New polling information conducted by Survation for Progress Scotland has found that that a majority of respondents holding an opinion believe the Scottish Parliament should have power over energy policy, human rights, pensions, relations with Europe, social security, employment rights, taxation, immigration and the environment – rather than the Westminster Parliament.

A majority of those with an opinion also favoured the Scottish Parliament holding power over the Westminster Parliament when it comes to the cost of living.

Respondents also favoured the continuation of the Scottish Parliament having power in areas already devolved such as public transport and policing.

Separately, the poll also found that a majority of respondents holding an opinion thought the issues of relations Europe, energy security, welfare support, human rights, employment rights, investment in schools, pensions, crime and the gap between the richest and poorest would be better in an independent Scotland.

2,059 people took part in the poll conducted for Progress Scotland by Survation between 10th and 13th of September 2024 to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Scottish independence Referendum conducted on 18th September 2014.

A spokesperson for Progress Scotland said:

“Ten years on from the referendum on Scotland’s independence, public opinion is strongly in favour of new powers being handed to the Scottish Parliament, according to this recent polling.

“Of those who expressed an opinion in this substantial survey, 64% think the Scottish Parliament should have power to tackle the cost of living, 61% favour powers on energy policy going to Holyrood and 55% back immigration and asylum policy being made in Scotland – as opposed to Westminster.

“Perhaps unsurprisingly, after Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union during the Brexit referendum, 57% of those surveyed favour powers on our relations with Europe being handed to the Scottish Parliament.

“Indeed, a substantial majority, 71%, think relations with Europe would be better if Scotland were an independent country.

“Of those surveyed who express an opinion, 52% believe pensions would be better if Scotland were an independent country and 62% back power over pension and retirement policy being devolved to Holyrood today.

“Those surveyed also think issues ranging from human rights to pensions and retirement support would be better in an independent Scotland.

“The findings of this poll give a fascinating insight into Scottish public attitudes towards support for further devolution to the Scottish Parliament and the perceived benefits of independence.”

Q10. To what extent do you feel favourable or unfavourable towards the current Westminster government?
NET: Favourable - 26%
Neither favourable nor unfavourable -25%
NET: Unfavourable - 49%
BASE: 'Don't know' removed. Weighted total: 1980

NET: Favourable - 44%
Neither favourable nor unfavourable -27%
NET: Unfavourable - 29%
BASE: 2024 Labour Voters, 'Don't know' removed. Weighted total: 507

Q11. Thinking about the new Labour Government in Westminster, how would you say it has performed relative to your expectations?
NET: Exceeded - 8%
Met expectations - 36%
NET: Failed - 56%
BASE: All respondents. Unweighted total: 2059

NET: Exceeded - 7%
Met expectations - 48%
NET: Failed - 44%
BASE: 2024 Labour Voters. Unweighted total: 520

Q12. To what extent do you support or oppose winter fuel payments to pensioners being means-tested?
NET: Support - 32%
Neither support nor oppose -17%
NET: Oppose - 51%
BASE: 'Don't know' removed. Weighted total: 1956

NET: Support - 38%
Neither support nor oppose -16%
NET: Oppose - 46%
BASE: 2024 Labour Voters, 'Don't know' removed. Weighted total: 507

Q14. To what extent do you believe the current Labour government is acting in the best interests of Scotland?
NET: Yes - 15%
Somewhat -29%
NET: No - 56%
BASE: 'Don't know' removed. Weighted total: 1856

NET: Yes - 25%
Somewhat -42%
NET: No - 33%
BASE: 2024 Labour Voters, 'Don't know' removed. Weighted total: 477