Sir John Curtice: Which issues will decide the elections in Scotland and Wales?
BBC World
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Voters in Scotland and Wales are heading to the polls on 7 May, and a recent BBC poll highlights three key issues shaping their electoral choices: the economy, particularly the cost of living; health and social care services; and immigration. These concerns resonate broadly across both nations, though there are notable variations among different groups. For instance, older voters and women prioritize health more heavily, while younger voters often mention housing as a fourth critical issue.
The economic challenge is at the forefront, with over half of respondents in both Scotland and Wales feeling their economies have worsened over the past year. Similarly, concerns about the state of health services are widespread, despite devolved governments managing these systems. Immigration emerges as another significant factor, particularly among those who voted Reform in 2024. Interestingly, even supporters of parties with generally liberal stances on immigration—like the SNP and Plaid Cymru—are more inclined to want reduced migration levels.
The poll also reveals nuanced attitudes toward governance. Many voters attribute responsibility for economic and health challenges to the UK government rather than their devolved administrations. This sentiment is particularly strong among SNP supporters in Scotland, who are more likely to blame London for deteriorating conditions. In Wales, despite Labour's dominance at both levels of government, a majority still point to the UK government as responsible.
These findings underscore the complexity of voter priorities and the challenges political parties face in addressing these issues. With concerns about funding from the UK government persisting, both devolved administrations may consider adjusting their tax policies to address financial shortfalls. However, voters' reluctance
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on BBC World on 3/2/2026