WIDENING GAP EVIDENT AS TRUST IN WESTMINSTER SLUMPS TO 21 YEAR LOW
According to the latest Scottish Social Attitudes Survey, support for the Scottish Government remains high as people continue to put their trust in the Scottish Government to deliver for Scotland ahead of Westminster.
The latest Scottish Social Attitudes Survey, released today, shows that 61% of those asked trusted the SNP Government to work in Scotland’s interests, compared with a record low of just 15% for the UK government – down from 25% in 2016.
Conducted before lockdown, and partly after the UK officially left the European Union, the survey found that 73% of people thought the SNP Government should have the most influence over how Scotland is run – five times higher than those who chose Westminster.
Satisfaction with how Scotland’s NHS is run also reached an all-time high, up to 65% from just 40% when the SNP first came to government in 2007.
Commenting, Drew Hendry MP said:
“The widening gap in Scottish public trust has never before been so pronounced and this is yet another confirmation that Scottish voters view the Scottish Parliament as an integral part of our day-to-day lives. This survey is also a spectacular endorsement of the SNP’s record in Government, with the public noting high satisfaction with our public services, our NHS and how the SNP gets on with the day job.
“Given the Brexit fiasco that has engulfed Westminster and threatened our economy, the mishandling of COVID-19 and the utter contempt the Tories have for the devolved nations and national and international law, it can come as no surprise that trust in Westminster is at an all-time low. They only have themselves to blame and no amount of finger pointing can distract from their abysmal record in Government.
“These results clearly illustrate that since the SNP first came to power in 2007, public trust in the Scottish Government has remained high and the public are now more aware than ever before where power lies, and who is responsible when things go wrong. It is for that reason that the Tories should rightfully be worried and why a majority of Scottish voters now see independence as the best way to protect Scotland socially and economically.
“It is especially reassuring to note that 61% of Scots feel the Scottish Parliament gives them a stronger voice within the UK at a time when just 15% feel the UK Government is good at listening to them before making decisions.
“At this crucial point in our political history, the SNP will work as hard as we can to safeguard the best interests of Scotland, and we will proudly stand on our record in government in next May’s election – arguably the most important in our devolved history.”
The Social Attitudes Survey is a face-to-face survey which uses a random sample of all those aged 16 and over living anywhere in Scotland.
Analysis and reporting of the data was undertaken by ScotCen Social Research.
Fieldwork for the Survey began on 30th August 2019 and ceased on 18th March 2020.
Keep up to date with new articles at www.drewhendrymp.scot
Find out more about my work in parliament at www.theyworkforyou.com