Labour and the Tories in Scotland claim they represent Scotland – but virtually all of their front bench team (the most senior politicians who set party strategy) are based in England. Only the SNP has a front bench team that’s based in Scotland. So which party will take most account of Scotland’s priorities?

Scotland is routinely ignored

Scottish priorities are often different to those most commonly seen in England. A large majority wanted to remain part of the EU, and want Scotland to rejoin. A large majority don’t want immigration to reduce and see the value that new Scots bring. Most Scottish people appreciate the value of investing in public services, rather than selling them off. But when it comes to UK politics, Scotland is ignored.

In fact, a Scottish party has never been included in a UK Government. So an SNP party at Westminster can (and does) lobby for change to reflect Scottish priorities – but there is no obligation for the Westminster parties that take turns at power to listen. Sometimes they do. Mostly they don’t.

Regaining independence is the only way to guarantee that Scotland’s priorities will always be considered.