A new opinion poll carried out by Ipsos MORI for Scottish Television's STV News, shows that independence for Scotland is now backed by half of voters. Support for autonomy is now five points higher than in the September 2014 referendum. This will give added impetus to those calling for a ballot on Scottish independence to be held in the Autumn of 2018. It also provides a boost for the Scottish National Party ahead of their spring conference in Aberdeen next week.