ITV political editor Robert Peston has warned a new poll putting support for Scottish independence at 52% is a "serious setback" for the Prime Minister.

Peston made the comment as he reposted The National's front page featuring the story last night.

A new Panelbase poll, carried out for the Scot Goes Pop blog and backed by The National, was carried out between January 28 and 31. The result was 52% for Yes 48% for No - a five point boost for independence since December.

The poll is the third in a week to put Yes in the lead.

Sir John Curtice told The National that Unionists “were clearly on the back foot in the constitutional debate north of the Border”.

The "setback" for Johnson also comes as he faces criticism for his handling of the COP26 UN climate summit, due to be held in Glasgow later this year.

The Prime Minister set out his plans to love-bomb Scotland this week, with a pledge to spend nearly £1 per Scot on a pro-Union campaign.

But the National-backed poll shows he may have to work hard to gain back Scottish support.

READ MORE: Boris Johnson to spend almost one whole pound per Scot in pro-Union campaign

The Panelbase study also predicts a boost in support for the SNP at the 2021 Holyrood election, with 50% at the constituency vote and 47% in the regional list.

The last Panelbase poll had them at 43% and 38% respectively.

Polling expert Curtice said that would take the SNP's seat total from 63 to 64.

The results would gain one seat for the Tories and take seven away from Labour, while the Greens and LibDems would each gain one.

Overall, 74 of the 129 MSPs in the next Scottish Parliament would be in favour of independence.

READ MORE: Massive surge for Yes as new poll puts independence vote at 52%

SNP depute leader Keith Brown welcomed the “stunning poll”.

He added: “Scotland has been dragged out of the EU against our will by a Tory government with no mandate here. People in Scotland must have a choice over our future so we can stay at the heart of Europe as an equal and independent country.

“The Tories are running scared of democracy but their opposition to a referendum is completely unsustainable. The more Boris Johnson seeks to deny people in Scotland the right to determine our future - the more support for independence will continue to grow.”