New Ipsos MORI analysis shows 53% of people in Scotland view Brexit as one of the most important issues facing Britain today, compared with 46% across Britain as a whole. Brexit tops our ‘Issues Index’ in Scotland, ahead of the NHS which was mentioned by 50%. However, our English neighbours are, of course, far from homogenous in their views on Brexit. There is substantial regional variation, with the proportions considering Brexit one of the key issues facing the country ranging from as low as 35-36% in the Midlands, to as high as 60% in the South East. Unsurprisingly, concern about Brexit is highest in those areas that, like Scotland, saw a relatively high Remain vote. In terms of the other key issues exercising people in Scotland, education and schools were mentioned by 19% (similar to Britain as a whole). At 18%, the proportion mentioning the ageing population and social care as a key issue facing the country was higher in Scotland compared with Britain as a whole (11%), perhaps reflecting growing awareness of the particular challenges Scotland faces around its ageing population. In contrast, Scots were a little less likely to identify immigration as a key issue facing the country (16%, compared with 21% across Britain as a whole).

1. IPSOS MORI ISSUES INDEX
Contact: Emily.Gray@ipsos.com
0131 2268672
Scotland results

2. 2
Issues facing Britain – 2018 so far
What do you see as the most/other important issues facing Britain today?
Source: Ipsos MORI Issues Index
49%
46%
21%
20%
19%
18%
18%
17%
14%
11%
15%
30%
8%
2%
3%
5%
4%
4%
3%
2%
NHS/Hospitals
Common Market/EU/Brexit
Immigration
Education/Schools
Housing
Economy
Crime/Law and Order
Poverty/Inequality
Defence/Foreign affairs/Terrorism
Ageing population/Social care
Top mentions %
Base: 5,992 British adults 18+, January – June 2018
MOST/OTHER
IMPORTANT ISSUES
MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE

3. 3
Issues facing Britain: 2018 so far
Scotland
Base: 535 Scottish adults 18+, January – June 2018
What do you see as the most/other important issues facing Britain today?
Source: Ipsos MORI Issues Index
53%
50%
19%
18%
17%
17%
16%
15%
14%
13%
46%
49%
20%
11%
14%
17%
21%
19%
11%
9%
EU/Brexit
NHS
Education/Schools
Ageing population/Social care
Defence/terrorism
Poverty/Inequality
Immigration
Economy
Unemployment
Lack of faith in politics/politicians
Top mentions %
Scotland
Britain

4. 4
Issues facing Britain 2018
Brexit and the NHS: biggest issue is split by nation/region
Base: 5,992 British adults 18+, January – June 2018
What do you see as the most/other important issues facing Britain today?
Source: Ipsos MORI Issues Index
EU/Brexit NHS
East Midlands 36% 49%
East of England 47% 47%
London 39% 39%
North East 40% 44%
North West 40% 56%
Scotland 53% 50%
South East 60% 59%
South West 56% 53%
Wales 46% 53%
West Midlands 35% 41%
Yorkshire & Humberside 40% 49%
Britain 46% 49%

5. 5
East Midlands
East of England
London
North East
North West
Scotland
South East
South West
Wales
West Midlands
Yorks & Humber
Britain
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
Issues facing Britain 2018
Areas with larger remain votes are more concerned
Base: 5,992 British adults 18+, January – June 2018
Scatter chart: % seeing Brexit as an issue versus Remain vote at the referendum
Ipsos MORI Issues Index / Electoral Commission
% voted “remain” at referendum
%seeBrexitasabigissue

6. IPSOS MORI ISSUES INDEX
Scotland results
For more information contact:
Emily.Gray@ipsos.com