MORE than half of Scots have said they would feel safer if Nicola Sturgeon’s Government was given more powers to tackle coronavirus, a stunning new poll has revealed.

A clear majority of the public (53%) believe it would be safer if reserved powers like airport checks and border controls were reserved to Holyrood. Only 21% said they would be “less safe” if the First Minister was completely in charge.

The Panelbase poll, commissioned by Scot Goes Pop, asked the question: “Some decisions about the lockdown in Scotland, such as whether to keep schools and shops closed, are the responsibility of the Scottish Government. Other decisions, such as whether to introduce airport checks and border controls, are the responsibility of the UK Government. Do you think people in Scotland would be more safe or less safe if the UK Government’s decision-making powers relating to the lockdown were transferred to the Scottish Government?”

A significant portion (46%) of those who voted No in 2014 believe that Scotland would be more safe with full powers over the lockdown. Only 28% said they would be less safe. It is a similar case for LibDem voters and those who voted Leave.

The Dominic Cummings scandal seems to have led to a fall in Tory support as only 35% say the public is safer with Boris Johnson in charge. In comparison, 38% backed Sturgeon’s strategy.

Surprisingly, nearly 60% of Labour voters back Sturgeon over the Westminster Government, with 59% in the “more safe” category.

READ MORE: James Kelly: Latest poll shows profound impact of coronavirus on Yes vote

James Kelly of Scot Goes Pop said the results show it isn’t surprising that the Yes majority has risen in Scotland.

He said: “When these figures are taken into account, it’s no surprise at all that the Yes side has found the small amount of extra support required to produce a pro-independence majority. Unless the UK Government can find a way of urgently rebuilding its reputation in Scotland, it’s perfectly conceivable that majority could grow further.”

It comes after another Scot Goes Pop poll that revealed a clear majority of Scots (63%) back a “Plan B” route to to independence which would avoid a Westminster veto.

READ MORE: Sensational new poll reveals most Scots want an indyref2 Plan B

Last week we reported that 52% of people now back Yes when it comes to independence after the Cummings scandal.

READ MORE: Support for independence surges after Dominic Cummings scandal

An SNP spokesperson said: “This poll shows people have confidence in the Scottish Government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis. As First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has made clear, Scotland will continue to take a cautious, slow and steady route out of lockdown to protect our NHS and save lives. That will continue to be the SNP’s priority throughout this crisis.”