Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Politics
Chris McCall

Scots remain split on independence as country prepares to mark Platinum Jubilee

Support for independence is split 50-50 with those backing the Union, a new poll has suggested.

A survey carried out by pollsters Ipsos Mori found that a record number of Scots are unsatisfied with Boris Johnson as Prime Minister and many believe they are worse off today than they were a year ago.

Just 12 per cent of the public believe the embattled Tory leader is doing a good job while 83 per cent do not, with the rest undecided.

The poll also revealed the nervousness among many Scots over the rising cost of living - with 59 per cent saying they are now worse off compared to this time last year.

It comes as the country prepares for a four-day weekend to mark the 70th anniversary of the Queen taking to the throne.

The poll also finds Scots disagree on the timing of a second referendum on independence - with just a third backing Nicola Sturgeon's ambition of holding a vote by the end of next year.

A third of respondents think an IndyRef2 should be held after 2023 while around a third (31%) say that there should never be another referendum on independence at all.

Emily Gray, managing director of Ipsos in Scotland said: "Boris Johnson has never received positive ratings in Scotland, but these latest Ipsos and STV News findings are a new low for the Prime Minister.

"Although the SNP continues to dominate voting intentions, there are tentative signs of a recovery for Scottish Labour, with continued positive ratings for Anas Sarwar, and Labour ahead of the Conservatives on Westminster voting intention.

"However, the scale of the challenge facing Labour is underlined by the fact that after 15 years in government the SNP remains the most trusted party across a wide range of policy areas.

"This includes the cost of living – which the public say is the most important issue facing Scotland at present."

Keith Brown, depute leader of the SNP, said: "This poll confirms that the people of Scotland continue to put their trust in First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP Scottish Government to deliver for Scotland.

"A year ago, the SNP was re-elected by the people of Scotland with a renewed, cast-iron mandate to hold an independence referendum in this parliamentary term.

"A majority of Scots support a referendum - and the majority of people expressing an opinion wanted to see that referendum take place during this parliamentary term.

"The public trust the SNP above all other parties to party to tackle the cost of living crisis - the clear priority for Scots - as well as to grow Scotland’s economy and manage the NHS and education in Scotland."

Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said: "This is a stark reminder to the SNP that it has got the wrong priorities and is out of touch with the people of Scotland.

"Amid a cost-of-living crisis and massive public spending cuts, it is obscene to focus on constitutional division rather than improving our NHS, schools and communities.

"It’s time for the SNP to end its negative campaign to leave the UK and fix the mess it has made of our cherished public services.

"We are stronger as part of the UK, working to bring communities together and invest more in schools, hospitals and other public services."

To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.