Support declining for Scottish independence

Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has welcomed the news that the percentage of Scottish people supporting the idea of independence has fallen to less than 29%. This is the lowest level of support recorded for independence since the Scottish National Party (SNP) became the largest party in Scotland in 2007.

In a statement, the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said: "The fall in support for Scottish independence is a very welcome development. 57% of Scottish people have made it clear that they do not want separation from the UK, while only 29% are in favour. While some Unionists like the DUP have sought to mimic aspects of Scottish Nationalist policy, we in the Ulster Unionist Party have looked at the wider picture and the terrible effect Scottish independence would have on the Union should it ever become a reality. Unionists have to wake up to the fact that the Union is under threat, not just within the borders of Northern Ireland, but also in Scotland and Wales. That is why this survey is good news and why we in the UUP are working with the Conservatives to make sure that Unionism is enhanced and promoted not only here, but across the UK as a whole."

The survey, commissioned by a London Newspaper, not only highlighted a major fall in support for independence, but also showed a steep decline in support for the SNP, with 24% of people indicating they would vote for them in a general election, down from 36% in August last year. Reacting to the figures, Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie said: "Mr Salmond (SNP leader and Scottish First Minister) should stop wasting millions of pounds of taxpayers' money on his obsession with an independence referendum, ditch his doomed bill and get on with the job people elected him to do."

Mr Elliott agreed with the words of Ms Goldie, adding: "Undoubtedly, the points that Annabel Goldie and others are making about the benefits of the Union - such as economic strength, better national security, cultural and historical allegiances - are hitting a note with the Scottish people. As Unionists we cannot afford to take it for granted that the Union will defend itself. We must always seek to demonstrate why we want the Union to remain, what it means to us and how we see it moving forward into the future."

"The Ulster Unionist party are now in a position to once again offer Unionists in Northern Ireland a chance to vote for the politics they want to see in the Heart of the Union at Westminster. No other party is working as closely as we are with mainland Unionists, and if people are serious about wanting to defend the UK on all fronts, then there is only one choice when it comes to the ballot box."