Opposition to independence falls - poll

Support for keeping Scotland in the United Kingdom has fallen to 50%, according to a poll released today.

The Ipsos MORI survey of 1,005 people in Scotland shows opposition to independence fell from 57% last December.

At the same time support for independence increased by one point to 39%, narrowing the gap to 11 points.

The new results come days after First Minister Alex Salmond unveiled the questions he wants to put to the test in autumn 2014. Voters will be asked: “Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?”

While support for independence has barely shifted, opposition has reduced since the last poll by the same company.

Mark Diffley, research director at Ipsos MORI, said: “The constitutional future of Scotland has been at the top of the political agenda across the UK in recent weeks, with politicians from both sides of the debate putting forward their arguments to voters.

“Our poll shows that outright support for independence has not shifted significantly as a result of these early skirmishes although it does reveal that opposition to change has reduced with more voters now weighing up the issues before deciding which side to back.”

The poll also revealed support for independence is strongest among men, at 47%, and people aged 18 to 24, at 45%.

Support was higher in “deprived” areas at 58% compared with just 27% in the most affluent neighbourhoods, the survey shows. And despite the long wait until the referendum, two-thirds of respondents say they have made up their minds.

But opinion is split on when the ballot should be held, with 47% wanting it within the next 18 months. Support for an earlier ballot is strongest among opponents of independence at 63%. The Scottish Government’s timetable is backed by 22% of those asked in the survey.