To wonder why people keep voting SNP?

[Carla786]

I don't know a lot about Scottish politics and I may be missing important things they've done. However, I used to have a lot of respect for Nicola Sturgeon but her handling of gender critical issues has destroyed that. The SNP do not seem very effective at reducing drugs, poverty, or other serious issues.
My understanding was that quite a few people vote SNP not because they want independence (which most Scots appear to not want) but because they think the SNP are more committed to Scotland sorcifically than Tories and Labour. How accurate is this though..?

Since most Scots appear to not want independence, I thought the SNP was probably high achieving in other areas & Tories & Labour seen as poor by comparison. Or is it more often seen as the best of 3 bad options? Or is SNP much more positive than the impression I've got?

The real reason that the UK is not a consensual union.

"English politicians frequently cling to a "world power" identity to maintain national prestige, leverage influence beyond their economic weight, and satisfy domestic narratives of greatness.

This persistence is driven by historical legacies, permanent UN Security Council status, "soft power" assets, and a desire to project relevance despite declining military and economic capacity compared to top-tier global powers.

Key reasons for this behavior include:
The "Myth" of Global Power: Populist and traditional factions often trade on a "Great Britain" mentality, ensuring public belief in a unique, influential, and sovereign position, particularly prominent in post-Brexit rhetoric.

Leveraging Soft Power: Despite reduced military capacity, the UK leverages substantial soft power—such as education, diplomatic networks like the Commonwealth, and cultural exports—to project global influence.

Maintaining Institutional Influence: Holding a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and active membership in global alliances are seen as vital for maintaining Britain's disproportionate seat at the table.

Domestic Political Utility: Projections of international strength are used to boost political popularity and "upkeep British values" during turbulent times, acting as a distraction from domestic policy failures.

Historical Legacy: A deeply rooted belief among political elites that Britain retains a unique role as a stable international player, stemming from its former empire and influence on modern law and economics".

(References incl. Chatham House & Parliament).

If the LibDems were to support a second IndyRef then they may do better?

Just a thought.

Hmmm let's see - free (at the point of use) prescriptions, free bus travel for young people and over 60s, free university, delivered over 140,000 new homes, introduction of the Scottish child payment, free baby boxes, early years curriculum based on learning through play, re-nationalising the railway, better performing NHS than in rUK, highest number of GPs per head in the UK, cheaper council tax than rUK, free personal and nursing care to everyone who needs it, regardless of age, free school lunches. I could go on. They're not perfect, and have of course made mistakes, but their commitment to serving the people here and our unique needs is what gets them votes. There's a reason they've been in power for so long.

A host of recent surveys puts support for independence in Scotland at the highest level it's been since 2014, so interested to hear where you got your stats from/impression that there's no appetite for independence - there is.

the uk is a consensual union as we voted very recently to remain in the union. Do you not remember?

The polling shows there’s very little difference beyond the usual statistical blips. HTH

@GargoylesofBeelzebub Re 2014. Yes. I stupidly voted No. Last minute decision in the box itself!

If you waited 25 years, say then that is 2039. 13 years to go. OK. So be it.

But 50 years? No.

100 years? No.

What unionists who say the above really mean is "over my dead body". Literally.

That is not democracy. Times change.

For my part I just want my nation to have an equal say in the shaping of the United Kingdom. Is that so wrong?

No Celtic Nation can beat a homogenous English vote like BREXIT - which was a flawed democratic process in that it did not foresee the issues that arose.

*Google Analytics showed that a majority of Scots born voters voted for independence. Voters outwith Scotland voted No. (I'm NI - a No vote. DP - English - No vote).

I voted yes. I'm within Scotland.

I'd vote no now. And I'm far from the only one.

Same here. I'm English and I voted yes, but now I've seen the shower of shite we have in government and I don't want them to have more power than they already do.

Latest polls:

17-23 Apr 2026

Survation/Diffley Partnership

Sample 1,012
Yes 47%
No 43%
DK 10%

Yes climbs to 58% if Farage became PM.

@SwirlyGates Kinda feel that way about Westminster since the abortion that is BREXIT & the xenophobia of UKIP then Reform.

But yes, Holyrood needs to be better than "the other place".

The need for constitutional reform in the UK.

Significant differences in attitudes among young people (16–29) in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland in 2025–2026 are primarily driven by diverging political cultures, national identity, and views on the future of the UK and Europe.

(Ref British Council | Scotland)

While a common “Gen Z” culture exists, Scottish and Welsh youth are generally more socially democratic and Europhile than English peers, while Irish youth exhibit distinct social openness and a more localized, yet global-looking, perspective.

Key Attitudinal Differences (2025–2026)

National Identity & Independence:

Scotland: A very high proportion of young Scots (approx. 59% of 16-24 year olds) support Scottish independence. They often identify more strongly as Scottish than British, with a tendency to view immigration positively (46%).

Wales: Support for independence is growing among youth, driven by practical concerns about the economy and a desire for self-determination rather than just traditional nationalism. Young Welsh are more likely to identify as Welsh-first than English youth are to feel English-first.

England: Young English people are more likely to see English and British identity as interchangeable and are less likely to prioritize their national identity over their British identity, unlike Scottish or Welsh counterparts.

Ireland: Young people in Ireland are generally fierce proponents of Irish independence and national identity, with a distinct, often more secular, worldview compared to older generations.

SUMMARY:

Young Celts/Gaels are less happy with the UK. But young English folk still count "Being British" as part of being English.

There is already a divergence amongst our young re identity within the UK.

A reason, perhaps for the continued popularity of the SNP & Sinn Fein & the resurgence of Plaid?

The UK needs constitutional reform.

.

Saw this too:

In favour of Keeping Monarchy vs in Favour of an Elected Head of State by Identity:

Identifying as English 68% vs 32%
Identifying as British 62% vs 38%
Identifying as Scottish 41% vs 59%
Identifying as Welsh 36% vs 64%

NB NI splits along community lines.

So 68/62% of people identifying as English or British support a Monarchy.

But only 41% Scots & 36% Welsh.

The UK is not homogenous: it is not One Nation, One Country. We are diverging as a union.

The SNP under Salmond were an independence movement, but more recently they are a caretaker party, managing the colony and enjoying the trappings of office.
A number of Scots do not realize this, some Scots realize but think of them as a party which puts Scottish interests first within the UK framework.

I wouldn't vote for them

Not long now.

Only through strong nationalist parties will Westminster realise that paradoxically constitutional change is needed if the Union is to survive.

Whitehall must learn to share power in a more USA federal or German lander way.