The SNP has pledged that its MPs will press for a high speed rail line to Scotland and early delivery of powers over tax on flights.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made the promises on extending HS2 and devolution of Air Passenger Duty (APD) as she unveiled her party’s business manifesto yesterday.
With the Scottish nationalists tipped to win a record number of seats on May 7, the SNP leader could potentially hold the balance of power if the election results in another hung parliament.
The party’s leader said that a “strong team” of SNP MPs in the Commons would use their influence to try to win a better deal for businesses.
They would also press for the HS2 high speed rail line to connect with Scotland, and for more investment in the expansion of high speed broadband technology.
To help the energy industry, the SNP would attempt to secure changes to the transmission charging regime for power generators, and would keep pressure on the UK Treasury to support the North Sea oil and gas sector.
Nationalist MPs would also make a “strong case” for the UK to remain part of the European Union (EU), should a referendum on this be held.
Ms Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister John Swinney spoke about their proposals on a visit to a construction site near Glasgow.
The SNP leader said: “Ensuring Scotland’s businesses thrive is vital in order to strengthen and grow our economy and create the fairer and more prosperous country we all want to see.
“The SNP is committed to working closely with the business sector, and we have used the powers of devolution to support businesses and their employees however we can.”
Mr Swinney said: “The SNP is the only party offering an alternative to austerity – and our plans for a modest spending increase of 0.5% will enable us to strengthen and grow the Scottish economy as well as investing in our public services.”