Katy Balls Katy Balls

The SNP have lost momentum on independence – and Nicola Sturgeon knows it

The result of the general election in England might be regarded as inevitable, with even Labour MPs telling constituents it’s safe to vote for them because Jeremy Corbyn is not going to become prime minister. But in Scotland, there’s a fierce contest going on between the SNP and the Tories, and this is where the focus of the election might move in the coming days.

With a YouGov survey today reporting a surge in support for the Conservatives in Scotland, there was cause for cautious celebration at CCHQ. The poll says that the Tories are on course to gain seven seats in Scotland, including the constituency currently held by Angus Robertson, the SNP’s Westminster leader. What’s more, in a boost to the Unionist cause, over half the population – 51 per cent – oppose another independence referendum completely.

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