Poll: Majority of Scots now back Holyrood power to hold independence referendum

The majority of Scots believe the power to hold a second independence referendum should be held by Holyrood over Westminster, according to a poll.

By Scotsman Reporter Sunday, 26th January 2020, 1:46 pm

The majority of Scots believe the power to hold a second independence referendum should be held by Holyrood over Westminster, according to a poll.

A sample of 1,019 respondents across the country took part in the survey, which was conducted by Survation for polling and pro-independence think-tank Progress Scotland from between January 20 and 22.

It found 61% of those who expressed an opinion believe the Scottish Parliament should ultimately decide on the holding of a future independence referendum while 39% believe it should be Westminster.

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Progress Scotland managing director Angus Robertson said: "There is a strong majority amongst voters in Scotland that it should be the Scottish Parliament that decides on the future holding of an independence referendum.

"Last week UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson declined the request from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for Holyrood to have the powers over such a vote. Scottish public opinion appears to be on the side of the Scottish Government and Parliament which has voted in favour of such a move.

"Not only is there strong support from SNP and 'Yes' voters, but also from a significant minority of Labour and 'No' voters.

"Progress Scotland will be doing further polling and research in 2020 on the views of open-minded and undecided voters on Scottish independence.

"This is particularly relevant given the Scottish Government mandate to hold a referendum and the approaching UK Brexit date, given that the biggest single factor that has been changing people's minds on Scottish independence has been Brexit."

A similar majority was found in a second question about whether Holyrood should have the power to decide when a future referendum is held if a pro-independence majority is elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2021.