Scotland Matters Letters

Keith Brown of the SNP is going around saying that the UK Government is scared of another independence referendum and that they and the Supreme Court are colluding to do Scotland down. But Mr Brown, it was not the UK Government that raised the issue, it was your own party, knowing full well what the result would be. The constitution is a reserved matter, hence one can only think that this is yet another plank in the SNP policy of stoking up grievance – an old trick!
William Ballantine, Bo’ness, West Lothian.

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IF this is the ‘Yes’ movement galvanised and heading to ‘new heights’ then God help them. I’ve seen more dynamism, hope. intelligent debate and realistic thinking while queuing for a steak bake. David Bone, Girvan, Ayrshire.

The reaction of Nationalist MPs and MSPs and their supporters following the ruling of the Supreme Court is deeply concerning for society. The use of language, and in that context inappropriate language, can have far-reaching consequences. One need look no further than at the riots at Capitol Hill in the US to see the evidence. Further to the Supreme Court nil-ing, words and comments from the SNP Government such as `hostage’ in the UK and ‘democracy deniers’ are at best regrettable, but at worst utterly shameful. I thought they could stoop no lower than referencing Kosovo in their sub-mission to the Supreme Court. At least Nationalist Stewart McDonald accepted independence supporters should shun the use of words such as `imprisoned’ or ‘shack-led’ and the campaign for independence is not a `liberation struggle’. One can only hope the First Minister and others follow their colleague’s advice before the existing division in Scotland deteriorates even further. Richard Allison, Edinburgh.

A great deal of indignation is being expressed in your columns about the legal judgment that the Scottish Parliament does not have the right to hold a second legal independence referendum. A number of points, however, need to be kept in mind:

1 This judgment must be exactly what Nicola Sturgeon knew it would be and exactly what she wanted it to be. She could not help knowing, from a study of the relevant documents, that it was inevitable. She is no fool.

2. It was a cynical ploy on her part to stir up trouble in Scotland, mobilise SNP members and attract supporters and give them a feeling of grievance to provoke hatred of the Westminster parliament and thus further the cause of nationalism and independence.

3. If the first minister really had the good of Scotland and the Scottish people at heart she would refrain from pursuing the cause of independence for the foreseeable future since she knows perfectly well that it is a matter which has split the country down the middle since before the last referendum in 2014 It has created great bitterness within families and between friends and colleagues, while doing absolutely nothing for the wellbeing of the people of Scotland. Nor does it do anything for industry or employment or the National Health Service or anything to tackle the very immediate problems of poverty, housing and inflation. Concentrating attention on independence distracts the focus of the Scottish Parliament from these latter essentials.

4. The fact is that there is no reasoned debate over the very many vital issues involved in any question of independence, of which finance is by no means the least. There are merely slogans and tub-thumping. What about the major sources of employment which come from Westminster, of which the building of warships is only one? England won’t farm out such work to a foreign country. What about the trade Scottish companies do with England? We’ve already seen the problems which Brexit has created in trade with the continent. Does anyone want a hard border at Berwick and Gretna?

5. Be careful what you wish for.

James Connie, Craiglea Road, Perth.

So they got their day in the Supreme Court, and the verdict went against them. That is what the justice system is all about. The SNP, since its inception, has never been able to see anyone else’s point of view. As a result of this its policies do not bode well for Scotland’s future politically, economically or structurally. What’s next then? Just more protests, woad/tartan-strewn rallies, and ongoing anti-British propaganda. Under the current minority SNP administration at Holyrood most governmental functions and public services have deteriorated markedly. Holyrood has become an over-priced, unsuccessful political pantomime. When can we the electorate expect to see major changes in the way devolved matters are handled? Improvements are unlikely to materialise under the SNP. So where lies the answer to the impasse which the political scene in Scotland has reached? Surely only the electorate can decide. Robert IG Scott, Ceres, Fife.

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