Almost a third of SNP voters favour increased devolution over independence

Reform Scotland: 'Neither campaign is promoting the way forward which is most favoured.'

Less than two-thirds of SNP voters want independence, according to a poll.

The survey suggests that 28% of party supporters would instead opt for increased devolution while remaining in the United Kingdom.

More than half of Labour voters and just under a third of Conservatives would also back more power short of independence.

The results show an appetite for Devo Plus, according to think-tank Reform Scotland. The system would give Holyrood powers for income and corporation tax, among other levies, as well as assigning a geographic share of Scotland's oil revenue.

The choice is not likely to feature on the ballot paper in the referendum in late 2014 unless the Scottish and UK governments agree to a multi-option vote.

Reform Scotland chairman Ben Thomson said: "This polling reveals starkly the emerging consensus amongst all sides of the political divide.

"Last week's poll showed that Devo Plus was by some margin the most popular way forward for Scotland, and this breakdown shows that its popularity transcends political boundaries.

"I am confident that this new information will be considered carefully by both Yes Scotland and Better Together.

"At present, neither of those campaigns is promoting the way forward which is most favoured by the people of Scotland.

"Devo Plus is a solution around which all of Scotland's political parties can coalesce."

Former Liberal Democrat MSP Jeremy Purvis, leader of the Devo Plus group, added: "The fact that only just over 60% of SNP voters support independence and also the vast majority of Labour party voters want the non-independence parties to work together for Devo Plus is highly significant.

"It shows that most ordinary people across Scotland are less interested in the contortions over the issue of the ballot paper but are wanting parties to work together on how to deliver a stronger Scottish Parliament within the UK.

"The Devo Plus proposal is a carefully considered and fully worked-up plan on how to deliver this. It's fairly clear now it's the most popular way forward also."

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: "It's striking that almost a third of SNP voters don't even believe in Alex Salmond's dream of breaking up the United Kingdom.

"These poll results are a damning verdict on his failure to provide hard facts on what separation would mean for millions of Scots.

"Scotland is facing its biggest decision in 300 years yet the electorate do not even know what currency or welfare and pension system we would have under independence."

She added: "It's no wonder Alex Salmond is desperate to get a second question on the referendum ballot paper when his own supporters are now having cold feet about separation.

"However, let there be no doubt, this is a vote between separation and devolution, and the people of Scotland should be offered a single question that is fair, legal and decisive."

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