The Scottish Government is the most trusted government in the European Union, new analysis has shown.
Earlier this week, the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey found that 73 per cent of respondents trust the Scottish Government – compared to only 23 per cent who trust the UK Government.
When compared to a study of trust in national governments across the EU, analysis shows that the Scottish Government is the most trusted in Europe – with significantly higher trust levels than the nearest challengers in Finland and Denmark, who trail behind Scotland at 60% and 55% respectively.
The study also shows that trust in the Scottish Government is more than twice the EU average of 31%.
Commenting, SNP MSP Bruce Crawford said: “It’s no surprise that trust in the Scottish Government is three times higher than trust in the UK Government – considering Scotland is so often governed by Tories we’ve rejected at the ballot box.
“But that the SNP Government is the most trusted in Europe is testament to our extraordinary record of delivery in office – and the fact that people know that we will always stand up for Scotland.
“Just last month Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney saw off an attempt by the UK Government to cut Scotland’s budget by £7bn – it is crystal clear who can be trusted to work in Scotland’s best interests.
“We’ve made real progress in government since 2007 – and we’re determined to build on that. As we approach May’s election, we are asking the people of Scotland to put their trust in the SNP for an historic third term and to re-elect Nicola Sturgeon to continue standing up for Scotland as First Minister.”
Percentage of population who trust their national government:
- Scotland 73
- Finland 60
- Denmark 55
- Malta 54
- Netherlands 51
- Luxembourg 51
- Germany 50
- Sweden 49
- Belgium 42
- Austria 42
- Estonia 38
- UK 37
- Greece 37
- Lithuania 34
- Hungary 34
- Slovakia 29
- Ireland 28
- Czech Rep 28
- Romania 27
- Latvia 25
- Bulgaria 23
- Cyprus 23
- UK Gov in Scot 23
- Croatia 21
- Portugal 21
- Poland 20
- France 19
- Slovenia 18
- Italy 16
- Spain 12