Fewer than a quarter ‘want second indyref’ soon

FEWER than a quarter of Scots want a second independence referendum in the next three years because of Brexit, a poll has revealed.

Research by Ipsos Mori found that that while about two-fifths (41 per cent) back another vote on independence before the next Scottish Parliament elections in 2021, only 22 per cent said Brexit should result in second ballot on leaving the UK.

Almost one in five (19 per cent) wanted another independence referendum regardless, and said the UK’s decision to quit the European Union had not impacted on this.

Nearly half (47 per cent) of the 1,050 people who were surveyed were opposed to another vote on the matter and, when asked how they would vote if there was a second referendum, 50 per cent of those likely to take part said they would opt to keep Scotland in the UK.

The poll, conducted between March 5 and 11, found the SNP is still ahead of its rivals when it comes to Westminster voting intentions with 39% of those who are likely to vote and who expressed a preference saying they would back Nicola Sturgeon’s party.

Labour was second on 26 per cent, narrowly ahead of the Scot- tish Conservatives on 25 per cent, while 6 per cent said they would back the Lib Dems with 4 per cent backing other parties.

Emily Gray, managing director of Ipsos Mori Scotland, said: “Scots are pessimistic about the impact that Brexit will have on the economy. However, Scots’ pessimism doesn’t appear to be giving rise to a clamour for a second referendum on Scotland’s future.”