Sir, – Nicola Sturgeon absolutely called it right.
It’s now clear that, in an election where all sides insisted a vote for SNP was a vote for independence, the needle has stuck on 45% for “leave”.
Around 8% of the SNP vote came from independence supporting Labour voters, there were no Green candidates, so we now know the true extent of the emotional, political and economic-fuelled separation vote.
Boris Johnson will no doubt refuse Indyref2 and enable Nicola Sturgeon to deploy a Grievo-max strategy while hiding her reluctance to fight a referendum on such low support.
This will enable the PM to get us out of the EU on January 31 and shape a future EU deal, based on the political agreement, by the end of 2020 that enough Scots voters and politicians can at least accept and see the benefits of.
We were supposed to leave nine months ago, on March 31.
So, if required, Boris could request a restoration of the 21 months transition period to September 2021, well after the Holyrood elections.
An Indyref2 moratorium should be used for the Remain side to create a positive case for staying in the UK, and find ways to reach the majority of Scots who seem oblivious to the issues, arguments and facts.
The Tories also need to love bomb Scotland in a way that also boosts the Lib Dems and the rump of Labour, who in turn will have to accept that Brexit is a done deal.
As the Growth Commission has highlighted, the SNP can’t untie the Gordian knot of currency, deficit, borders, EU relationship, transition cost and timescale.
This combination of completing Brexit, positive argument and the SNP’s own showstopper should encourage all who emotionally and logically support the UK.
Allan Sutherland.
1 Willow Row,
Stonehaven.
Don’t hold your breath on Indy2
Sir, – Nicola Sturgeon’s impressive general election victory progresses her raison d’être of Scexit not a single inch.
In an election she made all about holding IndyRef2 next year, she could only persuade 45% of us to vote for her UK break-up dreams.
That the SNP recognises how pyrrhic their success is, was underscored by SNP Commons leader, Ian Blackford.
He told the BBC that he relies on Boris Johnson’s ‘generosity of spirit’ to grant a Section 30 order, enabling the SNP to stage another independence referendum whenever it wishes.
Indyref2 next year – or even during Mr Johnson’s premiership?
Don’t hold your breath.
Martin Redfern,
Woodcroft Road,
Edinburgh.
Beginning of end for EU?
Sir, – Congratulations to the Conservatives on winning the General Election.
Now, at long last, despite the cynical tactics of the SNP and Labour et al to try to deprive 17.41 million people of what they voted for, Brexit can now go ahead.
When the UK leaves the EU the fact is other major players such as France, Italy and Spain and Germany will have to make a significantly higher financial contribution to its coffers to make up the shortfall.
I seriously doubt if voters in these other major EU countries will stomach that for long and will likely also want to leave the EU.
In other words I think the UK leaving the EU will be the beginning of the end of the EU.
Nicola Sturgeon and, more important by far, Scottish voters may soon realise it will be pointless taking Scotland out of the UK to get Scotland back into the EU.
Because the EU may cease to exist in the not too distant future.
Kenneth Brannan.
42 Greenlee Drive,
Dundee.
Tied to ‘free at point of use’ NHS
Sir, – Having spent more time than I would wish during the past year in NHS hospitals, I suspect our “monolithic monster” is neither terrible nor the envy of the world.
If it were the latter it would surely have been replicated by one of the Eastern European nations after the Wall came down.
However, given the money we are prepared to spend in comparison to other leading economies, its not a bad bargain.
Half of all Scots say they are satisfied with our NHS – about the same as my extended family in France and, astoundingly, well above the 30 per cent of my wife’s Swedish relatives.
Our ageing population is a problem as is the faux sentimentality of our political class.
Of course there are good ideas abroad about structure and funding but whether my fellow chauvinists, as firmly tied to “free at the point of use” as Americans are to their gun laws, would wear it is another matter.
Rev Dr John Cameron.
10 Howard Place,
St Andrews.
Signalling issue is not unique
Sir, – The lack of audible signals has beset Blairgowrie’s Wellmeadow for years.
The explanation given is that people with sight difficulties may confuse one crossing for another where they are close together!
When the lights change, people stand waiting for the audible signal and then the lights change again.
Good luck with trying to change the local authority’s mind.
Pat McGregor.
Croft House,
Blairgowrie,
Perthshire.
Backing wrong power source
Sir, – Electricity, generated from coal, oil and nuclear sources, made the USA the most powerful nation on earth, and it remains so with energy from fracking.
Britain, having invented nuclear power, relies on the vagaries of wind and sun for electricity.
Does this give some clue as to our likely future as a great nation?
Malcolm Parkin.
Gamekeepers Road,
Kinnesswood, Kinross.
‘Wullie’ musical is a smash hit
Sir, – “Jings”,” Crivvens”, “Help ma boab”! I have been to Dundee Rep and thoroughly enjoyed Oor Wullie the musical.
It was a wonderful night of fun, music and laughter, with an interesting story line and the well loved characters from childhood.
Congratulations to all involved. I believe you have another smash hit.
Mrs June Reid.
12 Findhorn Street,
Fintry.
