2.3.2 Ideas and Policies of Two Minor Parties

There are many other parties emerging into UK politics. For example, the SNP, Green Party, Sinn Fein, and Plaid Cymru.

The SNP

The Scottish National Party (SNP)

Background:

Aims

1. Scottish Independence:

• Primary Aim: The SNP's central aim is to achieve independence for Scotland from the United Kingdom. They believe that Scotland should have full control over its affairs, including its economy, foreign policy, and social services.
• Recent Efforts: Following Brexit, the SNP has intensified its push for a second independence referendum, arguing that Scotland was taken out of the EU against its will (62% of Scots voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum).

2. Social Democracy:

• Healthcare: Committed to protecting and enhancing the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland, ensuring it remains publicly funded and free at the point of use.
• Education: Advocates for free university education and policies aimed at reducing inequality in the education system.
• Welfare: Supports robust social welfare policies to reduce poverty and inequality, including progressive taxation and social security reforms.

3. Environmental Sustainability:

• Climate Change: The SNP aims to make Scotland a leader in renewable energy and has set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2045.
• Recent Policies: Investment in renewable energy projects, promoting electric vehicles, and enhancing public transportation infrastructure.

4. Economic Growth:

• Inclusive Growth: Promotes policies aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth that benefits all sectors of society.
• Business Support: Provides support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and aims to attract investment to boost Scotland's economy.

Successes

1. Electoral Dominance:

• Scottish Parliament: The SNP has been the leading party in the Scottish Parliament since 2007. They won a landslide victory in the 2011 election, gaining an overall majority, and have remained the largest party in subsequent elections.
• Recent Election: In the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, the SNP won 64 seats, just one short of an overall majority, solidifying their dominance in Scottish politics. However, in 2024 the SNP won just 9 seats, demonstrating their declining influence.

2. Legislative Achievements:

• Health and Education: The SNP has implemented policies such as free prescriptions, increased funding for the NHS, and maintained free university education for Scottish students.
• Social Policies: Introduced the Scottish Child Payment to tackle child poverty and enhanced social security provisions through the establishment of Social Security Scotland.

3. Environmental Policies:

• Renewable Energy: Scotland is a leader in renewable energy, with significant investments in wind, hydro, and tidal power. The SNP's policies have contributed to Scotland generating nearly 100% of its electricity demand from renewable sources in recent years.

4. EU Relations:

• Pro-EU Stance: The SNP has consistently advocated for Scotland's place in the European Union. Since Brexit, they have sought ways to maintain close ties with the EU, including exploring options for Scotland to rejoin as an independent nation.

5. Westminster Representation:

6. Second Independence Referendum:

• Ongoing Campaign: The SNP continues to campaign for a second independence referendum, often referred to as "Indyref2." They argue that the political landscape has changed significantly since the 2014 referendum, particularly due to Brexit.
• Recent Developments: In 2022, the Scottish Government published a series of papers outlining the case for independence and the potential benefits for Scotland. The SNP is seeking a Section 30 order from the UK government to hold a legally binding referendum.

The Green Party

Background:

Main Aims and Focus

1. Environmental Protection:

• Climate Action: Advocates for urgent measures to combat climate change, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
• Renewable Energy: Promotes investment in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and tidal power.
• Biodiversity: Focuses on protecting natural habitats, wildlife conservation, and reversing biodiversity loss.

2. Social Justice:

• Economic Equality: Supports policies to reduce economic inequality, including progressive taxation and a universal basic income.
• Public Services: Advocates for well-funded public services, including healthcare and education, to ensure they are accessible to all.
• Housing: Promotes affordable housing initiatives and policies to tackle homelessness.

3. Grassroots Democracy:

• Decentralization: Supports decentralizing political power to local communities to enhance democratic participation.
• Transparency: Campaigns for greater transparency and accountability in government and corporate practices.

4. Sustainable Development:

• Green Economy: Encourages sustainable economic practices that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
• Circular Economy: Supports the transition to a circular economy, emphasizing recycling, reuse, and sustainable production.

Successes

1. Electoral Achievements:

• Local Government: The Green Party has seen increasing success in local government elections, with over 400 councillors elected across England and Wales as of 2023. This local presence allows them to influence local policies on environmental and social issues.
• European Parliament: In the 2019 European Parliament elections, the Green Party secured 7.9% of the vote in England and Wales, winning 7 seats. Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, this success highlighted growing support for Green policies.

2. Parliamentary Representation:

• House of Commons: Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion since 2010, is the Green Party's most prominent parliamentary representative. She has been a vocal advocate for environmental and social justice issues.
• Impact: Caroline Lucas's presence in Parliament ensures that Green policies and perspectives are part of national debates, influencing broader legislative discussions.
• 2024 General Election: The Green Party increased their seats from one seat to four seats.

3. Policy Influence:

• Climate Emergency Declarations: The Green Party's persistent campaigning has contributed to numerous local councils and the UK Parliament declaring a climate emergency, leading to more robust climate policies at various government levels.
• Environmental Legislation: The party's advocacy has influenced the inclusion of stronger environmental protections in national legislation, such as the Environment Act 2021.

Influence in Government

1. Local Government:

• Policy Implementation: Green councillors have successfully introduced and implemented policies on renewable energy, waste reduction, and sustainable transport in local councils.
• Examples: In councils where Greens hold significant influence, such as Brighton and Hove, they have pushed for extensive recycling programs, sustainable urban planning, and initiatives to increase green spaces.

2. National Policy Influence:

• Climate and Environment: The Green Party's consistent focus on environmental issues has pressured other political parties to adopt greener policies. The cross-party consensus on the need for stronger climate action reflects the Green Party's influence.
• Social Justice: Campaigns for economic equality and social justice have also influenced mainstream parties to address issues such as living wages, housing, and social security reforms.

3. Public Awareness:

• Raising Issues: The Green Party has been instrumental in raising public awareness about critical environmental and social issues through campaigns, public speeches, and participation in national debates.
• Media Presence: Their increased media presence has helped bring environmental issues to the forefront of public discourse, encouraging more people to consider the impact of climate change and sustainability in their voting decisions.