Sir, – I am struck by the hypocrisy on the part of the independence deniers, none of whom have ever put a valid case or argument in favour of retaining the status quo.
Instead, they invent ever more bizarre reasons – and ignore the facts – to keep their heads in the sand.
We entered into a union following a referendum of sorts 300 years or so ago.
Time has moved on.
The world and circumstances have changed. We had a referendum in the 1970s to be part of the EU.
Time has moved on again and, despite the previous settled will, those seeking to deny a further test of Scottish independence insisted on another one to leave the EU.
It seems it is right to test opinion again when it suits the wealthy self-interest in Westminster and those who don’t actually think about the issues.
Indeed times and circumstances have significantly changed since 2014.
That referendum is now no longer relevant other than as a historical footnote compounded as it was by lies, half-truths and broken promises.
That then set the scene for 2016.
The settled will in the 1970s was to be in Europe, and our standard of living increased significantly.
All of that is now to be discarded with well publicised shortfalls for the next few decades.
Treaties and unions are not immutable, as Trump has amply demonstrated in recent years, and we are expected to negotiate an agreement with him?
How long before he or his successors decide to tear that one up, just so we can import high food-miles beef and chickens from America.
Much of what we complain about from Europe has come about because of the often “holier than thou” approach taken by our civil service and ministers failing to adjust the rules to meet our own needs, much as Germany, France and others do.
The fact is what England votes for is what we all get, we are not in a partnership of equals, and are continually disparaged by all and sundry, very visibly nowadays in Westminster.
We were told in 2014 that to stay in Europe we had to vote no.
Then in 2016 we were lied to by saying we were a partnership of equals, the outcome of which meant having to follow the diktat from the UK English majority ignoring for their own purposes the result of the 2014 referendum.
Nick Cole.
Balmacron Farmhouse,
Meigle.
Putting corners on a wheel
Sir – It could be argued that in Scotland there are two elections taking place in December.
Firstly, we’re being asked to elect a UK Government and secondly, we also have the opportunity to give our verdict on the governance of Scotland’s Parliament under Ms Sturgeon and the SNP.
The outcome of the Scottish vote could have a significant effect on the outcome of the UK general election.
It would also provide a strong indication on how Scots see their future under the direction of Ms Sturgeon, who is hell bent on the break-up of Britain and which would probably make the problems of achieving Brexit seem like a very pleasant day at the seaside.
Ms Sturgeon should be wary of the Scottish electorate who have had plenty of time to observe her government’s spectacular failures in education, her poor stewardship of the Scottish health service which struggles to attract vital clinical staff and to deliver an effective service, with hospitals not fit for purpose.
To add to Scotland’s woes, we are the highest taxed part of the UK and have the dubious honour of having the highest deficit of any EU nation.
Ms Sturgeon’s answers to these pressing problems have been about as effective as adding corners to a wheel.
She has decided to try to distract the public eye by employing the SNP’s usual mantra of it all being the fault of Westminster, Boris, Brexit etc, the awfulness of the UK and the need for Indyref2.
Like many politicians facing electoral difficulties, she is obviously following the advice of campaign guru Sir Lyndon Crosby who said when there was trouble the best way to cause a distraction was to “Chuck a dead cat on the table, mate”.
Unfortunately the SNP would need to chuck a dead horse on the table to deflect criticism of their efforts in government and to hide the problems that will surely be visited upon Scots should we separate from the UK.
Iain G Richmond.
Guildy House,
Monikie.
Distressed not being ignored
Sir, – I am a volunteer litter picker on Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, Perth.
A few weeks ago, among my collection was two pieces of litter found blowing in the wind.
They were wet and crumpled and quite illegible.
On my way back down to empty my bag I realised they matched a leaflet which was legible, attached to a picnic table.
They were all from Andy’s Man Club (Council under fire over life-saving pamphlets, Courier, November 9).
It is most unfair to criticise Perth and Kinross Council inferring that they are somewhat unhelpful regarding suicides on the hill.
It has been a topic of discussion and action over many years, indeed the new management plan under preparation makes some very constructive proposals to hopefully do something to help those contemplating suicide.
Surely it would have been better if the Andy Man’s Club had contacted the council and offered their view?
I am certain they would not be ignored.
Norman Renfrew.
9 Riverview Park,
Perth.
Steel deal is a steal for China
Sir, – Imports of cheap Chinese steel bankrupt British Steel.
So we “rescue” British Steel by selling it to these same Chinese for £70 million. So our expensive steel has presumably now also become cheap Chinese steel.
Then during the past year, our government has borrowed £15 billion to give away as foreign aid – largely to countries who don’t like us – a sum that would have rescued British Steel 214 times.
This is how our finances and import controls are managed by government.
You could not make it up.
Malcolm Parkin.
Gamekeepers Road,
Kinnesswood,
Kinross.
EU has helped keep war at bay
Sir, – Attending the remembrance service at the fine new memorial in the centre of Falkland, and listening to the minister’s words, many things came to mind.
Recently I chatted to two visitors from Fife and one asked me what the word “dziekuje” at the base of the memorial meant. I told him it was Polish for “thank you”.
He replied that he was the son of a Polish airman who had fled to Scotland in 1939, served here and married a local girl.
His friend volunteered that he was the son of a German who had served in the infamous Waffen SS.
My own father fought in the First World War and was killed at the beginning of the Second, but I bore no grudge.
Both wars were terrible and many died on both sides.
I am simply grateful that the EEC and it’s successor have so far succeeded in helping to prevent further major European wars, a significant part of why I will continue to campaign to “Remain” in the EU.
Anthony Garrett.
1 Royal Terrace,
Falkland.
