the SNP

This morning Nicola Sturgeon held the first press conference of the new parliamentary term at Bute House, in which she set out initial priorities for an SNP government.

Here’s what you need to know:

Yesterday was Europe Day – the annual celebration of peace and unity in Europe. We marked 66 years since the Schuman Declaration, which set out the beginnings of the European Union.

What progress we have seen – the development of a community of 28 nations and a single market of 500 million people.

Today Scotland’s new MSPs begin arriving at Holyrood to get ready for the next five years.

There is something very invigorating about the start of the new parliamentary term – as new MSPs find their feet alongside old hands, everyone wants to repay the trust voters have just placed in them by making a positive impact.

The election campaign over the last six weeks brought out a lot of clear differences between the parties – but it also brought out many areas of common ground.

The SNP has won an historic third term in the Scottish Parliament with 63 MSPs, over a million votes in Scotland’s constituencies – a first – and the highest share of the constituency vote ever achieved.

This is the most important Holyrood election since we regained our national Parliament in 1999.

We will soon have new tax and welfare powers. And it is crucial that we have a government that is capable of using those powers properly.

And, I firmly believe, only the SNP has the policies, the experience and the vision to use those powers to take Scotland forward.

I am delighted to introduce you to the first issue of our new magazine dedicated to business life in Scotland today.

SNP Insight will keep you informed each quarter about all aspects of Scotland’s vibrant business sector and how the SNP is working with the business community to build a brighter future for everyone.

On Thursday, the people of Scotland go to the polls to elect the government for the next five years.

It’s been an immense privilege to serve as MSP for Glasgow Southside and as Scotland’s First Minister, and I hope that the people of Glasgow – and Scotland – allow me to continue after the election.

We value Scotland’s minority ethnic communities and the huge contribution they make to our society, culture and economy.

We want tolerance, respect and inclusion to be the hallmarks of modern, fairer Scotland – and have set out a number of steps to achieve this for all black and minority ethnic (BME) people in Scotland.

I had the privilege of receiving a university education and it’s one of the reasons why I am able to be in the position I am today, seeking re-election as First Minister. Dodgy hairstyles and questionable fashion choices aside, it was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life.

During my maiden speech in the House of Commons last year, I pointed out the absurdity of this Tory government’s regressive plans to cut Housing Benefit for young people – a move which would sum up the reckless, right-wing agenda of what is the most extreme government we’ve endured since Margaret Thatcher.

Tolerance, respect, inclusion – these are the attitudes and principles we want to encourage and foster in modern, fairer Scotland – and the SNP 2016 manifesto sets out how we will achieve this for all LGBTI people.

Here’s just some of what we’ll do.

Nicola Sturgeon has written to David Cameron to call on the UK Government to return to negotiations with the BMA over the contract for junior doctors in England. This follow a request from the Presidents of the three Scottish based Royal Colleges for support after they raised concerns over spillover effects on Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Our shipbuilding industry has a proud history and the workers on the Clyde have unparalleled skills and experience – and they were made a series of promises by the Tories and Labour during the referendum about the future of their yards.

We will always stand up for the fundamental rights of workers and will continue to work in partnership with trade unions to build a fairer Scotland.

Here’s just some of what we’ll do.

The SNP 2016 manifesto sets out how we will continue our commitment to equality for disabled people and a Scotland that is fair and inclusive to all.

Here’s just some of what we’ll do.

We will always ensure that the contribution older people have made throughout their lives is recognised.

Here’s what an SNP government will do for Scotland’s older people.

The SNP manifesto sets out how we will ensure Scotland continues to be an attractive place to do business and invest.

Here’s just some of what we’ll do.

This week the SNP published our Holyrood election manifesto. It is a serious, substantial document, laying out the party’s programme for government for the next five years, in which we aim to effect a transformation in the opportunities available to all our young people. It is, as the First Minister herself said, the most ambitious…

The SNP 2016 manifesto sets out a range of support a re-elected SNP government will provide to women in Scotland.

Here’s just some of what we’ll do.

A re-elected SNP government will continue our work to ensure that Scotland’s young people have the best opportunities – whether they choose university, college, vocational training or employment.

Here’s what we’ll do.

We want all Scotland’s communities to thrive. The SNP is committed to supporting those in rural and remote areas of Scotland.

Here’s just some of the action we’ll take, if re-elected.

The SNP 2016 manifesto sets out a range of support a re-elected SNP government will provide to Scotland’s families.

Here’s just some of what we’ll do.

Download the full SNP Manifesto 2016 here.

Today Nicola Sturgeon launched the SNP manifesto for the 2016 election.

It’s a manifesto brimming with ideas to move our country forward.

Here’s just some of what our manifesto will deliver for Scotland.

Welcome to the launch of the SNP’s manifesto for the 2016 election – a manifesto for the next generation.

This is a document brimming with ideas and policies to move our country forward.

It is the most ambitious programme for government that the SNP has ever published and I am proud to put it before the Scottish people today.

Congratulations once again to all of this year’s prize winners.

It is truly inspiring to hear of the work led by trade union members across Scotland.

Last year was the first time I had the privilege of addressing you as First Minister and of presenting those awards

We believing that this election is an opportunity to back the next generation of young Scots, to ensure that they have the best start in life and to improve the opportunities available to them when they grow up.

We want to build on our strong record in government of protecting family incomes through policies such as the Council Tax freeze, increased childcare provision and the extension of free school meals.

Tackling climate change remains one of the defining global issues of our times.

Last year’s UN climate summit in Paris sent the clear message that all countries need to further increase their ambition and action on cutting emissions.

I was struck by many comments made at those talks about the good example Scotland was setting. It has not always been easy, but Scotland has been a genuine world leader in the area of climate change and green energy