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Survey Finds English Aren't Pinning Their Hopes on Outcome of Scottish Independence Vote

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Most of the English public have a negative opinion of the government’s spending in Scotland in the event of a ‘no’ vote in September’s independence referendum.

MOSCOW, August 21 (RIA Novosti) - Most of the English public have a negative opinion of the government’s spending in Scotland in the event of a 'no' vote in September’s independence referendum.

They are largely pessimistic about future relations between the two countries, the Future of England Survey 2014 found, contradicting independence proponents’ key offers.

The study, which was conducted by researchers at Cardiff University and the ESRC Scottish Centre on Constitutional Change, suggests that most respondents believe Scottish MPs should be banned from voting on England-related laws and that state spending in the republic should be reduced to the UK average. The latter goes against promises made by the UK’ three major parties, which are backing the union, to continue funding Scotland, in line with the Barnett formula that has been used in Britain since the late 1970s.

Only 19% expressed support for Scottish independence, although the majority still argues that no outcome could halt the growing tensions between the two nations.

Around 42% believe that in the event of a 'no' vote, Scotland should gain greater autonomy with respect to its tax and benefits and be fully empowered to handle welfare policies on its own.

Scottish independence was for decades a fringe theme in UK politics. The landslide victory of the Scottish National Party in the 2011 Scottish parliamentary elections raised Scotland’s odds of breaking free from Britain. Delivering on its pre-election vows, the ruling party slated a referendum on independence for September 18.

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