK’s finances the out public sorting We of job the have to finish the Liberal Liberal the Democrat Democrat in 2020: Britain vision themselves will find emergency help at A&E and teenagers suffering suffering and teenagers A&E at help emergency find will themselves to not harm struggling swiftly, people seen be will depression and anxiety facing Those health. physical with status equal has health mental to sure make have will resources the Parliament own to your keep. are savings your mean will pension tier single new our Pension, State the protect will lock’ ‘triple Our pension. have will aworkplace more Millions too. retirement, after life about confident you save, feel as you will and you work, As one. get will hand ahelping needs who everyone and alwayspay will it to work, benefits, to disability reforms and Credit Universal With rights. employment better and wages sustainability. reward and pollution discourage will taxes Targeted green responsibilities. tax their dodge cannot corporations and share fair pay their richest the to sure make place in be will rules strict but Tax £12,500earn, first the pay Income they on not will people fairer: be will system tax The however choose. they to spend of £250 abonus help, including more given and respect with treated be will Carers of work. world the and responsibilities life, caring family juggle everyone to help rules fairer with to work, apprentices. hiring of businesses number the we have will future: doubled their Education will prosper under the Liberal Democrats. over. leave is parental moment the available be will childcare quality Leave. Free, high- Parental Shared extended with parenthood of early struggles joys and the to share able be will fathers and Mothers lives. our of all quality the enhancing generation, every for needs. our to meet year, every homes, enough building be We finally will overseas. from thinkers and entrepreneurs to ambitious open be will country our and industries, green and digital creative, science, manufacturing, power. to tidal cars electric from future, the of technologies the in world the leading we be will and generators, Scottish from least not renewables, from come will electricity UK Our NHS will have the money it needs, and the Scottish Scottish the and needs, it have will money the NHS Our higher economy, steadily our in with jobs more be will There enabled be will women more Amillion equal. more be will Society Young will people leave about confident andcollege school of opportunities alifetime together bring will plan 2020,By our advanced in to you want if to thrive be place the be will Britain 11 12 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 opportunity for everyone. opportunity deliver will plan Our Kingdom. United atruly in society, a fairer Britain safe. keep and crime to tackle borders fair. across We working be will system immigration our and secure be will borders Our security. more and growth, more jobs, more EU of the to deliver reform real secured in a leader neighbourhood, the European Union again. We will have own our in tall standing we be will And people. world’sthe poorest helping 0.7% income to spend national of our commitments our meeting We be still will prosperity. and development trade, promoting and aid, humanitarian offer and conflict to prevent working crime, international and avoidance tax change, climate against action UK. to afederal course the too, keeping completed be will Ireland Northern to and devolution comprehensive and Commission, Smith by cross-party the proposed as powers Rule have will Home Scotland matter: that elections UK it’sknow just not 16 will old every year But of Lords. to vote House the for generation first the and system voting STV fair in a ballot first their to cast generation vote first 16 –the can which in olds year Election General open. internet the keep helped and of privacy principles enduring enshrined have will of Rights Bill keystroke: aDigital every their monitoring is government the that worried be longer no will people Online, consent. sexual and relationships in respect about school in taught people young with declining, be will sexism of everyday culture too. The law in protected children’s with rights remain, will Act Rights Human The protest. and of speech to freedom rights citizens’ embedded fightclimate change. helping and air our up cleaning world, the across and Britain in wildlife to home. close need they help the get will disorders eating from Our Liberal Democrat plan will build a stronger economy and and economy astronger build will plan Democrat Liberal Our global leading world, the in good for aforce be will 2020 In too. the be 2020 will fairer and open, be will politics Our have will Act Freedoms Asecond free. more be will People and nature protecting books, statute the on be laws will Five green 13 Responsible 1 finances Balancing the budget in a fair way

A responsible approach to tackling the deficit and our country’s debts is essential because it underpins everything else we want to achieve. In the last five years, we have worked hard to bring balance back to Britain’s public finances. The deficit is now half what it was when we took office in 2010. Nevertheless, there is still work to be done. Only Liberal Democrats will complete the job on time in a way that is fair, enables sustainable growth and protects public services.

14 15 16 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 1.1 Balancing budget the services. public protects and growth sustainable fair, is that enables away in time on job the complete will Democrats Liberal Only done. be to still work is there in 2010. we office took Nevertheless, when was it what half is now deficit The finances. to Britain’sback public balance bring to havehard we worked five years, last the In achieve. we to want else everything underpins it because essential is debts schools. on spent we than £46 more were billion: year last payments interest Debt to back. pay it children our expect and money much too to borrow right not simply is it and stability economic to risk a are deficits and government. good underpin every High debt finances Responsible by the middle of the next decade. decade. next of the by middle the levels to sustainable back is it so income, of national a percentage by 2017/18 deficit budget current as structural falling have and debt the to is eradicate objective Democrat Liberal fairly. The and full, in time, –on budget the of balancing job the We complete will A responsible approach to approach A responsible tackling theand deficitcountry’s our w to: us enables spending and tax on approach abalanced Having Allowance.Personal tax-free the by raising incomes middle low and on people for taxes to cut to continue us enable plans Tax. our fact, In Corporation VAT Insurance, Tax, of Income National or rates headline the in increase any require not do plans our rises: of tax burden the bear should earners income middle low We and think not do services. public on reduction of deficit impact the to limit avoidance, tax on down we bear will and polluters, on and business big and banks on wealthiest, the on taxes we use will books, the of balancing job the as finish we So nation’s the way finances. of restoring – afair of depend. the people vulnerable most and require punitivepublic services cuts to benefits on whichsome Britain’s to damage significant do would which proposal, this reject job. the toWe finish cuts spending only use and entirely approach this to now want scrap Conservatives The manifesto. Democrat Liberal the in out set proposals with line in more much was approach mixed This planned. had Conservatives the than rises, tax and cuts spending both using deficit, the with to dealing approach w w w w vulnerable and least well off. well least and vulnerable most the especially wellbeing, and of life quality their improve people to help be will does government that of everything aim The online. staff frontline and services public to get technology in investing and initiatives spend-to-save proven funding efficiency, delivering on we focus will Parliament, of this successes the on Building Election. General the after Review Spending afull out We carry will w w w w w w w from the taken impact of to measures the tackle deficit. services of public users and society in off well least the Protect 2010 in out we set approach the with to stick We determined are afairer adopt Coalition the insisted 2010,In Democrats Liberal protect our health service. service. health our protect to essential NHS, the for money extra over Parliament, Invest, the young people. and to children in invest Parliament Scottish the for platform funding 16-19 and astable in years result will early This provision. to include education for protection budget UK current the Extend rate agreed for 2015/16. for agreed rate the half than to less spending departmental in reductions Limit net that protects us all in times of crisis. of crisis. times in all us protects that net safety essential the destroy we not do so reductions welfare Limit international development aid, helping in the the poorest world. on Income 0.7% National to spend Continue of Gross 1 17 Responsible finances | balancing the budget in a fair way 1.2 Looking to the future

Once we have balanced the books, we will ensure that overall public 1 spending grows again in line with the economy. This will ensure we can improve key public services and enable public sector workers to receive fair and affordable increases in their pay. We understand that public services depend upon high-quality and dedicated staff.

We will follow two new fiscal rules.

Our first fiscal rule is that, from 2017/18, debt must fall as a proportion of our national income every year – except during a recession – so it reaches sustainable levels around the middle of the next decade. Our second fiscal rule is that over the economic cycle we will balance the overall budget, no longer borrowing to pay for everyday expenditure. We will make one significant exception to enable us to invest in the things that will help our economy grow. Provided the debt rule is met, the government will be able to borrow for capital spending that enhances economic growth or financial stability,

enabling us to increase this productive investment. Responsible finances | balancing the budget in a fair way In our Spending Review we will set out long-term plans for capital expenditure, and ensure that investment in infrastructure, including in housing and energy efficiency, continues to rise both in absolute BORROW CUT terms and as a share of the economy. LESS LESS Our plan to finish the job and LABOURTHAN & SNP CONSERVATIVESTHAN balance the books

ww Aim to balance the structural current budget by 2017/18. ww Set a course to reduce debt as a share of national income. ww Make deficit reduction fair by ensuring the richest pay their fair share and corporations cannot avoid their tax responsibilities. ww Set new fiscal rules to balance the budget while allowing borrowing for productive investment. ww Increase public spending again in line with the economy once the budget is balanced.

19 Prosperity for all 2 Building a sustainable economy

Britain needs a strong economy not just to help fund public services but because growth and enterprise create jobs and opportunities for all. Liberal Democrats want an economy that is strong, green, open and fair. As Britain recovers, we must make sure we don’t return to growth based on personal debt and speculation, but build prosperity and wellbeing that last, for everyone.

20 21 22 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 mistakes of the past. of the mistakes market: Liberal Democrats will ensure Britain doesn’t return to the labour flexible ahigh-skill, to build energy, working or renewable in investment proper for it’s fighting economy. Whether to old the back leadership. business in diversity more promoting and ownership of company transparency ensuring apprenticeships; new million two than more delivering jobs; high-skilled and growth to support Strategy Industrial new abold introducing energy; low-carbon in in Edinburgh; investmentheadquarters enabling unprecedented its with Bank, Investment Green world’s the first system; creating UK. of the part every in embedded is growth we ensure will infrastructure, and industries green in investment and environment business competitive a stable, With technology. and innovation infrastructure, training, education, everyone. for last, that wellbeing and prosperity build but speculation, and debt personal on based growth to we don’t return sure make we must recovers, fair.and Britain As open green, strong, is that economy an want Democrats Liberal all. for opportunities and jobs create enterprise and growth because but services public fund to help just not economy astrong needs Britain Now is the time to push forward and reject any temptation to go temptation any reject and forward to push time the Now is banking the reforming government: in We start abig have made by supporting economy low-carbon We ahigh-skill, grow will A Record of Delivery of A Record w We will: Britain. to back activity bringing firms support and businesses sized medium and small to more chain supply the up open jobs, thatadvanced manufacturing provide can high-skilled, sustainable like sectors invest growto to continue must We finance. and support business flexible and workforce skilled ahighly needs Britain UK, of the part every in economy, strengths To with abalanced deliver growth industrial 2.1 and Economic w Strategy andBusinessBank British businesseswithourIndustrial Billions investedingrowing modern electricity generation helping almosttreble renewable Bank andlow-carbonenergy market, The world’s firstGreen Investment economy banking andhelprebuild our separate retail and investment Reformed thebankingsystemto numbers oftrainjourneys Victorian times,drivingrecord Biggest railinvestmentsince w w drink. and food Scottish technology, and subsea and offshore industries, creative energy, chemicals, low-carbon aerospace, vehicles, –motor internationally to trade to Britain’s ability critical are which sectors with Strategy, working Industrial our to develop Continue Continue to support the oil and gas industry to maintain to maintain industry gas and oil the to support Continue electricity decarbonisation target togreen our Bank andsetalegallybinding Expand theGreen Investment consumers to financeforbusinessand providers andimprove access sector, finance supportalternative Grow acompetitivebanking industries clean technologyanddigital leader inadvancedmanufacturing, economy, makingtheUKaworld Double innovationspendinour and HS2 rail upgradesacross thecountry Enable more people totravelwith A Promise of More 2 23 Prosperity for all | building a sustainable economy 24 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 w w w w w w we will: progress, this on Building net. safety ataxpayer requiring longer no and safe to banks make industry banking of the reform radical ensured have Democrats economy. Liberal real the to support unable banks and the in world deficits budget largest of the one including economy our to damage real caused of 2008 crisis financial The reform financial and Banking 2.2 w w w w w w Aim to stimulate local economies. We will: economies. local to stimulate Aim unit in HMRC andthe development skills. of management a dedicated government for support, accessing one-stop-shop a through businesses to medium-sized support further Provide Inverness andAberdeen. for Glasgow development announced and under already for Deals City the on building Scotland, across areas to local London Transfer from more Edinburgh decision-making economic and inflation. with line in least at have increased spending revenue and capital 2020, both by that, ensure and budget science the to ringfence continue will We Bank. Investment Green the from innovation green for support and centres technology and innovation ‘catapult’ more timescale, alonger on funding public by greater economy, supported the across spending research and innovation to double Aim time comes. that when of decommissioning programme effective an guarantee in explorationoperations challenging conditions, encourage and growing firms and providing long-term capital for medium-sized medium-sized for capital long-term providing and firms growing for capital of equity shortage the economy, the in tackling role central a more to perform Bank Business British the Expand across the sector. value and accountability integrity, to promote industry services financial the with working banking, investment from banking retail to separate rules new of the implementation Complete ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ government to do the same. to the do government local labour, goods and and services, encourage local using and sources diverse from by purchasing example for development, community and growth of local a tool as policy procurement public government central Use and medium-sized companies and to the voluntary sector. to voluntary the and companies medium-sized and to small procurement public up to open work our Continue feedback on its suppliers to help quality providers to grow. providers quality to help suppliers its on feedback provide can government which on platforms Develop w w We will: contribution. afair makes business ensuring while country, our in jobs retains and attracts –which competitive and fair simple, is that system atax we need And bust. and boom of economics the to return of a risks the reduce and inflation, ahead. powering increasingly are which America, Latin and of Asia economies developing the with compete –we have to economy European of the apart just not is Britain jobs. new and businesses new sustain and to attract essential is this growth; for environment competitive and astable needs Britain for growth environment competitive and astable Creating 2.3 w w w w w w w w businesses. innovation by: and competition to promote sector banking UK the Develop avoid a return to boom and bust. and to boom avoid areturn to help tools necessary the has of Bank the ensures which framework, regulatory new the We protect will growth. sustainable support to stable and low inflation to keep mandate a with of England, Bank independent an to support Continue low including stability, macroeconomic in to lock We need equity investment. equity against bias the tackle and debt leverage of high subsidy from away system tax the We to adjust work will cuts. tax business any for priority the enterprises medium-sized and small making competitive, stays it to ensure tax business to reform Continue increase financial inclusion. that products supporting and services of financial provision the in discrimination tackling all, for to finance access Ensure consolidation. to fiscal contribution to afair make continues it to ensure sector banking the Tax on charge Corporation supplementary atime-limited introduce and Levy Banking the Continue ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ procurement policy.procurement Facilitating new entrants, including through public finance models. alternative and of crowdfunding growth the Encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises and social enterprises. social and enterprises medium-sized and small to support sector banking community anew Promoting Development Finance Institutions. Finance Development of Community sustainability into the Bank Business British by the study commissioned recently the Taking forward 2 25 Prosperity for all | building a sustainable economy 26 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 w w w w w w w w We will: waste. minimise and efficiently resources natural we use which in economy’ ‘circular so-called a towards to shift recycling increasing in successes on build and to compete. placed us makewell finance, green in and fore, the in researchers and companies power, wind Scottish with offshore and vehicles carbon like low- sectors in strengths Britain’s real technologies. efficient resource- and low-carbon in developing are markets world New industry and jobs Green 2.4 w w w w w w w w promote low-carbon and resource-efficient innovation. promote andresource-efficient low-carbon to particular, in it, use will and investment driving and markets creating in role avital has processes, than rather outcomes on regulation. regulation, We that well-designed focused understand business andremove unnecessary uncertainty regulatory to reduce Committee Policy Regulatory the improve and Reform consumer capital into capital consumer industries. green bring to products financial of green creation the Encourage throughout theagencies OECD. credit export for standards environmental higher for press and technologies, and products of green exports Strategy, including Industrial our in identified key for sectors support prioritise can Finance Export UK and Trade UK Investment Ensure and storage and ultra-low vehicles. emission energy storage, and power, capture tidal world: the carbon lead could Britain where technologies key four in low-carbon support and developmentIncrease research and commercialisation use. energy in reductions ambitious we deliver will particular In requirementsprocurement more widely through the public sector. policy, extending procurement public in criteria green higher steadily with services and products green for market the Grow taxes. by for green accounted revenue of tax proportion the by increasing behaviour sustainable incentivise Help raise funds independently and enabling it to bonds. green issue increasing its capitalisation, expanding its remit, allowing it to by Bank Investment Green of the potential full the Realise targets. change climate to Scotland’s existing strength greater by to adding 2050, zero emissions gas greenhouse net to bring target binding legally anew to set Act Britain Carbon aZero Pass potential full their reach can industries green sure make We must meets itsmeets environmental targets. Environmental scrutinising Responsibility the government’s to efforts for Office an with Responsibility Budget for Office of the success the We replicate will management. resource and quality like air bringing together in officials inter-departmental units on issues and action to coordinate Committee Cabinet asenior establishing change, climate fighting and growth green of delivering challenges cross-cutting the handles We way the improve government will world’s first low-carbon electricity market and will stimulate up to stimulate will and market electricity low-carbon world’s first the created have already market electricity of the reforms Our Low-carbon2.6 energy w We will: grow. economy the to help infrastructure productive in invest roads. our on congestion less and system, railway amodern infrastructure, transport better We on. up need to catch of under-investment have we still decades but infrastructure Liberal Democrats are leading the renewal of Britain’s ageing infrastructure Making connection: transport the 2.5 w w w w w w w Set out 10-year rolling capital investment plans. plans. investment capital 10-year rolling out Set can so we precisely rule fiscal second our We have established HS2, as the first stage of a high-speed rail network to Scotland. Scotland. to network rail high-speed of a stage first the HS2, as including to railways UK improve plan acomprehensive Develop objective to shift more freight from road to rail. road from freight more to shift objective aclear We set will parks. distribution rail-connected and terminals freight rail in investment sector private further Work to encourage Home Rule proposals. the under London from to Scotland transferred be will Scotland in originating flights for Duty Power Passenger over Air UK. the runways across in increase net no We ensure will pollution. noise and of air issues of local because Estuary, Thames the in airport new any and Gatwick or of Heathrow, Stansted expansion any to opposed We remain Change. Climate on Committee the from advice and recommendations of those light the in UK of the whole the for policy airports astrategic develop and runway capacity into Review Davies of the conclusions the consider carefully by We 2050. will Britain carbon of azero goal our to undermine aviation from emissions allowing economy, without open and of amodern needs the meets infrastructure airport our Ensure 2 27 Prosperity for all | building a sustainable economy 28 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 w We will: for consumers. cost lowest the at economy alow-carbon we create We ensure will internationally. to compete fail will businesses our and money waste and energy leak to continue will buildings our investment, efficiency energy up by 50% speed Ifwe not by do 2030. demand energy trebled. almost has generation by electricity 2.5% fallen renewable has and ayear demand 2010, by UK 2020. the Since across energy jobs green 250,000 w w w w w be accessed through the process known as fracking. It is vital vital is It fracking. as known process the through accessed be could which gas, unconventional of stores significant has UK The w w w w w w w w public investment. and incentives of tax aprogramme and SMEs, particularly industry, for newsupport standards, market-shaping efficiency energy market, Reduction Demand Electricity new our with demand sector private stimulating priority, atop infrastructure energy saving Make of reducing goal our to meet faster and to further go we need But carbon energy infrastructure by 2020. infrastructure energy carbon low- in investment private of £100 more aminimum billion Stimulate enable thisenable higher reliance on renewables. to technology grid smart and storage energy in investment support We by 2030. will sources renewable from electricity 60% of UK of target indicative an with of renewables, by expansion achieved be largely can which kWh, per 100g of CO2 of 50– sector power the for 2030 for range target decarbonisation binding alegally Set implement a second phase of CCS projects by 2020. projects of CCS phase asecond implement (CCS) technology. will We Storage and Capture Carbon with fitted to be 2030 after built stations gas new any require quality, and air local on impact and emissions carbon high of its by 2025 because generation electricity in coal of unabated use the to end Regulate new build. new and are cost adequately and without addressed public subsidy for of waste safety, disposal about concerns provided UK of the rest the in supply electricity low-carbon in a role play can they that accept only and Scotland in stations power nuclear new to reject Continue including ending all support for food-crop-based biofuels after 2020. after biofuels food-crop-based for support all ending including deforestation, drive help which biomass and biofuels on EU policies of reform the for argue and of biogas use wider the to encourage act generation, power small-scale and heating for primarily biomass Use the ‘Big 6’ by ‘Big 2020. the to by competitors supplied to be market 30% household of the least at for aiming competition, proper to promote switching faster and meters smart market, to energy the entrants new to back Continue 2 29 Prosperity for all | building a sustainable economy 30 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 w w w w We will: services. public and business in role avital play who workers migrant and economy, our boost who to visitors open remain must UK the and fair, and robust be must procedures Immigration persecution. fleeing to refugees give sanctuary and growth, economic to our enormously from abroad, visitors encourage and tourists who contribute beyond. and Europe in to markets have will access Britain’s businesses certain we be can Union European of areformed member a full as Only beyond. and Union European the within both trade, free and markets open economy, promote we must global amajor As 2.7 nation Anopen, trading returns from developers. financial to receive opportunity the communities give local will and unconventional including gas, banning drilling in National Parks, for regime regulatory world’s robust the most have introduced happened. has that after taken be only will Decisions proposals. Rule Home totransferred Scotland from London under the Smith Commission being is Power over fracking Scotland. in fracking for considered be can permission any before impacts social and physical the at closely looking means That Scotland. in to fracking approach advanced. more is it where UK, of the rest the than Scotland in stage earlier an at is industry of the development The environment. natural our to protect regulated properly be gas this to access efforts that w w w w not least those who wish to study STEM subjects (Science, (Science, subjects STEM to study wish who those least not students, overseas for destination attractive an is UK the Ensure quickly and efficiently.processed are visas visit family and tourist work, ensure economy,the and of key sectors to support immigration to high-skill allow Continue activities. research-intensive in takeovers for test interest public astronger creating while rules aid state and to competition relation in disciplines Market Single Support businesses. British for opportunities opening agreements, trade EU international negotiate help and services, and market the energy industries, online including in areas Market Single the complete we EU of the can so member acommitted Remain Liberal Democrats believe we should welcome talented people government in Democrats Liberal UK of the rest the For The Scottish Liberal Democrats a support precautionary w economy. We will: of our sector important this to support We need companies. digital were year 1.5m 15% last people. nearly companies new of all of over arate 10% at growing is sector ayear, digital employing UK’s The lives. our to transform have capacity that the economy modern of the key in sectors advantage acompetitive has UK The Securing global2.8 leadership in technology w w w w w universities in Scotland. in universities by supported is and Executive Scottish the in Democrats This policy was previously introduced and supported by Liberal degree. their of completing months six within level employment graduate- find can who graduates STEM for visas work study post- Maths). We and Technology, reinstate will Engineering both rural and urban areas. urban and rural both in businesses (99.9%) small as well as UK the in household every Complete the broadband, rollout to of high-speed reach almost Ups’. ‘Scale- into these report Coutu Sherry the following over 20 years, jobs amillion create could that businesses fast-growing Support pressing ahead with plans to extend this to local government. government. to local this to extend plans with ahead pressing services, public in by Default of Digital principle the and Service, Maintain anddevelop the award-winning Government Digital 2 31 Prosperity for all | building a sustainable economy ww Continue to release government data sets that can facilitate economic growth in an open and accessible format, including on standards in public services. ww Ensure the technology implications of government activity Number of people are properly considered by introducing Technology Impact Assessments into the policy design process. 2 in employment 2.9 Pride in Creativity Liberal Democrats understand that arts, creative industries and culture are crucial to Britain’s success and essential for personal fulfilment and quality of life. The UK’s creative sector has been one of the great success stories of the past five years, and a critical driver of our recovery. We are proud of the arts in Britain and will support them properly, working to deliver access for all, regardless 32 of income, ethnicity, gender, sexuality or disability.

We will:

ww Maintain free access to UK national museums and galleries, while giving these institutions greater autonomy. 31 30.9 million ww Protect the independence of the BBC while ensuring the Licence Prosperity for all | building a sustainable economy Prosperity Fee does not rise faster than inflation and maintain Channel 4 in public ownership. Continue to support moves to deliver more quality Scottish content. ww Support growth in the creative industries, including video 30 gaming, by continuing to support the Creative Industries Council, promoting creative skills, supporting modern and flexible patent, copyright and licensing rules, and addressing the barriers to

Millions finance faced by small creative businesses.

29

28 2 008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 27 Labour Lib Dems Forecast

33 Real help for family finances 3 Tax, welfare, pensions and consumer rights

A fair society is one in which everyone has the means to get by and the chance to get on. We will continue to rebalance the tax system to move the burden away from hard work and towards unearned wealth, while stamping out abusive tax avoidance. We will increase availability of childcare to help parents who want to work. We will continue to reform welfare and get people the right support in Jobcentres. We will build on our world-leading reforms to the pensions system. And we will fight tirelessly for a better deal for consumers, in the private and public sectors.

34 35 36 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 sectors. public and private the in consumers, for deal abetter for tirelessly we fight will And system. to pensions the reforms world-leading our on We build will Jobcentres. in support right the people get and welfare to reform We to continue want will work. who parents to help of childcare availability We increase will avoidance. tax abusive out stamping while wealth, unearned towards and work away hard from retirement. in money their how to manage about choice more people to give older savings pension up we have freed And support. back-to-work improved and pays work makesure to benefits reformed support, We childcare have improved of people. millions of pockets the in back money putting incomes, middle low and on people for taxes to cut government have in worked and equal, more the chance to get on. Liberal Democrats believe Britain should be by to and get means the has everyone which in one is society A fair We will continue to rebalance the tax system to move the burden to move system burden the tax the to rebalance We continue will A Record of Delivery of A Record people’s benefits while blockingplanstocutoff young Kept welfare spendingundercontrol, make a fair contribution. afair make incomes highest the on those ensure and incomes, middle low and taxpayers. middle-income of low and millions for £800 than of more cut atax delivered and Tax of Income altogether out people million three than more to £10,600 lifted has April’s increase This annum. to £10,000 Tax per Income threshold personal the to raise pledge manifesto our than we even further have gone Parliament this During 3.1 Fair taxes you earn £10,600taxfreeyou earn deliveredincome earners, byletting An £800taxcutforlowandmiddle working forall and theRighttoRequestflexible family lifewithShared Parental Leave Helped peoplebalanceworkand two- yearoldstoo. olds, andhelpfordisadvantaged free hoursforthree andfour-year Cut thecostofchildcare withmore policy onuprating the statepensionwithour‘triplelock’ Secured thebiggestevercashrisein We will continue to make taxes fairer and simpler, help those on on simpler, those help and fairer to taxes make We continue will support forthosewhoneedit in back-to-workandhealthcare out UniversalCredit, andinvest Make sure itpaystoworkbyrolling paid leaveforcarers fathers, andintroduce arightto with a‘useitorloseit’monthfor Expand Shared Parental Leave paid parental leave working familiesfrom theendof year olds,andtothechildren of Extend free childcare toalltwo- pension riseseachyear permanent, guaranteeingdecent Legislate tomakethe‘triplelock’ around £400more least £12,500,cuttingyourtaxesby Raise thePersonalAllowancetoat A Promise of More 3 37 Real help for family finances | tax, welfare, pensions and consumer rights 38 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 w w w w w w w w w w We will: work, and the costs of childcare are prohibitive. are of childcare costs the and work, have or to want parents both families many in but children young for care to work from out time to want significant take parents Many costs childcare with Help 3.2 w w w w w w w w w w paid to adopt this status and ending the ability to inherit it. to inherit ability the ending and status this to adopt paid charges the increasing status, to non-domiciled access Restrict by HMRC. report annual an by by sector, the supported posed risks of the assessment their of part as customers, their for and employees their themselves, for by banks taken tax to paying approach the to consider theAsking Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee clients. by their evaded of tax to amount the equivalent evasion, tax proven facilitate to firms on penalties Levying sentences. custodial including to up and directors for penalties with evasion, tax including crime, economic prevent to failure of corporate offence new planned the Implementing to avoid tax. largely or purely designed structures contrived outlaw would which rule anti-avoidance ageneral Introducing it. to meet them to enable to staff in invest continuing and gap tax the to reduce Customs and Revenue HM for atarget Setting by:including avoidance, and evasion tax corporate Take against action tough Tax. like Council structure, have will It abanded million. over £2 worth properties residential on Levy Value Property aUK-wide High we introduce will sector. addition, In banking the Tax for Corporation asupplementary and Relief Entrepreneurs’ Tax Tax relief, refocusing Dividend Gains and to Capital reforms include These reduction. to deficit to contribute money and excessloopholes reliefs that should be removed, raising distortions, of series a We have identified contribution. a fair making are wealth and incomes highest the with those Ensure entitlements. benefit and pension to accrue ability low earners’ allow, protecting while resources as Taxto Income threshold, the threshold Insurance National employee the raising delivered, is rise Allowance Personal the once step, and anext Consider, as 2016. April £11,000 to an increase to planned the allowance forward bring We will pensioners. and people of working of millions pockets the in back £400 around putting Parliament, next of the end the £12,500 to least at by Allowance Personal tax-free the Raise We have made dramatic improvements over the current over current the improvements We dramatic have made w We will: so. do can to want work who all that so to more do need we and enough done not has Government Scottish current the But Government. Scottish the with agreements budget and campaigning childcare is being provided because of Scottish Liberal Democrat free more Scotland In system. benefits the through support childcare in increases Tax-Free and –with Childcare Parliament w We will: to further. go we need but that to change starting are reforms Our payin not be work. to did simply it because benefits, of work out on millions trapped that system abenefit inherited Democrats Liberal towork. find everyone for easy it make not does that But forecast. anyone than jobs more have created plans economic Our ever before. today than UK the in working are people More 3.3 Creating jobs and helping people find work w w w w w w w w ready to learn. and happy confident, school start children all help will it work, to afford parents help only not will This years. to two months) leave (nine parental of paid end the from parents working all and years, to four two from aged children with parents all for a week childcare of free 20 hours least of at goal ambitious to an Commit be set at around the average family income. family average the around at set be to continue should this believe and benefits ahousehold’s on cap overall the We retain will claimants. all for incentivised properly are hours working increased ensure and edges, cliff regarding issues any We to UC address review will work. in off better always are (UC), people so Credit of Universal introduction the Complete low earners. for pays work so costs of childcare 85% refunding Credit, in Universal support childcare include and child each for support of childcare to up £2,000 provide will which UK, the of Tax-Free across Childcare introduction the Complete there is real help for those furthest from the labour market. labour the from furthest those for help real is there to ensure providers Work Programme and staff Jobcentre for We incentives improve will services. other with integrated better and markets employment to local tailored more are training and of the Smith Commission Home Rule to proposals, ensure help part as London from to it Scotland for responsibility transferring by Scotland in Work Programme improved and areformed Deliver Establish a review of effective ways to promote rainy day saving day saving rainy ways to promote of effective areview Establish 3 39 Real help for family finances | tax, welfare, pensions and consumer rights 40 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 technology. and science manufacturing, including into sectors new placements of availability the to we expand work will and responsibilities parental with those and problems health mental disabilities, with those for tailored be should placements ladder. These career the on foot afirst get them help that placements like experience to work work, proven been has that support providing means also It apprentices. hire that businesses of number the doubling means That job. first their to get need they help the them getting while net, safety welfare to the people’s young entitlements protect will Democrats Liberal w w w We will: rents, low pay, andunemployment. sickness low wages. on working people of the at expense pensioners the wealthiest for benefits protect not will and we benefits, to working-age freeze a lengthy for proposals However, books. the support wewe not do balance as to so do continue we must and budget welfare the in savings we have found choices, tough Through Parliament. this in started we have which of reform, need in been have long and spending, public of proportion significant makeup a benefits Working-age work welfare Making 3.4 w w w they deliberately and repeatedly break the rules. rules. the break repeatedly and deliberately they if sanctioned only are people so warning a‘yellow card’ introduce and by Jobcentres issued sanctions for targets or tables league no are there We ensure will problems. their with support targeted to directed they if were job a finding in successful more be might lives chaotic with those compliance: way to claimants’ improve best the be always may not benefits in Reductions deliberately. expenditure benefit to cut used be not should they work, for looking are jobseekers to ensure resort last anecessary be can sanctions While Jobcentres. in procedures sanctions Review employment. time to full areturn or work time part seeking carers for support of specialist apackage Develop emergencies. with deal to payments benefit their of part forward to bring people for easier it making payments, hardship reform and resilience, to people’s improve financial inflation once again. Disability and parental leave benefits will be will benefits leave parental and Disability again. once inflation 2017/18, in balanced is budget the with rise will they which after until benefits age a1% of working Introduce uprating the on cap high – bills benefit of rising causes the to is tackle priority Our w w w w w w w w exempt from this temporary cap. temporary this exempt from also help reduce upward pressure on rents. rents. on pressure upward reduce help also will building of house expansion amajor for plans Our reduction. fixed a for return in consent, directly, with tenant's Benefit to landlords Encourage lower their rent by paying them Housing again. work to seek able be and to recover people more many we expect therapies to talking access we expand as particular, In entitled. are they which to support and care the get benefits related of health receipt in those all to help Scotland in NHS the and providers Work Programme Jobcentres, between links Improve tailored in-work careers and job search advice. search job and careers in-work tailored with benefits, for need their reducing hours, their increase and ladder career the up step alow wage on work in everyone Help the . The free bus pass is a matter for the the for amatter is pass bus free The Parliament. Scottish the to transferred be then will Fuel Payments over Winter Decisions (40%). rate higher the at pay tax who pensioners from Licence TV free and Fuel Payment Winter the for eligibility Withdraw 3 41 Real help for family finances | tax, welfare, pensions and consumer rights Scottish Parliament, but its equivalent in the rest of the UK will be retained for all pensioners. Income Tax 3.5 Flexibility at work and fair pay Britain’s employment laws are among the best in the world, balancing the needs of business for flexibility with the rights Personal of staff to fair treatment. Nonetheless there are still too many examples of low pay, exploitation, and bad practice, which 3 contribute to unacceptable levels of inequality in our society. Allowance This has to change: the more people earn a decent wage, the fewer will be dependent on benefits or stuck in poverty.

We will:

ww Encourage employers to provide more flexible working, £12,500 expanding Shared Parental Leave with an additional ‘use it or lose it’ month to encourage fathers to take time off with £12,000 young children. While changes to parental leave should be introduced slowly to give business time to adjust, our ambition is to see Paternity and Shared Parental Leave £11,000 become a ‘day one’ right. ww Ensure swift implementation of the new rules requiring companies with more than 250 employees to publish details of the different pay levels of men and women in their £10,000 organisation. We will build on this platform and, by 2020, extend transparency requirements to include publishing the number of people paid less than the Living Wage and the ratio between top and median pay. We will also consult on £9,000 requirements for companies to conduct and publish a full equality pay review, and to consult staff on executive pay.

ww Ask the Low Pay Commission to look at ways of raising the pensions and consumer rights Real help for family finances | tax, welfare, £8,000 National Minimum Wage, without damaging employment opportunities. We will improve enforcement action and clamp down on abuses by employers seeking to avoid paying the minimum wage by reviewing practices such as unpaid £7,000 internships. ww Establish an independent review to consult on how to set a fair Living Wage across all sectors. We will pay this Living Wage in all central government departments and £6,000 their agencies from April 2016, and encourage the and other public sector employers to do likewise. 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Next parliament £5,000 ww Improve the enforcement of employment rights, reviewing Employment Tribunal fees to ensure they are not a barrier. 43 44 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 of work contractual after a period of time. aperiod after contractual of work patterns to regular make aright introducing on consult and contract afixed to request right aformal We create will abuse. out to stamp we continue will and case the always not is that But businesses. and employees for well work –can contracts Hours Zero including Liberal Democrats understand that flexibleemployment contracts – w w w w w We will: can. who those for support and work, cannot who those for help to financial access quick with government. by last the introduced to assessments the improvements many why we is have made That people. vulnerable for burden extra an be not should and have fair to tests be these but assessment: aformal require does That support. and of advice terms in and financially both need, they help and support the everyone get to is aim Our statistics. unemployment away the from people as a wayparking of used were benefits sickness long, too For tohelp hardest the for support Improving 3.6 w w w w w or self-employed. self-employed. or workers as them classifying by wage wrongly minimum the paying or rights staff their avoid giving cannot employers We ensure will transfer of the powers will mean all decisions in this area will be be will area this in decisions all mean will powers of the transfer the Completing Scotland. in tax’ ‘bedroom so-called of the policy the effect, in ended, already has Parliament to Scottish the of powers transfer Aprevious proposals. Rule Home Commission Smith of the implementation of the part as Parliament Scottish to the Credit Universal of the elements Transfer housing the work. in disabilities with people supports to which Work, Access to expand, of, seek and awareness Raise control. and choice more to give them people sick and disabled for budget one and assessment of one goal the We for aim will problems. health physical or mental disabilities, with people for back-to-work support streamline and Simplify Allowance Payment. and Personal Independence Living Disability for assessments in backlog any toInvest clear provider. sector of apublic merits the evaluate and timely fair, and accurate are they to ensure assessments Payment Independence Personal and Assessment Work Capability of the a review Conduct fair, truly are assessments We even to higher, want aim ensuring w We will: enjoy, retirement. your fit. you see as savings your spend now you can so pension, your how you receive dictated that rules the haveAnd we scrapped time. first the for into apension people fivemillion We have simple. enrolled auto to saving make Pension Tier Single anew We have introduced guarantee. lock’ ‘triple our with line in pension state the by uprating incomes pensioner in of decline decades We of age. have reversed grounds on of work out forced be cannot people older so ages retirement default the 2010. since We have introduced have abolished government in years. even 40 20, or for 30 last will that income apension need may people older challenges; brings it but news, good obviously is This increasing. is expectancy Life retirement your enjoy and tosave for 3.7 Help w w w w w w w w w w w policy. the reform we also UK will of the rest the In Scotland. in made pound they save. of every benefit the feel securely, and ahead plan can people so pension tier single simpler of our introduction the Continue to save for, world the in place and best the to be We Britain want Democrats Liberal reforms world-leading the We on to want build growth or 2.5%. or growth prices growth, of earnings by highest the year each Pension State the of increasing lock’ ‘triple Democrat Liberal the for Legislate Personal Allowance of £12,500. Allowance Personal increased the from to gain eligible are pensioners Ensure their pension pot through this scheme. this through pot pension their into to save more people encourage and charges on down crack We time. on will and full in scheme of this rollout the completing workers, to auto-enrol continue and pensions workplace Improve annuity. their to sell pensioners to existing allow and pots pension of their use the in freedom more to people allow plans with ahead Press relief. rate 20% basic current the than generously more set be would which and fairer and simpler to be designed be would which pensions, for relief of tax rate asingle of, introducing implications for, case practical the and to areview consider Establish 3 45 Real help for family finances | tax, welfare, pensions and consumer rights 46 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 of public services are accountable to their users and the public, public, the and users to their accountable are services of public To providers all ensure services. public delivering and communities of our life the in play sectors community and independent wrong. go things when response the improving as well as accessible, more them making and services integrating better: much so do we could standards, world-class offer many so. While rightly and services, public their from service agood expect Citizens services public in standards up Driving 3.9 w w w w w w We will: we to further. want go Parliament next the In traders. rogue against protections forstrengthened consumers vulnerable We have down payday clamped on unscrupulous and lenders deal. best the get always can customers so tariffs simplified and switching, up sector, speeded energy the in competition driven haveWe content. digital buying consumers protecting time first the for and clearer and law, simpler it rights making consumer overhauled economy. We our have radically strengthen which encourage innovationConfidentconsumers andcompetition, low bills keeping and consumers Protecting 3.8 w w w w w w Liberal Democrats value the role important the voluntary, format. reusable and open an in them on hold businesses data to access right the consumers giving into sectors, new project midata the expand and Continue areas. standing safe to introduce supporters, their with working clubs, football by Scottish used be could which advice to prepare Authority Safety Ground Sports the Require Terminals. Betting Odds Fixed for stakes maximum the reducing by substantially consumers and streets high Protect bills. their cut and discounts group from benefit can they so cooperatives energy new form people Help 2017. by instead meter asmart choose can meter aprepayment on anyone that We guarantee will meters. gas and electricity of smart rollout anational with protections, privacy appropriate with use, energy own their about information to understand easier people Give telecoms. including you, into sectors, for new switch your organises provider new your where switching, led’ ‘gainer of principle the extend and 24 just in hours, supplier cheaper to any to change to customers allow companies energy Force w We will: one. accountable democratically a possible if commissioned, or provided be should a service whether about decision the take always should authority a public w w w w w w w system of ombudsmen. of ombudsmen. system to current the reforms and sector public the in system complaint’ ‘super- sector private the of mirroring option the exploring processes, handling of complaints areview with Government, UK by the operated services public in protections consumer Improve delivering public services. companies laws to private cover of Information Freedom Extend innovation in public services. services. public in innovation to encourage competitions of public use the expand and developingenterprises innovative solutions to policy problems social for incubator an establish making, policy based evidence to promote Network Works What the expand and Continue authority. Parliamentary without databases government of new creation the on amoratorium impose and anonymised, be must it purposes research for used is data where that including providers, service by public protection of data standards highest the Require 3 47 Real help for family finances | tax, welfare, pensions and consumer rights An opportunity society

World-class 4 education for all

Scottish Liberal Democrats have put education at the heart of our agenda for a generation. We believe that every child deserves a great start in life, and are determined to make sure that our education system finds and nurtures the best in everyone. This is essential in order to break down the unfair divisions in our society, and to ensure a productive, competitive economy.

48 49 50 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 essential in order to break down the unfair divisions in our society, in our divisions unfair the down to break in order essential is inThis everyone. best the nurtures and finds system education our that sure to make determined are and in life, start great a deserves every child that We believe a generation. for agenda our of heart the at education put have Democrats Liberal Scottish extra money to invest in the education of children from poorer from of children to invest education in the extra money receive schools whereby Premium Pupil of the introduction issues. workload addressing attention, careful and full their implementation to give the ministers Scottish have urged and schools Scottish into introduced being Excellence for Curriculum the We support starts. schooling formal until leave, 9 months, of maternity end the from parents to working to UK move the childcare to free offer across Democrats Liberal of aim term long the We share in every community. available are premises good and staff qualified with provision flexible high-quality, that sure to make planning careful will need a transformation Such by 2020. two-year-olds all for a week 20 hours to least this at expand to then is ambition Our in England. offered level to 40% up the olds poor. and rich between gap the closing and attainment raising at effective most is investment which at age the is this that is evidence international All the Scotland. in children to two-year-old childcare to free offer start and plans their to change Government Scottish the persuaded have already We children. youngest to the offered childcare of free amount the to increase to continue will be priority Democrat Liberal Scottish Our in Scotland. to people invest to in young plan Parliament Scottish the for platform a stable will provide This Parliament. next of the duration the for to college cradle from budget the to guarantee is UK the across plan Our start. the from right supported to be need parents so born, are they moment the from learning start Children abilities. and own efforts by their than were, rather parents their economy. competitive a productive, to ensure and We have been impressed at the results in England from the from in England results the at impressed been We have two-year- for provision Scottish current the to increase We seek by who determined in life chances have their people many Too 51 An opportunity society | world class education for all 52 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 people from disadvantaged backgroundspeople for applying courses young more and bursaries generous more are There universities. Scotland. in system this We continue will bodies. UK from funding research to above average access we have retained Kingdom United the of part remaining By universities. to Scottish funding the increase to time budget voted at and 2008 in Endowment Graduate of the abolition the minister. We supported Democrat Liberal of aScottish technology, andmaths. engineering science, for into apprenticeships women more getting on a focus energy, with renewable as such industries new in particularly need, they skills sector the developing in of industry involvement the boost to approach a new We support careers. term long to good leading more. even achieve to together to work more do should governments two The costs. pay the businesses to help incentives by tax UK supported part, its played has Government Scottish The five years. last of the course the in apprentices as have started people million two than more UK, the across of apprentices numbers record We have supported 4.4 Apprentices colleges. of role the to develop Parliament Scottish the for opportunities and with discussions ministers. Scottish negotiations our through to them available budget the to increase needs. support additional with those and areas rural in people learners, older learners, women on greatest been has impact The Government. by SNP the taken of decisions aresult as cut have been places 130,000 as many As years. recent in Scotland in places college lost Scottish Liberal Democrats have been concerned at the scale of university and college at Opportunities 4.3 narrowed and children from all backgrounds are achieving more. has gap attainment the afew years, Already, just in backgrounds. In contrast, England has moved to a tuition fees system to fund to fund system fees to moved atuition has England contrast, In signature the on 2000 in abolished were fees tuition Scotland, In skills strong with apprentices, more want Democrats Liberal good gives budget education the to UK-wide guarantee Our plan have worked and of colleges work the support Democrats Liberal w we UK will: the Across loans. student Scottish for repayments backgroundspoorer the andraise threshold for graduates making from students for support to want address do but Scotland in asystem amove to advocate such not do Democrats Liberal Scottish month. each pay less Graduates ever before. than w w w creative and digital industries. digital and creative economy, of our like to sectors new them by extending including apprentices, hire which of businesses number the to double Aim underrepresented groups to apply. groups underrepresented encourage and sectors, industry across balance gender ensure backgrounds, BAME from of apprentices number the to increase Group Advisory Apprenticeship the Work with 4 53 An opportunity society | world class education for all Building a healthier society Protecting the 5 NHS and improving health

Good health is one of the most important assets we can have in life, and we must do all we can to help people stay healthy, as well as provide high- quality care when they are ill. Our NHS is the envy of the world, and we will fund it properly, ending the discrimination against mental health which has existed for too long, and delivering equal care.

54 55 56 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 so that everyone can have the best opportunity to lead a healthy life. ahealthy to lead opportunity have best the can everyone that so food to healthy access and quality air good homes, like warm health our affect that factors to wider the we improve work will wellbeing: to their improve people supports does government everything that to ensure act will Democrats Liberal services. of health quality care. equal delivering and long, too for existed has which health mental against discrimination ending ill. are they when care high-quality providing healthy, stay as well as people to help we can all do we must and have life, we in can assets important most of the one is health Good Yet those people often face stigma and difficulty accessing the the accessing difficulty and stigma face often Yet people those life. their in time some at ill-health mental from suffer people illness. of mental treatment and treatment. of patients’ stages all affected has which hospitals Scottish in met. being not are but care this get promptly. them to Targets help set seen be have been should care urgent need who People Scotland. across departments Emergency and Accident in have that emerged problems the tackle well. jobs to their do need they support the given are service health our in work who staff the that so addressed to that. do committed we are and Scotland in NHS the to support used be will money such that precedent across-party already is There Parliament. to Scottish the available made be will million £800 additional an mean will this system formula Barnett the Under face. they challenges the by 2020 meet to inflation above year every £8 billion afurther need will there NHS the that have identified England in leaders service Health more. invest to Now we plan times. economic toughest the during spending needs. it investment the NHS we give the will grows, care health for demand even as maintained, is To of use. principle this point the at ensure free system, funded ataxpayer- as NHS of the principles to founding the committed are Democrats Liberal service. public treasured most our is NHS The NHS our in Investing 5. Health and wellbeing are affected by far more than just the the just than more by far affected are wellbeing and Health properly, it we fund will and world, of the envy the is NHS Our For too long mental health has been neglected. One in four four in One neglected. been has health mental long too For diagnosis the to transform Scotland allow will investment new Our crisis shortage bed the to tackle needed be also will Investment to used be to need will funding NHS extra this of part A significant be to need that Scotland in challenges significant are There health have protected Democrats Liberal government UK the In 5 57 Building a healthier society | Protecting the NHS and improving health 58 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 specific UK measures to improve health will:we health improve to measures UK specific As food. improve and quality air to tackle those as such UK the across measures by health preventive improved be will health Public elderly. become they as homes to live their in continue people department. Scottish to every out these to aview rolling with departments A&E in professionals health should care be available.local more and effective more when units secure to unsuitable distances long taken are Too people young often support. health mental urgent treatment. to offer qualify and to train people more encourage will treatment of parity to promote UK-wide Our commitment therapies. talking as illness. physical enormous. is employers and communities families, their to individuals, cost The need. they treatment and diagnosis We will continue to expand the use of new technology to help to help technology of new use the to expand We continue will mental to have trained projects pilot the We closely follow will We will develop new provision young who to need people support such treatments, of psychological provision the We expand will as seriousness same the with ill-health mental to is treat plan Our w w w w w w w needs. care to meet specialists enough and disease, neurone motor as families. their and blood, given contaminated agreements. trade future any and TTIP for case the remains this ensure will we and (TTIP), Partnership TradeTransatlantic Investment and the in enshrined explicitly are to up competition them open not and directly services public to provide rights states’ member EU the that from guarantee we now have aclear negotiations, determined After services. and goods in markets free on agreements international through privatisation to forced subject never are services NHS that to ensure committed are Democrats Liberal w w w w w w w w w the effective ‘Five a Day’ campaign. ‘Five campaign. aDay’ effective the maintain and watershed, 9pm the before advertising TV restricting including to children, food of junk marketing the Restrict restaurants and takeaways. and restaurants in content salt and sugar fat, calorie, on of information publication and products food for system labelling light traffic the Encourage practicalities. and design detailed the on to consultation subject services, cessation smoking and care of health to costs the contribute fairly they so companies tobacco on levy atax introduce packagingof for tobacco standardised We products. will introduction the by completing including rates, smoking Reduce rule out a statutory ban on ‘vaping’ in public places. public in ‘vaping’ on ban astatutory out rule 2014, in introduced would those 18s, but as under such targets or tobacco promoting risks which advertising on restrictions we support example, For based. evidence and proportionate are use and marketing on restrictions ensure and tobacco, quitting are people many by which aroute to be appear which cigarettes, electronic around base evidence growing the monitor Carefully need to stay in or find work. find or in to stay need they help the get problems health mental with people ensure and wellbeing promoting in employers among practice good Support more effective treatments. effective more develop and illness of mental understanding our to further £50m investing fund, research health mental aworld-leading Establish UK NHS research spend for this condition by 2020. condition this for spend research NHS UK doubling dementia, for preventivetreatment or cure a finding for Work towards a global to deal additional significant funds release We will provide support for those with terminal conditions, such such conditions, terminal with those for support We provide will were who haemophiliacs for settlement We ajust develop will health professionals and on cosmetic procedures. of regulation laws on the by updating safety patient Improve 5 59 Building a healthier society | Protecting the NHS and improving health 60

Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 Health Mental w We will: further. go must and we can but breaks, carers’ in £400m invested We them. have to help already to more do need we and heroes unsung are Carers time. same the at parents their and children their for care to trying themselves find who generation’ ‘sandwich the in including rising, is carers of family number The Help for5.2 carers w w w w w someone for 35 hours or more each week. each more or hours 35 for someone after looking carers for of £250 Carer’s Bonus annual an Introduce Allowance from £102 from toAllowance £150 aweek. Carer’s losing before earn you can amount the Work to raise year for carers who qualify for the Carer’s the Allowance. for qualify who carers for year leave’ a ‘care additional paid days five of introducing on Consult 5 61 Building a healthier society | Protecting the NHS and improving health Better places to live Communities, farming and the natural 6 environment

Liberal Democrats are the only major party that takes seriously the responsibility of protecting our natural environment. We believe it is vital to make sure everyone has access to clean water, clean air and green spaces. We want to hand our countryside and green spaces on to the next generation in a better condition than when we were children.

62 63 64 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 humane animal research: Replace, Reduce, Refine. of Rs to three the committed We remain into alternatives. research funding by including experimentation, scientific in of animals use the minimise and sales and breeding responsible promote they ensure to of pets sale the surrounding We rules the review will welfare. Parliament. next the in priority a remains it ensure will We five years. over past the agenda of the top the at environment natural the and have kept farming Democrats fairly. Liberal and lawfully suppliers their treat supermarkets large to ensure Adjudicator Code Groceries the why weis introduced That diseases. animal to floods from them, facing challenges the with cope them help and future, sustainable have a prosperous, to We them want need. they support the get farmers where and countryside, live the in and to work afford can people where one is society We afair believe constituencies. farming many and Britain environment in government. natural the defended why we is have consistently That children. we were when than condition abetter in generation to next on the spaces green and countryside our We to want hand spaces. green water, and air to clean clean access has everyone to sure make vital We is it believe environment. natural our of protecting responsibility the seriously takes that party major only the are Democrats Liberal Liberal Democrats believe in the highest standards of animal of rural part alarge to represent proud are Democrats Liberal w to: Waste Act Zero and Efficiency aResource pass and industry recycling and reuse thriving jobs. and prosperity way, the sustainable to lead generating opportunity areal has Britain maximised. are recycling and reuse recovery, and minimised are resources of non-renewable use the and waste -where ‘circular’ be will future of the economies successful The generate lasting prosperity to resources our 6.1 using not: want not, Waste w We will: food. for demand to growing solutions sustainable thesubsidies and development supporting of environmentally export and production Policy, remaining the eliminating Agricultural industry. farming and food Scottish of the future the securing entrants, new and innovation growth, investment, We encourage long. too will for neglected been has policy food but environment, natural the enhancing and tables our on food putting job essential an do farmers Our farming Food and 6.2 w w w w w w w w consumption. and recommending legally binding targets for reducing their net unsustainably used being resources identifying Government, Scottish the with partnership in use, resource on report’ ‘Stern aUK producing with Committee Task Capital Natural the a to build strategy waste acomprehensive forward We bring will CAP payments to the active farmer rather than the landowner. the than rather farmer to active the payments CAP shifting change, climate tackling and conservation production, food sustainable on concentrated is support farming Ensure Common of the reform continued want Democrats Liberal waste. packaging to reduce and prioritised, are recyclability and reuse reparability, where design sustainable EU the to in promote and nationally both regulation Use origin labelling on meat, meat products, milk and dairy products. dairy and milk products, meat meat, on labelling origin of country unambiguous and clear EUWork at level to ensure dairy industry,dairy pressure. which is under particular the in including suppliers, all help will This price. afair get farmers ensure help can they so of suppliers treatment the for responsible asupermarket holding when discretion to use Adjudicator the Adjudicator. We Code allow will Groceries the to support Continue 6 65 Better places to live | communities, farming and the natural environment 66 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 w w To promote innovation and greener transport choices we will: choices transport To greener and innovation promote w w include: will consultation for plan quality air UK Our rules. UK to changes from Scotland in benefits by 2020, with Britain’s quality air to dramatically improve a plan including Act, Transport year. aGreen every We pass UK, will the across deaths of 29,000 equivalent the for responsible challenge, estimates it suggest is Britain’s public biggest second health smoking, After problem. health asignificant is quality air Poor transport greener and quality Air 6.4 w We will: ecosystems. and supplies water infrastructure, on pressure increased put that heatwaves and flooding gales, to storms, ways of adapting better to find We use. need of land patterns by changing exacerbated change, climate of accelerating asign are few years past the over Britain of parts many in experienced floods devastating The change toclimate Adapting 6.3 w w w w w Commission report. Smith the in Government Scottish and Government UK the between to relations improve suggestions of the by adoption the enhanced be will fishing on EU in discussions interests Scottish boat fleet. small inshore the for treatment fair with fisheries, UK sustainable for plan anational to develop others and industry with working Policy, Fisheries Common of the reforms recent Fully implement concentrations of nitrogen dioxide. for standards quality EU air existing quickly more to meet plans updated and targets quality air on EU new proposals for Support introduced to cut from emissions existing vehicles. be could changes whether to see MOT process, of the A review global average degree impacts of temperature a rise. 3-4 to likely the adapt resources natural and infrastructure national economy, UK the to help plan resilience anational Prepare w w w w w We will: Government. by UK the taken be can that steps are there but authorities, local or Parliament Scottish of the responsibility the are of these Many countryside. working aliving, to support needed changes the understand Democrats Liberal poverty. of rural component amajor are costs travel transport: public needs it And viable. are services those ensure to families, local for affordable homes, enough needs It pubs. and venues cultural shops, local transport, public like schools, facilities community and services local needs community rural A thriving rural communities 6.5 Sustainable w w w w w w w w w separate banding for new diesel cars. diesel new for banding separate 2010. in introducing include will to projected levels This revenues return and fleet car UK the from pollutants other and gas greenhouse in reductions continuous to drive Duty Excise Vehicle reform and standards emission EU vehicle ambitious Support vehicles will be permitted on UK roads for non-freight purposes. non-freight for roads UK on permitted be will vehicles Emission Ultra-Low only which after date the for of 2040 target sector. a We public the in set will vehicles low emission to use requirements early and freight, light and taxis buses, for support Encourage the market for vehicles, electric including with targeted introduction of hydrogen fuelling infrastructure. infrastructure. fuelling of hydrogen introduction zero fuel emission vehicles, cell electric and facilitate the UK wide of introduction commercial the to accelerate industry Work with permit use of driverless and personal electric vehicles. electric personal and of driverless use permit to updated framework regulatory way our to keep best the Review particular Scotland’s remote and rural communities. rural and Scotland’s remote particular in helping price, same the for UK the across to deliver Obligation Service Mail’sRoyal protect Universal and closures Office of Post programme no 2010–15 the be will Renew there that commitment costs. fuel high with areas remote to it further to extend Commission European the with work and ministers Democrat by Liberal implemented areas remote for scheme discount fuel the Continue opportunities in their dealings with large PubCos. large with dealings their in opportunities fairer to tenants give pub Parliament, Scottish the with agreement after to Scotland, Code Pub of the extension Support 6 67 Better places to live | communities, farming and the natural environment 68 Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 England. in provisions apply only the UK Parliament. Other within the responsibilities of benefit Scotland and fall of each Green Law will sustainable economy. Parts framework for aprosperous, establish apermanent legal will pass five green laws to of government policy. We the environment at the heart Liberal Democrats will put Green Laws Britain Guarantee: Five Green w w w w w w w w A Green Transport Act, which will include will which Act, Transport A Green w w w w A Zero Carbon Britain Act, which will include for Scotland for include will which Act, Britain Carbon A Zero a Green Buildings Act which will include and Act Waste Zero & Efficiency aResource Act, A Nature w w w w w w w w w w w w Committee willCommittee conduct. Capital Natural the which efficiency, resource on Report’ ‘Stern planned our from of recommendations Implementation 2040. by standard that meets road the on car every and 2030 from low emission ultra is taxi and bus new every that A requirement five years. least at for guarantees labour and parts with sold be to products specified requiring recycling, and Regulation to promote reparability, that design enhances reuse like driverless cars and personal electric vehicles. electric personal and cars like driverless transport. in innovation to promote regulation to roads Updates systems. storage energy and heat industrial waste heat pumps, development heat, large-scale of geothermal deep the to facilitate regulators to require framework legal A new and heat saving regulations to reduce heat and energy use. use. energy and heat to reduce regulations saving heat and efficiency energy new to introduce government for powers New consumers on their heat networks, encouraging expansion.consumers Scottish to support Ofgem regulator the for powers New Ocean reserve to be known as the Shackleton Marine Reserve. Marine Shackleton the as known to be reserve Ocean Atlantic southern kilometre square of a1million formation The on the 1990 baseline. 1990 the baseline. on by 80% based by 2050 emissions gas greenhouse UK reduce to aim an established 2008 Act Change Climate (CCC). The Committee Change by Climate the audited and monitored be by to 2050, Britain Carbon Zero for target legally-binding A new kWh, as recommended by CCC. the recommended as kWh, of 50-100g per target decarbonisation sector power A 2030 unabated coal will stop after 2025. after stop will coal unabated from generation electricity to ensure designed stations, power coal existing for Standards Performance Emission boost further investment in further technologies. low-carbon boost to Bank, Investment to Green the powers borrowing full Giving

69 Affordable homes for all Meeting our housing needs For people to live fulfilled lives they need a decent home at a cost they can afford. But that simple ambition is getting further out of reach. The 7 whole of Britain has failed for decades to build enough homes. In Scotland the completion rates of affordable homes has dropped to a new low.

70 71 72 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 7.1 homes better and more Building to low. anew dropped has homes of affordable rates completion the Scotland In homes. reach. whole The to of for failed has Britain decades build enough of out further getting is ambition simple that But afford. can they cost at a home decent a need they lives to live fulfilled people For include a share of investment for Scotland. for of investment a share include will This numbers. sufficient to deliver fails alone market the where government commissioning to programme house boost building direct the ayear. include will This to 300,000 building of house rate the to increase target ambitious an to is meet plan wide UK Our w include: will plans Our 2014. in to happen started this and rent, for homes build associations housing to help of this aproportion to use ministers first-time buyers. Scottish LiberalDemocrats encouraged Scottish for scheme to Buy aHelp to create them to enable Government to Scottish the resources provided has Government UK The rents. w w we UK will: the Across proposals. Rule Home Commission Smith of the part as Parliament Scottish to the Obligation Company Energy the shaping for responsibility we transfer will Parliament next the In Parliament. this in advances We huge have made insulated. poorly so are homes our because higher are bills our but EU the average than lower are Britain in prices Energy affordable. bills to keep vital also and change, climate against fight of the part essential an is homes our Warming 7.2 warmth Affordable and greener homes w w w w w w w homes for sale and rent to fill the gap. tothe fill rent and sale for homes government numbers, will sufficient agencies directlycommission to deliver fails alone market the where target; 300,000 our towards A government commissioning to programme house boost building and prices on pressure upward the reduce will homes Additional finance for major house building projects. building house major for finance attract help and settlements new major for capital long-term A new government-backed Housing Investment Bank to provide electricity alongside efficiency. energy electricity and heat renewable funding Scheme, Loan Homes Green into anew you ‘pay save’ as scheme Deal Green the Reform whole street or district-wide retrofits. efficiency energy for products innovative to financial develop Bank Investment Green the empowering by efficiency energy community Boost new technologies. from benefit areas rural to help Strategy Off-Gas-Grid an Support 7 73 Affordable homes for all | Meeting our housing need Freedom and opportunity Equal rights for all

Liberal Democrats have always been champions of liberty and human rights. Freedom of expression has recently been under renewed attack, and siren voices call for us to sacrifice freedom to gain illusory security. Liberal 8 Democrats reject this false choice: true security for individuals and for our nation must be built on a platform of equal rights and civil liberties. Discrimination and inequality can hold people back just as much as a lack of legal freedoms. Opportunities are not equally distributed in modern Britain. That must change, and will with Liberal Democrats in government.

74 75 76 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 Democrats in government.Democrats Liberal with will and change, must live. you will That even how long and system, justice the and by police the treated how you are prospects, work your attainments, educational life, your in chances your affect often too still gender and sexuality health, ethnicity, your did, parents your what from, you are Where Britain. modern in distributed equally not are Opportunities freedoms. of legal alack as general duties. out carrying officers of police arming the and search and stop database, unregulated national a identity against Scottish campaign liberties. civil and rights of equal aplatform on built be must nation thisreject false choice: for individuals true security and for our us to sacrifice freedom to gain security.illusory LiberalDemocrats for call voices siren and attack, renewed under been recently has of expression Freedom liberty. of individual principle the to reassert more complex theretechnology is becomes a never-ending struggle and society as but then, way since along have come protections Legal world. the across but England in just not of liberties stone afoundation celebrated, is Carta of Magna anniversary 800th the before amonth just comes election This violated. are freedoms basic their if lives of their most the make can one No rights. human Liberal Democrats have always been champions and of liberty Discrimination and inequality can hold people back just as much much as just back people hold can inequality and Discrimination the have led Democrats Liberal Scottish the At Holyrood A Record of Delivery of A Record internet use internet would havemonitored everyone's so-called Snooper'sCharterthat Scrapped IDcards andblockedthe asylum seekers Stopped lockingupchildren of boards increased thenumberofwomenon Reduced thegenderpaygapand and consularcorps Scots servinginthearmedforces and lesbiancouples,includingfor Introduced equalmarriageforgay and stopaggressive wheelclamping stop fingerprintingchildren inschools Freedoms ActtocutintrusiveCCTV, To advance the cause of women and gender equality we will: equality gender and To of women cause the advance 2010. Act Equality of the clauses unimplemented remaining the We enact disability. will sexuality, and gender, belief, or religion age, race, on based discrimination and prejudice to fight work our continue we must But discrimination. age banning and UK the in legislation marriage same-sex first the like – introducing equality for fight the in key advances have been there government, in Democrats to Liberal thanks Parliament, this dignity. In with and equally citizens its treat should society A fair diversity and 8.1 Equality justice system Fight discriminationinthecriminal action againstdiscrimination help withcaringresponsibilities and want toworkwithbetterchildcare, Support amillionmore womenwho partnerships of samesexmarriagesandcivil Promote recognition international people. that discriminateagainstyoung policing andbanMosquitodevices free speech,stopheavy-handed A secondFreedoms Acttoprotect a DigitalBillofRights agewith data lawsfortheinternet Protect yourprivacybyupdating A Promise of More 8 77 Freedom and opportunity | Equal rights for all 78 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 LGBT Our for Support Equal Marriage on policy create to party major first the become Liberal Democrats 2010 acceptable homosexuality as presenting from which banned teachers 28, Section oppose Liberal Democrats 1988 Democrat policy becomes Liberal certificate birth their on gender the change to Allowing trans people 1998 Wales and into line with England brought Scotland in Law 1979 England and Wales indecrimnalised men between Sex 1967 law on 17th 2013 on law July Equal Marriage becomes Wales and England 2013 result of their sexuality a as murder or torture if they face imprionment, deported be not should seekers asylum that adoptpolicy official Liberal Democrats 2008 1975 December 2014 from Scotland in force in law marriage Equal March. 29th married couple UK First 2014 introduced partnerships Civil 2004 straight people and gay between equal made finally 16to and lowered consent of Age 2001 policy Rights aGay to commit to party first the becomes Party Liberal w w w w will: LGBT+ for and we relationships in individuals, To equality promote w w w we will: people Ethnic To the tackle discrimination racial by faced andMinority Black, Asian w w w communities in working together we will: together working in communities belief and faith support and discrimination To religious tackle w w w w w w w w w w w w work support. back-to- better and childcare, better jobs, to more 2020 thanks by work in women more amillion to see goal ambitious an Set subjects. academic of particular of appropriateness perceptions gender outdated down law, break and consent of sexual understanding widespread and image body positive to promote schools with working sexualisation, early and stereotyping gender Challenge gender paygender transparency. on rules new with pay gap, including gender the Work to end homosexuality inhomosexuality other countries. of decriminalising cause the promotes that Strategy Rights LGBT International of acomprehensive part as partnerships civil and marriages of same-sex recognition international Promote government entrepreneurs. that programmes support in equity too. We to gender achieve work will managers, being women among and senior encouraging diversity gender members 30% of board least at towards momentum maintaining leadership, business in diversity for drive the Continue homosexual adults. between activity consensual for convictions historic with those all to pardon Seek fair representation of BAME communities. of BAME representation fair to achieve seek and programmes entrepreneurship government on data diversity We publish will business. small up set and finance for to apply applicants BAME more ways to encourage to identify report to Finance Coalition’s Access the on BAME Build necessary. remain restrictions what to consider blood donating men with have who sex men around to rules review periodically Organs and Tissues of Blood, Safety The on Committee Advisory the Ask is filled by a BAME candidate. BAME by a filled is board their on place one least at to ensure businesses Encourage Monitor and tackle the BAME pay gap. BAME the tackle and Monitor Outlaw caste discrimination. caste Outlaw 8 79 Freedom and opportunity | Equal rights for all ww Continue support for the Interfaith Network to promote strong and a presumption that every shortlist should include a BAME sustainable relations between different faith communities. candidate. We will establish an independent committee that will ww Support projects aimed at tackling intolerance such as Show monitor the drive for greater diversity in public appointments and Racism the Red Card and the Anne Frank Trust UK. verify the independence of the appointment process to public ww Work closely with faith and community organisations, such as bodies, boards and institutions. the Community Security Trust (which works to protect the Jewish ww Work to ensure the shift to Digital by Default for public services community against antisemitic attacks) and the Muslim Council does not leave people behind, by upholding the highest standards of Britain, to prevent hate crime, including at places of worship of accessibility in digital services and maintaining government like synagogues and mosques. We are determined to combat programmes on digital inclusion. antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate in the UK and internationally. 8.2 Freedom of speech and the free press To empower people with disabilities to live full lives and achieve their potential we will: As the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris showed, freedom of ww Improve the benefits system for disabled people by transferring expression cannot be taken for granted. In an open society there responsibility for key aspects to the Scottish Parliament as part can be no right ‘not to be offended’, which is why Liberal Democrats of the Smith Commission Home Rule proposals. This will make it in government have strengthened the law to make it harder for easier to co-ordinate support such as the Personal Independence prosecutions to be brought for using “insulting words”, and have Payment with health and social care entitlements delivered by led the way in protecting journalists’ sources under the 2000 Scottish Councils. Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA). Yet censorship and ww Help greater numbers of disabled people work by encouraging self-censorship are still rife, and the threat of prosecution can have employers to shortlist any qualified disabled candidate and a chilling effect on the willingness of people to speak out against providing advice about workplace adaptation. injustice and corruption. To change this and promote investigative ww Make it easier to get around the UK by: journalism, we will: ❖❖ Bringing into effect the provisions of the 2010 Equality Act on discrimination by private hire vehicles and taxis. ww Introduce statutory public interest defences for exceptional 8 ❖❖ Building on our successes in improving wheelchair access cases where journalists may need to break the law (such as the to improve accessibility of public transport for people with Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, the 2010 Bribery Act, and other disabilities, including visual and auditory impairment. the 1998 Computer Misuse Act) to expose corruption or other ❖❖ Setting up a benchmarking standard for accessible cities. criminal acts. ❖❖ Formally recognise British Sign Language as an official ww Ensure judicial authorisation is required for the acquisition of language of the United Kingdom. communications data which might reveal journalists’ sources or other privileged communications, for any of the purposes To ensure the highest standards of equality and fairness in public allowed under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act; and services we will: allow journalists the opportunity to address the court before authorisation is granted, where this would not jeopardise the ww Maintain the Public Sector Equality Duty and encourage external investigation. providers to the public sector to follow best practice in terms of ww Undertake a post-legislative review of the 2013 Defamation Act, diversity. which Liberal Democrats drove through Parliament, to ensure the ww Prohibit discrimination on the grounds of religion in the provision new provisions are reducing the chill of libel threats.

of public services. ww Introduce, after consultation on the detail, the changes to and opportunity | Equal rights for all Freedom ww Move to ‘name blank’ recruitment wherever possible in the public the 1998 Data Protection Act recommended by Lord Justice sector. Leveson to provide a fairer balance between personal privacy ww Replicate the civil service accelerated programme for and the requirements of journalism, ensuring that the position of Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 underrepresented groups across the public sector investigative journalists is safeguarded. ww Require diversity in Public Appointments. We will introduce 80 81 82 Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 Leveson by scheme the Royal Charter. of the construction the achieved that basis cross-party same the on to this do we seek would possible, Where delivered. is regulation self- independent that to ensure necessary steps legislative the including of options arange on drawing to act, need will Parliament – concluded himself Leveson –as then publishers, by newspaper non-cooperation significant is there 12 of operation, after months Panel, Recognition Press of the if, judgment But the in succeed. will self-regulation independent to up genuinely to sign press the for Regulation. Press on Royal Charter the in out set as industry, newspaper the and government of both independent totally is that of accountability to asystem committed we are abuse, press society. ademocratic in media of afree to importance the regard to have courts the and law, authorities the to require Amendment’ of Ofcom. Trust BBC the Board the or to appointments in anyrole from Ministers remove will we influence w w w w w We will: or illiberal laws. corruption, heavy-handedness through times at done has it as itself, overreach not does state the that we have always But vigilant to be of them. proud rightly are we and public the to protect work vital do agencies intelligence and other. the police have without The one you cannot coin: same of the sides two are liberty and security believe Democrats Liberal powers service security and Policing 8.3 w w w w w We share the hope of Lord Justice Leveson that the incentives incentives the that Leveson Justice of Lord hope the We share from public the protect and journalism interest To public nurture ‘First aBritish we pass will freedom, To press guarantee political from media of the To independence the promote are completed. scandal hacking the in prosecutions criminal the as soon as starts Inquiry Leveson 2of the Part that and expeditiously completed is Inquiry Panel Morgan Daniel the that by ensuring press the and police of the parts in practices corrupt about truth to full the Get End indefinite detention for immigration purposes. to truth. to the get fails Committee current investigation by the Commons Intelligence and Security the if torture in into complicity inquiry judicial afull Back law. UK under UK the in to obtain legal be not would it that governments foreign from residents UK on data obtain not should Establish in legislation that the police and intelligence agencies services. security of the oversight proper Ensure w 8.4 Securing liberty online 8.4 Securing liberty w We will: proportionate. and targeted be must communications encrypted private to read demand any and proportionate and justified be always must surveillance meaning data, personal for norm the be always should Privacy speech. free and to privacy right the we maintain ever before, than easier is surveillance when era an in that power, state excessive ensure and to control achance as seized are opportunities other and this ensure 2016. in powers to We need of surveillance overhaul a complete be will There complacent. be we cannot –but Board Liberties Civil and of aPrivacy creation the for legislating and Act Powers of Investigatory Regulation of the review branch and root ongoing the securing liberties, civil lost to restore Act of Freedoms Protection ever first the –passing state over-mighty the back rolling in much We have achieved liberty. and privacy our threaten can interests of corporate and state of the power the age, digital modern the In w w w w w w w w principle of open justice. of open principle the of restoring aim the with Act, 2013the Security and Justice of provisions the including system, justice the within proceedings material of closed to use the alternatives practical Identify rights of the citizen. citizen. of the rights digital the enshrine and to define of Rights, Bill aDigital Pass or websites. websites. or the source, and without favouring products or particular blocking of regardless applications and content lawful to all access enable should providers service internet that principle the neutrality, net back and internet of the freedom essential the Safeguard of our paper post. paper of our is as andunacceptable, the blanketdisproportionate surveillance communications is data for purposes non-business party third- to or collect ayear for activities everyone’s internet of arecord to store companies Requiring again. so do would and Bill Data Communications draft the We blocked Charter. Snooper’s so-called of the introduction the Oppose by the police or the intelligence agencies. Access to metadata, to metadata, Access agencies. intelligence the or by police the the blanket collection of UK residents’ communications personal to We QC. opposed are Anderson David of Terrorism Legislation Reviewer Independent the and Institute Services Royal United the by legislation surveillance on we reviews initiated of the outcomes Set stricter limits on carefully and surveillance consider the 8 83 Freedom and opportunity | Equal rights for all 84 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 w w w We will: away. gone not has UK the across liberties and rights of our guarantees legal written, for need the England, in Carta Magna after years 800 law in freedoms and rights our Securing 8.5 w w w suspicion of criminal activity or to prevent threats to life. threats to or prevent activity of criminal suspicion reasonable is there where consent without place take only must communications of personal content stored the or live content, state powers state excessive from citizens to protect Act, Freedoms anew Pass by jury. trial to limit attempts further any Block Rights. Human of Court European the and courts of UK decisions with to comply action law. UK in Child of the We appropriate take Rights will the on Convention UN the enshrine and Act Rights Human the Protect w w w w Our Freedoms Act will: Our w w w w Freedom of Information Act. of Information Freedom the under of information veto release on ministerial the End Act. Protection Data of the breaches egregious and introduceCommissioner custodial sentences for Information the for resources and powers increased Give protest. peaceful stifle and liberties civil to restrict conditions of pre-charge misuse and arrests pre-emptive to prevent safeguards Strengthen media. other than harshly more treated not are communications media social that and criminal, as treated not are acts, non-intentional and jokes, words, insulting by ensuring speech free Protect w w w w w w Rights will: Rights of Bill Digital Our w w w w w w delete their personal data, wherever it is held. is it wherever data, personal their delete proportionate) and appropriate (where and to view, correct, able be should everyone that and data, own personal their to control right the has everyone that principle the Enshrine require any such legislation to be regularly reviewed. regularly to be legislation such any require processing personal data without statutory authority, and or storing collecting, from body public any Forbid and with appropriate oversight by the courts. by courts. the oversight appropriate with and interest, public the in to so do proportionate and necessary otherwise is it where or activity of criminal suspicion reasonable is there where privacy individual’s invade an only should authorities Public world. offline the in as online and telecoms in extent to same the protected is privacy Ensure third parties without explicit consent or legal authority. legal or consent explicit without parties third to it sell and data personal to acquire offence an it Make security online. security and privacy their to protect encryption strong to use bodies Uphold the right of individuals, and public businesses children and young who their use people services. to the and support guidance policies, age-appropriate to provide have aduty services online that clear it Make 8 85 Freedom and opportunity | Equal rights for all 86 Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 force and theborder Policing, justice communities Secure will focus on what works to cut crime. strong for all. communities with We opportunity By ensuring our laws are upheld, we build can No one fulfil can their potential if they live in fear. 9 87 88 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 human trafficking, and reintroducing border checks. We will build build will We checks. border reintroducing and trafficking, human and working illegal on down cracking rules, the break that colleges abused. not are powers to ensure Scotland in basis statutory a stronger onto search and stop to put proposing are Democrats Liberal Scottish into chaos. descended has search and stop on policy the and Highlands the in duties routine began officers police armed Scotland in years two last the In complacency. and by indifference characterised approach an with continues Government Scottish present the if year next elected Parliament by Scottish the tackled is insist will Democrats Liberal that something is accountability national and scrutiny of effective lack The services. local closed and accountability local destroyed has It of police. centralisation police functions. of centralisation Government’s SNP the from recently upheaval and pressures have who faced staff support of civilian role the value also We crime. prevent and detect public, the to serve available are staff uniformed to sure make ministers have urged and Scotland in police extra have supported Democrats Liberal parties, all with Along crime. to cut works what on We focus will all. for opportunity with communities strong build we can upheld, laws are our live they if in fear. ensuring potential By their fulfil can one No We have begun to tackle abuse in our immigration system, closing closing system, immigration our in abuse toWe tackle have begun Government’s to SNP the start the from opposed We have been prosecution for fraud. against insurance to out take directors company by requiring victims. are who those support detention, prison, immigration enforcement and secureunits. rather than organisationsservants commercial should provide public – cases specific in to contrary the reasons strong are there system. immigration and borders our in confidence to rebuild record this on Around theAround world, are trialling countries new that are approaches prejudice. by political distorted been has by drugs caused harm the ways to reduce effective about debate the long too For harm drug toreducing approach effective An 9.2 w We will: response. aproportionate requires which Kingdom, United to the threat aserious remain extremism violent Terrorism and extremism 9.1 violent and Tackling terrorism w w w w w w w w w We will reduce pressure on the criminal Legal Aid budget budget Aid Legal criminal the on pressure We reduce will and trafficking people to tackle steps enhanced We support –unless that position default the adopt will Democrats Liberal viewpoints andreligious interpretations. of contrary expression the for space the create and extremists, by forward put narratives the to counter sites media social and groups society civil leaders, community and religious Work with of those who have fought illegally in foreign conflicts. foreign in illegally have who fought of those return the to manage services security the enable which Orders, Exclusion Temporary and Measures, Investigation and Prevention Terrorism groups, of terrorist proscription activity, including terrorist against defence effective an provide laws that Maintain cyber attack. cyber police and intelligence to agencies the meet threat, including of to the resources appropriate the to provide we continue Ensure radicalisation from being drawn into illegal activity. into illegal drawn being from radicalisation of risk at those prevent to help communities supports government that and group, faith or ethnic other any or Muslims alienate or stigmatise not do terrorism to tackle efforts Ensure properly protected. are UK the in groups all to ensure communities religious and ethnic different against threats of assessing process the Review 9 89 Secure communities | policing, justice and the border force 90 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 We will: open, tolerant Britain. an to rebuild start we can Then UK. the in to be have claim avalid not do who those return and promptly applications visa and claims asylum with we deal so system of our to administration the improve We exit. need and entry on checks border to restore fully work led whyis have we That it. in confidence to undermine threatened which NHS. our especially services, public our staff helps and economy our boosts which immigration, from benefits many secures UK The borders our in confidence Restoring 9.3 w w w w w w We will: matter. aScottish is policy prosecution whilst Parliament UK of the responsibility the is year. legislation last Drug alone cannabis of possession for convicted were 1,500 people around Scotland, In offence. other any or dealing with charged not are they when possession personal for ayear 1,000 people imprison we still and blighting for their possession, record drug employment chances, acriminal ayear people to give 80,000 we continue but treatment on progress money. we good UK have the In made taxpayers’ saving and addiction reducing lives, improving harm, drug reducing w w w w w w But we need to tackle the weaknesses in our immigration system, system, immigration our in weaknesses the to tackle we need But use. medicinal for cannabis to prescribe doctors Enable toaccountable Parliament and the public. wider remaining while drugs, of classification the setting in independent of Drugs Misuse the on Council to Advisory the make Legislate activity. criminal and health to public relation in Uruguay and States United the in experiments legalisation cannabis of the effectiveness the to areview assess Establish andsell highs. unregulatedproduce chemical who those on down clamp and drugs, illegal in deal or import manufacture, who to those penalties severe to apply Continue instead. crime drug organised tackling towards resources diverting use, personal for of drugs possession for of imprisonment use the end to legislate system, the reforming step towards afirst As record. acriminal attract not do that penalties civil or education into treatment, diverted are use personal for of drugs approach used in Portugal where those arrested for possession the UK, the across to adopt, Government Scottish the Work with w w w w w w w w w w w w targeting of resources at those who overstay their visas. visas. their overstay who those at of resources targeting allow and control, immigration in confidence to rebuild borders, our at checks exit and entry of full restoration the Complete ‘Azure Card’ for administering benefits in the asylum system. asylum the in benefits administering ‘Azure for Card’ the of use so. the do to end will unable We are they if benefits receive to only and claimants, benefit like work other to seek processed to be claim their for months six than more have waited who seekers asylum age working We require will here. to be right have not do a who to those remove easier it making and UK the in into life settle can they have to before wait refugees genuine time the reducing claims, of asylum processing the up Speed statutory employment legislation is being respected. being is legislation employment statutory all to ensure employers on of inspections number the Double abuse of the student route into the UK. UK. into the route student of the abuse allows that institution educational any against action tough taking while statistics, immigration official within students Separate oversight of Britain’s migration policies. Parliamentary full allowing system, control migration the on report and communities, local togetherpublic with services an audit economy, the on impact their and surpluses and shortfalls market labour and of skill assessment annual an to Parliament Present courses forcourses those whose English is poor. with JSA then being conditional on attending English language Allowance (JSA) to have their English skills language assessed, Jobseeker's for claimants new all for requirements Continue 9 91 Secure communities | policing, justice and the border force Power to the people Devolution, democracy and citizenship

For freedom to be meaningful, people need the power not just to make decisions about their own lives, but about the way their country, their community, their workplace and more are run. Liberal Democrats have made a good start on modernising and decentralising the state. But we were thwarted in some of our attempts to reform politics. When it came to reforming the House 10 of Lords and giving citizens a stronger voice with fair votes, our proposals were blocked. We still believe these are essential changes and will continue our work to deliver them.

92 93 94 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 w We will: greatercommands public confidence. it so citizens of our empowering more and representative more it to make politics today. British to politics reform in We need sidelined and excluded often too are communities local and citizens ordinary mean lobbies corporate powerful of influence the and patronage of power the of decision-making, votes, overcentralisation Unfair 10.1 politics Better them. deliver to work our continue will and changes essential are these believe We still blocked. were proposals votes, our fair with voice stronger a citizens giving and of Lords House the to reforming came it When democracy and the mutuals movement. employee We have supported years. hundred three in Scotland to from powerWestminster of fiscal transfer biggest the enacted We democracy. have internal more and backbenchers for powers more with We Parliament have improved elections. topower call We state. Minister’s the away have taken Prime the decentralising run. are more and workplace their community, their country, way the their about but own lives, their about to decisions make just not power the need people meaningful, to be freedom For w Committee on Standards in Public Life, funded from savings from from savings from funded Life, Public in Standards on Committee 2011 of the lines the of the along funding report to party reforms wider year, each introducing and person £10,000 at per parties to political donations byTake capping of politics out money big politics. to reform attempts of our some in we thwarted were But Liberal Democrats have made a on good modernising start and A Record of Delivery of A Record money inelections curb theinfluenceofspecialinterest a register ofconsultantlobbyistsand Passed aLobbyingActtointroduce financial devolutionthaneverbefore Ireland,and Northern includingmore New powersforScotland,Wales elections whenitsuitstheirownparty a PrimeMinister’s powertocall Fixed termParliaments,takingaway w w w w w w w w w w w w existing government spending on politics. in trade union ballots voting. through electronic participation wider We encourage will payments. automatic such through to support wish they party political which choose them by letting freedoms political members’ strengthen and salary, their from deducted levies, political including subscriptions, to have their members union of trade rights the Protect colleges. and to vote schools in to register easier it make and UK, the across referendums and 16 votes age at elections for Introduce starting from the proposals in the 2012 the in Bill. proposals the from starting mandate, democratic aproper with of Lords House the Reform introduction of a reformed, fair, voting system. of areformed, introduction of the part as only but of MPs number the We reduce will UK. the across MPs Vote Transferable electing for Single for the introduce We will representation. proportional more to ensure Westminster and government to local elections for voting systems our Reform account of community ties and continuity of representation. continuity and ties of community account to take equality exact to from deviate Commission Boundary the for flexibility greater with communities, geographical natural respect should reviews boundary constituency we believe system, voting anew for established to be need would constituencies 2018. in new to While report due review boundary the Cancel Explore options to strengthen and simplify the voting rights voting rights the simplify and to strengthen options Explore shared future Ireland inNorthern powers toWales, andworkfora Scotland infull,devolvemore Deliver onourpromises to Westminster andvotesat16 andat system inlocalgovernment Better democracywithafairvoting of widerfundingreform £10,000 capondonationsaspart Get bigmoneyoutofpoliticswitha A Promise of More 10 95 Power to the people | devolution, democracy and citizenship 96 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 and members of the public, tasked with producing a full written written afull producing with tasked public, of the members and society civic academia, parties, political of the representatives from up made Convention, Constitutional aUK establish we therefore will and coherently together work arrangements new the all sure make Kingdom. United federal of astrong, nations the of to each Rule Home we deliver will power. short, In decentralise to UK further of the rest the and of Scotland to people the made to 16. to voting age power the lower the nations three of all we governments have the given months, last the in And powers. tax Wales’ first and ever before, than to Scotland autonomy financial more transferring 2014the Parliament, through Act Wales 2012 the and to lead Act ones the were Scotland ministers Democrat Liberal UK. of the to nations the powers greater transferring way the on of leading record have aproud Democrats Liberal w w w we will: particular in To Parliament reform w w 10.2 A decentralised but United Kingdom w w w w w Constitutional change has taken place rapidly. We now need to rapidly. We place now need taken has change Constitutional promises the on deliver We to further. must go Now we need Opposition. and Government just not parties which shouldprocedures formally individual recognise political of Parliamentary review afull we conduct will of Coalition, Wright recommendations Committee of 2009, and experiences the on Building business. members’ of private out’ ‘talking the ending timetable, Parliamentary the executive decides the not and Parliament that to ensure committee Business aHouse Implement arrangements. pave way jobsharing MP the for to areview establish and family-friendly, more Parliament Make scrutinising government spending proposals. and Budget the amending in of MPs role the Strengthen now do. parties way third as same the in limits expense national their in of staffing cost the to include parties political requiring by parties third against discrimination the remove We also will struck. been has balance right the to ensure regulations spending party of third impact into the reviewer independent of the work the carefully We consider will work. lobbying paid accepting from MPs prohibit and register lobbying the expand and Strengthen to participate. eligible those for threshold aclear setting and happen they ensure helping Elections, General in Debates Leaders’ for process the to formalise broadcasters the Work with byexperienced some. disenfranchisement address and abroad living citizens of UK government where appropriate. to local directly transferred to be Holyrood and Westminster at EU in discussions. ministers Scottish for role improved an include will It citizens. of all to advantage the UK, of the governance account. to ministers their to hold Parliament respective of the role the strengthening as well as mechanisms, resolution dispute associated the and work Committees Ministerial to way the Joint changes include will This Government. Scottish the and Government UK the them.” between respect greater to be needs also There relationship. transparent and visible robust, productive, amore to create together to work need Governments “Both that government where appropriate. to local directly transferred to be Holyrood and Westminster at held currently powers for to case the make We continue will Parliament. next the of session first the in full in proposals Commission Smith Kingdom. United secure and astrong in Parliament Scottish accountable and empowered billion. £3 around of budget starting a with priority, or need Scottish specific is there where regime benefits the to change Parliament Scottish the allow should system welfare AScottish budget. its in spends it what Scotland’s priorities. key reflects of powers package the ensured Democrats Liberal Parliament. to Scottish the assigned be should powers further what agree to together parties main Scotland’s five theAfter referendum, independence the Smith Commission brought transfer power to: power transfer We will Assemblies. and Parliaments to existing the basis equal years. two within to report UK, the for constitution Scotland w w w w w w We will continue to make the case for powers currently held held currently powers for to case the make We continue will collaborative more Together, and to stronger lead will this between working to inter-governmental We changes make will Smith of Lord recommendation the We to honour work will the by implementing Scotland for Rule Home We deliver will an people: Scottish the for deliver will more and powers These of half than more tax in raise should Parliament Scottish The an on devolved be should we think that powers many are There Borrow for investment. Manage the Crown Estate’s assets. economic people. disabled and carers people, older for of benefits arange Control 10 97 Power to the people | devolution, democracy and citizenship 98 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 communities”. Scottish Liberal Democrats that. support to local Holyrood from of powers transfer the with further, extended of devolution principle “the for Scotland in desire the on Commission Smith the of view the endorse We approach. SNP’s one-size-fits-all day.every them affect which services the about to decisions make placed best are people local We that believe powers. more with trusted all been centralised. have enterprise agency decisions, firecourses, and police services need. they services local of the of control stripped have been Scotland across communities to Borders, down the right Edinburgh. in block power their in decisions centralised and communities, and authorities away local from powers stripped categorically and w w by: Parliament aWelsh and Wales for Rule Home proper deliver and further go will Democrats powers model. areserved implementing and more, and broadcasting elections, local over energy, ports, powers devolving full, in it implement will and David’s St. announcement Day recent the We endorse Wales w w w w We have been the only party to campaign consistently against the the against consistently to campaign party only the We have been Scottish Liberal Democrats believe that local people can be Council decisions, health investment, to access justice, college East, North the through Isles, Northern and From Highlands the systematically has Government SNP the years eight past the Over Implementing the Silk Part 2 proposals by: 2proposals Part Silk the Implementing devolving APD. long-haul to aview (APD), with Duty Passenger of Air devolution on review Government’s of the work the We Wales. consider will for powers financial on 1proposals Part Silk remaining the Implementing Liberal enough. far go not does announcement this But Allowing the to set its own bank holidays. own bank its to set Government Welsh the Allowing ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ powers. justice other term longer the in and policing justice, youth pay, teachers’ transport, over sewerage, S4C, Assembly to National the Parliament UK the from powers Transferring network. to Wales the relation in Rail of Network funding Devolving account. to Government Welsh the hold and legislation scrutinise of toStrengthening the the capacity National Assembly w outstanding We issues. will build on this by: address and Agreement House Stormont the in of measures package full the to implement parties all with to work continue will 2017. by April Ireland Tax to Northern of Corporation Wedevolution Ireland. Northern in prosperity and stability peace, long-term to build necessary work intensive the in stage another represents Agreement House Stormont The past. of the legacy the with dealing is this of Akey aspect of division. cost the counter and over separation sharing promote that initiatives and policies support will Democrats Liberal and deliverininequality publicservices, efficiencies overcome To exclusion, social economy,Agreement. the grow tackle Belfast of the institutions other and Assembly Ireland Northern the of stability political the to ensure Government Irish the with and Ireland Northern in parties political the with constructively work will We Ireland. Northern in society democratic truly and non-sectarian Liberal Democrats wish to see a permanently peaceful, stable, w w w w the debts are paid off. paid are debts the abolish the distorting economically tolls on the Severn Bridge once w Northern w w w w w w would improve of theAssembly.the accountability financial that powers other and Assembly Ireland to Northern the powers of fiscal devolution of further prospect the review under Keeping the to enable commitment the on we delivered Government In civic society in Northern Ireland. incivic Northern society with constructively working for mechanism astrong Promoting and local policing and criminal justice activities on the other. the on activities justice criminal and policing local and hand, one the on policing counter-terrorism and security national between effective and smooth is interface the to ensure Working shared futureshared beyond and division. sectarianism of a creation the enhances and principles democratic of normal, that reinforce Ireland Assembly the developmentthe Northern of mechanisms internal and to powers the changes Supporting local with a two-thirds majority. atwo-thirds with Wales in elections local and Assembly the for arrangements electoral to power amend the devolving and matters, devolved on Wales to override able being from Westminster preventing Parliament, aWelsh for Providing we will Wales, in growth boost and jobs create to help addition, In Government. Welsh of the control the within not are but Wales in children affect that issues examine to power the Wales for Children’s the Commissioner Giving 10 99 Power to the people | devolution, democracy and citizenship 100 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 w In some areas of England there is an even greater appetite for for appetite even greater an is there of England areas some In w w w w we will: England, in To government local rejuvenate lives. own their to run freedom give people and services public improve growth, drive we can of England regions and cities towns, villages, to power the returning By governed. are England in communities First Past the Post system. by the generated picture distorted the not England, in of opinion balance the reflecting genuinely basis, aproportional on to be need However, England. would this affect only laws that on say separate have a can MPs English so considered, be should England affecting to address. Convention Constitutional proposed our for akey be would issue This opposed. were England in majority the even if England, affects only that of legislation passage the to secure Ireland Northern or Wales Scotland, representing of MPs support the use could government UK afuture that possible is It UK. federal the as well as England for legislating in role dual its and Parliament UK the for implications has Ireland Northern and Wales to of power Scotland, Devolution England w w w w w Ireland support the aim of a genuine Shared Future for all. Future for Shared of agenuine aim the support Ireland Northern in policies Government all ensuring and of division cost the to tackle Ireland Northern in parties political the with Working fair equalisation communities. between and autonomy local of more objectives the balance must changes CommissionIndependent on Government Local Finance. Any of the work the on building England, in bodies devolved new any and Authorities, Local English to responsibility of financial devolution greater to deliver process aGovernment Establish support. back-to-work with starting Partnerships, Enterprise Local and Authorities of Local to groups resources and power more to devolve Deals Growth and Deals of City success the on Build decisions by introducing fair votes. for their accountable are properly Councillors ensuring changes, Tax Council for referenda local to hold requirement the Remove government. local elected democratically in to interfere of ministers powers the Reduce to way the improve to change much is there Parliament, Beyond Liberal Democrats believe an English-only stage in legislation equitable level.equitable to an grant block Welsh the to increase over aParliament seek and fairly, funded be for to Wales need the reflects levelat a that set floor aBarnett entrenching by immediately imbalance the We address will Wales and willunderfunds work commission to update this analysis. formula current the that Commission Holtham the of findings the We of oil. recognise price the in drop global like recent the shocks external from budgets nations’ individual the protect will This Ireland. Northern and Scotland for allocations spending future for basis the as Formula Barnett the we retain will funding, reliable to ensure order In governments. devolved the to powers fiscal devolve further will and we UK the of nations the to powers of financial extension UK. the across allocations spending to adjust used mechanism the is Formula Barnett The to funding. regard with needs different had have long Kingdom United of the nations The Funding Assembly. to aCornish example -for together working councils of groups or to councils Westminster from of powers devolution even greater enabling Demand, on Devolution introduce therefore will We approach. aone-size-fits-all be cannot there and speed to move same wants the at country of the part every not but powers, w We will: and providercommissioner of services. a just than rather facilitator and enabler an as government seeing action, social practical in to engage citizens We encourage will rely. they which on over services the control democratic take to people for opportunities the by increasing and participation employee and cooperatives, mutuals, by life encouraging everyday their government. Liberal Democrats will spread democracy in just than powermore over need people Tolife, a fulfilled lead democracy 10.3 Everyday w w w The Liberal Democrats have already delivered a substantial

employees. to include structure board two-tier aGerman-style law to permit company We change will businesses. employee-owned in GDP of proportion the further to increase aiming ownership, employee and participation employee to promote employers Encourage Introduce mandatory arbitration for strikes likely to cause to likely cause strikes for arbitration mandatory Introduce 10 101 Power to the people | devolution, democracy and citizenship 102

Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 of Lords the House Reforming Under Liberal Democratreforms The current size oftheHouseLords 450 789 w w w w w We will: Lords Communications report. Committee Select 2014 of the recommendations the with line in broadly media the in plurality safeguarding for arrangements existing the reform therefore We will conversation. national avibrant guaranteeing in control, market dominant or monopolistic from or influence state from free media, diverse and of aplural importance the We recognise debate democratic for space the 10.4 Protecting w w w w w w w w w w w services. public essential in service continued ensuring to while strike rights workers’ to defend us enabling disruption, public widespread represented on the board. the on represented own 5% to be of acompany collectively who employees for right the and committees, remuneration on representation staff including workerStrengthen in decision-making, participation engagement between clubs between engagement and supporters. to promote rules governance of football reform the encouraging by run are clubs how in their say agreater fans football Give public sector. the through participation employee and structures mutual Spread challenges in theirchallenges communities. to solutions innovative, sustainable deliver and to develop need they finance and support the access can enterprises social and charities ensuring investment, social Support the public interest. public the damaging company media of any reach the to prevent conditions and acquisitions,mergers and enable to Ofcom set down by proposed triggered when as well as periodically, reviews to it conduct enable and to Ofcom responsibility lead Give by a minister after a vote of both Houses of Parliament. avote Houses of both after by aminister with interfered or vetoed be only can review aplurality following down lays Ofcom that requirements or conditions any Ensure area and their local politics, including: politics, local their and area local their about citizens inform to help media ‘hyperlocal’ and local avibrant is there that to ensure of measures avariety Use charitable status where the public interest is being served. being is interest public the where status charitable obtain to outlets media local non-profit allowing and hyperlocals, to online support grant radio Ofcom’s community Extending 10 103 Power to the people | devolution, democracy and citizenship Britain in the world Global action for security and prosperity

In a more globalised, interdependent world, freedom for individuals is not best protected solely by the nation state. Corporations, banks and markets now operate across the globe with little respect for national borders. Climate change, one of the greatest challenges of our age, is by its nature global. And criminals, hackers and terrorists now operate across borders, too. It is in the interests of all countries to create a system of international law and 11 governance, both treaty-based and multilateral, at the global level. We will ensure Britain actively and constructively works with our allies and partners in the European Union, Commonwealth, UN and NATO to engage with and develop policy responses when liberal internationalism and the

104 rules-based system are challenged. 105 106 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 internationalism and the rules-based systeminternationalism andthe are challenged. rules-based liberal when responses policy NATO develop and and with to engage UN Commonwealth, Union, European the in partners and allies our Development Assistance. Official as 0.7% income to spend of national countries developed for ambition UN old 40 year the on time first the for delivering aid, humanitarian law and of international rule the rights, human for Trade Arms Treaty. International the We up have stood least not safer, all us keep will that agreements secured and disarmament to nuclear change climate from issues vital on world the across UK the have represented ministers Our citizens. British for deal best the to secure Union, European of the heart the at Britain keep level. global the at multilateral, and treaty-based both governance, law and of international asystem to create countries of all interests too. the in is It borders, across now operate terrorists and hackers criminals, And global. nature by is its age, of our challenges greatest of the one change, Climate borders. national for respect little with globe the across now operate markets and banks Corporations, state. by nation the solely protected best not is individuals influencepower thaneconomic itsor military alone wouldpermit. greater to wield potential the it gives which relationships, global of web arich like with UK the acountry for true particularly is This working together achieve can countries more than they alone. can by that understand live they and wherever beings of human rights Liberal Democrats are internationalists because we respect the We will ensure Britain actively and constructively works with with with with works constructively and actively Britain We ensure will to government in have tirelessly worked Democrats Liberal for freedom world, interdependent globalised, amore In A Record of Delivery of A Record on thereal ownersofbusinesses won G8agreement ontransparency evasion, avoidanceandfraud, year from clampingdownontax Secured arecord £23.9billionlast in law national income,andguaranteedthis Increased aidspendingto0.7%of Forces Covenantinlaw veterans, enshriningtheArmed Supported ourarmedforces and development agreements onsustainable by 2030,andsecured Rio+20 of 40%cutstocarbonemissions Agreed anambitiousEUtarget more powerstotheEU referendum before Britainpassesany Passed alawtoguarantee possible promoting our values of freedom and opportunity for all. for opportunity and of freedom values our promoting possible to so, wherever do continue should and Commonwealth the and NATO like UN, the institutions international in and Union European our mutual defence. for policy foreign rights-based active, an to promote NATO partners EU and our with closely work and efforts diplomatic our redouble to we need like these At times world. the across security and peace for time achallenging is this Ukraine, in interference to Russian Palestinians and Israelis between of talks collapse From recent the 11.1 Working for peace and security across the world 11.1 the across security and peace for Working The UK has a proud record of playing a leading role in the the in role aleading of playing record aproud has UK The nuclear weaponpatrols of todayandendcontinuous equipment theyneedforthethreats forces havethetrainingand Focus onensuringourarmed the EUtoa50%reduction by2030 and astronger commitment within agreement oncuttingemissions, Work tosecure abindingglobal is onthebigquestion:InorOut referendum triggered bytheEUAct part intheEuropean Unionandany Ensure Britainplaysaconstructive companies extractive industriestoallUKlisted reporting from banksand extending country-by-country in low-incomecountriesby Improve taxtransparency including and leavenoonebehind poverty, protect theenvironment Development Goalsaimtoend Ensure the2015Sustainable A Promise of More 11 107 Britain in the world | global action for security and prosperity 108 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 w w w w We will: w w will:we worldwide, conflicts major to current response In wherever andwhenever possible. institutions of international remit the within working Parliament, by avote in endorsed case, humanitarian and/or legal aclear is there when only intervene should UK the believe Democrats Liberal circumstances, However these in obligations. international our fulfil and ourselves to protect interventions military to consider necessary be will it we recognise fail, policies and institutions these all Should w w w w w w Improve control of arms exports by: exports of arms control Improve principle of focuses on the individuals, security rather than states. This to Protect. of Responsibility principle UN the Support institutions worldwide. treaty-based and UN multilateral strengthen and with Engage election. the after Review,Defence and Security which should begin immediately 2015 the within Strategic apriority be will This security. and prevention conflict on impacts their for actions government UK to assess we continue will and departments, FCO, other and DFID MOD, the across approach ajoint require will This prevention. conflict on policy UK –to focus cooperation military as well as diplomacy and aid –trade, policy of government aspects all Use Islam and carry out appalling atrocities against Muslims as well as as well as Muslims against atrocities appalling out carry and Islam pervert organisations extremist These Nigeria. in Boko Haram and Syria and Iraq in (IS) State Islamic like so-called the organisations by embodied fanaticism Islamic –to tackle Arab and African –Western, partners international with to work Continue supplies. Russia’s on energy reliance reduce will that strategy EU energy EU the an to We develop with to work NATO will states. member NATO the event of threats the in under treaty obligations by our stand will and nations, European Eastern of sovereign affairs the in to interfering stop Russia on pressure political and economic maximum to exert partners international other EU and with closely We work will Russia. assertive increasingly an against countries neighbouring and Ukraine in stability and democracy Promote ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ Foreign Office’sannualrights human report. the in of concern countries as listed to countries exports arms for of denial’ of ‘presumption apolicy Implementing certification. this on to Parliament report annual an with licenses export arms future all on certification end-user Requiring we will build on the treaty-based arrangements we have established we have established arrangements treaty-based the on we build will To this, achieve capabilities. of defence spectrum afull to maintain common problems,address to overcome constraints economic and to procurement and capabilities of military integration greater We favour allies. key our European with relationships bilateral our ever, than are as crucial EU more of the is membership continued partners. those with closely we work when resilient more and effective more is UK the NATO EU the and in allies and and partners by our shared are faces UK the challenges security of the Many intervention. humanitarian has responsibility, its and allies, neighbours and engage in support it which for territories the and itself to defend able be must UK The w w w w w w w 11.2 Our armed forces and security services security and 11.2 forces armed Our w w w w w w w against IS. against and patience. We favour broadening the international Coalition time take will that challenge agenerational is This non-Muslims. Liberal Democrats are clear that the security offered by our by our offered security the that clear are Democrats Liberal including: IS, against standing in government Iraqi the supporting comprehensive approach, in with compliance international law, to a continue IS, defeat not will alone airstrikes that Recognising Assistance in strengthening its democratic institutions. democratic its strengthening in Assistance fighters. Peshmerga Kurdish and Forces Training Security Iraqi the Syrians and Iraqis. relief toHumanitarian help alleviate of displaced the suffering moderates from all sides to unite against extremism and tyranny. and extremism to against unite sides all from moderates Syrian enable would which Syria, in transition political inclusive an for to push We IS. continue will and al-Assad Bashar President both fighting are who Syria, in opposition moderate the Support solution. of atwo-state prospect the help will it when and as of Palestine State independent of the recognition We support solution. state of atwo- possibility the undermines which expansion, settlement of policy illegal Israel’s continued We condemn civilians. of Israeli targeting other and attacks rocket Hamas’ condemn We sides. by all used force disproportionate We condemn solution. two-state a includes which conflict, Israeli-Palestinian to the settlement peace to anegotiated committed Remain Arabia. Saudi and Iran between dialogue peaceful Tehran promoting and in Embassy British the reopening including Iran, with relations diplomatic of our normalisation to seek We continue will weapons. nuclear obtaining to Iran stop negotiations multilateral Support 11 109 Britain in the world | global action for security and prosperity 110 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 Promote European defence integration where appropriate by appropriate where integration defence European Promote w w w w w w w w We will: Budget. Security towhy move we wish aSingle towards is this and SDSR, the in considered are obligations international and needs defence and security real our review. that such vital is It last the since fundamentally changed has world the that We recognise decisions. spending defence future to inform Parliament next the in early (SDSR) Review Security and Defence Strategic comprehensive NATOWales a 2014. in to Summit completing We committed are the at Pledge Industrial Defence and Plan Action Readiness the in restated recently most defence, on 2% GDP to of our spend NATO the met we five commitment years over last the government why in is This defence. and security in obligations international partners. European suitable to other cooperation this extend and w w w w w w w w explosive weapons with wide-area effects in populated areas. populated in effects wide-area with weapons explosive of conventional use the to end standards global new Work for warhead stockpile. Non-Proliferation Treaty commitments and the reduce UK nuclear Nuclear our to fulfil us help would This appropriate. this makes context security international the when patrols toa ‘surge’ armed enabling patrols, of regular posture to acontingency deterrence at-sea continuous from moving and submarines successor Step down the by ladder nuclear fewer procuring Vanguard efforts. disarmament nuclear international in engaged fully Remain counter attacks. cyber to acting and services intelligence and security our in investing by cybersphere, into the of warfare expansion the Recognise competitive prices. at equipment right to the in invest budgets long-term Set forces. expeditionary rapidly deploy to capability the and forces armed effective and strong Maintain silos. traditional departmental not, we need capabilities the follow choices spending ensure will approach Review. integrated This Spending overall of an part as process, by SDSR the distributed be will Budget Security Single The interventions. power soft and defences cyber agencies, security of our work the but spending defence conventional just not including Budget, Security aSingle to establish SDSR the Use Britain safe. keeping for relevant are in invested we are capabilities the ensure and 2020 vision Future Force the update and we revisit will which in (SDSR) Review Security and Defence aStrategic Conduct and national our to meeting committed are Democrats Liberal exception. EU no the is and Councils local in or the Holyrood, Westminster, in is that whether of reform party the are Democrats Liberal reform. need not do and perfect are Union European the EU. the left and allies trusted most and neighbours closest our we away if walked weaker from and poorer be would UK the doubt no is There vulnerable. more be would borders our and negotiations change climate in heard be not would voice our us, without and terrorism, or conflict. crime cross-border change, climate are they whether faces, Britain challenges to global the to responding EU crucial is A modernised threats. security countering in and China and like USA the players global with deals trade negotiating when footing equal amore on us puts Europe in EU, the being with and trade to linked our are jobs British of Millions the in world. influence projecting for and economy astronger creating for EU essential of the is Britain’s membership enshrined in law in the 2011 the law propose: in in We Act. also Forces enshrined Armed now Covenant, Forces Armed the support We strongly veterans. and personnel of service interests the to safeguard government of role the is it that believe and nation of the defence the in play Liberal Democrats recognise the vital role the UK’s armed forces co-operation. European defenceenhancing industry 11.3 Britain in Europe: and reform prosperity w different pressures that Reserves face and propose that: propose and face Reserves that pressures different the We acknowledge of retention. problems continued with goal, this achieving in behind significantly is it but to 30,000 Reserves of the size the 2011 in government increasing for The atarget set w w w w w w w But that does not mean that the institutions and policies of policies and institutions the that mean not does that But made be would to EU, were rules leave the UK Ifthe trade

Commissioner. Veterans’ Scottish to existing the addition in Commissioner Veterans’ of UK apost creating and of veterans support in marshalled be can departments all of services the that so Office, Cabinet the to the of Minister Veterans’ Office the Transferring includingproblems, dependency. alcohol health mental with veterans and personnel for support Improving at current levels. current at of Reserves training and retention improving on put be Emphasis to assist Reserves attending training camps. training attending Reserves to assist leave annually unpaid weeks’ two to offer required be Employers 11 111 Britain in the world | global action for security and prosperity 112 for British goods. The European Unionisthebiggestexport market Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 British Exports European Union 50.5%

Rest of the world of the Rest 49.5% We will: EU. of the rest the for also but UK, the for only not needed urgently are that reforms further the we deliver EU the can in engaged fully by remaining Only innovation. and growth jobs, towards of spending EU balance the shifted fish. haveWe also of usable reforming Policy, the Fisheries Common ending the discarding and billion £30 by budget the EU like cutting reforms significant w w w w w w w w w w w w w w Liberal Democrats in Government have already secured Business MinisterBusiness to lead this competitiveness agenda. EU an appointing and Paper White Business European annual 2014, an October in MP publishing Moore including by Michael made recommendations the We implement will India. and Japan like key with markets agreements EU trade ambitious concluding and by online trading firms to British barriers national scrapping by exports British We boost will services. for and economy digital sector, the in energy the in market EU the single Work to deepen determine how NHS services are provided. are services how NHS determine to us allows and protection, environmental and employee of consumer, EU standards upholds that agreement an support economy. We toof up £10 only will to British the ayear billion benefits bring could which USA, the EU the and between (TTIP) Partnership Trade Transatlantic Investment and ambitious an as well as Trade World the at Organisation negotiations Support of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. in Parliament European of the Economic and and SocialCommittee scrapping the seat second like European the EU institutions Policy, unnecessary abolishing of theproportion EU budget spent on the Common Agricultural the reducing efficient, EU the to more it make Work to reform Working Time Directive. Time Working to the opt-out UK the defending and possible where EU rules from businesses small exempting tape, red unnecessary curbing by business on of EU legislation burden the to reduce Continue British Parliamentary Select Committees. Committees. Select British Parliamentary for role explicit an by proposing including Europe in ministers by British taken positions and legislation of European scrutiny UK We strengthen will legislation. unwanted to block ability automatic the Parliaments of national majority acombined giving by and EU decision-making scrutinising in Parliaments national of role the EU of the by enhancing accountability the Increase European Union when that referendum comes. referendum that when Union European the in to UK remain the for campaign will Democrats EU. Liberal to UK the the from of sovereignty transfer amaterial involving Treaty any change next is there when referendum In/Out an Hold Reinforce the EU’s tools for tackling cross border crime, crime, border cross EU’s the tackling for tools Reinforce 11 113 Britain in the world | global action for security and prosperity 114 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 w w We will: development. economic through also but aid –through by 2030 poverty absolute to eliminate work and Goals Development Millennium of the diseases. communicable preventing in leader aglobal is Britain Immunisations, and Vaccines for Alliance Global the in investment through and, Leone Sierra in crisis Ebola the to tackle of war. efforts a weapon We international have led as of rape We use aid. the have to and end worked development way the international have on led Democrats Liberal government, In w w w w 11.4 International development w w w w w w Continue to promote private sector economic development, development, economic sector private to promote Continue Develop to approach a whole-government development. agreement the since made Now, progress on to build we need security. British for basis reliable most the as countries, European other and states Nordic the Netherlands, the France, with cooperation defence close already our on We build will Africa. North and East Middle the Ukraine, Russia, towards issues policy foreign on EU governments other with closely to work Continue operations. with anti-human-trafficking cooperation greater through including Mediterranean, the crossing many for of life loss tragic the to prevent EU measures effective more for We push will Mediterranean. the across of migration pressure Cooperate with other to European countries the address and eliminate loopholes. controls transitional for lengthen also new EU countries, member will We UK. the in resident not are who children to Benefit of Child migrants, including reducing, and ultimately abolishing, payment EU for rules benefit to by claim’ tightening ‘right perceived any We prevent will NHS. of the to running the contribution a vital make who workers health of European thousands the example sector, for public the and economy to British the as well as countries European other in living citizens of British millions to beneficial hugely is which movement, EU free Support and developing the EU Energy Union. by 50% by 2030 emissions gas greenhouse to reduce agreement by securing change climate tackle and threats environmental Cooperate with other to European countries address of justice. delivery swift ensuring while justice of miscarriages to prevent Warrant Arrest European the reforming and Centre Crime Cyber European of the role the strengthening w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w payments and profits for each country in which they operate. they which in country each for profits and payments tax their to publish companies large requiring and haven rules anti-tax tightening including operate, they which in countries to pay global ensure companies in fair taxes the developing action international We lead will corporations. multinational just not businesses small and people local benefits this ensuring definition of what activities qualify. activities what of definition law. in to OECD’s the We adhere will now enshrines Democrat, 2015, Act by aLiberal Development introduced International Income Development on Overseas which Assistance, the 0.7% National to spend Gross of UK commitment our Maintain the andthrough right places the right channels. in to work continues Development International for Department the to Review ensure Aid Multilateral and Bilateral afull Conduct humanitarian crises wherever they may occur. may they wherever crises humanitarian volunteers, response emergency and to respond generously training and infrastructure and investing in healthcare disasters, future to resist countries of poorer resilience the building Continue Work to ensure the Sustainable Development Goals aim to: aim Goals Development Sustainable the Work to ensure Safeguard the sustainability of the theSafeguard sustainability planet. orientation, disability or ethnic origin. ethnic or disability orientation, of gender, sexual because disadvantage or discrimination suffer not do people We ensure will standards. living average improving as well as vulnerable most the helping behind, one Leave no Eliminate absolute poverty by 2030. poverty absolute Eliminate private research and development into treatment for these and and these for into treatment development and research private and public ways new to support explore and malaria and HIV TB, like diseases preventable ageneration within toInvest eliminate 11 115 Britain in the world | global action for security and prosperity 116 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 w w w w w w w We will: too massive for individual to countries alone. tackle like Challenges boundaries. climate and deforestation change are by political constrained not are ecosystems and wildlife and environmental policy. Pollution national borders, not does respect to comes it when crucial particularly is have adopted always The open and internationalist approach Liberal Democrats w 11.5 International action on environment the w w w w w w w w reserve. Ocean Atlantic southern kilometre square a1million Create on climatecountries change. developing with programmes bilateral direct supporting Fund and the UK’s Climate maintaining investment, including International environmental goals and support sustainable agreements investment and trade free aid, EU development and UK Ensure UK. the in sold be can products timber sustainable and legal only inloopholes the EU that Regulation andensuring by Timber 2020 enforcement and governance and sustainable agriculture, closing law forest better supporting by 2020 –including deforestation global net of halting target global EU and an for Argue fish. timber, and wildlife in trade illegal to tackle actions on particularly cooperation, Provide for international environmental greater resources base. asset their on emissions carbon on restrictions of future impact potential the on companies fuel fossil for standard reporting a global establish to investors financial and bodies regulatory Work with climate change. to adapt and to tackle countries poorer Fund toClimate assist Green by awell-financed supported Conference, Climate UN 2015 the at treaty climate aglobal on agreement Work to secure combat climate change. to efforts on role aleadership plays and commitments climate low-carbon investments, while ensuring the UK its meets own to support of EU funds use greater the and by 2030 emissions gas EU in greenhouse a50% for reduction pushing Continue services. emergency or unions trades communities, between partnerships including countries, poor and rich in peoples between links to build scheme partnership society civil anew Create infections. and diseases deadly other We will: more prosperous world. and afreer, fairer –deserve orientation sexual or gender belief, age, disability, of ethnicity, –regardless We people all world. believe the toshould seek advance throughout human rights anddemocracy Liberal Democrats believe British foreign policy and international aid w w w w for ending them in this country. this in them ending for responsible been already having laws worldwide, libel criminal and apostasy of blasphemy, sedition, abolition the for we campaign will and field, this in efforts diplomatic British to drive of Belief Freedom internationally. We will appoint an Ambassador-level for champion belief and of speech freedom to protect need of the reminder sharp a are Europe in journalists on attacks extremist Islamist recent The w w 11.6 w w w w w w

around the world, championing the free flow of information. flowinformation. of free the championing world, the around internet open and afree and media free to support Continue British Council. the and Monitoring BBC Service, World to BBC funding Maintain advancing the of cause LGBT+ rights. and world, the around of homosexuality decriminalisation the promoting for strategy acomprehensive Develop mutilation worldwide within ageneration. within worldwide mutilation genital female to end aim and marriage; forced from freedom and women’s to education Strategy, to secure work rights Equality Gender International an We pursue will development. economic sustainable effective, for essential is which girls, and women for rights equal and protection support, Prioritise chains. supply of their those and activities of their impacts rights human and environmental social, the on to report companies UK large all on requirements consistent to establish rules reporting existing Extend Arctic. the of areas unfished fishing industrial in the previously EU-flagged undertaking vessels on aban for press and region the in operating companies UK for promoteOcean, the environmental standards possible highest Arctic the in reserve nature of amarine creation the for Push Standing up for Liberal values Liberal for up Standing 11 117 Britain in the world | global action for security and prosperity 118 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2015 and Addie Kosmaczewskaand Bradley Elizabeth Abbas, Batool Branton, by William artwork Graphic Lawson by Steven Directed &Art Designed 1PT G43 Glasgow, Pollokshaws, Road, 166 Ltd Riverford SCS Print by:MBM Printed SW1P 3AE London Street, 8-10 George Great at both Democrats, Liberal the of behalf on Gordon by Tim promoted and Published www. scotlibdems.org.uk address our at formats alternative in found be can manifesto This EH12 5DR Edinburgh Terrace 4Clifton Democrats Liberal Scottish the from obtained be can copies Further www.libdems.org.uk website the at formats alternative in found be can manifesto The £7.50 Price: 2015 978-1-910763-04-9 ©March ISBN or funding consequentials protections. through Barnett Government Scottish the for income extra generate will that proposals funding contains manifesto UK the where case the especially is This manifesto. this in out set briefly are education and health as such matters devolved on policy of direction broad The election. Parliament 2016 the for Scottish manifesto the in Holyrood for platform policy afull publish will and Parliament Scottish the of responsibility the are that matters devolved on policy set Democrats Liberal Scottish Kingdom. United whole the for priorities and policies Democrat Liberal out sets manifesto This Scottish LiberalDemocratManifesto2015 119