More than two-thirds of voters want details published outlining what will happen if Scotland votes No to independence, according to a new poll.
In a speech at St Andrews University today, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will challenge the Better Together campaign to produce an equivalent of the Scottish Government’s White Paper, which set out the SNP’s vision after a Yes vote.
The poll asked 1,012 people: “The Scottish Government recently published a guide setting out information and answering questions on how an independent Scotland would work.
“Do you think that those arguing for a No vote in the referendum should publish a similar document setting out what will happen to Scotland if the vote is No?”
Of those who responded to the survey, commissioned by the SNP and conducted by Panelbase, 70% said “yes”, 14% “no” and 16% replied they didn’t know.
Ms Sturgeon said: “People in Scotland want such a document by a factor of five-to-one with majorities across supporters of all political parties and this new year is the time for the No campaign to start answering the hard questions and publishing detailed information about what would happen if Scotland votes No.
“For example, if Westminster retains control over Scotland, how much would Scotland’s budget be cut by, would we still be in Europe in 2020, and how many more children would be plunged into poverty as a result of UK welfare cuts?
“As this poll demonstrates, people want answers from No.”
The Lib Dems are in favour of a federalism model, with much more power being devolved across the UK.
Both Labour and the Tories have commissioned working groups to look at the implications of a No vote, which are expected to report back before September’s referendum.
In her speech today, Ms Sturgeon will say: “To make an informed choice between these two futures, you also need to know what a No vote will mean for Scotland.
“Now, as we enter this next, vital phase of the campaign, it is time for the No campaign to spell that out in detail to allow you to compare and contrast the competing visions for the future of Scotland and make your own minds up.”