Rise in Scots rejecting SNP and Indyref 2

SUPPORT for the SNP has slumped – and the majority of Scots still do not want a second independence referendum, a poll shows.

The Conservatives are now only 8 per cent behind the SNP in voting intentions at Westminster, figures indicate.

The latest slump in support means Nicola Sturgeon would lose more MPs if there was another general election, after her party lost 21 of its 56 seats last year.

Senior figures including Alex Salmond and ex-deputy leader Angus Robertson were among those voted out.

The Panelbase poll also shows that 58 per cent of Scots do not want an independence referendum in the next few years.

It suggests if there was another poll, the No victory would be larger than in 2014, with 57 per cent saying they would vote against independence and 43 per cent intending to vote yes.

The survey of 1,037 Scots found that 36 per cent would vote SNP in a general election, down 5 per cent on the last poll carried out in September.

The Conservatives were second on 28 per cent, up one per cent, with Labour on 27 per cent, up 3 per cent on September.

Scottish Conservative chief whip Maurice Golden said: ‘We’ve made huge progress in recent years and now the gap is closing again with the SNP.’

The survey shows the SNP would remain the biggest party at Holyrood in the next election, with 40 per cent of respondents planning to vote for the party.

The Tories, Labour and Lib Dems remain unchanged on 28 per cent, 22 per cent and 6 per cent, while support for the Greens increased to 3 per cent.

Scottish Labour campaigns spokesman Neil Findlay said: ‘It is no surprise this poll shows opposition to a second independence referendum and independence is as strong as ever. The reality is the SNP still cannot build an economic case for independence.’

SNP business convener Derek Mackay said: ‘The SNP still hold a double-digit lead over the nearest opposition – testament to our record of delivering for the people of Scotland.’

Meanwhile, reports yesterday suggested the SNP’s new blueprint for the economy of an independent Scotland would be inspired by New Zealand.

The Sunday Herald reported that David Skilling, a former New Zealand government adviser, has been involved in its ‘Growth Commission’ and the report is said to have chosen the country as the preferred model.