Most Europeans would support independent Scotland joining EU, poll finds
A majority of Europeans favour an independent Scotland being allowed into the European Union, a poll has found
YouGov questioned people living in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Spain on their views on the prospect of an independent Scotland becoming part of the EU.
Support across these nations for Scotland to join the EU ranged from just under two-thirds (63 per cent) to three-quarters (75 per cent).
But across Great Britain – where more than 2,000 people were polled – less than half (46 per cent) said they would back an independent Scotland being part of the EU, with 32 per cent saying they would oppose this.
The latest poll found 63 per cent of French people surveyed would support an independent Scotland joining the EU, with only 13 per cent opposed.
In Italy, 64 per cent favour Scotland being allowed to join, with 11 per cent against.
This was broadly similar to Spain – where 65 per cent said they would support an independent Scotland in the EU while 13 per cent are opposed to this.
In Germany, support was higher at 68 per cent, with only 10 per cent of people polled against an independent Scotland being part of the EU.
In Denmark three-quarters (75 per cent) of people back Scotland being part of the trading block, with six per cent against this.
The research was carried out despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer having made clear he has no plans to allow a second vote on Scotland leaving the UK.
Just last month the Labour leader said having another ballot on the issue is not a 'priority' and he cannot imagine one taking place while he is in Downing Street.
And while the UK Government recently announced a new agreement with the EU, there is no prospect of the UK seeking to rejoin the trading block as things stand.
YouGov's research comes almost a decade on from the 2016 Brexit referendum, which saw the UK as a whole vote to leave the EU.
Scotland voted to remain by more than 60 per cent.
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