The Scottish Greens have promised a “bold vision for Scotland” that tackles poverty and protects public services.
At the launch of its general election campaign, the party promised a £10minimum wages, plans to secure more powers for local communities, and support to help the North Sea move from petroleum into marine energy.
The party, whose membership stands at around 8,500, plans to field candidates in 31 of Scotland’s 59 UK constituencies, including Aberdeen South; West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine; Moray; Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey; and Ross, Skye and Lochaber.
Co-convener Patrick Harvie MSP said: “Everyone is tired of the same old Westminster politics. Scotland is ready for change and people are eager to vote for ideas they can believe in.
“The Green membership surge means we’re in a strong position to send principled voices to speak up for Scotland’s communities.
“Our bold vision for Scotland and the UK is a compelling offer that others simply can’t match.”
Fellow co-convener Maggie Chapman said: “With a £10 minimum wage we could ensure no one works in a job that keeps them in poverty.
“By rolling back benefits cuts and lifting the punishing sanctions regime, we can restore a society with compassion.”
The Scottish Greens back UK party plans for a citizen’s income, to replace the majority of benefits and the state pension, which would be paid to everyone.
Mr Harvie said the policy was “aspirational” and that existing levels of jobseeker’s allowance, coupled with some of the subsidies given to businesses and landowners, would help fund it.
The Greens hope to build a “progressive alliance” with the SNP at Westminster as they seek to add to the single seat they took in 2010.
Mr Harvie said: “We have common ground with the SNP on some areas, we have always had areas where we have challenged the SNP.
“Any political party that believes in creating the positive alternative to austerity that this country needs, any political party that is committed to abolishing Trident and not investing in another generation of obscene nuclear weapons, any political party that embodies those values would be failing in its duty if it didn’t seek allies on those particular things, while continuing to challenge them where there are areas of serious difference.”