A major new opinion poll has found that support for remaining part of the UK has increased to 57%.
The Survation poll has also revealed that most Scots think recovery from Covid is the most important issue facing the country today.
In contrast, only 8% said independence is one of the top three issues facing Scotland.
The findings come on the day that the SNP has chosen to prioritise independence for an opposition day debate in Westminster, which pro-UK campaign group Scotland in Union said demonstrates ‘how out of touch the nationalists are’.
Scotland in Union chief executive Pamela Nash said the poll shows that the SNP should listen to the people of Scotland and focus on Covid recovery, not division.
Survation conducted the poll for Scotland in Union between March 9 and 12, with 1,011 respondents aged 16+ living in Scotland.
The findings show:
If there was a referendum tomorrow with the question 'Should Scotland remain part of the United Kingdom or leave the United Kingdom?', 57% of people would vote ‘remain’ and 43% would vote ‘leave’ (excluding don’t knows).
Among all respondents, 49% said they would vote remain (+2 percentage points since September 2020) 37% would vote leave, 10% were undecided, 4% would not vote, and 1% refused to answer.
Asked to choose up to three of the most important issues currently facing Scotland, 53% selected ‘Covid-19 recovery’, 48% ‘NHS and social care’ and 46% ‘economy and jobs’ – with just 8% choosing ‘constitutional affairs and independence’.
Asked to rate the UK’s performance with regard to the development, production and distribution of Covid-19 vaccinations on a scale of 1-5, 60% chose either 4 or 5.
A series of recent opinion polls have shown rising support for remaining part of the UK.
Scotland in Union has consistently used a question with a remain/leave option in polling, reflecting the Electoral Commission’s conclusion ahead of the 2016 Brexit referendum that yes/no questions should not be considered neutral as only one outcome is reflected in the question.
Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said:
“This poll shows that a majority of people in Scotland want to remain part of the UK.
“This confirms the recent trend in polls, with the successful UK vaccination programme and UK-wide support for jobs and businesses reminding us that we are stronger together.
“The SNP should stop prioritising division ahead of the issues that really matter to people.
“A staggering 92 per cent of Scots do not think that independence is one of the top three issues facing Scotland.
“The SNP should focus on what really matters to people – Covid recovery, NHS and social care, and jobs. Instead it has chosen to use parliamentary time to debate separation, which shows how out of touch the nationalists are.
“The SNP’s negative vision to divide Scotland is being rejected and the people of Scotland want politicians to bring our country together and build a successful future for everyone.” Source: Survation, fieldwork conducted 9th - 12th March 2021, all residents aged 16+ living in Scotland, sample size: 1,011 respondents.
Yes, a fair balanced question offering both options is the right way to proceed. Unlike the question in 2014 and unlike the question in almost every other opinion poll conducted in Scotland.
Under the new Hate bill Indyref2 is illegal as it incites violence, racism and division. Please explain why have to endure more Snp duplicity.