JUST one in seven Scots are happy with the British political system, according to a new study.
The record low levels of satisfaction were uncovered by the Hansard Society, in their 15th annual Audit of Political Engagement.
The study claims that only 14 per cent of Scots are broadly satisfied - much lower than the UK average which sits at 29 per cent.
This represents a three point drop from last year, meaning that since 2004 satisfaction levels for the British political system have dropped a whopping 22 points in Scotland.
The report also claims that since the 2014 independence referendum, interest and knowledge of poltics in Scotland has continued to rise, though certainty to actually vote has dropped to just below the UK average.
The findings are based on work carried out in December, on a sample size of 1,230. 182 of them were Scots.
SNP MP Pete Wishart said: “While it's welcome news that political engagement has increased, it's not surprising public satisfaction with the British political system is low, with satisfaction among Scots at a record low.
“From the unelected House of Lords to the current power grab on devolution from Westminster as we legislate to leave the EU, the British political system is quite simply not working for Scotland.”
A Scottish Liberal Democrats spokesperson added: “This survey makes the case for change. People across the UK are clear that things can't stay the same.
“The case is growing stronger for a more federal system where political power is shared more widely across the UK, closer to people."
The report showed that citizens in London and the South of England were the happiest with the current political system.
Dr Ruth Fox, director of the Hansard Society, said: “Two referendums and two general elections in four years have acted like ‘electric shock therapy’ for the public’s engagement with politics.
“When we started the Audit in 2004 it was because we were concerned about voter turnout.
“Certainty to vote and interest in and knowledge of politics have all improved considerably, but people remain dissatisfied with the system of governing Britain and think their own involvement in politics nationally is not likely to make much difference.
“These indicators were worryingly low in 2004 and are getting worse, not better.
“As for political parties, the public think they are just ineffective. Only a major change in the culture and practice of politics is going to turn these numbers around.”
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