AN online survey completed by Heraldscotland readers has reflected the swing from Labour to the SNP in voting intentions since the 2010 general election.

 

The results were collated by Queen Mary University of London, which developed an online tool to gauge opinion. More than 700 readers completed the survey.

It was found that 34.5 per cent of respondents backed the SNP at the last general election, although 60.6 per cent said they planned to vote for the nationalists today. Almost a quarter supported Labour last time, with the total falling to just 13.6 per cent in 2015.

Conservative support remained relatively consistent, from 12.4 per cent in 2010 to 11.9 per cent now. However, just five per cent said they plan to vote Liberal Democrat, down from 22.6 per cent in 2010.

Readers were also asked about their opinions on other key issues. Most disagreed that public spending should be cut to balance the budget, suggesting support for Nicola Sturgeon's policy of increasing departmental budgets. Just over a quarter said they completely agree or agree with the statement, compared to almost six in 10 who disagree or completely disagree.

More than 70 per cent agreed private sector involvement in the NHS should be reduced, while just over 15 per cent disagreed. Just over a quarter support fracking, while 48.1 per cent oppose it.

In terms of Britain's EU membership, almost 78 per cent per cent completely agree or agree it should be retained, while 11.1 per cent support withdrawal. However, almost half believe Britain should be about to place restrictions on the number of EU immigrants entering the country, while 34.9 per cent do not.

On the issue of Scottish independence, 52.7 per cent agree Scotland should be independent, while 33.9 per cent disagreed. Just under two per cent said they had no opinion, while 11.5 per cent neither agreed nor disagreed.

There was higher support for Holyrood being granted full tax raising powers, with two thirds backing the move. Just 19.5 per cent opposed the proposition.