The SNP is forcing Cameron to think of Scotland. They may come to regret that

No one can deny that the SNP has made Westminster pay more attention to Scotland. Five years ago, it was surprising—and, in many ways, shocking—how uninformed most MPs were of what was happening in Scottish politics. That is one of the reasons why the independence referendum was treated as a second-order issue – until people realised quite how close it was going to be.

But that has all changed now with the 56 SNP MPs making their presence felt in the Chamber. This is particularly true of Downing Street because with Angus Robertson having two questions at PMQs each week, David Cameron—who prepares assiduously for these sessions—needs to know what is making news in Scotland and what the record of the SNP government up there is on various issues.

In the political column this week  I wonder whether this new focus on Scotland could actually help save the Union. It certainly means that Number 10 is thinking more about Scotland than before and is more mindful of how its actions will be seen there.