THAT’S Scotland told, and we have no means of escaping this so-called “union” of equals according to the UK Supreme Court. Does this legal ruling imply Scotland has not been oppressed and held back, and our resources plundered? Back in 1707 the Scottish Kirk was our most important ruling body and was guaranteed its independence then – and still is today, as seen on Charles III ascension ceremony. Scotland is held back by a Westminster rule we do not vote for – no democracy here then!

Devolution is not normal – independence is normal across the world. If England voted for independence in eight elections, I feel sure the court would not throw it out!

We can only have stability and control to deal with recent world crises through Scotland’s independence. Let’s be clear – the London Tories are not interested in Scotland’s best interests and in fact work against our best interests.

READ MORE: Indyref2 ruling ‘very problematic’, constitution expert says

I’m worried, because without independence how can we take those necessary steps to improve things here? How can we control immigration to bring people of working age here we so crucially need; improve our trade by being back in the EU; build a green economy with renewables and a Scottish energy policy; protect our businesses and our many natural resources; offer equal opportunities, invest in infrastructure and encourage innovation?

Sunak says the Union is constructive and collaborative – well that’s news to me! The impression I have is that Scotland’s government and the wishes of the Scottish people are mostly ignored. The Tories have given us: no energy policy, a lot of debt inflation, austerity, 5% borrowing rate, lack of confidence, Brexit, Truss wrecking the economy and now a cost of living crisis.

The court made comparisons between Scotland and the region of Quebec in Canada – there are major differences here. Following the Quebec independence votes Canada has granted Quebec MORE powers (not less!) – Quebec has real self-determination with control of VAT, immigration, media, economic levers and more.

READ MORE: Where next for Scottish independence? Key Yes voices weigh in

By vivid contrast – ALL the promises and vows made by the UK politicians back in 2014 have been broken! Scotland was promised devo max (instead we have less devolution); we were promised EU membership (instead we got Brexit); we were promised economic security (instead we have the cost of living crisis and Tory austerity). Scots have been treated with a serious lack of respect.

Scotland was never a colony (apparently, even though there were troops at the Border when the so-called union was signed). Eight election wins for the independence supporters means democracy is being denied. So if we’re not a “colony” and not in a voluntary “partnership of equals” – what exactly does “devolution” really mean? AND apparently Scotland was never oppressed. Independence is normal ... “devolution” (whatever that means?) is NOT normal!

P Keightley
Glasgow

MHAIRI Hunter seems to think that should Yes candidates manage to get over 50% at the next General Election we will then be in a position to possibly beg Westminster for a second referendum and if, in the very unlikely event we are granted one, we will have to win that as well (Nov 25). How many barriers to independence do so called senior members of the SNP want us to jump over? Will the next Scottish Parliament elections, fought no doubt on the basis of vote SNP on both ballot papers, be a third hurdle?

Will there ever be a final hurdle for us to overcome?

Iain Wilson
Stirling