Scots believe Holyrood should run the country

A majority of people (74 per cent) in Scotland believe Holyrood should have the most influence in running the country, according to a recently-published government survey. The social attitudes survey, conducted between June and November 2010, also shows that 61 per cent of people trust the Holyrood government to make fair decisions, while 49 per cent of people believe that the Scottish Government gives them a stronger voice.

Jim Eadie, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Southern, believes the results of the survey underlines the appetite for further constitutional progress to extend the powers of the Scottish Parliament. He said: “These findings are not just an endorsement of the Scottish Government, but are a real encouragement that people in Scotland want to take charge of their own destiny – and only the SNP matches those aspirations.”

Comparatively, only 24 per cent trust the Westminster government in the same way, although 45 per cent believe they currently retain the most influence over the way the country is run. However, the survey also indicates that 64 per cent of Scots believe the Scottish economy had grown weaker in the 12 months prior to the survey, and 54 per cent felt that living standards in the country had also deteriorated.

Speaking to The Journal, Mr Eadie continued: “The vast majority of people want Scotland’s Parliament to have the full economic clout needed to fight recession, support recovery, and build a fair society – which is why the Scotland Bill needs to be improved and strengthened.

“The debate in Scotland is no longer between change or no change – it is about the kind of change we seek, and the right of the people to choose their future in a free and fair referendum.

“Popular opinion in Scotland has moved far beyond the status quo. Opinion poll after opinion poll shows a clear majority of people in favour of radical constitutional progress for Scotland."