Holyrood should decide Scotland's relationship with the EU, say 74% of Scots

Nearly three-quarters of Scots think that Holyrood should be able to decide Scotland's relationship with the EU, according to a new survey.

A poll carried out for the pro-independence campaign group Progress Scotland revealed that 74% of the 2,093 people surveyed wanted MSPs to choose how Scotland interacts with the EU when undecided returns were excluded.

The UK Government is currently in the midst of Brexit negotiations, with both parties suggesting the end of this month will be the last possible chance for a deal to be struck.

The Brexit transition period is due to end on December 31.

Angus Robertson, who set up Progress Scotland and is currently fighting a selection contest for the Edinburgh Central constituency at next year’s Holyrood election, said: “Public opinion is overwhelmingly in favour of Scotland deciding its own relationship with the European Union.

“The fact that nearly three-quarters back the Scottish Parliament and Government making future decisions is a big warning to Westminster, which is ploughing on with Brexit which was opposed by 62% of voters in Scotland.

“As we already know from previous polls, Brexit has had a huge impact on many people moving from opposition to now supporting independence as a way of protecting Scotland’s place in Europe.”

The same poll – which covered a wide range of issues relating to Scotland including independence and Brexit – also suggested 75% of people would vote to leave the UK if they thought it would improve the Scottish economy.

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Mr Robertson argued that independence campaigners should make an economic case for splitting from the UK.

He said: “The fact that 75% would vote for independence if they were convinced that it would be good for the Scottish economy is remarkable and should encourage the pro-independence side in making the economic case to help grow support ahead of the next independence referendum.

“Earlier parts of the poll have already been released which reflect how much opinion is changing in Scotland and impacting on views towards Scottish independence.”