Sturgeon has refused to rule out a second Scottish referendum, which has inspired a series of creative tweets outlining other things #NotRuledOutByTheSNP. We’ve rounded up some of the best below.
After her performance in the TV debates saw Sturgeon’s profile rise among subsequent polls, all eyes were on the SNP leader to see just what its manifesto would prioritise. We had already heard much on the alternative approach advocated towards austerity, but Sturgeon also provided specific backing on some Labour policies for the first time. She committed to Labour’s mansion tax and the tax for bankers, alongside the call to abolish zero-hour contracts a particularly contentious issue of late.
Read more on the 2015 general election:
- What to expect in the upcoming 2015 general election
- Help with deciding which party to vote for at the general election
- Matthew Hancock: The facts should be checked before Labour starts to make wishes
While the party will only be standing in the 59 Scottish constituencies, the SNP sought to position itself as a party of progressive politics for the whole UK”. Sturgeon encouraged an increase of UK spending of 0.5 per cent a year, allowing for at least 140bn extra investment in the economy and public services. She also pushed for an increase in minimum wage to 8.70 by 2020, as well as the restoration of the 50p top income tax rate, for those earning over 150,000. The money saved from not renewing Trident, would, Sturgeon claimed, be invested in education, childcare and the NHS.
The ongoing issue of Scottish independence was still on the agenda, and the manifesto pledged to use SNP votes at Westminster to ensure the promises made during the referendum are fully delivered. There was also a call for the Smith Commission proposals to be totally delivered, with the prioritisation of early devolution regarding employment policy powers.
Twitter, though, had other priorities…
Distance on all road signs to be changed to 500 miles #NotRuledOutByTheSNP
” Rebecca Munro (@bexmunro) April 20, 2015
Failing grades at college level & above to be re-named “Murphys.” #NotRuledOutByTheSNP
” Nursie (@NursieDear25) April 20, 2015
Ruth Davidson to be made to count ALL the postal votes at every election. #NotRuledOutByTheSNP
” Wings Over Scotland (@WingsScotland) April 20, 2015
Free Gordon Brown swimusit calendar for every household in the land. #NotRuledOutByTheSNP pic.twitter.com/5IlsjaKKee
” Nursie (@NursieDear25) April 20, 2015
All statues to be adorned with traffic cones #NotRuledOutByTheSNP
” ron b (@ronbuch) April 20, 2015
Paint every goverment building tartan #NotRuledOutByTheSNP pic.twitter.com/eIj50fIMJL
” the45% (@scotlands45s) April 20, 2015
500 Miles to replace God Save The Queen as UK National Anthem. #NotRuledOutByTheSNP
” Roddy Macdonald (@logicsrock) April 20, 2015
The Royal Family will be forced to do the Hokey Cokey, live from Princes St every Hogmany. #NotRuledOutByTheSNP
” Douglas Henshall (@djhenshall) April 20, 2015
BBC to air Braveheart to entire UK every night at 9pm. #NotRuledOutByTheSNP
” Retro Aperture (@RetroAperture) April 20, 2015
A new Star Trek television series. #NotRuledOutByTheSNP
” Angry Salmond (@AngrySalmond) April 20, 2015
Ed Miliband will have to work a second job as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle #NotRuledOutByTheSNP pic.twitter.com/wnLDrjCzpZ
” 45Storm (@The45Storm) April 21, 2015
Surnames will be banned and everyone will need to add either ‘Big’ or ‘Wee’ as their first name #NotRuledOutByTheSNP
” Al Dal (@Al_Dal) April 20, 2015
Lightsabers. #NotRuledOutByTheSNP
” Angry Salmond (@AngrySalmond) April 20, 2015