Why UK’s handling of Covid may make indyref2 inevitable – Angus Robertson

The UK's Government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic may have boosted support for Scottish independence (Picture: Lisa Ferguson) | JPIMedia Resell

Opinion polls take the current temperature of the country, and recent results in Scotland make for very interesting reading.

According to the latest findings by the pollster Panelbase, support for Scottish independence is now at 52 per cent.

The same poll taken between 1 and 5 May asked some very interesting questions like: “Does the handling of the coronavirus crisis by Boris Johnson and the UK Government make you more convinced or less convinced that Scotland is safer if it remains part of the UK?”

Only 20 per cent were more convinced, while 59 per cent were less convinced.

Meanwhile, there was a striking difference when people were asked “Does the handling of the coronavirus crisis by Nicola Sturgeon and the Scottish Government make you feel more confident or less confident that Scotland will be well-governed if it becomes an independent country?”

Some 59 per cent were more confident, while only 22 per cent were less confident.

Less than one year remains until the next Scottish Parliament elections, but the polling support for the SNP remains remarkably strong.

According to the Panelbase findings for the top blog site “Scotland Goes Pop”, the SNP is set for a huge majority at Holyrood, including victory in every single Edinburgh and Lothian constituency.

The poll projects a 60-40 per cent majority for pro-independence MSPs in the Scottish Parliament which would make the next independence referendum inevitable.

Only by securing a 2021 majority for independence will the vote go ahead.

These poll numbers are hugely encouraging, but they are still only an opinion poll. The poll that really matters will be held on 6 May 2021.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Joy Yates

Editorial Director