Last night, YouGov revealed the results of a survey showing substantial support among the British population for the retention of the UK’s nuclear weapons – 53% support, 31% oppose. But what went unmentioned is the fact that the same survey also shows that the country which is actually forced to host the weapons, and within just a few miles of its largest city, takes completely the opposite view.
Among respondents in Scotland, and the usual caveats about subsamples apply here, just 35% support the retention of nuclear weapons, while 41% are opposed. No fewer than 25% of Scottish voters are “strongly” opposed, which is a much higher figure than in any other part of the UK. The next highest is London at 16%, and the lowest is the Midlands at just 11%.
The reverse is of course true among those who “strongly support” Britain’s nukes – the 16% figure in Scotland is lower than anywhere else, with 22% in the Midlands and the North of England being the next lowest.
Perhaps the risk of hosting these inhuman weapons should be transferred to a region that would appreciate them more?
It’s worth reminding you at this point that a Scot Goes Pop / Panelbase poll in April 2021 found by a margin of 47% to 33% that the Scottish public want the UK to join the treaty banning nuclear weapons and then to dismantle its own nukes. By a margin of 42% to 24%, they also felt that the presence of nuclear weapons on the Clyde made them “less safe” rather than “more safe”.
Before we finish, a reminder that the Scot Goes Pop opinion poll fundraiser urgently needs a boost – let’s not leave it in limbo for months. It’s important that not all Scottish opinion polling is commissioned by anti-independence clients – we need to make sure that occasionally questions are asked that Yes supporters want asked. Donations can be made via the fundraiser page HERE.
However if you have a Paypal account the best way to donate is via direct Paypal payment, because that can totally eliminate fees depending on which option you select, and payment usually comes through instantly. My Paypal email address is:
jkellysta@yahoo.co.uk
