A NEW survey has found that most Scots choose independence when asked to pick their first preference for the constitutional future of the country.
More than 3000 people aged 16 and over were asked by pollsters Survation, “ideally, how do you think Scotland should be governed,” the Daily Record reports.
A number of options were presented to people including:
- The existing status quo
- Independence within the EU
- Independence outside the EU
- Increased powers for Scottish Parliament
- Governed directly by Westminster with no Holyrood
Independence within the EU was the first preference for 34% of those polled, while just 8% ranked independence outside Europe as their top choice.
Figures showed 22% of Scots voted for the existing system as their top choice while 19% opted for a Holyrood with increased powers.
The survey also found 17% of Scots would prefer the country to be governed directly by the UK Government, without a Scottish Parliament.
Overall, it mean that 61% of Scots supported some level of constitutional change.
A spokesperson for Progress Scotland said: “This new polling provides a significant insight into the constitutional and political opinions of people in Scotland.
“There should be much for political parties to consider about how their policies and plans reflect the fact that 61% of Scots support some level of greater constitutional change – whether that is regarding Scottish independence or membership of the European Union.
“The findings of our poll give a fascinating insight into Scottish public attitudes towards support for further devolution to the Scottish Parliament and voters intension in Scotland.”
Responding to the survey, MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden Rona Mackay said the figures showed “Scots want change”.
“On so many issue it is Westminster that decides on our future – and whether it is Brexit, the years of austerity or the cost of living crisis, there is no doubt that Westminster control hurt living standards and is holding Scotland back,” she told the Record.
“Scots want change – however, it is clear that on so many issues, the new Labour Government is continuing where the previous Tory government left off.
“By contrast, the SNP Government is focussed on delivering on the priorities of the people of Scotland, whether that is ending child poverty, growing the economy, improving public services or tackling the climate emergency.
“For almost 20 years, Scotland’s been in the EU with Westminster, outside the EU with Westminster, forced to suffer Tory Westminster governments – some time with LibDems – and now a disappointing Labour Government.”
National Insurance polling
Progress Scotland also found that 51% of voters believe ministers in Edinburgh rather than Westminster should have responsibility for National Insurance, The Herald reports.
A total of 51% of voters believed this should be a responsibility for Holyrood, while 33% said it should still be the Chancellor.
Another 16% told the pollster they did not know.
It comes after the Chancellor Rachel Reeves (below) hiked the rate of employers’ National Insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15% from April 6 2025 and dropped the threshold at which employers become liable to pay this on employees’ earnings from £9100 a year to £5000.
However, many businesses have reacted badly, with the University of Edinburgh blaming it for potential job losses.
Speaking to The Herald, the SNP’s Michelle Thomson said: “People in Scotland are justifiably unhappy with Labour’s National Insurance hikes and the damage it will inflict on charities, hospices, universities and other organisations across Scotland.
“Since this Westminster tax hike was announced there have been stark warnings from charities and organisations about the devastating impact this will have on them, their employees and the people they serve.
“Labour’s refusal to address the issue is cruel and is forcing so many vital organisations and institutions to take devastating decisions because of the uncertainty.
“This is set to be a huge blow for over 7000 charities in Scotland - it could cost the Scottish Government £500 million and Scotland's voluntary sector £75m."
