SNP and Labour policies compared

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.