MEMBERS of Parliament were polled on their views towards the Union and Scottish independence as part of a new study from Savanta ComRes.
Amid strong support for Scottish independence, growing backing for Welsh independence and increased discussion around Irish reunification, the polling firm asked Westminster politicians about their expectations for the future of the UK.
The headline figure is that more than half (51%) of MPs believe Scottish independence is now more likely as a result of Brexit, while 37% disagree.
READ MORE: Keir Starmer 'out of touch' as 60 per cent of Labour members back indyref2
Results by party are more stark – a massive 83% of Labour MPs feel independence is more likely after Brexit, while just 29% of their Tory colleagues agree.
MPs are also confident that at a future Scottish independence referendum, No would win. Some 52% believe this, while 28% feel there would be a victory for the Yes side.
Again there are party differences on this matter with 21% of Tories unsure what the outcome would be, as opposed to 40% of Labour MPs.
MPs in the House of Commons
The polling firm produced some interesting data on the more practical aspects of a future referendum, asking whether a simple majority or a higher threshold should be required for a Yes win.
Some 49% believe a simple majority would suffice, while 42% say there should be a higher threshold. There are again party splits on the matter, with 53% of Tories saying a simple majority is enough compared to just 32% of Labour representatives.
On Irish reunification, 51% of MPs say it is more likely following Brexit. Meanwhile 48% say Brexit will not harm the peace process in Northern Ireland. This question prompted major party splits, with 86% of Labour MPs saying Brexit will damage peace in Northern Ireland and 79% of Tory MPs disagreeing.
READ MORE: Scottish independence 'inevitable' as new poll puts Yes in the lead
MPs are less concerned about Welsh independence, despite increased support for it, with only 15% saying Brexit has made Wales more likely to leave the Union.
The poll comes after another survey from YouGov found 60% of UK Labour members support indyref2.
The firm polled 1073 Labour members between March 17 and March 24.
Most support for another referendum within Labour was in older age groups, with 63% of 50-64-year-olds and 64% of those older than 65 supporting a second vote, compared to 52% in both the 18-24 and 25-49 age groups.
SNP depute leader Keith Brown said the figures prove Keir Starmer is “completely out of touch with Scotland and his own party members”.
“The Labour Party ruined its reputation in Scotland by backing Boris Johnson’s hard Brexit, supporting austerity cuts, imposing Trident nuclear weapons, and working hand-in-hand with the Tories in Better Together,” he added.
"It risks falling into terminal decline if it continues to side with Boris Johnson to deny democracy.”
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