Scots split on economic prospects of independence

Scots are evenly split on whether independence would make Scotland’s economy better or worse off, according to new polling from Ipsos.

But those in England, Wales and Northern Ireland believe Scotland would be worse off in the event of independence.

People across the UK were also more likely to believe the rest of the UK would be worse off economically.

Emily Gray, managing director of Ipsos Scotland, said: “Economic and currency arguments are among the most important factors that shape people’s views on whether Scotland should become independent or stay in the Union.

“These results show that neither pro-independence or pro-Union campaigners enjoy an advantage on this issue at present in the eyes of the public.”

On the future of the Union, three quarters of people felt it would still exist in a years’ time, but that certainty dropped in the years ahead.

Less than half (46 per cent) believed the UK will still exist in its current form in five years’ time, compared to 38 per cent saying it won’t.

Over half (52 per cent) said the UK would not exist in 10 years’ time and 57 per cent said it wouldn’t in two decades.

Among Scots, nearly two-thirds (61 per cent) expect the breakup of the UK within the next decade.

The poll also revealed pessimism among Scots about imminent prospects for the Scottish and UK economies.

Four in five expect the UK economy to worsen over the next 12 months, while 73 per cent also felt Scotland’s economy would get worse.