POLL SHOWS SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM “THERE TO BE WON”.

POLL SHOWS SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM “THERE TO BE WON”.

SUPPORT MOVES AHEAD IN EUROPEAN CONTEXT.

New findings of a YouGov poll show that support for Scottish independence moves ahead when the question is put in the context of Scotland being “a member of the European Union in its own right”. In total, 42 per cent back that position, compared to 40 per cent against.

The poll also shows that 35 per cent of Scots are more likely to back Scottish independence if the Tories were to win the next General Election, compared to just 6 per cent who would be less likely – a balance of some six-to-one.

In the independence referendum poll question, support for independence increases by 4 points from the last YouGov poll in March to 37%, with 52% against – the best position in a YouGov poll since September 2008.

SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson said:

“This poll shows that an independence referendum is there to be won. As we approach the European elections, when people are asked if they want Scotland to be a member of the EU in our own right – as opposed to being represented by the UK government – the answer is positive. And the headline support for independence has also increased by 4 points to the best position in a YouGov poll since last autumn.

“As the UK government arbitrarily axes the Scottish budget by £500 million in the teeth of a recession, it will become ever clearer why Scotland needs to be in charge of our own resources – and with our own voice to protect and promote Scottish interests in Europe.”

SNP President and MEP Ian Hudghton said;

“This poll is an excellent starting point for the SNP as we go into the European election campaign.

“This poll shows voters want Scotland to have a strong independent voice in Europe. A vote for the SNP in June is about giving Scotland that voice, supporting the SNP in fighting for Scottish jobs in Europe and showing that Scotland has what it takes to be at the heart of Europe.”

Details of the poll are as follows:

On balance do you think Scotland should…?

Continue to be represented by the UK Government in the European Union - 40%
Be a member of the European Union in its own right and represented by the Scottish Government - 42%
Neither of these - 9%
Don’t know - 9%

In the referendum, the Scottish Government intends to ask people whether they think the Scottish Government should negotiate a new partnership with the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent country.

Do you agree or disagree that the Scottish Government should negotiate this new partnership?

I AGREE that the Scottish Government should negotiate a new partnership so that Scotland becomes an independent country - 37%
I DO NOT AGREE that the Scottish Government should negotiate a new partnership so that Scotland becomes an independent country - 52%
Don’t know - 11%

Note - In a YouGov poll in January the gap was 26% and in a March YouGov poll it was 20%.

If the Conservative Party were to win the next General Election, would this make you more likely or less likely to back Scottish independence?

Much more likely to back Scottish independence - 24%
Slightly more likely - 11%
Slightly less likely - 3%
Much less likely to back Scottish independence - 3%
No difference – I would back Scottish independence anyway - 14%
No difference – I would NOT back Scottish independence anyway - 34%
Don’t know - 11%

The YouGov poll was commissioned by the SNP and conducted from 21-22 April among 1,020 Scottish adults.