THE visit of Barack Obama to Cop26 will be remembered more than anything else, I venture, for his disparaging remarks on nationalism. This, of course, is the political creed of the party running things in this corner of the UK at present. Mr Obama said many of the world’s problems at present can be attributed to ‘nationalism and tribal influences’. While the SNP claims its nationalism is somehow different from all the other nasty kinds that have blighted humanity, the truth is there is no fundamental difference whatsoever. If the First Minister’s army of spinners arrange a photo-op with Mr Obama while he is in Glasgow, can we expect her to defend the nationalism that’s left Scotland more divided and hate-filled than at any time in its history and, in fact, the perfect example of the point he made? Alexander McKay, Edinburgh.
I disagree with Greta Thunberg. COP26 has been a success. Huge mainstream and social media coverage reached beyond the middle-class bubble and delivered a reality check for all. It’s now clear that unless the main polluters, Russia, India and China, engage and act, we in the UK are suckers. The cost of transition is staggering with no idea how it will be financed. There is no consensus on the best technologies to adopt. In Scotland, the SNP has consistently missed its inflated, headline-seeking targets on renewable jobs, recycling, wildlife and emissions, and now at loggerheads with its Green partners on Cambo, carbon capture, funding and transport. That these issues are now in public discourse is a positive outcome and will hopefully end the smug, chauffeur-driven “we know what’s best for you” attitude of past years. They clearly don’t. Allan Sutherland, Willow Row, Stonehaven.
May I suggest that Her Majesty the Queen considers bestowing an early honour of a damehood on our First Minister for services to self-promotion. After all, the pantomime season will be with us soon. Fraser MacGregor, Edinburgh.