Over a quarter of English support separation from Scotland
By Oliver Hotham
Over a quarter of English people support independence for Scotland, according to a survey released today.
The report, by the National Centre for Social research, found that 26% of English people favoured a separation of England and Scotland.
Issue like the West Lothian question and Scotland's supposedly disproportionate share of public spending have fuelled support for an end to the union altogether.
Research director at the National Centre said the results were interesting, but emphasised there was no majority support for Scottish independence among the English.
"Although public opinion in England has been affected by debates about devolution in the UK, this does not appear so far to have translated into either a majority demand for a change to the way England is governed or to a widespread call for Scotland to leave the union," he said.
"Leaving England out of the devolution settlement may create difficulties that need to be addressed – particularly funding and the West Lothian question – but it may still be the best way of reflecting and respecting public opinion across the UK."
The survey also showed more than half of English people reject the idea of the creation of an English parliament, preferring to be governed by the UK parliament.
It also dealt with the perception of nationality among the English, and found an even split (45%) between those calling themselves "English" and those calling themselves "British".
