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In Scotland, voters want Britain to remain in EU with eye on 'Scoxit'

In sunny Glasgow, many voters said they wanted Britain to stay in the European Union but were well aware that an overall Brexit result could lead to Scottish independence.

"Being in the EU is an advantage for Scotland. It would be silly to leave," said Gemma Rosaria, a 24-year-old office worker, arriving to vote in the EU referendum in the Broomhouse area of east Glasgow, Scotland's biggest city.

"I don't want a Brexit but if there's a Brexit that could be an advantage for Scotland because we can have a new referendum," said Rosaria, adding that she had voted for independence in 2014.

Scotland's independence bid, led by the Scottish National Party (SNP), was thwarted in that vote, which unionists won by 55 percent to 45 percent.

The pro-EU SNP, which dominates Scottish politics, still wants independence but says it will only call for another referendum if a clear majority of Scots back it after a Brexit vote.

"If we were to leave the EU, I'd prefer to break from the UK," said Michael Renfrew, an economics student with a ginger beard and beach shoes.

"The decision-making and the power would become far too centralised in London," the 23-year-old said.

Amanda Walker, a 42-year-old teacher, added: "Better stay with what we got." Pointing to her ginger-haired daughter, who was in a school uniform, she added: "This vote is important for her".

In the car park outside, David Turner, a local SNP councillor, was trying to win over any undecided voters.

"In Scotland, there will be a large 'Remain' vote," the 49-year-old said, as he handed out leaflets.

Vincent Mellon, an assistant physiotherapist speaking in central Glasgow, said England and Scotland were "supposed to be equal parties".

"If only England voted out, that would not be fair," he said, adding: "People that are leading the 'Out' campaign have no interest in Scotland".

But Alex Blackshire did not want to hear talk about another independence referendum.

"There's been so much division during the last campaign. I don't want it to happen again," the 25-year-old executive said.

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SUPPORT FOR SCOTLAND

AND BRITAIN IN EU

* Polls have shown Scots are far more favourable to the EU than fellow Britons, who are heavily divided

* Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said Scotland's expected massive vote hold the balance on a national level

* Several people were concerned that Britain leaving the EU would strengthen the centralisation of power in London

* But there were a few exceptions to the pro-EU mood. A Taxi driver said he would be voting to leave the EU

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In east London, Brexit mood prevails

Several working-class voters want Britain out of EU for good

LONDON / AFP
Published Jun 24, 2016, 12:00 AM IST
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In east London, Brexit mood prevails

-------------------------------------------------------GIVING A CLARION CALL* A nursing student she supports a "Leave" vote so that Britain would not have to be governed by EU regulations on medicines* A woman in her 50s, says she would vote "Leave" as a way of reining in "uncontrolled immigration" from other parts of the EU* The issue that matters is immigration, says a 69-year-old retiree outside a polling station in Biggin Hill* Another pensioner agrees, says "Where are…

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