Survey shows Indyref2 is ‘not a priority’

Fewer than one in five people believe independence is one of Scotland’s most important issues, a poll has found.

The survey for a Sunday newspaper also found support and opposition to independence was split 50/50.

Respondents were asked to pick their three “most important issues facing Scotland”, with half stating the economy was one of the key topics.

Health was the second most-selected option, chosen by 45% of Scots, followed by employment and welfare at 35%.

Education was one of the most important issues for 31% of people, then Brexit (25%) and Scottish independence (19%).

According to Scotland on Sunday, independence as a key issue was at the lowest level recorded in its series of polls.

The survey of 1,007 over-16s in Scotland also suggests an SNP majority or an Snp/green coalition would have the most backing as the “best mandate” for a second independence referendum, rather than involvement from Alex Salmond’s new Alba party.

Results of the opinion poll, carried out for the paper by Savanta Comres, published earlier in the week suggested the SNP would win 64 seats and narrowly miss out on an outright majority.

It predicted 10 proindependence Scottish Green MSPS would be elected but Alba, on 3% of the regional list vote, would fail to gain any seats.

The latest results of the poll indicate support for independence is at 50% when “don’t know” responses are excluded – the same as support for Scotland remaining part of the United Kingdom.