The network for international development

News and issues

SNP and Plaid Cymru launch manifestos

21 April 2010

The SNP and Plaid Cymru have both launched their manifestos for the 2010 election.

Celebrating the fact that Scottish aid and aid workers have offered a vital lifeline to some of the poorest people in need, including through Scotland's links with Malawi, the SNP manifesto includes a promise to press the UK government to meet its commitment to meet the UN target of 0.7% of national wealth devoted to overseas development.

The manifesto also talks about transforming Scotland in to a green economy and also proposes a Scottish Centre for Reconciliation and Conflict Resolution, to promote peaceful alternatives to armed conflict.

The SNP states a strong opposition to UK plans to reform the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The Plaid Cymru manifesto also promises to honour the commitment to delivering 0.7% of GDP as international aid in addition to continuing the campaign for the cancellation of developing countries' unaffordable debts. This would be financed in part by tightening the rules to stop the super-rich from using tax loopholes to avoid paying tax in the UK and taxing foreign exchange transactions.

Describing the climate crisis as "one of the most pressing political challenges we face" Plaid Cymru promises, to press the UK to follow the Welsh Assembly's example of aiming to reduce emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2020. On the global level they would increase resources for the UN Adaptation Fund to help developing countries adapt to the effects of climate change and call for developing countries to have an equal voice in decision making on climate action.

The Party of Wales would insist on essential governance reform of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to ensure that they take into account human rights, the environment and workers' rights.

Plaid Cymru describes likely reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as one of the "difficult challenges ahead" and promises to work through the Welsh Assembly to assist agriculture to become more market driven and profitable.

Plaid would seek to establish a Wales Peace Institute to help the country play its part in promoting peace and justice throughout the world. In line with this, they call for action to curtail the international arms trade including a new treaty and a binding code of conduct restricting arms exports, as well as a complete ban on land mines and cluster bombs.

International Development excerpts from the SNP and Plaid Cymru manifestos

How Plaid Cymru compares to the Vote Global manifesto

< Back