A NEW poll from YouGov has shown that a majority of Scots now back independence ahead of the UK's departure from the European Union.
The poll shows that 51% support leaving the UK, while 49% remain opposed.
A new YouGov survey on Scottish independence has Yes in the lead for the first time since 2015, by 51% to 49%. @chriscurtis94 takes a look at how the electoral landscape has changed since 2014 and how #indyref2 might play out https://t.co/CAPgSqD1l0 pic.twitter.com/jdeoGi81j2
— YouGov (@YouGov) January 30, 2020
The data reveals that former No voters who voted to Remain in the European Union have switched to backing Yes, alongside younger generations becoming eligible to vote.
One in five (21%) of those who voted No in 2014 but Remain in the EU referendum have now shifted over to Yes.
This poll is the first YouGov poll to show a majority for Yes since 2015.
Despite this however, a majority are not in favour of a referendum in 2020. Instead, they back a return to the question within the next five years.
Interesting new @YouGov poll on independence shows Yes in the lead. https://t.co/gGtX5pPbN1
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 30, 2020
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon shared the poll results on Twitter, saying that they were "interesting".
The data also revealed that she was the most trusted politician in the independence debate, with 46% saying they would trust her compared to just 8% saying they would trust Jackson Carlaw.
Commenting, SNP Depute Leader Keith Brown said: “Brexit, and the chaos of Westminster under the Tories, make it abundantly clear that Scotland should be an independent country.
“This key poll, published just before Scotland is dragged out of the EU against our will, shows that the momentum is well and truly behind the campaign for independence.
“No wonder the Tories are running scared.
“People in Scotland must now have the chance to control their own future.”
The poll was conducted with 1039 Scots over the age of 16, between the 22nd and 27th of January.
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