Support for Scottish Independence highest in England and Wales

An opinion poll by Angus Reid has investigated attitudes to the four referendum options in the Scottish Government's White Paper Your Scotland, Your Voice.

There is a majority in Scotland who favour changing the Status Quo (only 36% opt for the present settlement) but only 25% of Scots support independence. However, if support for Scottish independence is measured across Britain as a whole, then support rises to 28%.

  Britain Scotland
  • The status-quo: Scotland as part of the UK, with a Scottish Parliament that has the power to pass laws and limited tax-varying capability
44% 36%
  • Scotland having some additional powers, including the introduction of a new Scottish rate of income tax
17% 22%
  • Scotland having many additional powers, such as full financial autonomy from the UK
11% 17%
  • Scotland’s full independence from the United Kingdom
28% 25%

O'Neill speculates that "Salmond's preference for a four-option referendum is probably on the premise that independence choice would secure the propaganda value of the highest percentage of the four". I'm not sure how these things work, but it would appear to me that the four option choice makes retention of the Status Quo the winning option.

It would be fascinating to see the results of an opinion poll conducted along the lines of an instant run-off ballot. I imagine that 'some additional powers' or 'many additional powers' would win through in such a ballot.

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Murdo Fraser lays it on a but thick

Murdo Fraser MSP spins like a top in the Scottish Parliament:

There are critics of the Calman process who think that it is another step on the slippery slope to independence, but I do not think that improving devolution undermines the United Kingdom or t

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Given the choice the buggers

Given the choice the buggers will vote for the status quo. Many additional powers' with 'full financial autonomy from the UK', within the 'U'K, is simply another unworkable Scotch fantasy, as is 'some additional powers, including the introduction of a [Scotch] rate of income tax', and they haven't the wherewithal to maintain themselves as an independent nation.

There are English nationalists who think that Alex Salmond can advance the English cause. I cannot imagine why. Sc*tland is of no use to England and will be of no interest once Scotch interference in our affairs is brought to an end. England is vital to Sc*tland and the last thing wee Alex wants is an English Parliament.

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