Election Promises Latest Update

ELECTION NEWS - More Election promises today.

Boris Johnson is expected today to announce a review of business rates in England, a cut in the National Insurance contribution for employers and an increase in the R&D tax credit from 12% to 13% to boost sectors such as manufacturing and science.

Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn will explain Labour intends to train 320,000 apprentices in roles such as construction and manufacturing in renewable energy, in addition to granting employers more choice over how they spend Apprenticeship Levy Funds. 

Jo Swinson will announce the Lib Dems are the “natural party of business” and will criticise the two main parties’ plans to spend generous amounts on infrastructure. 

Meanwhile the SNP Westminster Leader Ian Blackford has called for the establishment of a UK Poverty and Inequality Commission.

Announcing the policy on the BBC Andrew Marr Show, Ian Blackford confirmed that SNP MPs will demand the next UK government establishes a UK Poverty and Inequality Commission to end the Tory cruel and callous cuts regime that has forced thousands into poverty, debt and desperation.

By next year, Tory cuts will have reduced social security spending in Scotland by £3.7bn.

Commenting, SNP Westminster Leader and candidate for Ross, Skye and Lochaber Ian Blackford said:

“This election is Scotland’s opportunity to escape Brexit - but also to escape a decade of Tory austerity inflicted on Scotland. After a decade of Westminster cuts, the SNP’s plan for a UK Poverty and Inequality Commission will help ensure these cruel and callous policies are never again inflicted on Scotland or across the UK. 

“The Commission is the first step in exposing the untold pain and hardship that Tory policies inflict on the disadvantaged and low-income workers across the UK. It is a vehicle to finally escape Westminster austerity by providing expert advice on using the powers at Westminster to tackle poverty and to report on progress.

“A vote for the SNP is a vote to end Tory austerity; the two-child cap on tax credits and the associated rape clause, the punitive benefit sanctions regime, and the shambolic rollout of Universal Credit.

“While the SNP Scottish Government is using the powers we currently have to mitigate Tory austerity, we know that only with full powers over social security and employment can we introduce inclusive and progressive policies to end poverty and support our citizens to build a better future. 

“Scotland’s social security system is best served in Scotland’s hands - not those of Boris Johnson. A vote for the SNP is a vote to give Scotland a choice over our future and to tackle the deep-seated inequalities in our society - shifting the curve on poverty without our efforts being undermined by another government’s policies.”

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