Scottish newspaper the Sunday Mail is to announce its support for the Green Party in the European elections.

The newspaper – one of Scotland’s bestselling Sunday titles – is announcing its backing for the Scottish Greens in the poll in a front page editorial on May 12.

The traditionally left-leaning newspaper said it had chosen to back the Greens because climate change was not being treated as a priority by the major parties.

In tomorrow's Sunday Mail, we announce our plans to back the Scottish Green Party in the upcoming European elections #ScotPapers pic.twitter.com/F5WdIs59x8 — Sunday Mail (@Sunday_Mail) May 11, 2019

Its article says: “The Euro poll in 11 days’ time has been turned into a referendum by proxy on Brexit – the identity issue which has crippled our politics for almost three years and counting.

“Meanwhile we are all faced with a genuine emergency which is, in relative terms, being ignored. Climate change is the biggest issue confronting our country and our planet.”

It continues: “The Sunday Mail has a proud history in tackling prejudice and fighting for social justice – though we do value our neutrality in party politics.

“Our backing of the Green Party doesn’t mean we agree with them on everything – and doesn’t necessarily mean we’d follow them on the Yes side of a new independence referendum.

“In this election though their manifesto and vision chimes clearly with our values and the interests of our readers.”

Scottish Greens co-convenor Patrick Harvie has welcomed the paper’s support (Jane Barlow/PA)

The move makes the Sunday Mail the first national newspaper to endorse the Scottish Greens – whose lead candidate is Maggie Chapman – for the EU elections on May 23.

Scottish Greens co-convenor Patrick Harvie MSP said: “We’re delighted that the Sunday Mail is backing the Scottish Greens in the European elections this year.

“This is the most important European election we’ve ever faced, it’s vital that we elect Scotland’s first Green MEP to work in tandem with our European neighbours and tackle the climate emergency.”