Scottish Independence: New Poll Shows Majority Support for Second Referendum

A new opinion poll has revealed that a majority of Scots now support holding a second independence referendum, with 54% of those surveyed backing another vote on leaving the United Kingdom within the next five years.

The survey, conducted by Ipsos for STV News, found that support for independence itself stands at 49% when undecided voters are excluded, the highest level recorded in a major poll since the 2014 referendum which saw Scotland vote 55% to 45% to remain in the UK.

Support for a second referendum was strongest among 18-to-34-year-olds, with 67% in favour. Among those aged 65 and over, only 34% supported another vote, highlighting the generational divide reshaping Scottish politics.

First Minister Kate Forbes described the poll as a watershed moment for the independence movement. However, Downing Street reiterated its position that now is not the time for a second referendum, with a spokesperson saying the government remains focused on economic growth and public services.

The Scottish Government is expected to publish a new independence prospectus in the autumn, setting out updated economic forecasts and plans for rejoining the European Union. The UK Government has indicated it would resist any attempt to hold a referendum without its consent under Section 30 of the Scotland Act.