Re the figures from the Blair/Brown years.

In 1997 Labour won 418 seats against 241 for the other parties. So they had a majority of 177. Scotland sent 56 Labour seats to Westminster against 16 from other parties. So there was a big majority without the Scottish members.

In 2001 Labour won 412 seats against 247 for the other parties. So they had a majority of 165. Scotland again sent 56 Labour seats to Westminster against 16 from other parties. So there was a big majority without the Scottish members.

In 2005 Labour won 355 seats against 291 for the other parties. So they had a majority of 64. Scotland again sent 41 Labour seats to Westminster against 18 from other parties. So there was again a safe enough majority without the Scottish members.

Just showing that historically it was not true that Scottish Labour MPS are required for returning a Labour gvt.

Plus the idea that the huge Labour contingents used to reflect Scottish opinion doesn't stand either. In 1997 the 78% of the Scottish seats were gained by only 45% of the actual vote.

The SNP currently gets this advantage of sending a representation to Westminster which is away above their % share of the vote. Though even though it benefits them they support the ending of first past the post.