Scotland is a tolerant modern country and I am committed to helping build a society which respects freedom of thought, religion and belief, including non-religious beliefs.
Scotland is leading the world on tackling the twin crises of climate change and ecological decline and the SNP are proud to have the most ambitious legal framework for emissions reduction in the world.
In December, the SNP Scottish Government updated its Climate Change Plan with more than 100 new policies, putting Scotland on a pathway to meet its emissions targets over the period to 2032, and helping to achieve a just transition to net zero by 2045.
Just transition principles, and the importance of equity, engagement and planning, are being embedded across government policy. This includes the Emerging Energy Technologies Fund which will support the development of hydrogen and CCS industries creating jobs and enabling a just transition and investments in key net zero markets (like buildings and transport) to drive demand for good, green jobs.
The SNP are absolutely committed to ending homelessness for good – a message recently reinforced in our Housing to 2040 strategy. This is backed by £32.5m of investment – more than half of the Scottish Government’s £50m Ending Homelessness fund – to support councils to prioritise settled accommodation for all through the implementation of rapid rehousing transition plans and the upscaling of Housing First, for those facing the most challenges.
If re-elected in May, the SNP will run Citizens’ Assemblies annually to look at the issues we face as a country, this will include matters such as assisted dying. We believe that the people of Scotland should be at the very heart of decision making and involved in the major changes affecting their lives. It is for the people of Scotland to decide the kind of country we want to be.
Fiona Hyslop