Why the SNP surge matters

Economics has got left behind as nationalism has taken over the electoral debate in Scotland, reports Emily Hohler.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) seems to have replaced the kirk as the "guarantor and defender of a distinct Scottish sensibility", says Alex Massie in The Spectator. It's persuaded Scots that it alone "stands up for Scotland" and that "apostates vote for unionist parties". On this basis the SNP could win as many as 55 of Scotland's 59 seats on 7 May. Labour MPs are "in despair".

When voters are "animated by quasi-religious zealotry", economics and reason can "go hang". Labour argues that the SNP's preference for "full fiscal autonomy" would leave a black hole in Scotland's finances.

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