Independence referendum: Poll puts Better Together ahead of Yes Scotland campaign

The campaign to keep Scotland in the UK has a nine-point lead over its rival, according to a poll.

The Panelbase survey suggests support for the union stands at 46%, up two points from May, while support for independence increased by one point to 37%.

But in a warning to the Better Together movement, the results show pro-independence supporters are more likely to take part in the ballot in September next year.

Ivor Knox, managing director of Panelbase, said: “If we include everyone who has told us which way they plan to vote, irrespective of likelihood, the No side has a more substantial lead of 58 to 42.”

The poll of 1,001 adults in Scotland found that 94% of independence supporters said they are very likely to take part, compared with 87% of unionists.

Meanwhile, the SNP has seen its support increase by three points to 48%, Labour remains at 30%, the Tories stay on 13% and the Liberal Democrats slip by one point to 4%.

Regional voting intentions put the SNP up three points to 48%, Labour down two points to 25%, and the Tories unchanged at 13%, Greens still on 6% and the Lib Dems dropping two points at 4%.