The group proclaimed itself to be ‘evangelical, undenominational, and non-political,’ and would oppose ‘spiritualism, Christian Science, and various other systems of anti-Scriptural teaching.’[2] While the focus was broad, the group was essentially anti-Catholic, being formed days after a Sinn Féin rally in Edinburgh, amidst the backdrop of the early stages of the Irish War of Independence.

While he accomplished little, his membership brought him additional attention, and by the late 1920s his following had grown, including the Unionist Lord Scone.

Frustrated by what he saw as a lack of strong Protestants in the UK parliament, Ratcliffe contested the 1929 United Kingdom general election in Stirling and Falkirk.

Ratcliffe attacked both Murnin for his Catholicism, and the Unionist candidate Douglas Jamieson on the strength of his Protestantism.

[4] In 1932 the League stood in eleven wards and gained one more seat (Kinning Park) and 12% of the total vote.

[6] The main policy of the League was to campaign for the repeal of the Education (Scotland) Act 1918 and specifically Section 18 of that Act which allowed Catholic schools into the state system funded through education rates, which led to the slogan: "No Rome on the Rates!

Ratcliffe argued that Home Rule would not undermine protestant interests in Scotland, and declared himself willing to support it in principle.

The painting depicted Pope Innocent XI celebrating King William's victory at the Battle of the Boyne, which although accurate, was deemed blasphemous by the SPL members (particularly given its location within the Northern Irish parliament).

[9] Forrester threw red paint over Innocent XI, whilst Ratcliffe slashed it with a knife.