Just a third want second Scottish independence referendum in next two years, poll finds

Only a third of people in Scotland want a second independence referendum to be held in the next two years, a new poll has found.

Research by Savanta ComRes for The Economist also found Scots remain divided over the constitutional question, with No leading by 51 per cent to 49 per cent once undecideds are removed.

Nicola Sturgeon wants to hold a second referendum before the end of next year. However, it is unlikely the UK Government will agree to this.

Pro-independence activists wave Scottish Saltire flags as they march from Holyrood to the Meadows in Edinburgh. Picture: Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images

The First Minister is expected to publish a new prospectus for independence in the coming months.

Pamela Nash, chief executive of pro-UK campaign group Scotland in Union, said: “With the long-term impact of Covid and a cost-of-living crisis that is leading to higher energy bills and food prices, only a government completely out-of-touch with the people of Scotland would prioritise another referendum.

“The very last thing that Scotland needs is more division and economic uncertainty.

“As part of the UK, we can invest more in our public services and use the strength of the UK economy to address the cost-of-living crisis and bring communities together, not tear them apart.”

SNP MSP Rona Mackay said: “People have already decided they want an independence referendum after giving the SNP Government a cast-iron democratic mandate for one. The SNP won the Holyrood election with a record share of the vote, and a record number of pro-independence MSPs were elected.”

She said independence offered Scots “a future away from the scandalous and sleaze-ridden Tory UK Government at Westminster who have exacerbated the cost-of-living crisis”.