SUPPORT for Scottish independence is currently neck and neck, according to the latest polling from Savanta ComRes.
The pollster found that backing for leaving the Union has changed little since the beginning of the year, when they recorded 50/50 for Yes and No.
This latest research puts the numbers at 51% for No and 49% for Yes, within the margin of error. However, the polling for The Economist also concludes that only a third of Scots back holding indyref2 in the next two years.
The SNP have been contacted for comment.
What is Nicola Sturgeon's plan for an independence referendum?
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has pledged to do “everything that is within my power” to give Scotland a vote on its future in 2023.
This followed her success at the Holyrood election, which saw the SNP returned with the biggest vote share ever recorded in a Scottish Parliament ballot.
Both the SNP and Green manifestoes included pledges to hold indyref2 in the next parliamentary term. Together, the parties hold 71 pro-independence seats in the Holyrood parliament.
The SNP and Greens work together in government under a co-operation deal, and it was recently confirmed that the two parties would be producing a joint prospectus for independence in the coming months.
How could a referendum take place?
In 2014 Holyrood applied for Section 30 powers from Westminster in order to hold the referendum, and this would be the Scottish Government’s preference for indyref2.
However, the UK Government has repeatedly swerved around the issue – with some ministers suggesting it could be decades before indyref2 is held, and others, including Scottish Secretary Alister Jack, saying support for independence would need to be much higher for it to be a possibility.
In 2020, Boris Johnson did write to the First Minister to formally reject a request to transfer the necessary powers. And a year later, Michael Gove said he "can't see" Boris Johnson granting a new referendum on independence before the next General Election.
Overall, they have made their lack of support for indyref2 clear.
It is understood that legal action could take place between Holyrood and Westminster in order to hold a referendum if a Section 30 order is not accepted again.
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