The end of the UK is nigh? 58% back Scottish independence in new poll

A poll has recorded the highest ever support for Scottish independence at almost six in ten voters.

Ipsos-Mori found 58% of those likely to vote in such a ballot would choose Yes, with only 42% backing no.

It’s the biggest lead in a poll ever recorded for the pro-independence side.

The survey also suggests the SNP is on course for a Holyrood majority in next year’s Scottish Parliament election, with 58% of likely voters planning to back the party in the constituency vote.

And should the SNP win a majority of seats next May, nearly two-thirds of Scots (64%) say the UK Government should permit a second independence referendum within the next five years.

People also overwhelmingly backed Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister, with 72% saying they are satisfied with the job she is doing compared to 24% dissatisfied, giving her a net approval rating of +49.

The poll was conducted by Ipsos MORI between October 2 and October 9 and spoke by telephone to 1045 Scots.

‘Clear majority’

SNP MP Pete Wishart said: “The highest ever rating for Scottish independence.

“Sustained majority support all year. This is the ‘settled will’ of the Scottish people. Scotland will be an independent country.”

SNP Depute Leader Keith Brown said: “This is a landmark poll which shows that independence has now become the settled will of the majority of people in Scotland.

“Faced with the chaotic and incompetent government of Boris Johnson and a Westminster system which treats Scotland as an afterthought at best, more and more people are deciding that the best way forward for Scotland is as an equal, independent country.

“And if there is a clear majority for pro-independence, pro-referendum parties in next year’s election – as this poll shows there would be by some considerable margin – then no Tory or any UK Government has the right to stand in the way.

“Quite simply, in those circumstances, the Tories would lack any moral or democratic authority whatsoever to try and block the will of the people, and it would not stand.”

Reacting to the poll, Scottish Greens leader Patrick Harvie said: “This poll also shows support for independence at its highest ever point.

“It’s clearer than ever that the UK simply isn’t working for Scotland and that we must take our future into our own hands to build a better Scotland.”