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Roundup: No thirst for Scots to see post-Brexit independence from Britain: poll

Xinhua, July 30, 2016 Adjust font size:

The first post-Brexit poll in Scotland shows no thirst among Scots for independence from the United Kingdom, research published Saturday by YouGov reveals.

A referendum held now would show 56 percent of Scots wanting to remain within Great Britain, compared to 47 percent who would vote for an independent Scotland, said YouGov.

"One month after the UK's shock decision to leave the EU, the latest YouGov research in Scotland shows no real shift towards independence. The results represent a move to the independence option of just 1 percent since YouGov last asked the question in early May," said the polling organization.

The result, said YouGov, showed that Scots favor the union over both EU membership and access to the single market.

In the June 23 national referendum, 62 percent of people in Scotland voted remain, with 38 percent backing leave. This compared to the total result for the United Kingdom which showed 52 percent backing Brexit with 48 percent supporting Britain remaining in the EU.

The result north of the border prompted SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to say she backed a new referendum on Scotland severing its ties with Westminster.

Even the guarantee of an independent Scotland being able to remain in the EU doesn't move public opinion in favor of independence, the YouGov research revealed.

"Inevitably, some will suggest that the high-water mark of Scottish independence has now passed, especially as it was thought that leaving the EU might persuade "No" voters to change their minds and vote against the union," said YouGov.

It adds that while a new Scottish referendum is not currently on the table a lot could still change on this front in the coming years.

Article 50, the procedure for the irreversible "divorce" proceedings between Britain and the EU, has not yet been triggered, but once details of the Brexit deal emerge it may alter the context of the independence debate, adds YouGov.

The Daily Telegraph in London said Saturday that the findings undermine the claim by SNP leaders that Britain's decision to leave the EU despite Scots voting to remain has put the country "truly on the brink of independence."

Angus Robertson, leader of the SNP group in the House of Commons has claimed recently that Scotland is on "the brink of independence." Endit