THE SNP has moved away from its hardline position on independence but as the possibility of achieving it grows it must clarify what it would mean for Scotland, according to research.

It says 71% of the party’s members viewed independence as their primary goal but 65% thought it would need to take second place to other issues.

Strathclyde University Professor James Mitchell, who led the research, said the results showed there was a “considerable degree of pragmatism” in the party about independence.

When questioned about sharing services across the UK, almost all members were comfortable with sharing some of them such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

“This confirmed the SNP has moved away from the hardline position of the past,” said Mr Mitchell.

The findings of his survey were based on 7112 completed questionnaires.

It was conducted between November 2007, the year the party first won power at Holyrood, and June 2008.The researchers found 87% wanted Scottish independence, with 65% preferring independence as part of the European Union.

Mr Mitchell said: “The reality of holding power has encouraged a more pragmatic stance inside the SNP. As its goal of independence appears more likely, it has to clarify what it means by independence.”

Nuclear weapons was the one subject on which senior members were unanimously opposed.

SNP business convener Derek Mackay said: “SNP members share a positive view of Scotland’s future, supporting a stronger Scotland under devolution, the full powers and responsibilities of independence and a strong social union with the rest of the UK.”