A third of Scots want to see the UK’s 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. A quarter of think we should hold off for a generation or until 2030 while 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 re-opened.
“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. Importantly, before dragging Scotland into another referendum, we need to hear from those proposing Scottish independence how we would deal with Scotland’s £15 billion deficit.”
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.”
