Only 29pc of Scots want indyref2, finds survey

FEWER than three in 10 Scots support Nicola Sturgeon’s plans for another independence referendum next year, according to an opinion poll published yesterday.

A Survation survey for the pro-uk campaign group Scotland in Union found that only 29 per cent of people want another separation vote by the end of 2023, with 60 per cent opposed.

Support for Ms Sturgeon’s timetable declined to only 24 per cent in another poll conducted by Panelbase for The Sunday Times.

While a total of 55 per cent said they would support a referendum being held within the next five years, this is part of a long-term trend of Scots not ruling out another referendum in the longer term while opposing one any time soon.

In another blow for Ms Sturgeon, the Panelbase survey found support for independence was 49 per cent if the same Yes/no question was posed as in the 2014 referendum.

But the Survation poll found this fell to 42 per cent if another separation vote was held asking people whether they wanted to Remain in or Leave the UK, the same formulation as the Brexit referendum question in 2016.

The surveys were published following last week’s council elections, in which both the SNP and the pro-separation Greens made gains.

However, when independent councillors were excluded, together the parties won only 45.6 per cent of the popular vote compared to 54.4 per cent for the pro-uk parties, despite the Tories suffering severe losses amid voter anger over partygate.

Pamela Nash, the chief executive of Scotland In Union, said: “[It] is clear that the people of Scotland do not support their timetable for a divisive second referendum next year.”