Minor Parties

• SNP

  • SNP captured 56 of 59 seats in Scotland in 2015 General Election.
  • Captured disillusioned Scottish voters.
  • Many voters interested in greater devolution and independence for Scotland.
  • However, party lost 21 seats in 2017 - suggesting issue of independence not at the top of voters minds.
  • Forced major parties to declare their stance on Scottish independence; as well as focus their efforts on Scotland more.
• UKIP

  • In 2015, won 12.7% of the popular vote, but only 1 seat.
  • Very dispersed support so remained a fringe party.
  • Took votes away from the Conservatives and Labour.
  • Forced Brexit onto the political agenda; successful in getting a Brexit referendum and leaving the EU.
  • Media image of Farage was popular with many.
  • However, in 2017; UKIP support dropped and lost it's 1 seat; leader Paul Nuttall resigned.
• Green Party

  • Vote share rose from 1% in 2010 to 3.8% in 2015.
  • Won just one seat in Brighton, where their concentrated support for Caroline Lucas is key.
  • Greens have made an impact on major parties, forcing them to declare their stance on climate change and environmental protection issues.
• Policies of the SNP

  • Scottish independence within the EU.
  • Constitutional Reform including an elected second chamber.
  • Supports social justice; supports living wage; if Scotland becomes independent, it will use taxes to redistribute income.
  • Opposed to UK nuclear weapons.
  • SNP abolished tuition fees, retained Education Maintenance Allowance for post-16 education.
  • Environmental protection.
  • Supports generous welfare state.
• Policies of UKIP

  • Populist right-wing party.
  • Opposed to the excesses of big business; supports measures to reduce tax evasion.
  • Economically libertarian; belief in as little state interference as possible.
  • Socially-conservative.
  • Opposed to giving international aid - directly influenced Conservatives to drop international aid below 2% of GDP.
  • Protectionist; wants to protect jobs for British workers.
  • Strongly unionist and opposes devolution.
• Policies of Green Party

  • Government should build new homes to solve the housing crisis.
  • Massive investment in public transport.
  • Tuition fees for university should be abolished.
  • Constitutional Reform to make the UK more democratic; such as proportional representation.
  • Wealth tax on the top 1% of the income ladder; living wage of £10 an hour - Conservatives have now raised living wage to £11.44.
  • Opposed to UK nuclear weapons.
  • Forced major parties to declare environmental protection, such as emissions control.