SNP says independence is a 'hard sell' after 38 seats lost
The Independent|July 06, 2024
The SNP has just 18 months to save the case for Scottish independence after suffering a drubbing in the general election, its Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has admitted.
DAVID MADDOX
SNP says independence is a 'hard sell' after 38 seats lost

The nationalists lost their position as Scotland's dominant party in the House of Commons, losing 38 of 47 their seats - mostly to a resurgent Labour - and dealing a huge blow to their hopes of securing another independence referendum. It's their lowest number of seats at Westminster since 2010, and means they have dropped from the third-largest party, with a question every week at PMQs, to the fourth-largest.

With all but one of the 57 Scottish seats declared, Labour hold 37, the SNP nine and the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats each have five; a recount in the Inverness, Skye and West Rossshire seat will not restart until 10.30am today. Labour is now the biggest party in Scotland, England and Wales - the first party to achieve this since Tony Blair's Labour government of 2001.

Mr Flynn and party leader John Swinney, who stepped in just weeks ago to replace Humza Yousaf, both admitted their case for independence had suffered a massive setback. But both insisted that a mandate for another referendum on Scotland's future lies in the Holyrood elections due to take place in 2026.

Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin July 06, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin July 06, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE INDEPENDENT DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
'I didn't think I'd make it'
The Independent

'I didn't think I'd make it'

Adam Smith, the commentator with a voice synonymous with boxing’, tells Alex Pattle about his enforced absence from the sport and his agonising battle with cancer

time-read
7 dak  |
September 12, 2024
England charge back after early Australian fireworks
The Independent

England charge back after early Australian fireworks

England weathered some early fireworks from Travis Head to restrict Australia to 179 in their series-opening T20 against Australia.

time-read
2 dak  |
September 12, 2024
Reeves must cut the gloom to return the UK to growth
The Independent

Reeves must cut the gloom to return the UK to growth

Not many people are inclined to feel much sympathy for Rachel Reeves at the moment the cut to winter fuel payments could hardly have gone down worse but she’s been dealt a dismal hand. And now the economy has stalled on her.

time-read
3 dak  |
September 12, 2024
Stones opens up on Euros hurt and Harry's hundred.
The Independent

Stones opens up on Euros hurt and Harry's hundred.

Defender eyes century of caps as young Lions add energy’

time-read
3 dak  |
September 12, 2024
‘Age gap, schmage gap - it's a bit cringe, but love is love'
The Independent

‘Age gap, schmage gap - it's a bit cringe, but love is love'

Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall are co-writers, co-stars, and married. They tell Ellie Harrison what it’s like to work together on their hit comedy series Colin from Accounts’

time-read
7 dak  |
September 12, 2024
How 'Funeral' cost Arcade Fire blood, sweat and tears
The Independent

How 'Funeral' cost Arcade Fire blood, sweat and tears

Mark Beaumont talks to members of the band about how the seminal album was shaped by death, near-fatal live shows and the Montreal music scene, 20 years since its initial release

time-read
9 dak  |
September 12, 2024
'I realised he could kill me
The Independent

'I realised he could kill me

After James Barr’s ex became abusive, the comedian ended up living in fear of his partner. He believes we need to talk more about domestic violence in the queer community

time-read
5 dak  |
September 12, 2024
'I use my fuel allowance to go out for dinner at The Ivy'
The Independent

'I use my fuel allowance to go out for dinner at The Ivy'

As the backlash grows over the decision to cut the benefit for some pensioners, Zoe Beaty heads to Harrogate in Yorkshire where she nears two very different takes on Labour’s policy

time-read
4 dak  |
September 12, 2024
Where's a warm winter trip outside the Schengen area?
The Independent

Where's a warm winter trip outside the Schengen area?

A Brexit really does keep on giving, doesn’t it? The decision to leave the European Union was followed by the UK securing its status as a “third country”, alongside Paraguay and East Timor, thereby making British travellers subject to all kinds of red tape.

time-read
1 min  |
September 12, 2024
The thrilling tale of six days that changed Britain forever
The Independent

The thrilling tale of six days that changed Britain forever

Ben Macintyre’s unputdownable new book The Siege’ tells the story of an SAS op like no other, writes Robert McCrum

time-read
5 dak  |
September 12, 2024