A MAJOR new study has recorded a reversal in the result of the 2014 independence referendum, with 55% of Scots now backing a Yes vote.
It is the latest in a series of polls recording a majority backing for Scottish sovereignty.
Commissioned by Business for Scotland, the Panelbase poll has delighted the Yes movement.
READ MORE: Scottish independence: Yes support soars to 55 per cent in Panelbase poll
Politicians and commentators have taken to social media to give their thoughts.
Here a few of the best responses.
Greens MSP Ross Greer tweeted: “Don't want to get anyone too excited but I think we're going to do this.”
New Panelbase poll for @BizforScotland:
— Ross Greer (@Ross_Greer) August 19, 2020
Yes: 55%
No: 45%
Don't want to get anyone too excited but I think we're going to do this 😁https://t.co/dUgSzyZd4M
SNP MP Stewart McDonald hailed the “stunning poll”.
Another stunning poll on Scottish independence.
— Stewart McDonald MP (@StewartMcDonald) August 19, 2020
🏴🇪🇺55%
🇬🇧🤷🏻♂️45% https://t.co/QxoxxKOBnT
Michael Gray, part of The Skotia team, said independence “is becoming the settled will of the Scottish people”.
Independence is becoming the settled will of the Scottish people, uniting supporters of all parties & none. A referendum will be won with over 60% support & provide a basis for building a more democratic & equal country. 🏴
— Michael Gray (@GrayInGlasgow) August 19, 2020
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead and Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Angus MacNeil thanked Boris Johnson for his help in driving up support.
Here’s hoping Boris Johnson has regular visits to Scotland in his diary. https://t.co/h2xj5pAT2D
— Richard Lochhead (@RichardLochhead) August 19, 2020
👍Boris visit has upped support for independence to 55%!!!
— Angus B MacNeil MP (@AngusMacNeilSNP) August 19, 2020
With the Hard Brexit coming, independence will rise to the 59%, as polls showed it would 19months ago 🏴https://t.co/P8hCOO1U4K
Brexit whistleblower Shahmir Sanni voiced his support for the Yes movement.
Say YES to Scotland. 🤎 https://t.co/Mzwbhpt8n8
— Shahmir Sanni (@shahmiruk) August 14, 2020
SNP depute leader Keith Brown said the poll result reflected the feedback he had received from people across Scotland.
More encouraging news for Independence supporters, with Panelbase showing support at 55%. This is borne out by feedback to me from many (Zoom) meetings with Members across the country. Our diversity is our strength, and our unity of purpose will make sure we win.
— Keith Brown MSP (@KeithBrownSNP) August 19, 2020
Jonathon Shafi, co-founder of the Radical Independence Campaign, also gave the credit to the Prime Minister.
6 years on, the current polling has flipped the referendum result of 2014. 55% now favour Scottish independence. Fuelled in large part by Johnson and his cabinet of crooks and reprobates it is time to make the break. Get independence done.
— Jonathon Shafi (@Jonathon_Shafi) August 19, 2020
Glasgow East MP David Linden added: “And people wonder why the Cabinet Office won’t publish its own private polling on Scottish independence...”
And people wonder why the Cabinet Office won’t publish its own private polling on Scottish independence... https://t.co/PVrKVmgoUE
— David Linden MP (@DavidLinden) August 19, 2020
LBC radio host James O’Brien summed up the reaction south of the Border…
— James O'Brien (@mrjamesob) August 19, 2020
The former LibDem candidate for London mayor, Siobhan Benita, also expressed her support for Scottish independence.
If I were Scottish I’d vote yes at this stage.
— Siobhan Benita (@SiobhanBenita) August 19, 2020
London independence from this shambles of a Brexit Britain wouldn’t be bad either. https://t.co/wmxdRt5mWE
Not everyone, however, was impressed. Tory MSP Dean Lockhart had this to say.
It’s funny how a 55/45 majority in a couple of polls has suddenly become ‘the overwhelming majority of Scots’. A 55/45 majority in the largest democratic exercise Scotland has ever undertaken, less than 6 years since the vote took place, is apparently meaningless.
— Dean Lockhart MSP (@DeanLockhartMSP) August 19, 2020
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