Opposition to Independence remains strong in Bermuda with 73 percent of people polled saying they are against it. The latest figure represents the second highest proportion of the Country giving Independence the thumbs down since The Royal Gazette began polling.

Ten months ago, shortly after the Queen's visit, 74 percent of people were against independence. The latest polls are in contrast to Premier Ewart Brown's opinion that support for Independence is on the rise. Last month, at his last brown bag lunch, he said: "Our numbers show a steady increase in the number of Bermudians in favour of Independence.

"I know we didn't put it on the front burner because of the political fact of the numbers. I believed the Big Conversation would ultimately lead to some consideration of Independence."

According to The Royal Gazette polls resistance to Independence has increased within the last three months, up from 71 percent.

Only 14 percent of people said they would support the Island cutting ties with the UK, the second time so few people have been pro-Independence in the last two years.

People between the ages of 55 and 64 were most likely to support independence — 26 percent — while those aged 18 to 34 were least likely, seven percent.

Dr. Brown has repeatedly expressed his frustration at the younger generation's stance on the issue, saying in many other countries 18 to 34-year-olds have spearheaded independence drives. But young people point to a number of benefits from the status quo, such as subsidised tuition fees from the UK.

The survey asked 400 people aged 18 and older their opinions on a variety of issues between September 28 and October 4, the margin of error is plus or minus 4.9 percent.