A STRONG insight again from Lesley Riddoch, this time into the difference between devolution in Scotland and northern England (Disunited Kingdom headlines will help not hinder the case for independence, October 22), made me wonder if there was another layer of cement binding northern England to London more so than Scotland. Could the House of Lords have a hand or two in this?

In Scotland, the staunchly Unionist Tories and LibDems, along with a few Labour members as feckless as George Foulkes birling his rattle to spur on the Jam Tarts and Jack McConnell waving his duster at John Swinney, hold up their Union credentials. However, the real cards for change are in the hands of the independence seekers by their equally staunch denial of allegiance to the unelected chamber.

Question is, how many Labour members from the red north are now comfortably seated for life in London, thereby ensuring the established order is maintained throughout their green and pleasant land? Red Tories right enough!

Tom Gray

Braco