Scottish independence: ‘Yes’ support up 1% - poll

THE SNP Government’s white paper launch has failed to generate a major wave of support for a Yes vote in next year’s referendum, the latest YouGov poll released today has indicated.

Support for independence is up one per cent in new polling data. Picture: TSPL

In the latest poll of over 1,000 people for The Times, support for a Yes vote rises marginally from 32% to 33%, but remains well behind backing for the UK which is unchanged at 52%.

Today’s poll again shows a significant gender split in attitudes to independence, with 38% of men backing a Yes vote, while support among women is 10% lower.

The poll shows that the No camp remains ahead even if voters believe Scotland would be better off after independence, although the gap narrows significantly with 41% backing independence and 44% against.

The survey shows almost half (48%) believe Scotland would be worse off as an independent country, while around a quarter (26%) say it would be in better financial shape outside the UK.

The news follows the release of an Ipsos/Mori poll earlier this week which also indicated that the white paper launch caused little immediate impact on attitudes, with support for independence up by just 3%.

Nicola Sturgeon has insisted that the impact of the 650-page Scotland’s Future document is likely to take some time to filter through to voters. The Scottish Government is currently unable to meet postal demand for the white paper.