Scotland to vote for independence: Food Manufacture poll

In a poll of FoodManufacture.co.uk readers, 65% agreed that Scottish voters would choose independence from the UK because history was on the side of the yes campaign and first minister Alex Salmond was a brilliant leader.

Only 22% of respondents thought that the unionists would persuade voters to remain with the UK, while 7% did not know. See full results below.

Scotland voting for independence​

The poll was published in response to a warning that England seriously underestimates the prospect of Scotland voting for independence and the political instability that would bring, from cabinet minister and broadcaster Michael Portillo.

“For those of you interested in compiling risk registers, the possibility of a yes vote in the Scottish referendum needs to be on your register,”​ Portillo told a seminar audience at Foodex (March 24–​26)   “My worry about this is that it will lead to a sustained period of instability in British politics.” ​

His warning preceded a similar warning from Scottish secretary Alistair Carmichael that the unionist campaign was sleepwalking to defeat. “The danger is that by the time they ​[the unionists] realise it could happen, it could be too late,”​ Carmichael told The Observer​ last Sunday (March 30).

Read why the nationalists could win the referendum and place your vote here​.

Meanwhile, here’s how hundreds of FoodManufacture.co.uk readers voted in answer to our question: Will Scottish voters choose independence on September 18?

• 6%: No chance.
• 65%: Yes, history is on the side of the yes campaign and Alex Salmond is a brilliant leader.
• 22%: No, but the nationalists will lose by a much closer margin that many people think.
• 7%: Don’t know.

Register your view here​.