November 28, 2006

Abstract: - Many adults in Scotland express support for sovereignty, according to a poll by ICM Research published in the Sunday Telegraph. 59 per cent of respondents believe Scotland should become an independent country. In a sample of English respondents, 52 per cent agree with the premise.

- Many adults in Scotland express support for sovereignty, according to a poll by ICM Research published in the Sunday Telegraph. 59 per cent of respondents believe Scotland should become an independent country. In a sample of English respondents, 52 per cent agree with the premise.

In addition, 48 per cent of respondents in England want to become independent from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland—a view echoed by 45 per cent of Scottish respondents.

The Kingdom of Scotland was an independent state until May 1, 1707, when the Acts of Union established the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

Last year, British voters renewed the House of Commons. Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Alex Salmond launched his party's campaign on Apr. 6—the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath. The statement—tabled in 1320—includes a commitment to Scotland's sovereignty. Salmond said he wants Scotland to "stand in equality with the other countries of the world." The SNP won six of Scotland's 59 seats in the lower house of the British Parliament.

In a 1997 referendum, voters in Scotland supported the creation of a legislative assembly with tax varying powers. The Scottish Parliament held its first session in 1999. Politicians who favour Scottish independence currently hold 41 of the 129 seats. Scottish voters will renew their Parliament on May 3, 2007.

Earlier this month, chancellor of the exchequer Gordon Brown—who represents Scotland's Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency in the House of Commons—discussed the issue of Scottish independence, saying, "There is a debate to be had about the future of the United Kingdom. But I think when you look at the arguments—at the family ties, the economic connections, the shared values, the history of our relationship which has lasted 300 years—people will decide we are stronger together and weaker apart."

Polling Data

Should Scotland become an independent country?

	Scotland	England
Yes	59%	52%
No	28%	35%

Should England become independent of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

	England	Scotland
Yes	48%	45%
No	43%	38%

Source: ICM Research / Sunday Telegraph
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,003 Scottish adults, and 869 English adults, conducted on Nov. 22 and Nov. 23, 2006. Margin of error is 3 per cent.