UK majority sees SNP win as vote mandate

MORE than half of the UK public believe a second Scottish independence referendum should take place if the SNP gains a Holyrood majority, according to a poll.

The Ipsos Mori survey found support was highest among those in Northern Ireland (66%) and Scotland (56%), while a majority in England and Wales also believe the party should be able to hold another ballot (51%).

In other findings from the poll, more than half think the UK will not exist in its current form in a decade.

The findings show 51% across the UK would support a second referendum if the SNP wins a majority, with 40% saying they would not and 8% saying they do not know.

Emily Gray, managing director of Ipsos Mori Scotland, said: “The Scottish Parliament elections on May 6 look set to be a critical point in the future of the Union.

“Should the SNP win a majority of seats, as looks likely if current levels of support hold, it will be much more difficult for the UK Government to refuse a second referendum on independence.”

Half of the UK public said they would prefer Scotland to vote against becoming an independent country if another referendum was held while 17% would prefer them to vote for this.

Results show opinion is split in Scotland – 46% would prefer their country to vote against independence while 45% would prefer Scots to vote for it. Those in England and Wales are most likely to want Scotland to vote against leaving the UK – 51% and 57% respectively.

SNP depute leader, Keith Brown, said: “Each of the four nations of the UK are united in recognising the democratic wishes of the people of Scotland, but Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer continue to be at odds with the rest of the country.”

A UK Government spokeswoman said: “Now more than ever, people in Scotland want to see the UK Government and the devolved administrations working together to protect lives and livelihoods. The push for a divisive referendum is simply irresponsible.”