METHODOLOGY: ComRes interviewed 2,052 British adults online between 12th and 14thSeptember 2014. Data were weighted to be representative of all GB adults aged 18+. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
Date Published: 15 Sep 2014
Description
COMRES / ITV NEWS POLL SHOWS HALF OF BRITS SUPPORT MORE DEVOLUTION IN ENGLAND AND WALES
The latest poll conducted by ComRes for ITV News reveals that half of Britons (48%) support more decision making powers being devolved to English and Welsh cities and regions, although half (47%) oppose Wales having an independence referendum.
63% of the population believe that Scotland remaining part of the UK is good for Britain, compared to 14% who say it is bad for Britain. However, more than half of Britons (54%) support the idea of not allowing Scottish MPs in the UK Parliament in Westminster to vote on issues that do not impact on Scotland.
While nearly one third (30%) of Britons say that they do not care whether Scotland becomes independent, more than half (54%) disagree.
Just one in three Britons (31%) think that David Cameron should resign if Scotland becomes independent – half (48%) think not. Ed Miliband is perceived as slightly less culpable, with just one in four (24%) saying he should resign as Leader of the Labour Party if Scotland becomes independent.
Tom Mludzinski, Head of Political Polling at ComRes said: “Whatever the result of the referendum, the United Kingdom as we know it will be dramatically different. Greater devolution around the UK, and the West Lothian question are now creeping up the agenda and this poll demonstrates that there is some appetite for answers to the big questions thrown up south of the border as a result of the referendum campaign.”
DETAILED FINDINGS:
Q. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?
|
Statement |
Agree |
Disagree |
Don’t know |
|
David Cameron should resign as Prime Minister if Scotland votes to become independent |
31% |
48% |
21% |
|
Even if Scotland votes to remain in the United Kingdom but the result is very close, David Cameron should resign as Prime Minister |
25% |
53% |
22% |
|
Ed Miliband should resign as Leader of the Labour Party if Scotland votes to become independent |
24% |
52% |
25% |
Base: All GB adults (n=2,052).
Q. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?
|
Statement |
Agree |
Disagree |
Don’t know |
|
Scotland's economy would be worse off if it were an independent country |
60% |
16% |
24% |
|
If Scotland becomes an independent country, the UK's standing around the world will be harmed |
40% |
33% |
27% |
|
I don't care if Scotland becomes independent or not |
30% |
54% |
16% |
|
Scotland deserves to be an independent country |
26% |
41% |
33% |
|
Scotland would thrive as an independent country |
16% |
54% |
30% |
|
The UK is better off without Scotland |
14% |
60% |
26% |
Base: All GB adults (n=2,052).
Q. Regardless of the result of the Scottish referendum, Scotland is likely to receive more decision making powers. Do you support or oppose each of the following?
|
Statement |
Support |
Oppose |
Don’t know |
|
Not allowing Scottish MPs in the UK Parliament in Westminster to vote on issues that do not impact on Scotland |
54% |
23% |
24% |
|
Giving more decision making powers on issues such as tax, education, policing to big cities and regions in England and Wales |
48% |
25% |
27% |
|
Setting up an English Parliament for only English MPs |
40% |
33% |
27% |
|
Wales holding a referendum on independence |
23% |
47% |
30% |
|
London becoming independent from the rest of the UK |
9% |
73% |
17% |
Base: All GB adults (n=2,052).
METHODOLOGY: ComRes interviewed 2,052 British adults online between 12th and 14th September 2014. Data were weighted to be representative of all GB adults aged 18+. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.