SNP poll finds 61% want Scottish Parliament to make vote call

Most Scots think the Scottish Parliament should have the right to decide if there should be a second independence referendum, a new poll has found.

The Survation poll for the SNP also found most people do not think Westminster should have the right to block plans for another ballot.

The pollster, which questioned 1,014 people between March 28 and 29, found 61% think the Scottish Parliament should have the right to decide if there should be a referendum in Scotland that allows people to choose between Brexit and independence. Some 39% believe the decision is for Westminster. Respondents were also asked about the timing of a referendum, with 56% stating the Scottish Parliament should have the right to choose when to hold a vote, compared with 44% for Westminster.

Asked if Westminster should have the right to block a plan for a referendum, 42% said yes, 58% said no.

A spokesman for the First Minister said: “This poll shows that, in trying to block a referendum, the UK Tory Government is acting against the wishes of the people of Scotland.”

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser, who represents Mid Scotland and Fife, said he has received an “unprecedented” number of calls and messages from residents angry at Nicola Sturgeon’s agitation for independence.

“What my constituents want is for the SNP Government to work with the UK Government to get the best deal for Scotland as we leave the EU and to focus on their day job of improving schools, hospitals and economic growth,” he said.

This poll shows that...the UK Tory Government is acting against the wishes of the people of Scotland