The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)

Poll suggests Scots do not want rushed into indyref2

One-third want to see what Brexit means first

- KieraN aNdreWs poliTical ediTor kiandrews@thecourier.co.uk

One-third of Scots want to see the UK Brexit deal before deciding whether they want a second independen­ce referendum, according to a new poll.

Just 16% want Scotland to have another referendum on independen­ce as soon as possible, while 25% think we should hold off for a generation or until 2030 and 17% believe there should never be a rerun of September 2014.

Alastair Cameron, director of Scotland in Union, has called on the UK and Scottish government­s to work together on the best EU deal for the country and put talk of a second independen­ce referendum on the back burner.

He said: “We know the EU referendum result has left many Scots disappoint­ed and some people are calling for the debate on Scottish independen­ce to be reopened. But this poll shows that Scotland does not want to rush into another referendum and one in three Scots want to see what Brexit means before deciding on our future.

“We believe people deserve to know what this new landscape will mean for trade, for currency and for our borders.”

The YouGov research also shows that nearly half of Scots believe another referendum would have a negative impact on the economy and business and the NHS and economy should be the main priority for the Scottish Government.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said it is “highly likely” there will be a second vote on Scotland leaving the UK, but is currently exploring a range of options around how the country could potentiall­y remain in both unions.

SNP MSP James Dornan said: “This poll shows that, among those who expressed a view, a majority of people are open to the possibilit­y of another referendum in the context of the Brexit decision.

“In light of the overwhelmi­ng Remain vote in Scotland, it is absolutely right that we explore all options to protect Scotland’s place in and relationsh­ip with the EU – and avoid the damaging economic consequenc­es that are already becoming evident since June 23rd.

“The people of Scotland were repeatedly told by the No campaign that only by voting against Scottish independen­ce could Scotland remain in the EU and now that we face the prospect of being dragged out of the EU against our will, it’s little surprise that recent polls have consistent­ly shown a majority in favour of independen­ce.

“It was the UK Government who completely failed to plan for this possible referendum outcome – not the SNP Government – and we have made clear that it will not distract us from our priorities for government such as supporting jobs and the economy and improving our public services.”

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