THE majority of voters would prefer a straightforward Yes/No vote on Scottish independence, according to a new poll.
The survey found 53% of Scots would prefer a single question on the ballot paper in 2014, compared with 41% who want an extra option on handing Holyrood greater powers – the so-called devo-max option.
It came amid growing speculation the SNP leadership is preparing to abandon efforts to include a second question in return for UK Government concessions on allowing younger voters to take part in the referendum.
Last night Labour and the Conservatives said the poll increased pressure on First Minister Alex Salmond to rule out the second question.
Scottish Labour's constitutional affairs spokeswoman Patricia Ferguson said: "It is good to see growing support for a single, clear-cut question that everyone can accept is fair. People are seeing through Alex Salmond's smoke and mirrors. The fundamental question Scotland needs to settle is whether we are part of the United Kingdom or whether we leave: whether we are in or out."
But the First Minister's spokesman said: "The UK Government has to understand the terms and timing of the referendum must be decided in Scotland by the Scottish Parliament – not dictated by Westminster."
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