SNP and Greens Launch Manifestos Ahead of Election

Glasgow, Scotland - First Minister John Swinney launched the Scottish National Party's manifesto on Thursday, outlining a three-stage plan to reform the National Health Service amid ongoing pressures from waiting lists and the cost-of-living crisis. Speaking to supporters in the city, Swinney positioned the proposals as a commitment to "experienced and trusted leadership" to guide Scotland through economic challenges, while emphasizing the party's push for independence as a path to a "fresh start."

Swinney detailed the NHS strategy, centered on investment, protection, and renewal. He pledged additional funding to reduce waiting times, safeguards for the service's core principles of being comprehensive, universal, and free at the point of need, and reforms to shift care toward community settings and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. Addressing concerns over data privacy, he stated, "Mark my words: never selling patient data to dodgy billionaires and the Palantirs of this world." The plan also includes expanding GP walk-in clinics to ease morning appointment rushes. Swinney urged voters to back the SNP on May 7, saying, "In this election, I am asking people to give me the...