The SNP has published a people's manifesto to Make Scotland Matter. The manifesto focuses on measures to improve the lives of people in Scotland as well as campaigning priorities for the next Parliament.

The SNP will be delivering for the people of Scotland, with measures to:

• create new opportunities for young Scots
  
• provide more support for young families
  
• boost incomes for pensioners
  
• generate higher wealth with a focus on economic growth

The SNP will also commit to a nuclear free future for Scotland and to save the Scottish regiments. Speaking in advance of the launch, SNP Leader Alex Salmond said:

"This is a People's manifesto for a free Scotland. It is made in Scotland for Scotland.

"It is a manifesto to make Scotland matter in this election, a manifesto focused on a better future for the people of Scotland.

"We want to boost Scotland's national wealth, so we can invest in more opportunities for young Scots, deliver more help for Scottish families and boost the incomes of our pensioners.

"Scotland doesn't want a forced choice between Michael Howard, a Tory who introduced the poll tax, or Tony Blair, a Tory who took us into an illegal war. People want a Scottish option - a party that will make Scotland matter in May, a party with the vision to create a new Scotland.

Speaking in Edinburgh, SNP Depute Leader, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, said:

"This election is about more than the no choice option of Michael Howard or Tony Blair – it is about the real choice for Scotland, getting our nation back on track, putting Scotland in control.

"We have a vision for a health service that remains local and treats people more quickly and effectively. We want the best start for children in Scotland with more free nursery education and smaller class sizes for P1 to P3.

"Together with Scotland, at this election, we can win a better deal for our pensioners, and secure Scottish control over Scotland's oil so we can invest a share of our vast natural wealth in a fund for future generations. At this election, SNP success can save our regiments and stop Scotland from becoming the world's nuclear dustbin.

"This election matters for Scotland, and the SNP is committed to make Scotland matter in May. SNP MPs are the hardest working at Westminster, taking every opportunity to stand up for their constituents and for Scotland. It is no wonder the SNP is the most trusted political party and Alex Salmond the most trusted political leader.

"When the SNP wins London listens. This manifesto is a platform for future Scottish success."

Download the SNP's 2005 General Election Manifesto: