THE turnout of 10,000 people who marched in support of independence last Saturday in Dumfries was amazing (10,000 indy supporters take to the streets in Dumfries, The National, June 3).
It was a fantastic, family-friendly day, with people of all ages, including prams and dogs. There were also approximately 15 very good-natured Unionists with a tiny counter-demonstration. It was a very democratic, inclusive event with English Scots, Welsh Scots, American Scots, Pensioners for Yes, LGBT groups, Tories for Yes, England football tops and St George Crosses being flown – all attending in their own free time and all demonstrating their support for independence, and a second Scottish referendum.
There were many, many locals on the march as well as many spectators giving their full encouragement. English Scots were present from Dumfries, Wanlockhead, Lockerbie, Stranraer, Annan and Moffat, amongst others.
A huge boost was also given to local business and the march ensured a great deal of free advertising for Dumfries.
The Dumfries & Galloway regional group was only established a few weeks ago. We had dozens of activists marching behind the group’s banner through the town, and it’s brilliant to see so many new members in such a short time surely demonstrating the desire for independence from many English-born Scots in Dumfries and across the region.
Presumably Conservative MSP Oliver Mundell, who described the march as “an affront to democracy” and “a waste of time”, will be totally opposed to his party supporting Arlene Foster taking part in divisive, sectarian, anti-Catholic Orange Lodge parade in Scotland. We presume he also believes that no Conservative should ever campaign in future in working-class areas in Scotland, where the Conservative vote is very low, as this of course, would be a complete waste of time.
Additionally, we had a vote for the current Scottish Government in 2016, a mere two years ago, where the SNP is, of course, the largest party.
Should the Conservatives never contest a Scottish Parliament election again? In what terms would Mr Mundell describe Brexit, which could reduce the UK economy by 10% year-on-year, add up to £20 billion in custom fees for UK business annually, force our highly valued European Scots to leave these shores, separate families, and which was decisively rejected in his own constituency?
It is also a fundamental human right to be allowed to have a public display of support. Oliver Mundell should completely respect the Scottish people and the Scottish Parliament by recognising the Scottish Government’s right to call a second independence referendum, because of its explicit manifesto commitment in 2016.
Not to do so would be an affront to democracy and would continue Westminster Conservative efforts to undermine Holyrood along with their power grab on repatriated EU powers.
John Schofield
Dumfries
THE objections to the Growth Commission Report continue (Growth Commission version of indy would be a historic mistake, The National, June 6).
How do people not understand that it is not yet SNP policy and even if it were it would be only one offering to a newly independent country? As to alternatives, how do Isobel Lindsay et al suggest that a new currency can be introduced on day one of independence without a central bank and without reserves?
For all our sakes concentrate on gaining independence and not quibbling about minutiae. Remember what harm ego-driven cliques have already done to the cause and to electoral success.
Tony Williams
Muasdale
MICHAEL Fry challenges critics of the Growth Commission report to “construct a socialist counter case” (We must convince all Scots – and not just the stroppy Left, The National, June 5).
I’m pleased to be able to inform him that such a case exists for his immediate perusal on the policy pages of CommonSpace. It is a nuanced and detailed case, many elements of which have been available for several years.
The choice of currency is not a “second order” problem as Michael terms it, but of primary importance. It cannot be parked until after independence. This is not leftie wrangling, it is a pivotal issue. Scotland having it’s own currency is the least-risk option and the one which gives Scotland the most control over it’s economic future. It can be put in place – not in 10 years, but in three. The sooner we start working towards it, the sooner we have it.
“Sharing” the pound was the rock on which the SNP’s case for independence foundered last time. After four years, this is the response – dependency on the London money markets, and seeking to join the EU whilst we tether ourselves to the currency of a country which is leaving it. We desperately need them to think again.
Jim Daly
Edinburgh
IT was interesting to see that Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley state that she didn’t want to see the UK Parliament make a decision on the issue of abortion in Northern Ireland (Stormont ‘must be restored’ for abortion reform, The National, June 6)
This is because she believes that this should be a matter for the devolved Northern Ireland Assembly, and that to do so would disenfranchise 1.8 million voters.
I take it then she will be defending the Scottish Parliament and all Scottish voters from being disenfranchised by the power grab that the UK Government plans to do once Brexit kicks in?
Cllr Kenny MacLaren
Paisley
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