BBC poll on Scottish Politics

In many ways the results of the recent BBC poll on a devolved Scotland had something for everyone.

The 38% support for independence meant that Unionist parties could quite reasonably claim that there was no majority for separation from the UK while the majorities in favour of bringing pension and more taxation powers to Holyrood allows the SNP to claim that Scotland is wanting more say over its affairs and is consequently moving towards independence.

Furthermore, the increase in support for independence since May 2007 allows the SNP to champion their cause with deserved confidence, particularly when 58% of the public wants a referendum on the subject next year. How the Unionist parties can untangle themselves from this quandary won't be easy to solve.

It seems the preferred constitutional settlement is close to a federal United Kingdom with defence being the only significant power left at Westminster, a situation that many within the Lib Dem ranks have been in favour of for a while and one that I personally would be perfectly content with if it meant the freedom of full fiscal autonomy.


The BBC poll may only have had 1,010 participants but it throws up a whole range of questions:

Do we need 59 Scottish MPs in the medium to long term if Scots want more powers devolved to Holyrood?

Can the Scottish Parliament reasonably ignore the will of the people and block a Referendum Bill next year?

Is the halfway house that is floated by Calman really a long term prospect for Scotland when there is such tangible support for full control over domestic affairs, including tax and pensions?

If the Calman proposals are foisted upon Scotland in too rushed a manner, will there be a backlash and in what form will it take?

In a multi-option referendum, what would be the wording of the 'extra tax powers' question? How vague could it be allowed to be while still retaining usefulness?

Plenty of food for thought. Who said Scottish Politics is boring...


Note:

There were several independence questions asked, the various answers proving that the wording of any referendum question is vital so here they all are:

"In a referendum on independence for Scotland, how would you vote?",

Independent - 38%
Not independent - 54%


"the Scottish Government should negotiate a settlement with the government of the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state"

Yes - 42%
No - 50%


Which of a range of scenarios were closest to people's views of how Scotland should be governed.

Independence - 28%
Remain in the UK with Holyrood control over taxation and Government spending - 47%
Remain in the UK with Westminster control over taxation and Government spending - 22%