STV independence poll provides boost for Yes campaign

A new opinion poll on independence has shown increased support for the Yes campaign over the past three months.

In the poll, conducted by Ipsos Mori on behalf of STV, 34% of those certain to vote in the referendum said they would vote Yes, up 3% on the station’s September survey.

Of those certain to vote, 57% said they planned to vote No, down 2%, and a further 10% remained undecided.

When that was widened to all voters, the result was 31% Yes, 55% No and 14% undecided.

Mark Diffley, director at Ipsos-MORI Scotland, said: “This poll will provide some encouragement for Yes Scotland as we enter the most crucial part of the referendum campaign, as it is the first time we have recorded an increase in support for independence in nearly a year.

“However, it should be noted that the No campaign retains a healthy lead and would be likely to win the referendum by a significant margin if it were held now.

“Time will tell whether this represents a short-term spike in support for independence in the aftermath of the White Paper or if we are seeing a more significant shift in attitudes.”

Ipsos-MORI surveyed 1,006 Scots over the age of 16 between November 29 and December 5.