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Most 'support English parliament' Most 'support English parliament'
(about 2 hours later)
Most people, including the Scottish and Welsh, believe England should have its own parliament, a BBC poll suggests.Most people, including the Scottish and Welsh, believe England should have its own parliament, a BBC poll suggests.
The poll for Newsnight found 61% in England, 51% of those in Scotland and 48% of those in Wales thought there should be an English Parliament.The poll for Newsnight found 61% in England, 51% of those in Scotland and 48% of those in Wales thought there should be an English Parliament.
But there was no majority in any of the three nations for further independence. But the survey also suggested most people in Scotland thought it should remain part of the United Kingdom.
The poll, timed with the tricentenary of the Act of Union being accepted by Scotland, was of 883 adults in England, 543 in Scotland and 527 in Wales. The poll, marking 300 years of the Act of Union, was of 883 adults in England, 543 in Scotland and 527 in Wales.
Seventeen per cent of Scots and 20% of Welsh thought that the Union would continue for another 300 years.Seventeen per cent of Scots and 20% of Welsh thought that the Union would continue for another 300 years.
Economic divisionEconomic division
Nearly a quarter - 23% - of those in England also thought it would be in place for that long.Nearly a quarter - 23% - of those in England also thought it would be in place for that long.
But half of all those questioned thought the Union had less than a century to go - in England 49%, Scotland 51% and in Wales 50%.But half of all those questioned thought the Union had less than a century to go - in England 49%, Scotland 51% and in Wales 50%.
There was a division over whether there would be economic benefits if the three countries split.There was a division over whether there would be economic benefits if the three countries split.
In England, nearly a quarter - 24% - thought they would lose out if there was a break-up of the Union, and another quarter (25%) thought they would benefit. Another 44% thought it would make no difference.In England, nearly a quarter - 24% - thought they would lose out if there was a break-up of the Union, and another quarter (25%) thought they would benefit. Another 44% thought it would make no difference.
Should England have its own Parliament?
Many more people in Scotland thought they would do worse out of separation (37%), while 31% though they would be better off.Many more people in Scotland thought they would do worse out of separation (37%), while 31% though they would be better off.
In Wales, 49% thought they would be worse off if the Union dissolved. Only 14% thought they would gain.In Wales, 49% thought they would be worse off if the Union dissolved. Only 14% thought they would gain.
The Newsnight poll, carried out by Opinion Research Business, came after recent fresh calls for England to have its own Parliament.The Newsnight poll, carried out by Opinion Research Business, came after recent fresh calls for England to have its own Parliament.
In October, an architect of Scottish devolution said it was a "sovereign right" for the English to have a Parliament of their own.In October, an architect of Scottish devolution said it was a "sovereign right" for the English to have a Parliament of their own.
Canon Kenyon Wright said it was "undemocratic" that Scottish MPs could vote on England-only issues but not vice versa.Canon Kenyon Wright said it was "undemocratic" that Scottish MPs could vote on England-only issues but not vice versa.
TV debateTV debate
He said he wanted to see "a strong English Parliament" and a strengthened Welsh legislature.He said he wanted to see "a strong English Parliament" and a strengthened Welsh legislature.
Opponents say they fear the break-up of the United Kingdom.Opponents say they fear the break-up of the United Kingdom.
The English polled believed the end of the Union would make no difference to them (76%), with only 11% believing it would enhance English culture.The English polled believed the end of the Union would make no difference to them (76%), with only 11% believing it would enhance English culture.
Jeremy Paxman and Kirsty Wark will host a BBC Newsnight debate on an Act of Disunion on BBC Two at 2230 GMT.Jeremy Paxman and Kirsty Wark will host a BBC Newsnight debate on an Act of Disunion on BBC Two at 2230 GMT.
The debate will be held in the historic Parliament Hall in Edinburgh where - 300 years ago to the day - the Scottish Parliament voted to sign up to the Act of Union.The debate will be held in the historic Parliament Hall in Edinburgh where - 300 years ago to the day - the Scottish Parliament voted to sign up to the Act of Union.
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