One in three Scots favours break up from the UK
11 Jul 2008, 1323 Hrs

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London, July 11 (ANI): Only one in three Scots is in favour of independence from United Kingdom, according to a poll.

Despite the best efforts of Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond, a YouGov survey for the Daily Telegraph reveals that a majority of voters favour the status quo delivering a blow to those who want to break up the Union.

The "No" vote has a clear 12 point lead over the "Yes" vote, with 48 per cent against independence, 36 per cent in favour and 14 per cent unsure. Some previous polls have shown a much narrower margin between the two camps.

In a previous YouGov poll, when a third option of increased powers for a devolved parliament was included, only 19 per cent backed independence.

The latest rejection of separatism was based on the Scottish National Party's preferred question in a referendum.

It wants to ask voters in 2010 if they agree or disagree that "the Scottish government should negotiate a settlement with the Government of the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state".

The findings suggest that voters are prepared to accept a separatist administration at Holyrood, as long as it does not lead to actual separation.

However, pro-Union parties can take heart from the fact that a majority of voters not only oppose the break-up of the UK, but are also comfortable with the "furniture" of Unionism.

Fifty five per cent are in favour of keeping the Queen as head of state and 29 per cent against. In addition, a majority of Scots want to keep the pound (73 per cent) rather than the euro.

They also want to continue contributing troops to Britain's armed forces (66 per cent), rather than having their own separate armed forces (23 per cent). (ANI)