SUPPORT for independence is above the level in 2014 but most Scots do not want another referendum this autumn, a poll suggests.
The Survation research for the Daily Record puts backing for an independent Scotland at 47%, up two percentage points from the 2014 referendum, while 53% said they would vote No.
On the timing of a second referendum, just 23% said First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon should call it this autumn.
The poll of 1,002 adults found a further 19% said there should be a second vote, but not as soon as this autumn.
Almost half (49%) said there should not be another referendum, while 9% said they are unsure.
Ms Sturgeon has said she will return to the question of the timing of a second vote on the issue in the autumn, when it is hoped there will be more clarity on the future relationship between the UK and the EU.
After stating a fresh referendum was “highly likely” immediately after the Brexit vote, she was forced to reconsider after the SNP lost 21 seats in last year’s snap general election.
SNP business convener Derek Mackay said: “Support for independence remains at historically high levels – with a Yes majority within the margin of error and well within touching distance.
“And we’re not – yet – in the heat of an independence campaign.
“But as Westminster moves from chaos to utter shambles, proving beyond doubt it is incapable of protecting our interests, the case for independence becomes ever stronger.
“Little wonder that since last year there has been a marked rise in the number of people who back giving the people of Scotland that choice over their future.
“With the full powers of independence we could make better choices in Scotland’s interests and avoid the damage of a Tory Brexit.”
Scottish Labour Leader Richard Leonard said: “The people of Scotland want the Government focused on jobs, schools and hospitals, not another referendum campaign that creates false divisions between working class people when the real divide is between the richest and the rest of us.
“The chaos at the heart of the Tory Government has focused people’s minds on the extreme challenges of leaving a political and economic union, and it is clear that there is not strong support for Nicola Sturgeon to try and force another referendum on to the agenda.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said: “This poll again shows the majority of people do not want a second referendum, and they overwhelmingly don’t want one any time soon.
“Nicola Sturgeon should use this research as motivation to take the threat of another divisive vote off the table.”
The Survation research was carried out online between July 5 and 10.
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