Sir, – If anyone had doubts about the function of the European Union they ought to listen carefully to Messrs Juncker, Barniers, Verhofstad and Tusk as well as Angela Merkel, lined up like Panzers ahead of the Brexit negotiations.
They will discover that any illusion they had that the EU is a benign organisation, respectful of its member states is fantasy.
This arrogant self-serving elite has made it perfectly clear that any nation not complying will be dealt with harshly and brought into line.
The menacing, anti-democratic rhetoric and punitive threats emanating from unelected, unaccountable commissars is designed not only to make any meaningful discussions over Brexit virtually impossible but also to cow into submission any nation thinking of their own exit.
The political divide is not now between Remainers and Leavers but between those who have identified the threat to our freedom and sovereignty from Brussels and those who would like us to submit to claustrophobic control.
The EU feels it can break the will of the British people.
Aiding and abetting them is our own Scottish National Party who by seeking independence, wants to break up the United Kingdom, impoverishing Scotland so that we’d have to grovel as supplicants accepting whatever restrictions were imposed by the terms of entry into the dysfunctional club known as the European Union.
This is a new battle for Britain, our ancient democracy, sovereignty and our union.
Iain G Richmond.
Guildy House,
Monikie.
Well-deserved retirement
Sir, – With the news that the Duke of Edinburgh, pictured, is to retire from public duties and engagements in the autumn, I would like to offer him my best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement.
He has done an admirable job of being a loyal consort, always supporting the Queen and being by her side throughout her reign.
I think working until 96 is some achievement for anyone and he deserves a rest now.
I think we are so lucky with the monarchy we have.
Over the years, the Queen and Prince Philip have shown courage, dignity and selflessness to serve our country in what must be a difficult job and I have never heard them complaining
So well done Philip. Thank you for your years of service. Enjoy the rest.
Gordon Kennedy.
117 Simpson Square,
Perth.
Brexit ship heads for rocks
Sir, – I am struck by Theresa May’s accusations that Brussels is plotting to undermine the general election and affect the result. It is straight out of the Donald Trump copybook.
This is utterly bizarre and seems to be a strange way of negotiating.
One would presume the UK needs to maintain good relations with the EU, making friends and influencing people, rather than further poisoning an already damaged relationship, evidenced by the recent disastrous dinner between Prime Minister May and EU negotiators.
These damaging accusations and blatant electioneering will clearly make the negotiating task ahead even harder, and it should be noted that a poor deal will impact on each and every one of us.
Let us not forget that it is the UK leaving the EU, and as Mrs May captains the Brexit ship heading towards the rocks, she seems rather keen on blaming the rocks for being in the way, rather than her own captaincy.
Alex Orr.
77 Leamington Terrace,
Edinburgh.
State control in Scotland
Sir, – Murdo Fraser MSP noted the lack of enthusiasm on the part of immigrants for settling in Scotland.
Perhaps Scotland’s failing education and health systems have something to do with this.
Or perhaps it is the weather. Or perhaps it is that people who have left one authoritarian regime do not want to settle in a place where the SNP tries to control everything within its reach.
Jill Stephenson.
Glenlockhart Valley,
Edinburgh.
Time to exploit our coalfields
Sir, – The closures of Longannet and Cockenzie coal-fired power stations has taken some 3,600 megawatts out of Scotland’s generating capacity.
That is enough electricity to power three million homes and is not dependent on the wind blowing or the sun shining.
So we are in deep trouble and we will be lucky if all the proposed alternatives can meet our future additional requirements, far less this lost base-load capacity.
We have no real alternative other than to make an immediate start to building a replacement for Longannet and developing the six major coal mines to supply fuel.
There is a coalfield with eight seams stretching all the way from Kincardine to the Wallace Monument.
It contains varying qualities ranging from thermal to coking coals.
So we could not only power a new generating station, we could also export coking coal to a developing world.
The resulting 3,000 direct jobs (more in services) would provide an infinitely bigger boost to Central Fife’s economy than anything currently on offer. But there’s a snag: we would need mature and knowledgeable politicians with vision extending beyond their expense claims and retirement pay-offs.
Jim Parker.
Scottish Mineworkers’ Consortium,
9 Banchory Green, Collydean,
Glenrothes.
Tories have failed our youth
Sir, – The letter by Rev Dr John Cameron (May 6) represents the views of a smug, comfortably-off Conservative holy willie towards those less fortunate than himself.
He suggests that the unfortunates need a hand up rather than a hand out but if he understood his mentor, he would appreciate that the feeding of the five thousand stemmed not from some miracle, but through the ability of one decent human being persuading those who had more than enough for themselves to share some of it with others who had nothing.
His misleading categorisation of the root causes of poverty as ignorance, sloth and irresponsibility is more descriptive of the failure of successive Tory governments to encourage the work ethic by introducing cheap labour policies such as the YTS and YOP programmes.
As someone who has been fortunate enough to work all his days, I would seriously hesitate to agree with those who criticise other people’s reluctance to do work unless the critic is quite willing to do that work themselves.
Allan MacDougall.
37 Forth Park,
Bridge of Allan.