Support for Scottish independence would take the lead after Brexit - poll
2 min read
Support for Scottish independence will overtake backing for remaining part of the UK after Brexit, according to a new poll.
The Deltapoll survey for pro-EU group Our Future Our Choice showed that 47% of Scots would vote for independence after Britain leaves the EU, compared to 43% who would continue to support the Union.
But if Brexit was not to happen the figures would be reversed, with 47% voting to stay in the UK and support for independence four points behind on 43%.
In a further threat to the UK, the poll also showed that 52% of voters in Northern Ireland would support Irish reunification after Brexit.
Catherine Stihler, Labour MEP for Scotland, said: "This is a devastating poll which reveals there is a clear and present danger to the future of the United Kingdom.
"The Tories’ reckless gamble with the EU referendum and Theresa May’s disastrous handling of the negotiations are stretching the historic bonds that unite us."
She added: "Leaving the EU will be calamitous for Scotland’s economy, and there is no such thing as a good Brexit. Leaving the UK would be even more catastrophic, leading to deep austerity and public service cuts that would hurt the poorest the hardest.
"The majority of Scots believe in solidarity across the UK and across Europe, which is why the Tories must stop putting the Union at risk and give voters a say on the final Brexit deal."
Stephen Gethins MP, the SNP's Europe spokesperson in Westminster, said: "With almost 90% of polls since the referendum showing support for an independent Scotland above 2014 levels, independence is polling at historic highs.
"And with more people believing independence will benefit the country economically, the numbers convinced by the arguments for independence are on the rise.
"Crucially, support for Scotland's ability to take its own decisions in an independent country will only grow further as the deeply damaging consequences of Brexit become clearer, as Scotland’s economy continues to outperform the UK, and as people grow increasingly concerned about what the future holds under Westminster rule."
But Colin Clark, the Scottish Tory MP for Gordon said: "The people of Scotland voted by a significant margin to remain part of the United Kingdom in 2014. The body of polling work since then does not suggest any meaningful change in that view.
“It is time to focus on securing the best deal as we leave the EU – one that works for all parts of the UK."
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