Nationalist parties in Scotland and Wales

Nationalist parties in Scotland and Wales

1. Scottish National Party (SNP)

   • Central aim of achieving independent Scotland
   • Supported the formation of devolved parliament with tax-varying powers in 1997 referendum
   • At 2007 Scottish Parliament elections, SNP campaigned for referendum on full independence for Scotland
     • Secured 49 out of 129 seats
     • Formed a minority government - coalition arrangements failed
     • 2009 Scottish Parliament Elections, secured a working majority (69 seats)

2. Plaid Cymru (PC)

   • Central aim of achieving independent Wales
   • Aims to encourage preservation of Welsh culture and the use of Welsh language
   • Failure to secure independent Wales in 1979 referendum (20% 'yes' in 58% turnout)
   • Performed quite well in Assembly elections between 1999 and 2001
     • Entered coalition with Welsh Labour Party in 2007
   • 2011 elections PC secured only 18.6% of the vote, and 11 out of 60 seats