THE letter from the European Movement in Scotland (Electorate urged to ‘vote tactically to Remain’, December 6) contains some stock cube of Unionist arrogance which has failed to dissolve in the “Stop Brexit” gravy.
“Independence could only be decided by a separate referendum which could happen only after a second EU referendum ...”
Really?
Just a recap of the key facts, chaps: England and Wales voted to leave the EU. Nobody is dragging them out of the EU against their will. It is Scotland that is being yanked by the Westminster leash, contrary to the expressed will of the people.
Scotland and England have been on diverging political pathways since Mrs Thatcher took office in 1979. The divergence is now a yawning chasm which is only going to
become wider.
Remainers who have hitherto been opposed to independence should not be conned by the European Movement in Scotland into thinking there is a no-brainer option on the table – “just rewind to 2016 and we’ll forget all about it”. It is time for them to lift their heads out of the sand and decide which values they really do support. And which country’s political culture reflects those values. If I may offer something to help them with their reflections – one country voted emphatically for Remain at first time of asking.
Jim Daly
WHEN Boris Johnson tells lies about the consequences of his “oven-ready” Leave deal one has to question whether he actually knows what has been agreed.
After stabbing Mrs May in the back following the infamous Chequers meeting he adopted most of her deal as his own, but changed the section relating to the Northern Irish backstop in a way which had already been offered to Mrs May, who rejected it on the grounds that “no British Prime Minister could ever agree to a border in the Irish Sea”. He then boasts that he has forced the EU into retreating from Mrs May’s deal.
Does this man have a plan or even a clue about the next and most important stage of negotiations to secure a trade deal which will protect the UK economy?
What has become of the UK if someone like this can even stand for election, let alone be Prime Minister?
Mike Underwood
Linlithgow
OAFISH imbecile Boris Johnson and his Tory virus party have
made it crystal clear: there will
be no Section 30 for a second independence referendum in
any circumstances.
It does not matter that there already is a mandate for another one from 2017. It does not matter that the legislation has already passed in Holyrood. It does not matter that the Tories have not won an election in Scotland since 1955. It does not matter that Scotland voted nearly 2-1 against Brexit.
All that does matter is that Scotland will be subjected to the extremist whims of a clownish fascist. Access to the NHS will be changed from clinical need to ability to pay, and it will be carved up and sold off to Trump’s donors and Richard Branson. Employment rights will be ripped up. Tax cuts will be enacted for the very rich. Consumer protection against fraud will be repealed, as will environmental protection. Holyrood will be gutted.
The reign of terror against
the sick and disabled laughably called welfare “reform” will be intensified. The pension age will be raised to 75.
There is, however, a silver lining. The longer the Tory denial of democracy goes on, the more support for independence goes up. Boris Johnson is burrowing a hole ever larger, and taking down into it everyone daft enough to follow him. The cause of British Unionism is damaged every time this capering jester opens his mouth.
Boris Johnson assigns his
abysmal characteristics onto his political opponents. He accuses others lies and racism and disavows his own long record.
If the Tories win an outright majority on Thursday, it will be the start of a real nightmare. Boris Johnson will unleash chaos and will scapegoat foreigners.
Alan Hinnrichs
ANENT Barry from Blantyre’s experience of being referred to as “Little Jock” by colleagues in London (Letters, December 7), I never worked there but did attend a great many trade union meetings at a joint negotiating forum in the 1980s. I also objected strongly to being called “Jock” and tried protesting, which brought laughter; ignoring them, which brought more laughter; and then hit on the answer. I referred to each and every one of them as “Morris”. When they eventually realised I was referring to their rather effete form of traditional dance, they changed their tune, so to speak.
Les Hunter
Lanark
AS of Saturday, I have now received 12 personalised mailshots from the LibDems since the General Election was announced. These have all been delivered by Royal Mail, mainly from London., in addition to those received by other family members. This of course is not to mention almost daily leafleting by local party volunteers. As a voter in the East Dunbartonshire constituency currently held by Jo Swinson, my family name has now received a communication from a Mike Smithson – Polling and Elections Expert – basically urging us to vote LibDem in this seat to stop the SNP! One has to wonder what election expenses are involved to facilitate such targeting of the electorate, assuming thousands of other voters and constituencies receive similar treatment.
John Macleod
Milngavie
I MUST write to congratulate the Sunday National for printing the letter from Julian Smith of Limekilns which commented on educational standards as expressed through PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment). At last, from
a person who seems well qualified to comment, a bit of insight, perspective and intelligence!
I hope it’s not too late for Jackson Carlaw to try and use some of the same insight and intelligence (or as much as he can muster) and stop the despicable politicisation and biased criticism of our public services at a time of great austerity.
Robert G Clark
Gorebridge
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel