Scots in favour of Cameron’s plans for EU referendum

By ANDREW WHITAKER
Published on 15/02/2013 00:29

MORE Scots back David Cameron’s plans to hold a vote on the UK’s membership of the European Union than those who support Alex Salmond’s stance on the issue, according to a new opinion poll.

More than half of those surveyed – 58 per cent – said there should be an in-out referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union (EU), a move opposed by Mr Salmond.

The First Minister has made it clear that he would not hold a vote on whether Scotland should leave the EU if voters back independence in the 2014 referendum.

The poll of 1,000 Scots showed that 61 per cent wanted an independent Scotland to be in the EU, with 33 per cent saying the country should not join the union if it left the UK, while 6 per cent did not know.

Just over a third of voters – 34 per cent – said they would vote for the UK to leave the EU if there were to be a referendum in the near future, with 53 per cent wanting Britain to remain as members.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson seized on the poll, which was carried out last week, to claim that the results backed the Prime Minister’s position on the EU.

She said: “This survey shows David Cameron did the right thing in calling for a referendum on the issue.

“By refusing to follow suit, Alex Salmond is denying the people of Scotland the say on Europe this poll indicates they most certainly want.”

However, SNP MSP John Wilson said: “This poll clearly shows that the Scottish people have nothing to hide on referendums. The fact that 58 per cent of those polled indicated they want a referendum doesn’t necessarily mean they wish to withdraw from the EU.”