JIM Murphy launched Labour's Scottish Manifesto in Glasgow and claimed "The party of Donald Dewar and John Smith is back in business".

 

He revealed the 94 page document which he said contained 160 fully costed commitments to improve life for the working and middle classes.

The SNP were the target of his speech claiming Labour's opponents in Scotland can't deliver redistributive policies and can only help ensure a Conservative government is re-elected.

The launch was an appeal to voters who had left Labour in recent years declaring Labour was different to the Tories and to the SNP.

Of the SNP, he said: "Nationalism did not create the NHS or a welfare state. Nationalism did not establish the rights of working people. Nationalism did not transform the housing conditions of Scotland's cities.

"All of that was done by Labour governments and, more often than not, it was opposed by the Scottish Nationalists who now seek to steal these clothes.

"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but flattery will get Scotland nowhere if we end up with a Tory government."

He outlined policies including 1000 more nurses, 500 more GPs and a£3200m Mental Health fund, £200m Cancer Fund and £1bn extra investment in the NHS.

He said it would be paid for from UK taxation including a mansion tax, bankers' bonus tax and increasing the top rate of tax to 50p for earnings above £150,000.

He said the policies had to be paid for and said Labour was serving notice on the "super rich" who said "jetted in from Monaco" that it was time for them to pay their tax "just like everyone else.

Mr Murphy added: "Some of you will speculate who that's aimed at, but that's for another day."

He added: "We believe in the Labour idea of redistribution. This election is not an extension of the referendum. It is about how Britain is government for the next five years."

He added: "Because if you are a child eating from a food bank, doing without presents on your birthday because your mum or dad didn't get the hours they needed or you're sleeping in an overcrowded flat, we don't care what side of the River Tweed you grow up on.

"Poverty has no regard for geography, poverty has no regard for nationality. We are on your side."

The Manifesto includes a guaranteed job or training for long term unemployed regardless of age.

Breakfast clubs for 100 primary schools in the poorest areas and a Future Fund worth £1600 for every young person not in university, college or an apprenticeship.

Mr Murphy launched the manifesto at Tollcross Leisure Centre with Margaret Curran, who is trying to hold the Glasgow East seat from an SNP challenge.

Ms Curran said the votes in Glasgow and in her seat could decide the General Election.

She said: "This country is within touching distance of a majority Labour government.

That could be decided her in Scotland, it could be decided here in this seat.

I've been telling people you are the people who can give Iain Duncan Smith his P45."

Mr Murphy said the theme of the manifesto was helping working families through traditional Labour values.

He said the Scottish Labour party in recent years had not been good enough but was now looking ahead with fresh eyes.

When asked what difference Labour would make to places like the east end of Glasgow, he said: "You will be better off in work than on benefits. If you go out to work you should be better off, that's not an argument for cutting benefits.

"You should be able to earn enough to pay your bills to afford your rent and be guaranteed a decent days pay.

He added: "The Party of Donald Dewar and John Smith is back in business."