Scottish National Party

Overview

The Scottish National Party, usually called the SNP, is the largest political party in Scotland and has led the devolved Scottish Government at Holyrood for most of the period since 2007. Its defining goal is Scottish independence, the establishment of Scotland as a sovereign state separate from the United Kingdom. Alongside this it holds a centre-left, social democratic position on economic and social policy.

The party contests elections both to the Scottish Parliament and to the House of Commons at Westminster, where it has at times been the third largest party. It combines national self-government with a broadly progressive domestic agenda and a pro-European outlook.

History

The SNP was founded in 1934 through the merger of two earlier nationalist groups. For decades it was a marginal force, but it grew from the 1960s onward and became a serious electoral power with the creation of the devolved Scottish Parliament in 1999.

It first formed a Scottish government in 2007 and has governed since, under leaders including Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon. Its central moment was the 2014 independence referendum, which the party lost by 55 to 45 percent but which transformed Scottish politics and boosted SNP support. In the 2026 Scottish Parliament election the party won the most seats and John Swinney continued as First Minister at the head of a minority government.

Economic Policy

The SNP supports a social democratic economic approach, favouring public services, redistribution, and an active role for government. In office at Holyrood it has emphasised free university tuition, free personal care, and other universal benefits funded through the Scottish budget. It argues that independence would allow Scotland to pursue economic policies better suited to its own circumstances, including on energy and taxation.

Social Policy

On social questions the party is broadly progressive. It supports LGBT rights, a welcoming approach to immigration, and equality legislation. It presents Scottish national identity in civic rather than ethnic terms, defining membership of the nation by residence and commitment rather than ancestry. It favours constitutional reform and the deepening of Scottish self-government.

Foreign Policy

The SNP is strongly pro-European and supports Scotland rejoining the European Union as an independent state. It opposes the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons, which are based in Scotland, and has campaigned for their removal. It generally favours international cooperation, development, and a foreign policy distinct from that of Westminster.

Where They Stand

• Campaigns for Scottish independence from the United Kingdom
• Holds a centre-left, social democratic position on the economy
• Supports universal benefits such as free university tuition in Scotland
• Defines Scottish identity in civic rather than ethnic terms
• Is strongly pro-European and supports rejoining the European Union
• Opposes the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons based in Scotland

Electoral Record

The party has governed Scotland since 2007 and dominated Scottish representation at Westminster for much of the past decade. In the 2026 Scottish Parliament election it again won the most seats, 57, remaining the largest party and continuing in government, though without an overall majority.

Position on the Political Compass

Scottish National Party sits on the left-leaning side on economics and is moderate on questions of social freedom and authority.

These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.

Key Figures

Sources and Further Reading

• Scottish National Party (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
• Official party websitesnp.org
• Electoral Commission registrationsearch.electoralcommission.org.uk

Other United Kingdom Parties