Independence poll shows the gap is closing

A new poll shows the gap between the Yes and No sides of the independence referendum is narrowing.

Scots business tycoon Sir Tom Hunter commissioned a new poll to launch a bid to get “answers not rhetoric” from politicians on behalf of the thousands who claim they don’t have enough information to decide how to vote.

The entrepreneur is expected to spend a significant six figure sum in the coming months hiring academics and experts to independently assess the claims from both sides of the campaign.

The TNS poll of 1,000 Scots, nearly two weeks ago, shows 29% plan to vote yes, 42% will vote no and 29% are undecided.

Compared to a poll by the same firm five months ago, the Yes side is up four percentage points and the pro-Union campaign is down two points.

The latest poll also shows only one in seven Scots have read some of the SNP’s blueprint for independence launched in October.

Two thirds of Scots believe there should be a TV debate on the referendum between David Cameron and Alex Salmond, while nearly one in five disagree with the idea.

Sir Tom yesterday pointed to a further finding, that 56% of adults in Scotland say they do not have enough knowledge about the referendum issues, as vindication for his intervention in the campaign.

He said: “This debate is too important to leave to the politicians. It is my belief that the referendum is way closer to call than anyone thinks and for that reason I believe many Scots need far more data and evidence in order to make an informed choice. Sir Tom, who said he will not publically declare which way he is going to vote, added: “Undoubtedly this is the biggest decision we will take in 300 years and to do so Scots need answers, not rhetoric.”

Blair McDougall, Better Together Campaign Director said: “We are encouraged that this poll shows support for breaking up the UK is below 30% .

Blair Jenkins, Chief Executive of Yes Scotland, said: “The most significant figure in this poll is the large number of undecided voters at 29%.

“Although a very sizeable number, this is three points below what TNS found in December and we know that the more people learn about independence the more likely they are to move to Yes.”