Early surge after launch of discussion on impact of Brexit on public opinion
ALMOST 300,000 responses have been made to the national survey on Scotland’s political future during its first week in circulation.
The SNP launched the survey warning that “seismic changes” threaten Scotland’s economy and democracy as a result of political instability at Westminster, and launched the survey to guage opinion on Brexit and other constitutional issues.
The party’s grassroots campaigners, part of a 124,000 strong membership, were supportive of the project and plan to reach voters through stalls and street canvassing.
“293,167 people have made their voice heard,” the SNP confirmed, in a short update on the survey.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also welcomed the response in a speech at a dinner for pro-independence group Business for Scotland in Glasgow last night [Thursday 8 September].
One source coordinating the early canvass efforts told CommonSpace it was “clear that the EU vote is bringing No voters over to Yes”.
One source coordinating the early canvass efforts told CommonSpace it was “clear that the EU vote is bringing No voters over to Yes”. He added that canvass efforts would focus on those who had voted against independence, to see if their views had changed in the past two years.
Independence supporters claim that the Tory re-election in 2015, the economic threats from the Brexit vote, and the unelectable position of the Labour Party will have shifted opinions on constitutional change.
The Scottish Government recently issued a report of economic data suggesting that Brexit could hit Scotland’s economy by between £1.7bn and £11.2bn a year – depending on how the UK exits the union.
The timing for such negotiations remains unknown, although the UK Government has confirmed that the Autumn statement will be made on 23 November.
Reflecting changing attitudes since the Brexit vote, Scottish Liberal Democrat activists have proposed to motion to the party’s conference to be “open minded” over all constitutional options.
Picture: National Survey
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