Poll suggests only a quarter of Scots want autumn Indyref2 call

The vast majority of Scots do not want Nicola Sturgeon to call an independence referendum this autumn, according to a poll.

The Survation study also suggests the country remains in near deadlock over the constitution, with 47% revealing they would vote Yes.

Ms Sturgeon said she will make a decision on Indyref2 in the autumn, when Brexit terms are expected to be clearer.

But only one-in-four Scots believe she should issue a demand at that time for a new vote on secession, the poll suggests.

The poll for the Daily Record puts backing for an independent Scotland at 47%, up two percentage points from the 2014 referendum, while 53% said they would vote No.

Derek Mackay, the SNP’s finance secretary, said: “As Westminster moves from chaos to utter shambles, proving beyond doubt it is incapable of protecting our interests, the case for independence becomes ever stronger.”

While 23% want the FM to pull the trigger on Indyref2 in the autumn, the poll of 1,002 adults found a further 19% believe there should be a second vote, but not as soon as that.

Almost half (49%) said there should not be another referendum at all, while 9% said they are unsure.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: “The people of Scotland want the government focused on jobs, schools and hospitals, not another referendum campaign that creates false divisions...”

A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said: “This poll again shows the majority of people do not want a second referendum, and they overwhelmingly don’t want one any time soon.