Surge in support for Scottish independence: poll
LONDON (AFP) — Support for an independent Scotland has risen by five percent in the last three months, according to the findings of a poll published by the Sunday Herald newspaper.
Some 40 percent of Scots support an end to the 300-year-old union with England, up from 35 percent in a similar survey in August, pollsters TNS System Three found.
Those who wanted Scotland to continue being part of the United Kingdom was still higher, at 44 percent, although down from 50 percent in August.
Just under 1,000 people were surveyed, using the exact question that Scotland's pro-independence First Minister Alex Salmond wants to use in a referendum on the issue.
It asked whether the Scottish National Party (SNP) minority government in the Edinburgh parliament should "negotiate a settlement with the government of the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state".
Support for independence was greater among 25- to 34-year-olds -- 53 percent -- than in the 65 and over age group, where 57 percent opposed separation.
More men than women were in favour of severing ties, the poll suggested.
The survey, which was carried out in November and early December, contrasts with another published October 31, which said support for an independent Scotland had plunged to 23 percent -- a 10-year low.
The findings by the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey suggested the SNP's win in May 3 elections had more to do with its popularity, or disaffection with the governing Labour Party, than growing separatist tendencies.
On November 14, Salmond, who has promised a popular vote on independence by 2010, said Scotland would be an independent country by 2017.
The SNP became the largest party in the Scottish Parliament in May by just one seat. The 129-seat legislature has limited powers to set policy in areas such as health, education, transport, housing, justice and the environment.
