ISN’T it strange how some things stick in your head? One of your readers last week mentioned that it was pointless to keep on criticising the SNP unless the criticism is constructive. That is to say, unless it comes up with a useful suggestion as to what should be getting done.

The very deep article by the Wee Ginger Dug, (How SNP can quieten the critics over indyref2, June 29) offered reassurance over the latest poll and criticised attacks on the SNP, but then went on to suggest what the SNP needs to do to “quieten the critics”. This article brought back to mind that earlier letter.

Strange as it may seem, I agree with both of them. But I also feel critical of the lack of action on the part of the SNP regarding any progress towards indyref2. OK they’re busy with the Covid pandemic. But there are 64 SNP MSPs in Holyrood, and a further 50-odd MPs at Westminster. Are they all busy with the pandemic?

Last week we see the headlines about Ian Blackford hitting out at the Tories in Westminster because papers released seem to reveal that they spent Covid PPE money on political polling. Is that not a complete waste of his time? Would he not be better spending some time as part of a small “committee” of both MSPs and MPs furthering the moves towards independence? After all, I don’t think the Tories care two hoots about whether or not they have mis-spent that cash. Heads will not roll because of it. Instead, he should be either at, or well past, the point at which he is saying, “Enough is enough of this lot. Let’s get out of it”. And beginning to make moves towards a referendum campaign.

Two things: First, at the moment most Yes Hubs are pretty dormant. OK they are being manned but there is seldom a street stall to be seen, or some sort of members’ evening, to show some sort of enthusiasm. In fact, the poor turnout for Bannockburn last week, in hundreds rather than in thousands, perhaps signifies that folk are fed up turning out to shout for independence when the SNP, who are the party of independence, make no response to those demonstrations of support.

The recent poll, which the Wee Ginger Dug analysed, might also be a sign of their discontent.

Second; On more or less the same theme, it seems to have been the policy up until now for the SNP MSPs or MPs not to attend public meetings involving anyone other than SNP members. I’ve seen Green MSPs turn out to address Yes hubs, and your correspondents are equally available. I have attended meetings addressed by Ross Greer, George Kerevan and Lesley Riddoch. But any approach to the SNP has been met with a deflection.

“Too busy at the moment. Maybe in another couple of months.” Is the usual reply. Well, here’s some news for them. They will not get independence for Scotland if the only people who vote for it are SNP members!

They actually need around three million people who are not SNP members and they need to go out and speak to them to get their support.

The referendum might not be going to happen tomorrow, but the SNP should at least be encouraging its representatives to start making arrangements to go out and speak to their constituents sometime in the not-too-distant future.

I believe the hope, (in pencil), is to be free of most of the restrictions by August 9, and to then start a gradual return to normal. So, why not get in touch with a couple of the “Yes Hubs” in their areas and book a provisional date, for some time after September 9, which gives a full month’s grace, to come along and speak to the members of those hubs.

That way they might actually find out what the ordinary man in the street expects from an Independent Scotland, if nothing else.

But I think there will be something else. I believe this would cause a resurgence of the spirit of 2014, and a re-awakening of the enthusiasm that was pretty palpable at that time. Basically, a lead is needed and it can only come from the SNP. If they don’t do it soon, then I believe the SS INDEPENDENCE will have sailed and Scotland will not be on it!!
Charlie Kerr
Glenrothes