THAT many of those south of the Border have little real knowledge or understanding of Scotland is not new, but in his discussion on Al Jazeera TV, Karel Lannoo has plumbed the depths of misunderstanding in his apparent ignorance of the make-up of the UK (International audiences hears indy Scotland arguments, December 29).
When he suggests that a referendum on Scottish independence would need the participation of the rest of the UK, he seems to believe that the UK is a single country with a single nationality. Nothing is further from the truth. As head of the Centre for European Policy Studies, he is possibly fully cognisant of the structures of its many countries, but appears to know nothing of the structure of the UK.
READ MORE: European policy centre head claims Scottish indyref vote must involve all UK
In terms of the history of the UK, it has been put together as a political entity by the subjugation of the Welsh nation and the colonisation of part of the Irish nation, and by the voluntary union of the Scottish nation through an internationally recognised treaty.
All three constituent parts of the UK are still separate nations, and therefore Scotland, as a nation, has the right to seek independence on two major counts.
First and foremost, even the Treaty of Union allows for the withdrawal in the future of either party, and as David Davis said not so long ago, “there is no treaty in the world where a sovereign nation undertakes to join up and can only leave when the other side says so”.
Secondly, the UK is a signatory to the United Nations Charter, which enshrines the right of every nation to decide the form of government most suited to their needs.
The UK is an artificial political entity. Scotland is a nation, with the normal rights of a nation.
P Davidson
Falkirk
IT was instructive to watch a political discussion programme on Qatar’s Al Jazeera TV on December 26, after the Brexit agreement was concluded. The 25-minute programme was titled “Can Scotland become independent?” It was chaired by one of Al Jazeer's top presenters, Hashem Ahelbarra, with contributions by three independent political commentators in London and Brussels. What emerged was very much an outsiders' view of the question.
There seemed to be a general view that it was becoming increasingly difficult for UK to resist calls for indyref2 and eventual independence. The outcome of the Brexit negotiations and the 58% Yes polls had convinced these outside commentators. It was interesting to see a dispassionate view of Scottish affairs. Readers can see the programme on aljazeera.com.
Mike Fergus
Oslo, Norway
THE high drama of the Brexit negotiations is at last over and we have what many of us suspected we would get – precisely nothing, plus some Christmas panto on the UK side.
I have the greatest admiration for Monsieur Barnier and the EU negotiators for their courtesy and patience in the light of the hostility and rudeness of UK Conservative politicians and media.
It is astonishing to me that English people are not out on the streets demonstrating about the incompetence, corruption and cronyism of the government they voted for. Have they no aspirations for fair and intelligent governance, or is the Union flag of Empire still wound too tightly round their eyes to let the light in?
It is clear that the balance of the Union has shifted during this process and Northern Ireland can no longer be relied upon to bang the unity drum. Wales is having doubts and beginning to look to Plaid Cyrmu for leadership.
But it is time now for the SNP leadership to get moving, protect us from the worst of Brexit and get the independence show on the road.
It is great that the new National Executive Committee is in place. They need to realise that much is expected from them by SNP members and non-members.We have yet to see what the new AUOB membership organisation can produce. But there is huge expectation across Scotland about the need for action on indy now.
Action on currency, taxation and regulation of banking processes is very urgent so that we can promise the Scottish people that our economy will grow and their future will be guaranteed in a high-wage economy!
We must be grateful to the many scientists and medics, resident or Scottish-educated, who have made such a magnificent contribution to the fight against Covid – a tribute to the value of investment in education and research. Long may it continue!
Maggie Chetty
Glasgow
THE Scottish Government “looking at options’ to remain in Erasmus scheme” (December 28) could be viewed as another step in the process of a taking back control over its borders and everything within them from a totalitarian government.
READ MORE: Scottish Government 'looking at options' to remain in Erasmus scheme
Freedom of movement has gone, so people will not meet, work, live alongside and get to know others outside and inside the UK; Erasmus has gone, so people will not get to meet, study, live alongside and get to know how others think outside and inside the UK.
This is Johnson’s Wall – invisible, costs nothing, covers all borders, no gaps and many times more effective than Trump’s Wall.
John Jamieson
South Queensferry
I REFER to the feature “Funtime Jimmy’s Big Quiz 2020” in Sunday’s Seven Days. I was disappointed that of the 12 questions in the Sport section, not one single question was about women’s sport or a female athlete. Jimmy did include a question about a race horse though.
Helen Swann
Glasgow
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