The Survation survey, conducted after the Prime Minister said she will refuse the request for a referendum, found most Scots also thought Westminster should not be allowed to block a new vote.

 

The Scottish Parliament this week voted in favour of Holyrood having the power to hold a referendum.

 

Commissioned by the SNP, the Survation poll questioned 1,104 people over 16 by telephone on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, after Holyrood backed Scotland’s referendum on Tuesday.

 

 

Asked who “should have the right to decide if there should be a referendum in Scotland that would allow the people of Scotland to choose between Brexit and independence”, 61 per cent said Holyrood and 39 per cent Westminster.

 

Asked who should decide the timing of such a vote, with 56 per cent saying Holyrood and 44 per cent.

 

Asked if Westminster “should have the right to block a plan for a referendum in Scotland, even if it is agreed on and voted for by the Scottish Parliament”, 58 per cent said No and 42 per cent said Yes.

 

This poll shows that, in trying to block a referendum, the Tory government is acting against the wishes of the people of Scotland.

 

Any prolonged bid to block people having their say would be undemocratic, unsustainable and run the risk of public opinion turning even more sharply against the Prime Minister.