Perhaps unsurprisingly, London — where around 37% of the population is foreign born — looks set to vote 3:2 in favor of remaining in the European Union, but what YouGov's "Eurosceptic map of Britain" most starkly reveals, is a chasm of opinion between the UK's constituent nations — Scotland, England and Wales.
Which are the least and most eurosceptic areas of the UK? acc to @YouGov poll. pic.twitter.com/6HhG9Owkj3
— LaetitiavandenAssum (@lvandenassum) June 13, 2016
These numbers will further fuel the perception that the EU referendum is — in reality — about English nationalism, rather than portraying a unified British stance on Europe.
Ever since Scotland's failed referendum on independence in 2014, there have been rumblings that a Brexit could trigger a renewed push for Scottish self-determination, due to the largely pro-European sentiment there. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been cautious with the subject in recent months, but this week issued the clearest signal yet that her party — the SNP — would argue for another vote on Scotland's independence in the event of a Brexit.
Given relentless scrutiny of plans for an independent Scotland, the fact there's a vacuum over what would happen post-Brexit is remarkable.
— Michael Gray (@GrayInGlasgow) June 16, 2016
The SNP's 2016 manifesto stated that the Scottish Parliament should have the right to hold another referendum if there is "a significant and material change in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014, such as Scotland being taken out of the European Union against our will".
.@NicolaSturgeon on why independence supporters should #VoteRemain in this Thursday’s #EUref.https://t.co/VZemC1aH3u
— The SNP (@theSNP) June 19, 2016
First Minister, and leader of the Scottish National Party, Nicola Sturgeon said:
"I'm clear that if Scotland does indeed face that prospect of being taken out of Europe against our will, then that option is on the table. But to be clear — that situation only arises if Scotland votes Remain next week. If Scotland votes to leave then that premise for independence doesn't arise."
Combined with the long standing disparity in attitudes towards the EU throughout the various regions of the UK, and a Scottish independence movement that has been gaining strength since 2014, a leave vote could well signal the beginning of the end for the United Kingdom in its current form.
Watch: Brexit — What Scotland needs to know before voting https://t.co/4uRJeTKCP4
— BusinessforScotland (@BizforScotland) June 20, 2016
UK citizens will vote on June 23 in a referendum on the country's EU membership.
