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
EU28 31
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