Young Scots have stated time and again that they want a society that deals in big ideas and socially just principles. Scotland's economic status provides the means to deliver - but our will is frustrated by the Westminster political system - which is out of touch and unable to deliver the potential which Scotland offers.

The SNP has always been on the side of Scotland's young people. We believe they deserve a greater say in the future of their country. That is why we have long supported lowering the voting age to 16.

Young people want Scotland to make a positive contribution to the world - with a tolerant and inclusive society at home and greater help for those in need overseas. Young people, like the SNP, opposed Blair's illegal war - and recognise that impeaching Blair will bring him to account, rather than just name-calling by the Tories and Lib Dems.

Scotland's young people want freedom - freedom of opportunity and freedom for their country.

It is issues such as Iraq and compulsory ID cards, which are seeing many young people joining the SNP. The party's official youth wing, Young Scots for Independence (YSI), campaign on these issues as well as highlighting the need for Scottish Independence across the country. Glasgow has a strong YSI presence. Please get in touch if you would like to get involved. There are also branches of the SNP's student wing, the Federation of Student Nationalists (FSN) at the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde. See their websites for further information.

The SNP pledges a whole raft of measures to benefit younger voters and bring them into the mainstream of Scottish society. These include:

• Cutting the voting age to 16 and providing more opportunity for younger voters to choose the issues debated in the Scottish Parliament
• Cutting school class sizes, tackling indiscipline and truancy and encouraging excellence and specialisation within the comprehensive education system
• Preparing young people for life with citizenship classes, teaching them things like paying bills, and handling credit
• Abolishing all tuition and top up fees for higher education and replacing student loans with grants
• Encouraging young people to stay fit and healthy, with improved sports facilities, more healthy food in schools and better access to drug rehabilitation schemes
• A National Apprenticeship Scheme, to equip young people with the skills they need for jobs in a modern economy
• Improving young people's access to affordable housing, including a £2,000 grant for first time buyers
• Policies for a cleaner environment and rejection of more nuclear power stations, waste or weapons being dumped in Scotland
• Strong measures to guarantee a tolerant and inclusive society, with equal opportunities for all
• A strong Scottish contribution to building a fairer and safer world, including meeting the UN target of 0.7% of national income for overseas aid.

Download the 2005 SNP Youth Manifesto (95k PDF)

To get involved with Glasgow YSI, visit our Bebo or  Myspace sites, or contact convener on 07973 451902