The SNP** used to be the only party that can ‘stand up for Scotland’. But that is no longer true – because Scotland’s Independence Referendum Party is now also standing up for Scotland.

And in the general election contest in Edinburgh West on 8 June 2017, only Scotland’s Independence Referendum Party can stand up and give a voice to all voters who want to stand up for Scotland.

Mark R. Whittet, Leader of Scotland’s Independence Referendum Party – who is the SIRP prospective parliamentary candidate for Edinburgh West – said:

“Because of the particular circumstances relating to the Edinburgh West general election seat – the SNP (which won the seat from the Liberals in 2015) is now a ‘toxic political brand’ as a result of the ex-SNP MP Michelle Thomson being reported to prosecutors after a police investigation into allegations of mortgage fraud.

“The SNP cannot win Edinburgh West, so we have asked Sturgeon to not split the Scottish Independence and to not put up a candidate – thereby enabling Scotland’s Independence Referendum Party maximise the chances of the seat still being represented by a party which has the same primary aim as the SNP – ie Scottish Independence.

“As one party leader to another, I have asked SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon to form a progressive alliance with Scotland’s Independence Referendum Party – and to work with SIRP to stand up for Scotland by accepting the reality that the SNP cannot wind Edinburgh West.

“But Scotland’s Independence Referendum Party could win Edinburgh West if the SNP accept the political facts of life on the ground and not put up a candidate for the election.

“The Scottish Green Party is also suggesting a progressive alliance with the SNP to maximise the votes for Scotland’s interests.”

**On 24 April 2017, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said:

“Let’s be realistic – whatever the parliamentary arithmetic after the election, <Jeremy> Corbyn has no chance of walking into Number 10 as Prime Minister.

“That means Scotland needs a party and politicians who will always put this nation’s needs first and who will stand up to May’s Tories.”

Today, Mark R Whittet, added: “Sturgeon’s right. Scotland does need a party and politicians who will also put this nation’s needs first and who will stand up to the Tories.

“And as far as Edinburgh West is concerned in this general election, the party that can most meaningfully stand up for Scotland – and to always put Scotland’s needs first and foremost – is Scotland’s Independence Referendum Party.

“Scotland’s Independence Referendum Party has formally written to Sturgeon to propose a progressive alliance with the SNP.

“We are optimistic that Sturgeon and the SNP can work together to put Scotland’s interests first in Edinburgh West – and there may be other seats and other elections which we can also work together in.