A de facto referendum could work for the SNP: but it's a huge risk

As far as political gambles go, Nicola Sturgeon’s vow to treat the next Westminster election as a de facto referendum would appear to be a big one.

Her pledge, according to polls, divides even the independence-supporting community, let alone voters who are yet to make their mind up on the matter.

It may be, as I’m sure the First Minister will have considered, a road fraught with challenges; but in spite of that, it could be a more effective approach than some have speculated.