Sir, – Exactly 50 years after the disaster at Aberfan, it is right that the world, and particularly those familiar with what the old coal-mining communities used to look like, should pay tribute to both the children and adults who perished (October 22).
This is perhaps not a time for politics but it is worth recalling some of the words of the report of the inquiry into what happened.
It was a devastating critique of a publicly-owned industry, the National Coal Board, and the way it operated.
The report mentioned “a terrifying tale of bungling ineptitude by men charged with tasks for which they were totally unfitted”.
It went on to talk about “a failure to heed clear warnings” and “a total lack of direction from above”.
Now it would be wrong to suggest that the NCB did not often operate in difficult circumstances and that it did nothing to improve safety conditions in mines throughout the country.
For most of its life it had to cope with a drop in the demand for coal, and pits simply running out of coal seams.
It did, however, do a number of things which seemed to betray the ideals of those who had long campaigned for public ownership.
Even today, we still hear suggestions that taking industries and services into public hands is the solution to all our problems.
It is a clarion call from the past. Public ownership can only be effective if it is backed up with economic realism, effective management, real community concern and good communication.
That is one of the sad lessons from that awful day on October 21 1966.
Bob Taylor.
24 Shiel Court,
Glenrothes.
Scotland could forge ahead
Sir, – I am frequently surprised by the views expressed on your letters pages, but the letter of Angus Brown (October 22) astonished me more than most.
First, to compare Donald Trump with the SNP and Nicola Sturgeon is surely ludicrous, and I am not, and never have been, a member of the SNP.
More importantly, the suggestion that “circumstances or result of that 2014 vote have not changed” simply flies in the face of all the evidence.
The so-called Brexit vote in England and Wales poses one of the greatest threats to our economy and society in my lifetime, as is amply stated in the report of the Fraser of Allander Institute and by many of our leading academics. A total of 62% of Scots, 74% in Edinburgh, voted against such an exit. That is surely a democratic vote of equal importance.
I voted No in 2014, but I would now, in view of the truly massive change in circumstances, demand my democratic right to vote Yes in order to remain within the EU.
If we could secure that outcome, Scotland would forge ahead while England would stagnate.
John M. MacKenzie.
Old Bank House,
Bank Street,
Alyth.
Democratic mandate clear
Sir, – Some of your recent correspondents have suggested the SNP consulting on a new independence referendum is undemocratic.
Indeed, it is tantamount to “dictatorship” in the words of one (October 22) and a contempt for the electorate is implied by another .
However, it was explicit in the SNP’s Holyrood manifesto that a material change in circumstances, such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against her democratically expressed wishes, could be a catalyst for such a re-think.
That manifesto secured the SNP a historic third term of government.
Therefore, I would like to remind those readers of the words of Ruth Davidson prior to the 2011 Holyrood election.
She stated quite unequivocally: “You don’t get a referendum for free, you have to earn it. So if the Greens and the SNP – and the SSP or any of the other parties who have declared an interest in independence get over the line and can make a coalition, make a majority, get the votes in the parliament, then they’ll vote through a referendum, and that’s what democracy’s all about… it is perfectly simple”.
I hope these words are clear and concise enough to re-assure your readers that even the Tories accept the democratic mandate of the Scottish Government in our current circumstances.
Cllr Kevin Cordell.
The Ferry Ward,
The City Chambers,
Dundee.
Take no lessons from Labour
Sir, – It gives me no pleasure to highlight the total demise of Labour in Scotland and its pact with the Conservatives. This was confirmed by the article in Saturday’s Courier by Michael Alexander and a quote he must have been given by Labour councillor Lesley Brennan when she said: “I understand that nationalists love Scotland. I think there was a bit of a protest vote. But when people are economically literate and understand how the economy works, they realise the well-being of society depends on the economy and not flags”.
Now I may not understand lots of things but I am not so conceited as to insult half of the voters who elected the SNP by alluding to them not being literate on economic matters.
With statements from Labour people such as this, it is hardly surprising that the party is going down the drain faster than water running over a waterfall.
Insulting people who hold a genuine belief and confidence in their country sounds like a very bitter reaction to the fact that Labour is no longer the party that represents or stands up for the people of Scotland.
The fact is Labour came a poor third recently and as its decline accelerates, it may be in danger of becoming something you read of in the history books.
As for Labour running an economy, this was the party in power when the economy almost imploded and nearly caused a depression on the scale of the 1930s.
Bryan Auchterlonie.
Bluebell Cottage,
Perth.
Does Mrs May back Yes vote?
Sir, – It was intriguing to note the Prime Minister state that there is not a mandate for the Scottish Government to hold another independence referendum (October 21).
At the Scottish Parliament elections in May, the SNP stood on a manifesto which stated the right to hold another independence referendum if there was a “significant and material change, such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against its will”.
The SNP went on to be returned to government, securing 63 seats and almost half the vote.
Along with the Greens there is a pro-independence consensus in the Scottish Parliament.
Contrast that with a Conservative Government which boasts one MP north of the border.
The current circumstances, which is seeing the UK leave the EU, are not those of the SNP’s making, and indeed Scotland overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU, by a majority of two to one.
Mrs May initially promised that Scotland would play a full part in the Brexit negotiations.
To add insult to injury, it is clear that this is no longer the case, and while “special deals” are being discussed for the City of London and Nissan, there is no place for Scotland.
Mrs May has given the independence movement an incredible boost, and given how poorly she has managed the situation, one wonders if she doesn’t actually secretly desire Scottish independence.
Alex Orr.
77 Leamington Terrace,
Edinburgh.