RECENTLY I have been reading in the letters pages a variety of criticisms. This always arises of course, in all movements that are in a volatile ascendency and fluid state. I list some below:
- We are not moving fast enough in our actions to bring about indyref. We are not taking advantage of the blatant reality of a corrupt, incompetent Tory government to push for independence.
- There is no promotion or not enough promotion of the arguments for independence.
- Our SNP MPs have become too comfortable at Westminster.
- Nicola and her government now have a half-hearted approach in their aim of independence and are happy in the status quo.
Some of the above are sincere concerns and usually arise from a frustration or impatience for indyref or a full-blown campaign.
READ MORE: David Pratt: Post-election silence on independence from SNP is deafening
I give opinion on Nicola and the work of her government. If we are to win over citizens who are not yet convinced on independence, it must be shown to them that a Scottish Government can govern in a competent, efficient, humane and decent way. At this moment in time the pandemic must be its immediate priority.
There is a revolution happening in our country. I use the word in its peaceful, non-violent change meaning. Its purpose is to take Scotland on a different path from Tory Westminster.
The change will progress through many phases and stages, its process will be relentless and it will not end until it reaches its final outcome. Let us dream that outcome is self-determination because the alternative does not bear thinking about.
READ MORE: Multi-tasking should not be beyond the abilities of the Scottish Government
Evidence of the change that is happening can be witnessed in several realities. a) Heightened political awareness and activity. b) Growth of economic ideas and analysis which is not based on Unionist facts, but on the financial capabilities of an independent Scotland. c) The blossoming both in writings and events of all things cultural. d) An extensive interest in our own history. Collectively it drives and underpins the movement for change, political and constitutional.
When there is strong evidence of a majority desire for our aim, that will be the time to “grasp the thistle” from the hold that Westminster has on it.
Bobby Brennan
Glasgow
I AM sure I am not the only one of your regular readers to be deeply unimpressed by Ian Blackford having members “in stitches” at the most recent PMQs. This appears to reflect a disturbing sense of comfort with Westminster antics.
Our SNP MPs have three tasks to perform during their stay in London. These are to work on behalf of their constituents, to represent the people of Scotland and to take every opportunity to advance the cause of Scottish independence. Playing any part in the pantomime tomfoolery of the House of Commons does not contribute to any of them.
READ MORE: Ian Blackford has MPs in stitches with joke about England v Scotland
Indeed, the SNP contingent might well reconsider their strategy at Westminster. Every week, Ian Blackford rises to ask a question or express outrage. However good the question or justified the outrage, it is completely ineffectual. Johnson ignores the question, tells a lie and blusters away to make a political point and play to his gallery. His persistent and petty refusal to use the correct name for the SNP shows the attitude he takes to the exercise.
The SNP would be better by far ceasing to participate in this weekly charade. They should issue a statement saying that, as long as the current Prime Minister refuses to answer any questions, even to be truthful at times, thereby continuing to demean the office of Prime Minister and demonstrating his disregard for proper parliamentary accountability, they will not be attending PMQs.
The SNP MPs should focus on targeted and effective initiatives that will contribute to the wider objective. Tommy Sheppard’s campaign to make the UK Government release its polling evidence is a good example of this.
Gavin Brown
Linlithgow
FOLLOWING the G7 conference in Cornwall and the Prime Minister’s effusive meeting with the American President, has rhetoric glossed over the reality of world pandemics, climate change and famine-fuelled migrations? Perhaps the answer is yes.
During the tragic mismanagement of the UK Covid crisis, when many deaths were needlessly recorded, the saving grace of Boris Johnson’s incompetent administration has been the success of the vaccination programme. Sadly even this, along with PPE, is tainted in controversy.
This unprincipled Tory government breaks international treaties, doubles nuclear warheads, creates an Irish crisis, finds money for a new royal yacht that nobody wants, and cuts foreign aid while poverty and famine increase.
The fact is that Boris Johnson is not fit to be PM and lead such a thoughtless and dangerous administration. It would appear that dishonesty and deceit is the norm in both the private and public life of Britain – certainly not Great Britain!
Grant Frazer
Newtonmore
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