Commitment to Aberdeenshire Clear in SNP Manifesto, says Dennis Robertson

Local SNP Candidate Welcomes
"Most Ambitious Programme for Government Ever"

The SNP’s candidate for Aberdeenshire West, Dennis Robertson, has warmly welcomed the publication of the SNP’s manifesto for the 2016 election – after Nicola Sturgeon hailed it the “most ambitious programme for government ever” at the launch today.

The 76 page manifesto outlined a progressive prospectus for the next Parliament which included a commitment to deliver superfast broadband to 100% of Scotland by 2021; support for small businesses by slashing or abolishing business rates for almost 100,000 premises and providing support for the North East economy through the Energy Jobs Taskforce and a Transition Training Fund to help oil workers retrain to get jobs in other sectors, including the renewables sector.

Commenting, Dennis Robertson said:

“The SNP has achieved a great deal since taking office in 2007, but there so much more still to achieve. This manifesto outlines exactly how an SNP Government under the leadership of Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister would make Scotland an even better nation.

“It is great to see that this manifesto is the most detailed and ambitious programme for government that we have ever published and the ideas and policies show a significant commitment to Aberdeenshire and the North East economy.

“Digital connectivity is a critical component in building our economy, and the SNP’s commitment today to deliver 100% super-fast broadband across Scotland by the end of the next Parliament will be great news to the people of Aberdeenshire West. Businesses and homes across the constituency won’t be left behind as we move in to the truly digital age.

“Thriving local businesses and a strong North East economy was at the heart of the manifesto. The Energy Jobs Taskforce has continued to offer practical assistance to help companies, coupled with the apprenticeship guarantee and a £12.5m innovation fund to help the oil and gas industry seek new opportunities are just a few of the policies which will ensure good stewardship of a great Scottish industry.

“A £12m training fund to help oil workers retrain to get jobs in other sectors will improve employment prospects and support people in to new roles in the renewables sector – a successful and important industry in Aberdeenshire West.

“It is clear, from these policies and those that will improve health, education and the lives of children that the SNP have a real, progressive plan for Government – something that is lacking from the other parties that seem to be more concerned with fighting for second place. Both votes for the SNP will ensure that Nicola Sturgeon is returned as First Minister and that we can start to get down to governing.”