Opposition to Independence has risen in the last two months, according to a new poll.

A total of 65 percent of people quizzed said they were against the idea of breaking links with the UK, compared to 57 percent who were opposed to cutting ties in September. Opposition stood at 70 percent in July.

Support for Independence has dipped to 17 percent. This figure stood at 21 percent in both September and July. The results come from the latest Research Innovations poll for The Royal Gazette, which canvassed 403 people.

The survey was conducted between November 3 — the date of new Premier Ewart Brown's first Throne Speech — and November 6.

Polls have consistently shown a majority of people against Independence, however, Dr. Brown stated before he was elected that Independence remained a "principal objective".

But he indicated he would be placing the issue on the back burner when he said it would not be an initial focal point of his leadership.

During the PLP leadership election campaign, even former Premier Alex Scott — who put Independence back on the political agenda in early 2004 before launching a series of public debates on the subject — also signalled a slow down on the drive to split from Britain, if he was re-elected.

The Opposition has called for an immediate referendum on the issue.

The poll also shows that 16 percent of voters polled were not sure whether they supported or opposed Independence, down four percent on two months ago.

The breakdown of results shows 21 percent of men polled back breaking UK ties, compared to 60 percent who hold the opposite view. More than 15 percent of women supported Independence, while nearly 70 percent oppose it.

Opposition to cutting links with Britain peaks among older residents — 70 percent of those aged 55-plus are against Bermuda going it alone, with just 16 percent in favour.

The majority of youngsters are against Independence, with 60 percent of 18- to 35-year-olds against the move and just 14 percent in support.

Some 71 percent of poorer voters registered their opposition with just one in ten supporting. Just over 20 percent of the richest residents — with a household income of more than $100,000 — backed an independent Bermuda. However, 62 percent thought the opposite.

Support for Independence was highest among blacks. A third were in favour and just under half were against.

But just four percent of whites questioned supported the idea, and an overwhelming 86 percent spoke out in opposition. Meanwhile, pollsters also asked people their views on how Independence should be decided.

Nearly 20 percent said an election was their preferred method, with two-thirds now plumping for a referendum on the all-important issue. About 15 percent were unsure how the issue should be settled.

This compares to 21 percent backing an election two months ago. Support for a referendum was 58 percent in September, compared to 69 percent in March.

The November breakdown reveals the groups that oppose Independence support a referendum on the topic.

More than 70 percent of those in the 55-plus age bracket want a referendum. Just under 80 percent of the richest voters agreed. Meanwhile, nearly 30 percent of blacks want an election on Independence and 55 want a referendum. Just eight percent of whites want the matter decided by an election; 79 percent said referendum.

The poll's margin of error is 4.9 percent.

Attempts to contact Government and the Opposition for a comment on the results were unsuccessful at the time of going to press last night.

Opposition to Independence rises