Support for Scottish independence has reached its highest ever recorded level, a bombshell new poll has revealed.
Ipsos Mori found that a huge 58% of Scots would vote Yes at a future referendum.
The result is likely to be greeted with horror by a UK Government already struggling to get its pro-Union message heard in Scotland.
The SNP has said a vote for them in next year’s Holyrood elections would be a mandate for a second referendum on independence.
Yet Boris Johnson has repeatedly refused to agree to a fresh vote after Scotland voted 55% to 45% to stay in the UK six years ago.
His official spokesman said: “The issue of independence was settled and Scottish people voted decisively to remain part of a strong UK.
“It was a once in a generation vote and must be respected. The UK government will continue to uphold that decisive decision.”
The new poll of 1,045 people by Ipsos MORI for STV is the latest showing a steady uptick in support for independence over the past six months.
When undecided voters are removed, 58% were in support of leaving the UK.
Before removing undecided voters, support for independence remained strong at 55%, with 39% against and 6% saying they do not know.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Independence is about Scotland - everyone who lives here - determining the path we want to take at home and in the world.
“For those of us already convinced, let’s keep persuading others, with respect and civility. We all have a stake in the future we build”.
The poll also shows the SNP well in front in voting intentions, with 58% in the constituency vote and 48% in the list vote.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has said another independence referendum was “about the last thing that we need”.
But he has stood by his comments in January that the SNP would have a mandate for a second referendum if they win a majority.
Former Scottish Labour general secretary Brian Roy tweeted: “The question now, for me, is how and when another vote should take place.”
