Most Scots favour independence in event of Brexit

A majority of Scots would vote for independence if the country was removed from the European Union (EU) against its wishes, a new poll has suggested.

If the UK as a whole opts to leave the EU in June, but voters north of the border want to stay in, just over half of those questioned by ICM wanted a second independence referendum to be held, when undecided voters were excluded.

The poll, for the Scotland on Sunday newspaper, also found in those circumstances there could be a slim majority for exiting the UK.

The SNP leader announced on Saturday that her party is to launch a fresh drive this summer aimed at increasing support for the “beautiful dream” of independence.

Pollsters at ICM questioned 1,000 Scots on whether a second independence referendum should be held if the country voted to stay in the EU but the UK as a whole wanted to leave.

This found 48% backing for another referendum, compared to 44% against and 9% who did not know.

When these undecided voters are excluded, 52% thought there should be a second independence poll with 48% against this.

When asked how they would vote in a second independence referendum, 49% said they would vote for Scotland to leave the UK, with 43% in favour of the union and 8% undecided. When these undecided voters are excluded, that could see 53% vote for independence.

The poll also found 50% would vote for the UK to stay in the EU, with 35% in favour of leaving, and 15% are undecided.