Sir, I wonder if I am the only one who feels disgust, if not a slight feeling of shame, that the Scottish electorate has returned a Ukip member to the European Parliament.
Perhaps it came about as a result of disgruntled Lib Dem voters going over to this party in protest, but whatever the cause Scotland now has one of the least knowledgeable representatives ever in any form of parliament.
Mr David Coburn our new Ukip member when interviewed after his “victory” turned out to have next to no real knowledge at all of European Union policy.
In fact, he couldn’t even name an EU directive let alone change or abolish one, as he intends to try to do!
It was, of course, no real surprise that Ukip did so well south of the border a protest vote that came mostly from disheartened Tories who, we all know, will revert to voting Conservative at next year’s general election.
They will do so in the knowledge that David Cameron has promised a referendum on European membership. It would seem from the result of these European elections that we in Scotland will be dragged out of Europe whether we want it or not.
I would appeal to fellow Scots by saying that if you want to steer clear of this right wing dictatorial Westminster Government and reverse this shameful situation of having a Ukip MEP then get out there on September 18 and vote “yes” for a sound and stable Scottish future within the European Union.
Robert J Donald. Denhead, Ceres.
What will they think now?
Sir, Jobs and investments are at risk, trade barriers could be thrown up, hampering business and the future of the union is at stake.
What am I referring to? Britain’s uncertain future in the European Union, of course.
Now that the Ukip tail is wagging the Westminster dog, Britain faces the real prospect of being dragged out of the EU and all the uncertainty it brings.
What must those businesses that warned against Scottish independence be thinking now? Especially given that Scotland wants to be part of the EU.
RMF Brown. Markinch.
Ignore strident minority voices
Sir, I am at one with the British people and I am most concerned about an unrepresentative cabal running Europe. In the UK, the views of a small minority (27% of votes in the European election out of 34% turnout) seem to be dominating our relationship with our near neighbours.
Over Europe as a whole, those supporting the EU have garnered about 80% of the votes and yet all we are hearing about are the views of a rag-tag of crackpot, local interest, right wing parties.
Let’s return Europe to its people and listen to the less vociferous but certainly not less committed, majority who support the European Union.
Derek Hammersley. Chairman, European Movement in Scotland, 12B Cumberland Street SE Lane, Edinburgh.
Will it be worth taking this risk?
Sir, If independence for Scotland had been an advantageous way forward, then this would have surely have been self-evident for a long time and would not have provoked the huge and divisive argument that it has.
The reason for this independence push is that the SNP found itself in unexpected power following the 2011 election. This left their leader with no choice but to pursue the main SNP objective. Had he not done so, his position would have become untenable.
But the reason for SNP success in 2011 was voter disillusionment with the main parties rather than support for SNP policies.
Indeed, it is a pity that the SNP leadership, who should be doing their usual good job of representing Scotland’s interests within the UK, are now pursuing this policy of separation, that must bring an uncertain future for the Scottish people for an unknown period, even if it is ultimately successful.
Is this definite risk worth the possible reward?
Do we actually know the value of the reward?
Malcolm Parkin. 15 Gamekeeper’s Road, Kinnesswood, Kinross.
Final salary pensions
Sir, Was Gordon Brown responsible for the demise of final salary pension schemes, as Joseph G Miller claimed (May 22)? The reasons for the planned decline of these schemes, the only ones to give pension members certainty in retirement, are varied.
The driving force has been the wish of companies to cut costs and so boost profits. He seems to have ignored the basic fact that employers have full responsibility for pension schemes set up in their names. It is they who initially decide the terms and conditions.
Decisions to alter the schemes’ membership eligibility and all other relevant matters are taken through a board of trustees dominated by company appointees and answerable to the company. It is significant to note very few companies have decided not to admit new directors to their final salary pension schemes, just ordinary employees.
Joseph A Peterson. St Andrews.