Scottish independence: Yes 41%, No 59% in new poll

SUPPORT for independence still lags behind backing for the union, according to a new TNS poll commissioned by Sir Tom Hunter.

The Yes camp are 18 points behind in the new TNS poll. Picture: Jane Barlow

• Yes side 18 points behind when Don’t Knows are removed

• 63 per cent of those polled ‘have given up listening due to contradictions’

• Yes and No camps both claim positives from poll

The poll found that 41 per cent of people back a Yes vote in the referendum, while 59 per cent back No, when voters who ‘don’t know’ are removed.

When undecided voters are included, the poll shows 32 per cent support for Yes, 46 per cent for No, while 22 per cent don’t know.

TNS questioned over 1,000 people between June 10 and 23.

It also found that 63 per cent of people agreed with the statement “I’ve given up listening to the debate as both sides contradict each other”, while 73 per cent said the conflicting claims made it difficult to know who to believe.

• Get the latest referendum news, opinion and analysis from across Scotland and beyond on our new Scottish Independence website

Sir Tom commissioned the poll as part of his impartial Scotland September 18 foundation aimed at providing open debate and information.

Commenting on the TNS findings, Sir Tom said: “This is an appalling state of affairs brought about by both sides of the debate, and this is an affront to our democracy.

“The future of our nation is rightly in the hands of our population, but that population is being enveloped by a thick fog of obfuscation.”

Sarah-Jane Walls, operations manager for Yes Scotland, said: “Support for Yes has increased since the last poll published by Sir Tom - it is over 40 per cent, and we are confident of moving above 50 per cent in the referendum.

“A key figure is that over two-thirds of people in Scotland want either the full powers of independence or devo-max, with the status quo a poor third.

“The reality is that none of the Westminster parties are offering anything like devo-max, therefore the only way to achieve these powers - so that we can make the wealth of Scotland work for all the people - is to vote Yes for independence.”

Better Together campaign director Blair McDougall said: “This is yet another poll showing a strong majority for the campaign to keep Scotland in the UK.

“It’s clear that the closer we get to the referendum people are starting to think seriously about the consequences of separation for our pound, pensions and public services.

“Scots want the facts about why being part of the UK is the best future for Scotland. We will do everything we can to make sure people get the facts they need. We are very confident that on the basis of the facts Scots will say No Thanks to separation.”