Scottish referendum: Yes campaign takes the lead

The ‘Yes’ campaign has taken the lead for the first time in the Scottish independence debate, according to a shock poll, with less than two weeks until the vote.

The YouGov poll put the campaign for independence in front in a marginal 51-49 point lead, ahead of the referendum on September 18.

Though the poll significantly excludes undecided voters, it would suggest that the unionist campaign has squandered the double-digit lead they held even just a month ago. 

According to reports in the Observer, the unionist camp will, in the coming days, offer all parts of Scottish society a say in how the country should be run in the event of a victory for the ‘No’ vote, in a last ditch attempt to appease undecided Scots. 

The leader of Better Together Alistair Darling warned, “These polls can and must now serve as a wake-up call to anyone who thought the referendum was a foregone conclusion.” 

Meanwhile, SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon Tweeted, “Whatever the detail of poll, it is just that – a poll”

“It’s the vote on 18/9 that counts so let’s redouble our efforts and stay focussed.” 

Support for the Yes campaign rose after the second television debate between Darling and Alex Salmond, first minister of Scotland. Though Darling was thought to have edged the first debate, Salmond came out on top after the second round.

As the tension has risen in recent weeks, businesses have also been forced to choose a side.

First, 130 business leaders argued that no feasible business case has yet been made for leaving the UK, before 200 responded to say that separation from Westminster was essential for Scotland’s prosperity.

Photo: Barney Moss via Flickr 

Further reading:

Scottish referendum: business coalition speaks in favour of independence

Scottish Independence: Salmond gains ground over Darling in second TV debate

The Scottish referendum is good news for renewable energy

Scottish North Sea’s oil reserves six times higher than estimated, business group says

Scottish referendum: Business coalition speaks out against independence