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Scottish Voters Remain Split Over Independence After Fresh Referendum Bid

by Reuters

   London --

   Voters in Scotland remain evenly split over supporting independence
   from the rest of Britain, a poll published by the Sunday Times showed,
   days after the Scottish government set out plans for a referendum on
   the subject next year.

   Last week, Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon announced plans
   for a second independence referendum to be held in October 2023 and
   vowed to take legal action if the British government blocks it.

   The Panelbase survey showed 48% of respondents were in favor of
   independence, 47% were opposed and 5% did not know. A previous online
   Panelbase poll in April had 47% in favor and 49% against.

   The latest results were based on a sample size of 1,010 people.

   British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his ruling Conservative Party
   strongly oppose a referendum, saying the issue was settled in 2014 when
   Scots voted against independence by 55% to 45%.

   Other polls in 2022 vary, with some showing a similar split to the 2014
   result, and others showing the gap narrowing.