Majority of Scots disapprove of both SNP and UK government

In early 2025, a significant public sentiment emerged in Scotland regarding dissatisfaction with both the UK government and the Scottish National Party (SNP). A YouGov survey revealed that two-thirds of Scots were unhappy with the performance of the UK government, indicating a widespread discontent across various voter bases. Notably, even 53% of those who previously voted for Labour expressed disapproval towards their party's government performance. This poll shows a serious disconnect between the electorate in Scotland and the governing bodies at both Holyrood and Westminster. On the other hand, the Scottish government, led by the SNP, also faced stark criticism from the public. The same survey indicated that 58% of Scots disapproved of the SNP's governance. The party has been in power for several years but is currently struggling to maintain approval as less than a quarter, only 22%, of voters expressed satisfaction with their performance. This critical view underscores the pressing issues that have not resonated positively with the electorate. Moreover, the dissatisfaction is compounded by key political events happening at a national level that affect Scotland's standing within the UK. As Labour opposition leader Keir Starmer navigates the political landscape, discussions around constitutional mechanics for retaining Scotland within the Union have become crucial. The pressure is mounting on him to engage in dialogues surrounding Scotland's future, especially in light of the ongoing sentiment against the UK government's policies. Finally, it appears that the public sentiment towards both governing bodies hints at a larger craving for change within Scotland. As the electorate expresses disappointment across the board, it remains to be seen how these critical viewpoints will shape future elections and the political landscape in Scotland. Public appetite for improvement could signal potential shifts in governance as elections approach.