Conservative manifesto shows the party ‘stands up for the workers’ – Ruth Davidson

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has welcomed the launch of the UK party’s General Election manifesto.

In particular, she highlighted pledges on a tax-free minimum wage and a commitment to continue boosting the country’s economy.

Davidson said a Labour government propped up by the SNP would be damaging for the UK’s finances.

The SNP and Labour have the brass neck to pretend that they have a plan for the economy

She continued: “Today’s Conservative manifesto proves that it is this party which stands up for the worker.

“If you’re on the minimum wage, you won’t pay any income tax under a Conservative Government.

“If you start earning a higher wage, we’ll make sure you keep more of your money – by raising the tax-free personal allowance to £12,500.

“We’re the party which will sort out the economy so that we can afford a great NHS and give you and your family the chance to make the most of your lives.

“The SNP and Labour have the brass neck to pretend that they have a plan for the economy but any plan based on more taxes, more borrowing and more debt would wreck all the hard work of the last five years.

“Putting them in power would damage the economy and, as always, it would be the lowest paid who would suffer the most.”

Other key pledges in the manifesto include extending the right-to-buy scheme for housing association tenants in England; 30 hours of free childcare for three and four years olds “worth £5,000 a year”; lifting the inheritance tax threshold on family homes to £1m by 2017; and no above-inflation rises in rail fares until 2020.

Prime Minister David Cameron said in his introduction to the document: "The central questions at this election are these: how do we maintain our economic recovery, upon which our ambitions for our country depend? And how do we make sure that the recovery benefits every one of our citizens, at every stage of their lives?

"This manifesto sets out our plan to do just that. It is a plan for a better future - for you, for your family. It is a plan for every stage of your life. For your new-born baby, there will be the world's best medical care. For your child, there will be a place at an excellent school.

"As you look for your first job, we are building a healthy economy that provides a good career for you with a decent income. As you look for that first home, we will make sure the Government is there to help. As you raise your family, we will help you with childcare. And as you grow older, we will ensure that you have dignity in retirement."

Read more about Labour and the SNP's manifesto launches here.