Michael Gove has raised eyebrows and the hackles of Scottish nationalists by appearing to back the idea of allowing Scots living elsewhere in Britain to vote in any new independence referendum.
The 2014 referendum, which went 55-45 in favour of Scotland staying in the UK, saw only Scots living in Scotland allowed to vote.
But Mr Gove responded to a suggestion by the left-wing former Labour and Respect party MP George Galloway that the franchise be extended to the around 800,000 Scots living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Scots-born and raised minister, replied: ‘Interesting question’.
It sparked anger among SNP supporters and politicians at a time when opinion polls show majority support for independence, because those Scots living elsewhere in the UK may have more of a reason to vote No.
Boris Johnson’s Government has said there are no grounds for a fresh vote after the ‘once in a lifetime’ referendum six years ago and Mr Gove did not suggest there would actually be a new referendum.
But Angus Robertson, the former SNP leader in Westminster, tweeted: ‘With polls now showing a consistent majority in favour of Scottish independence, its opponents in Westminster consider changing the electorate an ”interesting question”.
‘Looks desperate, and undemocratic.’
Mr Gove (top left) responded to a suggestion by the left-wing former Labour and Respect party MP George Galloway (below) that the franchise be extended to the around 800,000 Scots living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
It sparked anger among SNP supporters and politicians at a time when opinion polls show majority support for independence, because those Scots living elsewhere in the UK may have more of a reason to vote No
Support for an independent Scotland soared to a record high this week – as Boris Johnson enjoys a holiday in the country.
Backing for a breakaway has hit 55-45 in favour, the mirror opposite of the 2014 referendum result, a survey by Panelbase found.
The research, carried out this week, comes as Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon continues to take advantage of Boris Johnson’s flailing handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Pro-independence organisation Business for Scotland commissioned the poll, with chief executive Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp hailing the results as a ‘huge landmark’ showing the ‘writing is very definitely on the wall for the union’.
Overall, 51 per cent of those questioned said they support independence, 42 per cent said they would vote to stay in the UK and 7 per cent of voters were undecided.
When undecided voters were excluded, 55 per cent favoured Scotland leaving the UK, with 45 per cent preferring to stay in the union.
Mr MacIntyre-Kemp said: ‘The reversal of the 2014 result is a huge landmark – 55 per cent Yes will send shockwaves throughout the political world.
Overall, 51 per cent of those questioned said they support independence, 42 per cent said they would vote to stay in the UK and 7 per cent of voters were undecided. When undecided voters were excluded, 55 per cent favoured Scotland leaving the UK, with 45 per cent preferring to stay in the union
The Prime Minister (pictured on holiday) travelled to Scotland with his fiancée, baby Wilfred, and their dog Dilyn last weekend
Supporters of Scottish independence gather at the site of the battle of Bannockburn, near Stirling, for an ‘All Under One Banner’ event this afternoon
The research, carried out this week, comes as Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon continues to take advantage of Boris Johnson’s flailing handling of the coronavirus pandemic
‘There is no conclusion to draw from this new set of data other than the writing is very definitely on the wall for the union.’
He added: ‘The referendum that will be demanded following May 2021 Holyrood elections, on these figures, would start with Yes to independence commanding a 10 per cent lead.
‘Independence is now significantly the majority decision of the people of Scotland and its momentum looks solid.’
SNP depute leader Keith Brown said support for independence is ‘soaring’.
With the Prime Minister repeatedly ruling out having a second independence ballot, Mr Brown said: ‘Boris Johnson’s attempts to deny the right of the people to decide their own future is now utterly unsustainable.
‘When we look at Boris Johnson’s handling of coronavirus, and his Tory Government’s contempt for all things Scotland, it is no wonder that the majority of voters in Scotland want to make their own decisions on the future of our country.’
He added: ‘With consecutive polls putting support for independence above 50 per cent, it’s clear this is not a trend but the established position of the Scottish electorate.’
Ms Sturgeon has confirmed a pledge to hold a second independence vote will be in her party’s manifesto for next May’s Holyrood elections, which her party is widely expected to win comfortably.
Patrick Harvie, co-leader of the pro-independence Scottish Green Party, also welcomed the survey.
He said: ‘I’m delighted to see yet another poll show that ever more people in Scotland believe that it is time to choose independence.
‘It’s no surprise that momentum towards independence continues to build in the face of utter contempt shown to Scotland by the Westminster Government.
‘Boris Johnson’s disastrous handling of the pandemic and his sleekit attempts to undermine the democratic mandate of the Scottish Parliament have not gone unnoticed.
‘The people of Scotland deserve so much better and by taking our future into our own hands we can build that better Scotland.’