Ten years on from the 2014 referendum, the people of Scotland believe life would be better and that independence would improve outcomes on a wide range of issues – according to a new poll.
The poll, conducted by Survation for Progress Scotland, found that 71% of those who expressed a clear opinion think relations with Europe would be better if Scotland were an independent country.
Similarly, 65% think human rights would be better, 64% agree employment rights would be better and 58% think Scotland’s energy security would be better with independence.
54% of those surveyed who expressed an opinion also believed that pensions and dignity in retirement would be better in an independent Scotland.
The Survation poll also found that 60% of Scots think power over pensions and retirement should lie with the Scottish Parliament – rather than Westminster.
Most Scots also agree that energy policy, human rights, relations with Europe and immigration should be taken from Westminster and handed to Holyrood, according to the polling.
SNP Depute Leader, Keith Brown said:
“On key issues like pensions, energy security and human rights, the people of Scotland believe that, with independence, things would be better than what’s currently on offer from Westminster.
“Significantly, 71% of Scots also believe that our relations with Europe would be better in an independent Scotland.
“But people don’t just think their lives would be better after independence, they want to see more powers moving from Westminster to Scotland’s Parliament today.
“The UK state pension is comparatively worse than many of our neighbours and only the SNP have been clear we will oppose any further increases to the retirement age.
“So, it’s no wonder that 60% want Holyrood to be in charge of pensions and retirement – not Westminster.
“Ten years on from the referendum, the people of Scotland are looking forward towards the nation they believe we will become with independence.
“A better way is possible, and that’s what independence offers.”
