Third of Scots less likely to vote SNP over indyref plan

A THIRD of Scots would be less likely to vote SNP in next year’s Scottish elections if the party promises another independence referendum, a new poll has found.

Thirty-three per cent of Scots would be less likely to vote for the SNP if they proposed another referendum, a new poll has said. Picture: PA

The Survation poll found that a manifesto pledge for a second vote would make 31 per cent more likely to vote for the party while 36 per cent said it would make no difference.

It comes after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the SNP would set out the timescale for a possible second referendum on independence in its manifesto for the 2016 Holyrood election.

Ms Sturgeon confirmed the manifesto would also include more details on the circumstances under which another vote might be “appropriate”.

The study also found a slim majority of Scots still support the union.

More than half (51 per cent) of those questioned said Scotland should not be an independent country while 49 per cent backed independence, when undecided voters were removed.

The poll of 1,010 Scots, carried out from 7 to 10 September, found more than half (51 per cent) supported staying in the European Union.

It also questioned respondents on Holyrood constituency voting intentions and found that 53 per cent planned to vote SNP in the election followed by 22 per cent for Labour.

Meanwhile, 14 per cent said they would vote Conservative, 6 per cent Liberal Democrat and 5 per cent other.

SNP business convener Derek Mackay described the polls as “very encouraging”.