We’ve never been able to actually confirm the oft-cited “quote” from Margaret Thatcher suggesting that the SNP winning a majority of Scottish seats at a UK election would constitute a mandate for independence, but here’s a verified more recent one from a then-serving Conservative PM.
“[John] Major has made it clear that a majority of SNP MPs after an election would serve as a mandate to begin negotiations for separation. There are no plans to hold a referendum”, said former Thatcher minister and party chairman Norman Tebbit a few months before the 1997 election.
It was a position the Tories held right up to 2010 – the last election at which the SNP didn’t win a majority of Scottish seats, at which point the goalposts magically shifted. Now, of course, the rule is that a majority of MPs doesn’t count, but you also can’t have a referendum.
Scotland is a prisoner without hope of parole. Time for a breakout.
We couldn’t help but raise a quizzical eyebrow at this assertion from SNP MP Pete Wishart in today’s Sunday National.
It was said in the specific context of securing a second indyref in 2020, and since such a referendum has NOT in fact been secured – and looks extremely unlikely to be – we wondered which other definition of “success” might be being used to justify the claim.
The 2010s end in a matter of hours, and everyone and their genderfluid dog is writing retrospectives of the 10 years just past. This site, which came into existence in the second year of the decade, has very little interest in following suit – we’ve always been about the future.
But a cursory glance over the shoulder does reveal one immediately striking fact that’s worthy of passing note.
We got blocked by LBC’s James O’Brien today for very gently and politely challenging him over this tweet:
And while this site most assuredly carries no torch for Jeremy Corbyn, it’s a reframing of reality that merits a bit of investigation for what it tells us about the UK media.
Lorna Campbell on Scotland In Numbers: “It is Stalinism/totalitarianism, Fearghas, and deliberately so pour encourager les autres. I think we really need to ask what is…” Feb 18, 13:48
Hatey McHateface on Scotland In Numbers: “I find the fact that Neil Armstrong could claim descent from Scottish Border Reiver ancestors on his father’s side is…” Feb 18, 13:43
Cynicus on Scotland In Numbers: “Cameron Lochiel says: 18 February, 2026 at 12:04 am “It’s about time we gave up and let the bees take…” Feb 18, 13:37
Hatey McHateface on Scotland In Numbers: “Spain has just granted citizenship to around one million illegals. Thus effectively unleashing them on all the other EU member…” Feb 18, 13:29
Hatey McHateface on Scotland In Numbers: ““58 per cent reported “self-censorship and chilling effects”, followed by “bullying, harassment and ostracism” at 42 per cent, and “barriers…” Feb 18, 13:22
Hatey McHateface on Scotland In Numbers: ““no real strategy to replace the migrant workforce” I suggest you type “how many UK citizens rely entirely on benefits”…” Feb 18, 13:17
Hatey McHateface on Scotland In Numbers: “Quite an amusing post, Confused. As always, a quibble: “the big story right now” Naw. The voracious news cycle has…” Feb 18, 13:03
Hatey McHateface on The Longest Road: “Ah, c’moan noo, x. Lots o’ loons wear curlers these days. They’re nae jist fer quines.” Feb 18, 12:48
Fearghas MacFhionnlaigh on Scotland In Numbers: “ACADEMIC: ‘ERASING BIOLOGICAL SEX FROM RESEARCH UNDERMINES ACADEMIA’ A prominent academic has urged his colleagues to stand against the “quiet…” Feb 18, 12:42
Confused on Scotland In Numbers: “we are doing so badly, there’s a waiting list for the r4ping these days https://archive.ph/4n6H5 – maybe they could open…” Feb 18, 12:28
Lorna Campbell on Scotland In Numbers: “Partly, it’s spreading monies too thinly and partly punishment. I had a fair inkling that, if the UKSC Ruling was…” Feb 18, 12:28
Lorna Campbell on Scotland In Numbers: “Absolutely, H. McH. That ship has sailed. It would be economic and social and political madness to resurrect the EU…” Feb 18, 12:08
Andy Wiltshire on Scotland In Numbers: “‘Is there anything practical to show for it…?’ Yes. The right people still get invited to the right dinner parties.” Feb 18, 11:58
Southernbystander on Scotland In Numbers: “Interesting, though you have to subscribe to read the bulk of it. I am in broad agreement with him. I…” Feb 18, 11:42
Stuart MacKay on Scotland In Numbers: “Here’s a stick that could be used to beat every politician into oblivion, whether it’s the SNP (we hate women),…” Feb 18, 11:36
sam on Scotland In Numbers: “Well done J K Rowling. Beira’s Place still functions in Edinburgh. It is funded by Ms Rowling.As well as Ms…” Feb 18, 10:59
agentx on The Longest Road: “Wow – GB womens curlers just had a great win!” Feb 18, 10:49
Frank Gillougley on Scotland In Numbers: “That is a huge lawyers ‘welfare’ bill. One million plus on that one issue alone. Is there anything practical to…” Feb 18, 10:48
sam on Scotland In Numbers: “Alf, It is worth noting the role of King James I and VI. He used Scots to try to seize…” Feb 18, 10:46
diabloandco on Scotland In Numbers: “Indeed , a massive loss.” Feb 18, 10:16
James Che on Scotland In Numbers: “100%Yes, If they had gone down the route in the beginning of Recognising Scotland was dissolved from the treaty of…” Feb 18, 10:06
Doug McGregor on Scotland In Numbers: “Again , the answer is staring the SNP in the face, EFTA , but again their intransigence kicks in and…” Feb 18, 10:00
Alf Baird on Scotland In Numbers: ““The British state didn’t need to turn Sturgeon she did it herself” Not quite. Postcolonial theory tells us the colonizer…” Feb 18, 09:49
100%Yes on Scotland In Numbers: “The UKG could shutdown Holyrood today and blame the SNP and lets be honest they would have a good reason…” Feb 18, 09:43
Alf Baird on The Longest Road: “Aye Aidan, and we also forgot to mention Norway’s $2 trillion wealth fund, whilst Scotland has been made impoverished by…” Feb 18, 09:36
James Che on Scotland In Numbers: “Hatey, The 1801/1802 – United kingdom parliament of England and Ireland, agreement, thats “Starmers parliament” No Scottish parliament in it…” Feb 18, 09:34
Hatey McHateface on The Longest Road: ““Scots are forced to pay the highest energy prices in the world” Our “goitrous academic” repeats his canard. Quite why…” Feb 18, 09:31
100%Yes on Scotland In Numbers: “Anyone who’s been critical of Sturgeon/SNP has been dealt with by a fist of Jury. This is indicative in these…” Feb 18, 09:29
James Cheyne on Scotland In Numbers: “Insider, Your ignorance on the matter must be bliss, to wantingly work to remain ignorant is your own wish. One…” Feb 18, 09:23
