Everything You Need To Know About The SNP Manifesto

    Nicola Sturgeon said it was a policy platform for "all parts of the UK".

    The SNP manifesto – titled Stronger for Scotland – has been launched at an event in Edinburgh.

    Nicola Sturgeon's introduction doesn't mention independence, instead focusing on austerity and keeping the Conservatives out of government.

    The SNP would seek to bring an end to austerity and vote for increased NHS funding across the UK.

    This is the only mention of independence in the manifesto, but Sturgeon said at the launch that her party will always believe in an independent Scotland.

    It got a huge round of applause.

    vine.co

    The manifesto backs "home rule" for Scotland, including "full financial responsibility".

    "Full fiscal responsibility" is in the #snpmanifesto.

    The SNP would "scrap" the Trident nuclear weapon system and increase the minimum wage to £8.70 by 2020.

    The manifesto also promises to reduce child poverty by opposing cuts and supports an increase to free childcare.

    The SNP would scrap the bedroom tax.

    And has pledged to "end Tory government".

    The SNP says it will make sure the Smith Commission pledges on devolution are delivered.

    The party will push for 50/50 representation of women on private boards, and the abolition of the House of Lords.

    The SNP will also oppose any withdrawal from the EU.

    This is how the party describes its pledges:

    *The SNP are the only party offering an alternative to the Westminster cuts agenda. Our proposal for a modest spending increase of 0.5% a year will enable at least £140 billion extra investment in the economy and public services.

    * For the NHS this will mean an additional £9.5 billion spending above inflation across the UK by 2020/21 – £24 billion in total. This will deliver a total increase for NHS Scotland of £2 billion.

    * We will back plans for an annual UK target of 100,000 affordable homes, and use additional capital investment to deliver a further expansion of house-building in Scotland.

    * We will back an increase in the minimum wage to £8.70 by 2020.

    * We will back the restoration of the 50p top income tax rate for those earning over £150,000.

    * We will support an increase in the Employment Allowance from £2,000 per business per year to £6,000, to help smaller firms take on and retain additional staff.

    * We will oppose the £3 billion cut in disability support that threatens to cut the income of a million disabled people by more than £1,000 a year.

    * We will vote to retain the triple lock on pensions and protect the winter fuel allowance.