THE SNP have launched a WhatsApp channel to provide supporters with up-to-date news and rebuttal to claims made about the party and independence in the media.

An e-mail sent to supporters on Wednesday said the channel would allow people to “stay in the loop”.

“As we all know, the political landscape in the UK is continually shifting,” it read.

“In the last week alone, we’ve seen Labour Leader Keir Starmer praise Margaret Thatcher, Unicef has ranked the UK in last place for ‘reducing child poverty’, and the Scottish Government has published the ninth independence paper on social security."

It continued: “As we move forward quickly towards the next Westminster election in 2024, we’re going to be providing you with new campaign tools to support your efforts as you engage with voters in communities across Scotland.

The National:

“One of the most common requests we receive at SNP HQ is to provide an easy way to access the most up to date news, research and rebuttal from the SNP.

“It’s worth noting that we are already providing a wealth of the latest news, research and rebuttal online via our website, social media channels and email updates, but we appreciate that this can often be lost in the social media noise.

“That is why we’re making it even easier for you to stay in the loop.

“We’re launching our own WhatsApp channel to empower SNP activists, members and supporters with the information they need to reach every community across Scotland.

"This means you will be able to receive the latest updates directly to your mobile phone.

READ MORE: Boris Johnson booed he leaves UK Covid-19 Inquiry

“And you can play your part by forwarding our latest news to some of your closest friends and family in a couple of clicks."

It concluded: “Together, we can create a groundswell of support for the SNP and independence.”

The message was signed by the party’s head of digital, Ross Colquhoun.

It comes after questions were asked about when the SNP’s promised “rebuttal unit” would launch following its failure to materialise after the party conference.