Scottish National Party (SNP)

Question

The Scottish National Party is Scotland’s main pro-independence political party. Their central goal is for Scotland to become an independent country, separate from the UK.

They are one of the most influential political parties in modern UK politics, especially since the 2010s.

Key Facts About the SNP

1. Founded

• 1934

• Created from the merger of two smaller pro-independence groups.

2. Main Goal

• Scottish independence
  They want Scotland to:

• Control its own government

• Have its own constitution

• Rejoin the EU as an independent state (modern SNP policy)

3. Political Position

• Generally described as:

  • Centre-left

  • Social democratic

  • Pro-EU

  • Progressive on social issues

 

Policies the SNP Typically Supports

Independence

• Their core mission.

Social democracy

• Free university tuition

• Strong public services

• Support for the National Health Service (NHS Scotland)

Economy

• More investment in renewable energy

• Control over Scotland’s natural resources (e.g., North Sea energy)

Foreign policy

• Favour European Union membership

• Support nuclear disarmament (they want nuclear submarines removed from Scotland)

 

Where Do They Govern?

Scottish Parliament (Holyrood)

• The SNP has been the largest party since 2007.

• They have often led the Scottish Government, including First Ministers like:

  • Alex Salmond

  • Nicola Sturgeon

  • Humza Yousaf

  • (and currently another leader if updated)

UK Parliament (Westminster)

• The SNP usually wins most Scottish seats in the UK Parliament, but they sit in opposition since the UK as a whole rarely elects them enough to govern the UK.

 

2014 Independence Referendum

The SNP pushed for the major referendum in 2014, where:

• 45% voted Yes (for independence)

• 55% voted No

This was the biggest moment in SNP history.

Since then, the SNP has continued to argue for a second referendum, often called “IndyRef2.”

 

Why the SNP Matters

• They are the driving force behind the independence movement.

• They shape almost all major political decisions inside Scotland.

• They influence UK-wide debates because Scottish seats can affect the balance of power.