Sir, – Independence for Scotland might well bring benefits, but not in defence or foreign affairs. The argument that no country would be foolish enough to use nuclear weapons because of the danger to itself is unconvincing. A belligerent Russia, an authoritarian China, an unpredictable North Korea, and an Iran run by religious zealots are reasons enough for Scotland remaining within the UK’s nuclear umbrella. Besides, the nuclear deterrent is a tool of diplomacy, and, shorn of it, an independent country would be a minnow on the world stage. Additional powers for Holyrood are, however, badly needed and the Unionist party leaders there could be working together to press Westminster to reconstitute the commission on Scottish devolution with the remit of granting it powers as close to devo-max as is practicable. This seems the only strategy likely to restore the balance of the floating vote decisively in favour of No to independence and would give PM Johnson a valid pretext for rejecting indyref2. Enhanced powers over social security would not just allow Scots to deal better with poverty, deprivation, and drug misuse but have knock-on benefits for the attainment gap and for social mobility, of which education is the main driver. Dr. Walter J MacCulloch, Aberdeenshire.
Anyone watching Adam Tomkins’s passionate, dear demolition of the SNP/Greens weekend assault on the Salmond Inquiry who is not a devout Tory hater, extreme communist, or rabid Scottish nationalist must have been flabbergasted by Mike Russell’s attempt to pin all the blame for the rumored outcome on the Conservatives. At one point, in a stupendous denial of reality, he said “the people who can’t be trusted are the people who have come to conclusions without evidence” when the fact is the most damning evidence has been in the public domain for weeks, but officially kept from the committee by Mr. Russell’s party and its paid servants in the supposedly neutral, independent, Civil Service and Crown Offices. He was so wrapped in his faux outrage that he even said “Alex Salmond was found guilty” before immediately correcting himself. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the good grace, common sense, or state of mind to do the same regarding his “Trump” rant. Perhaps his upcoming retirement and an Indy-stopping bloody nose at the polls in May might prompt an apology. I doubt it. People from whatever planet he is from just don’t do that. ALLAN SUTHERLAND Willow Row, Stonehaven
A report in a Sunday newspaper stated that three members of the SNP’s finance and audit committee have resigned amid claims they cannot carry out their jobs following reports that Peter Murrell, Nicola Sturgeon’s husband, has refused them full access to the party’s accounts. Surely even the most committed SNP supporter must be starting to question this totalitarian, secretive and undemocratic government ruled by a small cabal who believe they can do whatever they want.
Donald Lewis, Gifford, East Lothian
Scotland Matters is registered with the UK Electoral Commission as a non-party campaigner. Our objective and activities are to:
Promote the benefits of being in the UK.
Highlight the issues of separation.
And communicate this to Scotland’s voters.