A survey carried out by researchers at the University of Edinburgh due to be published today (Monday) has found that people across Scotland are highly motivated to vote in the General Election – a legacy of last year’s referendum.
The percentage of people in Scotland saying they will vote in the upcoming General Election was by far the highest of all the regions in the UK. 76 per cent of those polled in Scotland said they will vote – compared to 64 per cent in Wales, 63 per cent in England and 55 per cent in Northern Ireland.
And the percentage of 18 and 19 year olds in Scotland who said they will vote was also by far the highest in the UK – with 65 per cent saying they will vote compared to just 34 per cent in England.
57 per cent of those polled in Scotland also believed the Scottish Parliament influences how the UK is governed.
The survey also found that 69 per cent of people in Scotland and 59 per cent in England believe Scotland will one day become an independent country.
Commenting on the ESRC survey, SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson said:
“The fact that 65 per cent of 18 and 19 year olds in Scotland plan to vote compared to just 34 per cent south of the border is proof of the fantastic spirit of engagement that lives on after last year’s historic vote.
“It is also positive that the role of the Scottish Parliament has strengthened, with nearly 60 per cent of people believing itinfluences how the UK is governed. Now people are determined to use their vote to elect MPs who will put their interests first - which is why poll after poll has shown the SNP riding high.
"A strong team of SNP MPs will use their clout to protect Scotland's NHS from the effects of austerity, patient charging and privatisation at Westminster and secure the powers Scotland needs to make our country a fairer, more prosperous place to live."
