SUPPORT for Scottish independence has risen with 48 per cent saying they would opt for a Yes vote if a referendum was held tomorrow, according to the results of a new poll.
It also showed there was majority backing for independence among the under 35s, with 59 per cent of people aged 29 to 34, and 57 per cent of 16 to 24 year olds backing it.
READ MORE: Here's why poll results paint a rosy picture for the Yes movement's future
The findings are among the highest support for independence since one poll immediately after the EU referendum in June 2016 put support for independence at 52 per cent.
It is also a three point increase since the 2014 referendum which resulted in a 45 per cent vote for Yes, and 55 per cent for No.
The Ipsos MORI/STV poll, published yesterday, comes amid fears Theresa May may use Brexit to weaken devolution and create a more centralised UK state and allowing Westminster to hold onto key devolved powers being repatriated from Brussels.
READ MORE: Poll results tell us one thing for sure – why Scots need clarity on life after Brexit
It also found 41 per cent of Scots support holding another independence referendum within the next three years, while 47 per cent were against. Support for holding a new vote in the next three years was highest among the young – over half (57 per cent ) of 16-34 year olds supported this, compared with 43 per cent of those aged 35-54 and 28 per cent of over 55s.
The 41 per cent of voters who backed a second referendum being held within the next three years were split almost evenly between those who said they supported it because of Brexit and those who said they already supported it and Brexit has made no difference to their view.
It also found people in Scotland, which voted by 62 per cent to Remain, were pessimistic about the outlook for both the UK and Scottish economies after the UK had left the European Union. It reported 61 per cent believed both would be worse off post Brexit, while just 14 per cent and 12 per cent thought the UK and Scotland respectively would be better off.
READ MORE: No breakthrough on Brexit power grab as Nicola Sturgeon and Theresa May meet
There were also some differences depending on which party people supported. Some 73 per cent of SNP and 71 per cent of Labour voters thought the UK would be worse off post Brexit, while among Scottish Tory voters 66 per cent believed the UK would be worse off.
It also found the SNP was ahead of its rivals when it comes to Westminster voting intentions - with 39 per cent of those who are likely to vote and who expressed a preference saying they would back Nicola Sturgeon’s party. Labour was second on 26 per cent, narrowly ahead of the Scottish Conservatives on 25 per cent, while 6 per cent said they would back the Liberal Democrats with 4 per cent backing other parties.
The SNP’s Business Convener, Derek Mackay, said: “People continue to put their trust in the SNP to deliver for Scotland, in the face of chaos from the Tories at Westminster.
READ MORE: It’s not too late for Scotland to take back control from hard Brexiteers
“An overwhelming majority are worried about the damage of a hard Brexit to jobs and our economy. And they’re right to be concerned – even the UK government’s own analysis shows we’re headed for economic disaster unless we protect Scotland’s place in the single market.
“While the Tories think they can do anything they like to Scotland and get away with it, the SNP will continue to stand firm against them. That’s why we’re 13-points ahead of rivals at Westminster – the Tories who are responsible for the chaos, and a Labour party too weak and divided to provide any real opposition.”
Emily Gray, managing director of Ipsos Mori Scotland, said: “Scots are pessimistic about the impact that Brexit will have on the economy, both here in Scotland and across the UK.
“However, Scots’ pessimism about Brexit doesn’t appear to be giving rise to a clamour for a second referendum on Scotland’s constitutional future.”
The poll surveyed 1050 Scots between March 5 and 11 following the publication of the EU Continuity Bill.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel