MORE than half of Scots have said they would feel safer if Nicola Sturgeon’s Government was given more powers to tackle coronavirus, a stunning new poll has revealed.
A clear majority of the public (53%) believe it would be safer if reserved powers like airport checks and border controls were reserved to Holyrood. Only 21% said they would be “less safe” if the First Minister was completely in charge.
The Panelbase poll, commissioned by Scot Goes Pop, asked the question: “Some decisions about the lockdown in Scotland, such as whether to keep schools and shops closed, are the responsibility of the Scottish Government. Other decisions, such as whether to introduce airport checks and border controls, are the responsibility of the UK Government. Do you think people in Scotland would be more safe or less safe if the UK Government’s decision-making powers relating to the lockdown were transferred to the Scottish Government?”
A significant portion (46%) of those who voted No in 2014 believe that Scotland would be more safe with full powers over the lockdown. Only 28% said they would be less safe. It is a similar case for LibDem voters and those who voted Leave.
The Dominic Cummings scandal seems to have led to a fall in Tory support as only 35% say the public is safer with Boris Johnson in charge. In comparison, 38% backed Sturgeon’s strategy.
Surprisingly, nearly 60% of Labour voters back Sturgeon over the Westminster Government, with 59% in the “more safe” category.
READ MORE: James Kelly: Latest poll shows profound impact of coronavirus on Yes vote
James Kelly of Scot Goes Pop said the results show it isn’t surprising that the Yes majority has risen in Scotland.
He said: “When these figures are taken into account, it’s no surprise at all that the Yes side has found the small amount of extra support required to produce a pro-independence majority. Unless the UK Government can find a way of urgently rebuilding its reputation in Scotland, it’s perfectly conceivable that majority could grow further.”
It comes after another Scot Goes Pop poll that revealed a clear majority of Scots (63%) back a “Plan B” route to to independence which would avoid a Westminster veto.
READ MORE: Sensational new poll reveals most Scots want an indyref2 Plan B
Last week we reported that 52% of people now back Yes when it comes to independence after the Cummings scandal.
READ MORE: Support for independence surges after Dominic Cummings scandal
An SNP spokesperson said: “This poll shows people have confidence in the Scottish Government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis. As First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has made clear, Scotland will continue to take a cautious, slow and steady route out of lockdown to protect our NHS and save lives. That will continue to be the SNP’s priority throughout this crisis.”
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