Letters: Obsolete 1707 Treaty of Union should be annulled

A union must be between two consenting parties, just like a marriage. If a marriage was found to be carried out against the will of either party, it would be declared illegal and annulled. Thus the 1707 treaty was illegal, and was then, in the last 1745 war of independence, declared illegal and annulled. This was done by the new governing body, and royal prince of Scotland.

The treaty was also annulled by public proclamation from the city square in Edinburgh. Scotland was then free and independent for one year only. The invading Hanoverian army tore down the flag of a Free Scotland, replacing it with the butcher’s apron and illegal union jack, and brought her back into the so-called union at bayonet point.

The Scottish Government must eventually declare the 1707 treaty as now being annulled. And a twin referendum must be drawn up with those important questions: “Do you want an independent and free Scotland to take its rightful place at the UN?” and “Do you want a new treaty of union drawn up, leaving Westminster in charge of Scotland’s resources, defence and economy?”

Both questions demand the obsolete and undemocratic treaty as it stands be annulled. Thus the Tory Unionists, and their bedfellows Labour Unionists, can campaign for a new union and explain how it will be to Scotland’s benefit to join. The Yes side will campaign for a new independent nation, free and with no tie-up with any political union that would mean any loss of sovereignty.

Many reading this will not agree, but one thing that they must admit is that Scotland is not being treated in a fair manner by our untrustworthy neighbour. Think on that true, if not ominous, statement by Winston Churchill: “Any nation that doesn’t stand up for its rights and freedom deserves to be crushed.” This wasn’t meant for Scotland but was directed at wartime Poland. However, it could and should apply to any nation in the struggle for freedom and democratic independence.

Dare we mention Catalonia, which has just had its attempt at becoming a new independent nation crushed. However, Spain can never suppress that nation’s desire to be free from the bully’s control.

Even a bully like Spain has no weapon strong enough to kill off Catalonia’s dream of a free and democratic republic.
Iain Ramsay
Greenock

INSTEAD of Phillip Hammond blaming disabled workers for low productivity (Hammond slammed after attack on disabled workers, The National, December 8), he should look closer to home.

There is a propensity in the UK for public schoolboys and girls to often be promoted beyond their capabilities. Sometimes this is because they have been spoon-fed to get the right qualifications, are over confident in their own abilities and probably come across well in interviews. Sometimes it is for no other reason than the old school tie; who they know not what they know. You need look no further than Westminster for a clear example.

Perhaps when management boards include more workers’ representatives, maybe even some who are disabled, who have some understanding of and empathy with their fellow workers, we will begin to see improvements in productivity.
Jim Stamper
Rutherglen

GAVIN Williamson, the recently appointed Defence Secretary, advocated in an interview extra-judicial killing of men, women and children who have been involved with Daesh. He even advocates the same for “terrorists” from other countries. This goes against the Geneva Conventions and the rule of law. Why is he still in post?
John Edgar
Stewarton

I SUSPECT Councillor Kenny MacLaren was not alluding to the Dead Parrot Sketch (pictured yesterday) when he said Unionist groups splitting up resembled something from Monty Python. I suggest he meant the People’s Front of Judea and the Judean People’s Front sketch.
Karen Allan
Inverbervie