More than half of Scottish voters want to remain in the United Kingdom, according to a poll released today.
Some 54% of people in Scotland questioned by Ipsos Mori for the thinktank British Future said they wanted to stay in the Union, against just 29% who backed independence.
The poll, released as the Government set out its position on the terms of any referendum on independence, also showed similar majorities in both England and Wales in favour of Scotland staying in the UK.
According to the survey, voters north of the border are slightly more enthusiastic about preserving the Union than people in England or Wales.
Some 48% of those questioned in England backed the Union, against 27% who supported independence for Scotland. In Wales, 41% wanted Scotland to stay in the UK, while 29% said it should become independent.
Support for the Union was stronger among older people, with six out of 10 over-55s wanting Scotland to stay in the UK, compared to four out of 10 of those aged 16-44.
Independence for Scotland was more popular among men (32%) than women (23%).
And middle-class professionals were more likely to want to keep the Union (53%) than those in lower skilled posts (46%) or unskilled jobs (44%).
:: Ipsos Mori interviewed 2,320 people across Great Britain between November 30 and December 6, including 497 in Scotland.
©PA 2012
©PA 2012
And, don't forget, 52% of English people wanted an English parliament, so we can take care of English domestic matters without interference from Scottish MPs.
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