Support for independence up to 40% in past months

Published on Sunday 16 December 2007 21:07

SUPPORT for Scottish independence has risen to 40 per cent, according to the findings of a new poll.

The latest snapshot, which is based on the exact referendum question Alex Salmond, the First Minister, wishes to put to the Scottish people in 2010, revealed a 5 per cent surge in support for independence over the past three months.

Nicola Sturgeon, the Deputy First Minister, said the poll reflected the "impressive ratings" of the Scottish National Party in government.

The poll, conducted by TNS System Three, asked whether Mr Salmond's administration should "negotiate a settlement with the Government of the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state".

The suggestion was backed by 40 per cent of those questioned in the poll, which was carried out in late November and early December.

It showed that 44 per cent said they did not want Scotland to pull out of the UK – 6 per cent down from August.