Scottish independence: Support for independence surges

BACKING for independence among Scottish voters is at almost the same level as support for remaining part of the UK, a new opinion poll has revealed.

A total of 47 per cent of those interviewed favoured independence, with 53 per cent opposing a split with the UK, among those who expressed a preference in the Panelbase poll. However, the finding did not take account of more than a fifth of voters, 21 per cent, who said they were undecided on the issue.

The survey, conducted by Panelbase, saw 1,000 adults asked: “Do you agree that Scotland should become an independent country?” – the SNP’s preferred wording for the referendum question.

A total of 37 per cent of those quizzed agreed with the statement, while 42 per cent disagreed. The remaining 21 per cent were undecided.

Deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon seized on the findings to claim that support for independence had been bolstered following the publication of the SNP’s preferred question last month.

Ms Sturgeon said: “This is a fantastic poll for the SNP, for independence, and for Scotland. It confirms other recent surveys which also show that support for independence and the SNP is on a rising curve.

“After just the first few weeks of the referendum debate, it is abundantly clear that the positive approach towards Scotland’s future is winning over the negative approach from the anti-independence parties.

“The poll shows that the people of Scotland are extremely positive about our future as an independent nation – if there was ever any doubt that the anti-independence parties are out of touch with the mood of Scotland, this poll proves it.”

The poll also found that 43 per cent of those questioned predicted that their personal tax burden would rise under independence, while about 11 per cent thought it would fall.

On the European single currency, three-quarters of respondents said an independent Scotland would be worse off financially if it adopted the euro.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie MSP said: “This poll shows that no politician, including Alex Salmond, should be allowed to fix the question. The Electoral Commission must oversee the setting of an impartial ballot to deliver a result that we all have confidence in.”