SNP and Labour policies compared
by Jeremy Corbyn seemed a bit confused this week about the SNP’s policies… and Labour’s policies. Here’s a handy guide of where we stand – and where his own party stands – on key issues.
Tuition fees
SNP
The SNP Scottish Government abolished tuition fees in Scotland in 2008.
Labour
Labour introduced tuition fees in 1998. At the General Election Labour backed scrapping tuition fees.After the General Election Labour put up fees in Wales.
Trident
SNP
We oppose Trident. Sign our petition today.
Labour
The UK Labour party backs Trident renewal.
European Single Market
SNP
We back Single Market membership and freedom of movement.
Labour
UK Labour back Brexit and only back Single Market membership for a ‘transitional period’.
Public sector pay cap
SNP
The SNP Scottish Government has committed to end public sector pay cap.
Labour
UK Labour backs ending the public sector pay cap. Meanwhile,the Welsh Labour Government have said they won’t lift the public sector pay cap unless the Tories at Westminster do it first.
Real Living Wage
SNP
Increase the Minimum Wage to the level of the real Living Wage for all workers over 18.
Labour
Increase the Minimum Wage to the level of the real Living Wage for all workers over 18.
Public sector rail
SNP
Work has begun to ensure a public sector body is able to bid for rail franchises in Scotland. The Tories devolved the power to create a public sector bid in 2016. While in government Labour chose not to devolve the power.
Labour
In the General Election Labour committed to bringing railways back into public ownership as franchises expire, if elected.
Scotland’s future and more powers
SNP
We back independence and believe Scotland should have a choice on our future at the end of the Brexit process.
Labour
Labour oppose an independence referendum.
Free prescriptions
SNP
Prescription charges were abolished in 2011. In England, patients are forced to pay £8.60 per item.
Labour
Labour gave no commitment on prescription charges in England in their General Election manifesto. In Wales prescriptions are free.
Two-child cap on tax credits
SNP
Abolish the two child cap on Tax Credits and the associated Rape Clause.
Labour
Labour commit in their General Election to ending the Rape Clause but give no specific commitment to ending the two-child cap on tax credits.
Bedroom Tax
SNP
In Scotland the Bedroom Tax is fully mitigated, and will be scrapped as soon as possible. Since 2013, the Scottish Government has spent over £100 million a year to protect people from the worst aspects of Tory welfare cuts. Get more information here.
Labour
UK Labour support abolishing the Bedroom Tax.In Labour-run Wales, the Bedroom Tax is not fully mitigated.
Freeze on working-age benefits
SNP
The SNP support ending the freeze.
Labour
In their 2017 manifesto, Labour gave no commitment to ending the freeze.
Right-to-buy
SNP
The SNP Scottish Government ended Thatcher’s right-to-buy.
Labour
Labour’s policy in England is to ‘suspend’ right-to-buy (unless there is a surplus of homes), if elected.Labour in Wales are now following Scotland’s lead.
Ending hospital parking charges
SNP
Abolished parking charges in all NHS-run hospital car parks in 2008. Due to private-finance contracts entered into by the previous Labour government, this does not cover all car parks.
Labour
Labour committed to free parking in NHS England, if elected.
Publicly owned water
SNP
The SNP are committed to keeping Scottish Water in public hands. Charges for the average household bill in Scotland are £38 lower than in England and Wales.
Labour
Labour would create regional publicly-owned water companies in England, if elected.