UK poll backs second referendum

More than half of the UK public believe a second Scottish independence referendum should take place if the SNP gains a Holyrood majority, according to a poll.

The Ipsos Mori survey found support was highest among thoseinnorthernireland(66 per cent) and Scotland (56 per cent), while a majority of those in England and Wales also believe the party should be able to hold another ballot (51 per cent).

In other findings from the poll, more than half think the UK will not exist in its current form in a decade.

The findings show 51 per cent across the UK would support a second referendum if the SNP wins a majority, with 40 per cent saying they would not and 8 per cent saying they do not know.

Emily Gray, managing director of Ipsos Mori Scotland, said: "The Scottish Parliament elections on May 6 look set to be a critical point in the future of the Union.

"Should the SNP win a majority of seats, as looks likely if current levels of support hold, it will be much more difficult for the UK Government to refuse a second referendum on independence.

"And these figures suggest that on balance, the UK public are on board with that course of action - more believe that the UK Government should allow a second referendum in the event of a SNP majority than say it should not."

The survey included a representative sample of 8,558 people over 16 in the UK.

Interviews were conducted online between April 1 and 7, with data weighted to match the profile of the population.