Election promises: Wi-Fi chain gangs and maximum wage

UKIP have nothing much to say about technology – though they would repeal wishy-washy laws such as the 1998 Human Rights Act and withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. They would also allow designated smoking rooms in pubs.

The BNP, who have high hopes in the East London seat of Barking and Dagenham, have yet to produce a manifesto. Their manifesto page currently appears with errors, and a party spokesperson told us that they may publish their manifesto this week.

A canter through published policy suggests a party that is deeply protectionist – although favourable to the idea of "a technology-intensive manufacturing base". We did search hard for IT policies, but about the only mention of such initiatives was a proposal for the introduction of "electronically tagged 'chain gangs' to provide labour for projects such as coastal defences".

In Scotland and Wales, the SNP (manifesto to be published today) and Plaid Cymru respectively are looking to make gains at the major parties’ expense and possibly have some say in a hung parliament. Both parties are playing the regional defence card, talking up the scale of cuts that a Westminster-based government might try to impose on the Celtic fringes, and arguing that only they can defend their respective nationalities.

Both are looking to increase their powers.

Plaid Cymru argue strongly (pdf) for the prioritisation of access to broadband, with the aim of providing super-fast broadband to our companies. They highlight a particular issue that they have, with the existence of many "not spots" in Wales, where the internet and other telecoms technology is currently unavailable – and want government to tackle these.

Meanwhile, the SNP would scrap the ID Card scheme and, a spokeswoman told us, they will "work to ensure that growth industries in Scotland, like the computer games industry, are given the same sort of support as they receive in competitor countries". ®