Scotland Matters Letters

WHAT further shame and humiliation must our proud country endure from this utterly incompetent SNP administration? As we endeavour to attract new talent to Scotland, the headlines remain dominated by the highest drugs deaths in Europe, the highest level of alcohol deaths since 2008, the highest tax rates in the UK, and a growing list of cancer patients paying for private treatment due to ever-increasing waiting lists. Shockingly, these facts are now contributing to a lower life expectancy in Scotland where, on average, Scots can expect to live three years fewer than in England (“Life expectancy falls again”, The Herald, September 27). What an appalling state of affairs for our country and it is no coincidence that the hapless First Minister had his hands on the tiller as Cabinet Secretary for Health. We are continually fed a diet of “progressive” policies from the SNP but in reality these policies across our health spectrum actually restrain the life chances and opportunities for so many people. We should be ashamed. Richard Allison, Edinburgh.

Shocking figures for cancer care in Scotland, a drop in life expectancy for the third year running and an NHS in total turmoil. This is the record of the SNP/Green alliance over the recent past as its prime focus has been on trivialities while the actual needs of the population have been abandoned. There is no higher disgrace than a government which is not concerned enough over this and record drug and alcohol deaths. Are independence or ill-thought-out gender reforms really a priority? Nicola Sturgeon insisted Scotland would have a referendum on 19 October. That won’t happen now but Humza Yousaf really ought to be offering Scots a chance to give a verdict upon the SNP/ Green alliance much sooner than 2026. Lives depend on it. Gerald Edwards, Glasgow.

Humza Yousaf has said he would have to look at the implications of the UK’s (by which he means Westminster’s) decision to move the target date for ending the sale of diesel and petrol cars. It really doesn’t take a genius to work out what the implication would be if Holyrood stuck to the target of 2030 and the UK didn’t. Those in Scotland who would prefer to keep driving a petrol or diesel car would head south to purchase the vehicle and head home with it. The First Minister needs to realise that he is the head of an administration that is part of a bigger entity. The UK Internal Market Act preserves the ability to trade unhindered in every part of the UK. There will be nothing our First Activist can do to stop Scottish residents heading to Carlisle and beyond to buy a vehicle of their choice. Jane lax, Aberlour.

SCOTLAND’S life expectancy reduces (Mail). Thank you SNP for shortening my life. Can my family claim compensation for the years that I will have lost? P Roberstson, Burutisland, Fife.

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