THE Sunday Mail has become the first national newspaper to back the Scottish Greens.

Today editors endorsed the Greens at the upcoming European elections in a historic boost for the party.

The newspaper – one of Scotland’s bestselling Sunday titles – announced its backing in a front page editorial that argued climate change is not being treated as a priority by the major parties.

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Its article says: "The Euro poll in 11 days' time has been turned into a referendum by proxy on Brexit - the identity issue which has crippled our politics for almost three years and counting.

"Meanwhile we are all faced with a genuine emergency which is, in relative terms, being ignored. Climate change is the biggest issue confronting our country and our planet."

It continues: "The Sunday Mail has a proud history in tackling prejudice and fighting for social justice - though we do value our neutrality in party politics.

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"Our backing of the Green Party doesn't mean we agree with them on everything - and doesn't necessarily mean we'd follow them on the Yes side of a new independence referendum.

"In this election though their manifesto and vision chimes clearly with our values and the interests of our readers."

The move makes the Sunday Mail the first national newspaper to endorse the Scottish Greens - whose lead candidate is party co-convenor Maggie Chapman - for the EU elections on May 23.

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Chapman tweeted that she was "chuffed" to get the support of the paper.

She continued: "It’s great that our positive campaign to transform the EU, tackle climate breakdown and give people hope is getting this backing."