Almost six in ten Scots believe decisions on North Sea oil and gas drilling licences should be made by the Scottish Government rather than Westminster, according to new polling.
Research published today by Ipsos Scotland reveals that 58% of Scots want Holyrood to make most decisions on offshore drilling licences, compared with just 33% who believe responsibility should remain with the UK Government.
The findings suggest a significant appetite for greater Scottish control over the future of the North Sea, at a time when decisions over domestic oil and gas production remain at the centre of political debate.
However, views differ sharply according to political allegiance. Among Scottish Labour voters, opinion is almost evenly divided, with 46% favouring continued UK Government control and 45% backing Scottish Government responsibility.
A large majority of SNP supporters and those who voted Yes in the 2014 independence referendum favour transferring responsibility to Holyrood.
By contrast, majorities of Conservative and Reform UK voters, along with those who voted No in 2014, believe decisions should remain at Westminster.
The research also found support for greater Scottish control over other areas currently reserved to the UK Government.
Just over half of Scots (51%) believe Holyrood should make most decisions about National Insurance, compared with 38% who favour Westminster.
On immigration, 48% favour Scottish Government control, against 41% who want responsibility to remain with the UK Government.
Emily Gray, managing director of Ipsos Scotland, said: “These findings point to a clear public appetite for more decisions affecting Scotland to be made by the Scottish Government, particularly on North Sea oil and gas drilling licences, National Insurance and immigration.
"However, preferences divide sharply along political lines, with SNP voters favouring Scottish Government decision-making for these areas while Conservative and Reform UK voters are more likely to prefer continued UK Government responsibility.”
Ipsos interviewed a representative sample of 1,033 adults aged 16 and over in Scotland between September 18 and 28, with results weighted to reflect the population.