In yet another challenge for Labour’s new leadership (election loss fallout, leaks and coalition deal failure being the others), the nationalist SNP has bizarrely, yet successfully, merged into the unionist Labour. This will likely cause internal party tensions between the staunch unionists and the new (and old) nationalist members. The SNP were criticised for betraying the independence movement, and leaving it with no representation. Now, an unlikely hero has stepped up in the name of The People’s Movement.

The People’s Movement were part of the SNP but rejected the merger into Labour and have now formed Sinn Fhèin. In a launch statement the party stated:

“We are maintaining our principles of libertarian socialism, the abolishment of hierarchies, and a commitment to the right of self-determination which will ensure better lives for the people of Scotland.”

Reaffirming themselves as a nationalist party. The full launch statement can be found here: Sinn Fhèin launch statement.

The merger leaves just one MSP in a nationalist party, /u/14derry, taking the full burden of representing Scottish nationalists that the SNP abandoned. The MP made the following statement to the Telegraph:

“I’m happy that I’m able to continue representing my constituents, but it’s a bit daunting to be faced with the realisation that I will be the only MSP able to effectively criticise the union and how it’s failing Scotland. I understand why my former SNP colleagues made the decision they did, but I’m very concerned that the Labour party will stifle their voices when it comes to the constitutional settlement. Sinn Fhèin would be happy to accept any former member of the SNP who wants to make themselves heard, as we have already accepted former First Minister mg9500.”

Notably, the MSP has called for defections of former away from Labour. This may not be out of the realms of possibility as reports of tensions rising in Labour, with socially conservative and unionist members rallying together against the SNP insurgence. The ex-SNP members may find a friendlier space in TPM and Sinn Fhèin, whose national party is not explicitly unionist. The Telegraph will be investigating these reports further in the coming weeks, as the post-merger fallout could be more dramatic than the creation of the cabinet.

BrexitGlory is a political pundit and report active in Westminster and Holyrood. For tips, leaks and information please reach out to: Klobucharge#0830

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