AS one who has long believed that the only way Scotland is going to win her freedom is through an Unilateral Declaration of Independence, may I thank Charlie Kerr for his contribution (Letters, June 18).

It must be clear by now to all but the most gullible and innocently naive that Theresa May and Westminster will again say “Now is not the time!” to any request for another referendum. Events of this last week can only reinforce this impression. The contempt shown to Scotland’s largest political voice (SNP) and our parliament are proof, if any be needed, that we are not a partner within this Union but are merely “a part”, like Lincoln or Manchester. So much for devolution! It must now be surely on borrowed time as our assimilation and colonisation is completed.

How did we reach this point? I think to a large extent we have allowed our big neighbour to dominate and control our lives and our political outlook. If, as is frequently cited, there is no written constitution, why do we continue to observe and obey the “rules” which are no more than what those with the biggest mouth, ie arithmetically England, decide them to be. That is no democracy, no equality and no justice.

The democratic will of the Scottish people is to be found in its largest political party and there can be no justification for its subjugation by Westminster. Even Margaret Thatcher recognised Scotland’s right to be independent if that is what most of its MPs desired. Yet we were in that position, most strongly in 2015, with 56 out of 59 MPs being SNP. Even now with 35 being SNP!

Our MPs should have walked out of Westminster and returned to Holyrood to begin dissolution talks. The walkout last week was temporary and may have had a “feel-good” effect. It was spoiled by the subsequent return of MPs.

Events since only confirm what a waste of time and energy Westminster is. Our MPs are not wanted there and they are achieving nothing that might contribute to our independence.

I say they should pack their bags, return to Scotland and work meaningfully towards Scottish independence.

J F Davidson
Bonnyrigg

TOTALLY agree with Charlie Kerr. The Tories would not allow Scotland another referendum because they know we would win independence. It would destroy Theresa May’s precocious Union, which she will do nothing to cultivate. It is expected in Westminster for Scotland to say yes to all the lies and broken promises that have been given to us. To my mind UDI must be considered.

Ian Ferrier
Isle of Islay

IT is gratifying to see the 70th anniversary of the NHS being recognised, although sickening to see it being used as an opportunity by the despicable Tories to fool the public into believing that they are its saviours.

They never wanted the ordinary people of our country to have such a service, and during those 70 years at every chance they had they have undermined the NHS. Had it not been for the sure knowledge that it would have been the death knell of their party, it would be non-existent today.

I can remember what it was like before the NHS and I can remember the day my mother told me joyfully that Lord Beveridge’s report had been accepted. That is why I and my generation are proud of it and still very grateful for everything that is done for us.

The NHS is a national treasure but we should all remember that what the great Labour leader Clement Atlee’s post-war government gave us was the welfare state, of which the NHS was the most important but only one component. It was to make this a country which cared for all its citizens in good times and bad.

So if Ruth Davidson really aspires to be the messiah, she must defend and re-instate the whole welfare state. And that means she must ensure the abolition of the bedroom tax, the rape clause, tribunals, privatisation of public resources etc etc, and not simply try to claim credit for the hard work of others over many years.

We must all wake up and let the Tories know that we are on to their little game. Compliments to the gentleman on Question Time who said: “We are not all thick, we are Welsh”. Let us prove we are not all thick either, we are Scottish!

Robert Johnston
Airdrie

FOR heaven’s sake, just what is wrong with having a Scottish currency? I am no expert on the matter but I do possess a reasonable brain that tells me that a Scottish currency – call it a “pound” if it helps – is justified even from day one of being independent.

A carried vote for independence will require a period of transition to implement the necessary and prepared institutions and government departments that will run an independent Scotland. A Scottish currency will need a central bank. Not the Bank of England but a Scottish central bank situated in Edinburgh ready to serve Scotland and its business at home and abroad.

Robin McAlpine makes a very good case for a Scottish currency in yesterday’s National once again (We need our own currency, June 19), as he and the Common Weal did a few months ago in this paper.

For me, it beggars the question of why what is contained in the Growth Commission report with regard to a Scottish currency is even being considered by the government.

To be tied to the Bank of England for ten years or more with something called sterlingisation, whether temporary or worse still, semi-permanently, is an anathema to the very notion of independence.

Alan Magnus-Bennett
Fife