MORE More than half of voters think that the more SNP MPs are elected at next year's general election the better Scotland's interests will be protected, according to a new poll.

The Panelbase poll, commissioned by the SNP, found that 52% of those questioned thought a stronger group of SNP MPs would better stand up for Scotland's interests at Westminster.

Just over a quarter (27%) disagreed while a fifth said they did not know.

The poll also found that almost a third (32%) of those who voted No in September's independence referendum, and 42% of people who voted Labour in 2011, agree that the more SNP MPs are elected the better Scotland's interests will be protected at Westminster.

Just over four in 10 (43%) of those who voted No and 37% of those who voted Labour in 2011 disagreed.

The poll of 1,018 people also found that 60% agreed that if the SNP holds the balance of power in next year's general election, the UK Government will have to deliver "substantially more powers to the Scottish Parliament than is currently proposed", with 20% disagreeing.

Among those who voted No in the referendum just over four in 10 (44%) agree while just under a third (32%) disagree.

The poll found that among Labour voters in 2011, 51% agree and 28% disagree, while among 2011 Lib Dem voters, 44% agree and 33% disagree.

SNP leader and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the poll's findings.

She said: "As this momentous year for Scotland draws to a close and we head into 2015 and the general election, it is extremely encouraging to see more and more people put their trust in the SNP to stand up for Scotland.

"These figures help explain the significant increase in SNP support in the run-up to next year's general election - which a range of recent polls have shown.

"The fact that a substantial number of No voters and most people who voted Labour in 2011 agree that the more SNP MPs are elected, the better Scotland's interest will be protected, demonstrates the broad appeal of the SNP campaign.

"Among a range of issues, more powers for Scotland will be at the forefront of many voters' minds as they head to the ballot box next year.

"And as this poll clearly shows, a majority of three-to-one believe that electing a strong team of SNP MPs is the key to ensuring Scotland achieves the powers we need to succeed - with most No voters and people who voted Labour and Lib Dem in 2011 agreeing with this positive proposition."

The poll was carried out between December 18 and 23.

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