A QUARTER of Tory members across the UK are in favour of Scottish independence.

New research by YouGov has found that 26% of those polled would be "happy" if Scotland left the Union.

It came in the same survey that showed a majority of Tories were willing to give up the "precious union" if it meant securing Brexit – but shows around a quarter would like to see the back of Scotland no matter its outcome.

Among the 26% who wanted Scotland gone, 12% said they would be "very happy" and 14% "fairly happy".

Tory members were more concerned about Northern Ireland leaving the UK than Scotland doing the same.

A total of 75% said they would be unhappy with Northern Ireland exiting – compared to just 70% feeling the same way about Scotland.

A similar picture emerged when Tory members were asked about the price they would be willing to pay to secure Brexit.

Of the five options presented, the most popular sacrifice for Brexit was Scottish independence. Of those polled, 63% said they would rather Brexit took place even if it caused that scenario.

Significant damage to the UK economy was a price worth paying for 61% of Tories, and a Northern Irish exit for 59%.

More than half (54%) were even willing to sacrifice the Tory party for Brexit.

The only scenario in which those polled would rather Brexit did not take place was if it meant Jeremy Corbyn becoming prime minister – with 51% taking that view.