This means that Norwegian GDP has grown by over 20 per cent more than Scottish GDP since 1979. It is the Kenneth Clarke's 'London levies' which are holding Scotland back. Higher business rates in Scotland amount to a 'London levy' of a massive 1.5 billion paid by Scottish businesses since l990. The Chancellor's own petrol tax hikes amount to a 'London levy' of 150 per annum on Scottish motorists. Instead of being sucked dry by London, Scotland needs an independent Parliament so that Scottish resources can be invested in the Scottish economy.
Scottish pensioners are now among the worst-off in Europe.
This in a wealthy wee nation like Scotland, is nothing short of a scandal. The elderly population represents a major part of Scotland's future. The Scottish National Party has the will to meet the challenge. We aspire to a standard of living and a quality of life which will bring our elderly population the same comforts enjoyed in other comparable European nations. We have budgeted for these proposals so that they can be implemented in the very first term of an independent Parliament .