Most Scots choose independence when asked to pick their first preference for the country’s constitutional future, a survey has found.
More than 3,000 voters in Scotland aged 16 and over were questioned by pollsters Survation between November 1 and 15.
They were asked: “Ideally, how do you think Scotland should be governed?” Five options were presented, including the status quo, increased powers for the Scottish Parliament, independence within the EU, or independence outwith the EU.
Scotland going it alone but rejoining the EU was the first preference of 34 per cent of respondents, while eight per cent of voters ranked independence outside of Europe as their top rank.
The status quo – the Scottish Parliament operating with its existing set of powers alongside Westminster – was picked first by 22 per cent of Scots, while 19 per cent chose a beefed-up Holyrood.
The survey also found 17 per cent of Scots would prefer the country to be governed directly by the UK Government, with no Scottish Parliament.
In total, 61 per cent of Scots support some level of greater constitutional change.
The poll, carried out by the Progress Scotland thinktank, is a boost for the independence campaign after the SNP suffered a drubbing at the general election in July.
A spokesperson for Progress Scotland said: “This new polling provides a significant insight into the constitutional and political opinions of people in Scotland.
“There should be much for political parties to consider about how their policies and plans reflect the fact that 61 per cent of Scots support some level of greater constitutional change – whether that is regarding Scottish Independence or membership of the European Union.
“The findings of our poll give a fascinating insight into Scottish public attitudes towards support for further devolution to the Scottish Parliament and voters intension in Scotland.”
The SNP had hoped to use the general election to intensify its calls for the UK Government to approve a second referendum on independence.
But the party was reduced to just nine MPs after Labour enjoyed a huge revival in support which saw it return 37 MPs in Scotland.
John Swinney has previously said Scotland would not leave the UK until there is “compelling and demonstrable” backing for it.
Responding to the Survation poll, SNP MSP Rona Mackay said: “On so many issues it is Westminster that decides on our future – and whether it is Brexit, the years of austerity or the cost of living crisis, there is no doubt that Westminster control has hurt living standards and is holding Scotland back.
“Scots want change – however, it is clear that on so many issues, the new Labour government is continuing where the previous Tory government left off.
“By contrast, the SNP Government is focussed on delivering on the priorities of the people of Scotland, whether that is ending child poverty, growing the economy, improving public services or tackling the climate emergency.
“For almost twenty years, Scotland’s been in the EU with Westminster, outside the EU with Westminster, forced to suffer Tory Westminster governments – some time with LibDems – and now a disappointing Labour Westminster government.”
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