Scottish independence: Support for referendum Yes vote slips to 30%

By SCOTT MACNAB
Published on 18/10/2012 23:01

SUPPORT for Scottish independence is falling, according to the first poll published since the agreement was signed this week paving the way for a referendum.

• Support for independence down 9% since January according to Ipsos Mori poll

• SNP fall behind Labour in Holyrood opinion polls

• SNP conference begins in Perth this week

Only 30 per cent of Scots back leaving the UK, according to IPSOS Mori, with support for the Union twice as strong (58 per cent).

Backing for separation is down five percentage points since the last poll in June and nine points since January. Support for the Union has increased three points since June and eight points since January.

The SNP has also even fallen behind Labour in the running for Holyrood, with 39 per cent of voters, who expressed a preference, backing Johann Lamont’s party, against 36 per cent for the Nationalists. Among those certain to vote, the Nationalists are 5 points ahead of Labour on 40 per cent.

Alex Salmond remains the most popular leader in Scotland, although his ratings are also falling. His net satisfaction rating has dropped from +35 per cent in December to +10 per cent.

But Ms Lamont’s recent speech on universal benefits has done little to boost her popularity, with her net satisfaction of +5 per cent, marking a four-point fall since June.