Scottish independence: New poll shows clear majority for yes vote

Support for Scottish independence among a majority of Scots is continuing to hold up, a new poll indicates.

Latest poll shows majority for independence

The Panelbase survey also shows a commanding lead for the SNP heading into next year's Holyrood elections, with a resounding victory for Nicola Sturgeon likely to heighten calls for a second referendum on independence.

Support for Scottish independence stands at 54% according to Panelbase poll for the Sunday Times, with 46% support for the union. It is the second survey in recent weeks to show this level of support among Scots for leaving the UK.

Senior Nationalists say that Westminster can no longer rule out calls for a repeat of the 2014 independence referendum – but pro-union leaders accused the SNP of seeking to divide Scotland when the focus should be on battling Coronavirus.

SNP Depute Leader Keith Brown said: “The majority of polls since the Westminster election have had Yes in the lead - majority support for independence is now the established position of the people of Scotland.

“On the basis of this sustained record support, it’s impossible for the UK government to deny Scotland a choice over its future. This out-of-touch Tory government exemplifies the very worst of the Union, and Boris Johnson may be the best recruiting tool for Scottish independence since Margaret Thatcher.

“The focus of the Scottish Government remains on tackling the coronavirus pandemic - this poll shows Nicola Sturgeon’s approval rating is three times that of Boris Johnson."

The poll of 1,026 voters in Scotland, conducted last week.

It also suggests that Nicola Sturgeon is on course for a landslide victory in next year's Holyrood election.

The SNP is on 55% in the constituency vote, up four points since March, with the Conservatives on 20% (-6), Labour 15% (+1), the Lib Dems unchanged on 6% and Greens still at 3%.

In the regional proportional representation vote, the SNP is on 50% (+2), the Tories on 18% (-8%), Labour 15% (+2), the Lib Dems 6% (unchanged) and the Greens on 8% (+2).

Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said: “Instead of dividing Scotland once again, the Scottish Government’s entire focus should remain on recovering from the coronavirus crisis and working together in the interests of everyone in Scotland.

“The SNP is playing politics with the coronavirus crisis by trying to drive a wedge between communities based on how governments have responded to the pandemic.

“Whatever you think of Boris Johnson or Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s future is not about the performance of any single politician – it’s about the best future for our country, and that is remaining in the UK so that we can save hundreds of thousands of jobs, keep the pound and avoid a hard border with our friends and neighbours in England.”

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