Minor Parties (Do they matter?)

• minor parties dont get representation in the House of Commons because of electoral systems
• e.g. lib dems,UKIP, green party
• dont get funded and therefore suffer
• suffer from media coverage - their focus is always on labour and conservatives

SNP:

• isnt really a minor party because they are only the biggest party in Scotland - is a major party
• electoral success in scotland
• have been in govt for around 8 years
• introduced different policies - minimal alcohol pricing,university fees, different health policies
• wants scotland to be independent - 2014 referendum (but lost). However, they continue to win elections (now wants a 2nd referendum on independence) suggests that they do matter

Counter argument - parliament can decide on referendum/election - PM has the power to (parliamentary sovereignty)

Vote shares - in elections in scotland are generally high but low nationally

Lib…