Support rises to 37% compared with 29% for the Tories, which would give Labour an overall majority at general election

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

Ed Miliband's Labour party are now eight points ahead in the polls – their largest lead over the Tories in seven months – according to the latest Opinium/Observer poll.

In a development that may have repercussions for the Scottish referendum, the poll suggests that Labour are on course for an overall majority at the next general election.

Miliband's message to wavering Scottish voters, who may feel obliged to vote yes in the referendum to avoid another Tory government, has been that Labour will win and are best placed to deliver social justice.

Saturday's poll may offer some assurance. Labour now stands at 37%, a point up from two weeks ago. The Conservatives are on 29% while the Liberal Democrats attract just 7% of the electorate.

Nigel Farage's Ukip stand at 19% – up three points on the last Opinium/Observer poll a fortnight ago.

Despite Labour's lead, their leader still trails behind David Cameron in the approval ratings.

Nearly two in five voters (37%) approve of the prime minister. One in four (25%) approve of Miliband. Just 17% approve of the Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg.

Meanwhile, with just days to go before the Scottish referendum, nearly two-thirds (63%) of voters in England and Wales want Scotland to stay in the UK. Just 23% want them to leave

This is unchanged from July, when 63% wanted them to stay and 19% to leave.

Voters are paying attention to the polls as 41% think Scotland will vote to stay but 38% think the vote will be for independence.

Two out of five (40%) would support similar levels of devolution as a Scottish parliament being given to Wales, Northern Ireland and the regions of England, and just 16% oppose this.

• Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 1,960 GB adults aged 18+ from 9th to 11th September 2014. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria. Full tables and results are available here.