Half of Conservative voters in England support English independence – poll

Half of the Conservative supporters in England do not want the union of the United Kingdom to continue, according to a new poll by YouGov and YesCymru.

With don’t knows and those who refused to answer removed, the poll shown that overall 35% of people in England now favour English independence.

The poll shows Conservative supporters evenly split on the subject with 49% saying they support independence to 51% opposed.

Dr Dafydd Trystan, a political scientist, said: “The polling evidence shows that a considerable minority of voters in England would vote to bring the United Kingdom to an end.

“The picture is even more interesting when one looks at the voters of different parties. Conservative and Unionist voters split evenly on the future of the UK with almost half being proponents of England going it alone.

“These findings accord with the lack of importance given to preserving the Union amongst Conservative voters in polling on Brexit and its impact on the relationship between England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.”

‘Elephant in the room’

While support in London remained relatively low at 25%, the north and midlands saw the number of those in favour hit 38%.

The over 65s were the age group most likely to vote for English independence with 48% in favour.

Siôn Jobbins, chair of YesCymru, said: “This poll, shows two interesting and important things.

“Firstly, that a significant minority of people in England, especially outside London, support an independent England.

“Secondly it shows that the support for an independent England comes from the polar opposite of support for Welsh and Scottish independence. Support for an independent England is among older people and people on the right whilst support for Welsh independence is mostly found among younger people and on the left.

“The problem for Wales is, despite having a parliament with some powers, we are still over ruled by a political party and ideology which is diametrically opposed to much of what the people of Wales believe in.

“Independence for England is the political elephant in the living room of British politics. Welsh independence is a way out for Wales.”