Scottish independence: Support falls to 27% in wake of Olympics, poll shows

By DAVID MADDOX
Published on 20/08/2012 00:16

PUBLIC backing for independence has fallen since the Olympics, according to a new poll.

It found that just 27 per cent now support independence, while 60 per cent want the UK to stay together.

This contrasts with research published on 1 August which found that 30 per cent of people wanted Scotland to leave the UK and 54 per cent did not, with 16 per cent undecided.

YouGov carried out that earlier study for the Fabian Society, questioning 1,029 people in Scotland between 17 and 20 July, before the Olympics began.

The latest poll, carried out by Progressive Scottish Opinion, also showed that 53 per cent wanted a single Yes/No 
question.

The chairman of Better Together, former Labour Chancellor Alistair Darling, said: “This latest poll shows that our message is getting through. Being a part of the United Kingdom represents the best of both worlds for our country: we have key decision-making powers devolved to Holyrood, as well as having the benefits of being a part of a larger country.

“However, the poll also shows that the majority of Scots want a single, straightforward Yes or No question in the referendum.

“This news should surely swing it for the First Minister and his apparently indecisive Cabinet colleagues.”

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson added: “While the referendum is the only tally that matters, it is worth noting that poll after poll after poll conducted over the last four decades has shown a consistent support for Scotland staying in the UK.”

But last night the SNP insisted that it was within reach of overhauling the pro-UK lead and that if the question proposed by Alex Salmond was asked, Scots were more willing to back independence.

An SNP spokesman said: “The most recent poll to ask the correct referendum question shows just a 9 point gap between support for an independent Scotland and the Union, requiring only a 4.5 per cent swing for independence to move ahead.

“We are very confident indeed of achieving a successful Yes vote for independence in autumn 2014.

“The terms of the referendum must be decided in Scotland, by the Scottish Parliament – not dictated by Westminster.”