Climate towards Scottish independence

[Purple Julie]

Hi, I was wondering, what is the current climate towards Scottish independence? That is, what is the general attitude towards it in Scotland? Do the majority want independence? Or do the majority want to stay remain as part of the UK? Or is it split 50/50?

As for me, I have always wanted independence for Scotland. My Dad tells me that there are a lot of Scottish people who are proud of being British and would call themselves British before calling themselves Scottish. Is that true today? So Dad tells me that these people want Scotland to remain a part of the UK. Now, my Dad hasn't been living in Scotland for 19 years, and things could certainly have changed since then, so I'd like to know what the situation is currently like.

[Celyn]

Hello, and welcome to Scotland.com.

This link should let you look at opinion polls done this year with reference to the forthcoming elections in May.

[Gypsum_Fantastic]

In my view, the increase in support for the SNP cannot be attributed to anything they've actually done or support for independence. A lot of people simply want Labour out. More than one person has said to me they intend to vote SNP at the election and then vote against independence at a future referendum. This is a dangerous delusion. Only someone with King Canute-style delusions can believe they can vote for Scottish nationalism and then withstand the tide such a victory would bring.

The new voting system will go a long way to ridding us of Labour's grossly disproportionate power and influence, even if they win. People need to think very carefully about their vote and not go rushing blindly into foolhardy action just to punish Labour.

In an independence referendum, should such a thing arise, I don't anticipate there will be more than 30% vote for it. Even the SNP have hinted at shying away from full independence.

I would urge everyone to vote Conservative.

[teashoci]

the polls are in.


Constituency (%)

SNP 36
Lab 30
LibDem 14
Tory 13
SSP 1
Other 5


Regional (%)

SNP 34
Lab 29
LibDem 13
Tory 13
Green 4
SSP 2
Other 7

[Scottish_Republican]

Originally Posted by Gypsum_Fantastic

In my view, the increase in support for the SNP cannot be attributed to anything they've actually done or support for independence. A lot of people simply want Labour out.

There is some truth in this statement, however, it omits the fact that many who vote for pro-Union parties support independence as well.

[Five-Finger Man]

Originally Posted by Scottish_Republican

There is some truth in this statement, however, it omits the fact that many who vote for pro-Union parties support independence as well.

How does that work?

[Scottish_Republican]

Originally Posted by Five-Finger Man

How does that work?

Simple. If you are pro-independence, but it is not your highest priority, you might vote for a unionist party on another issue. Or you might like one candidate as a person. Or you might be voting tactically.

I knew a guy who was anti-abortion so voted for one of these wee parties, because he felt so strongly on it. However, he was also a staunch supporter of independence. Some working class people may support Labour because they feel it looks after their interests better than the SNP, e.g. trade unionism - but support independence. That's common enough. Some businessmen may feel the SNP is weak on the business side, and is too left wing but also support independence.

Or certain other people may disagree with the SNP's stance on the European Union...