Voters in Scotland remain evenly split over whether or not they support independence from the rest of Britain, days after the Scottish government set out plans for a referendum on the subject next year.
Last week, Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon announced plans for a second independence referendum to be held in October 2023, and vowed to take legal action if the British government blocks it.
The Panelbase survey, in a poll published by the Sunday Times, showed 48 per cent of respondents were in favour of independence, 47 per cent were opposed and 5 per cent did not know. A previous online Panelbase poll in April had 47 per cent in favour and 49 per cent against.
The latest results were based on a sample size of 1,010 people.
British prime minister Boris Johnson and his ruling Conservative Party strongly oppose a referendum, saying the issue was settled in 2014 when Scots voted against independence by 55 per cent to 45 per cent.
Other polls in 2022 vary, with some showing a similar split to the 2014 result, and others showing the gap narrowing. — Reuters
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