Support for Scottish independence hits 55% in new poll despite Boris Johnson's push to promote the Union
Support for Scottish independence has risen in recent months
2 min read
Support for Scottish independence has hit 55 per cent despite Boris Johnson's efforts to defend the Union.
The new Panelbase poll shows a reversal of the 2014 referendum result which ended - with voters rejecting independence by 55 to 45%.
The study, which was commissioned by pro-independence group Business for Scotland, also found that with undecided voters included there was still a slim majority for independence, with 51% backing Yes, 42% for No and 7% undecided.
The figures will come as a blow to the Prime Minister and his recent efforts to boost support for the Union, which has been marked by a number of visits to Scotland by senior UK cabinet ministers.
Last week, Mr Johnson confirmed plans to stamp the Union flag on major projects north of the border which are funded by the UK government, and will replace the European Union symbol that is added to Brussels-funded schemes.
New Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said the move would show the UK was "unashamed of our investment in Scotland".
But Business for Scotland chief executive Gordan MacIntyre-Kemp said the new figures were a "huge landmark" in the campaign for independence.
"The reversal of the 2014 result is a huge landmark. 55% Yes will send shockwaves throughout the political world," he added.
"There is no conclusion to draw from this new set of data other than the writing is very definitely on the wall for the union.
"Our June poll found independence support at 54%. That poll changed the dynamic of the constitutional conversation and led to claims of panic in the Westminster cabinet, with a series of high profile Tory visits to Scotland."
SNP depute leader Keith Brown said: "With consecutive polls putting support for independence above 50%, it's clear this is not a trend but the established position of the Scottish electorate."
- Panelbase polled 1,011 Scottish voters over the age of 16 between August 12 and August 18.
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