I REFER to the article by George Kerevan “Why Yes Movement must take stock or risk throwing away independence” (March 8). Overall I agree with the principle expressed in George’s article which, to cut across all that he has said, could be summarised (my words) as “let all independence supporters move forward, stop the infighting within the SNP and rally with the cause that will win a super independence majority government at the May election – a stable SNP party is best placed to do this”.
I agree with George that any faction that is suggesting bringing back Alex Salmond is delusional. However, it is important to rise above all of the recent fracas and place Alex in his position of history as the person who led the SNP, and the independence movement, up to the 45% vote in the 2014 independence referendum.
When all quietens down and we gain independence, I am sure Alex will be recognised for the part he has played. However, we must now move forward and recognise the facts as opposed to the fiction. There is only one leader in the SNP and that is Nicola Sturgeon. The SNP, the current party of government, is the only party that can form an overall majority in the May election. Therefore, following the logic of putting our money where our mouths are, we have to get behind Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP. Anything else is a wasted vote and will kill the dream of independence.
However, there are a few points within George’s article where he has probably misunderstood Mike Russell’s proposals. The proposal is based on the SNP, or the total independence movement, winning an overall majority in the May election then a bill will be passed in the Scottish Parliament to hold an independence referendum – not asking the UK Government for approval. This referendum will then have been approved by the sovereignty of the Scottish people as passed by their democratically elected representatives. It is up to the UK Government, if they want to or not, challenge this sovereignty of the Scottish people. In short, we are moving ahead with an independence referendum as decided by the sovereignty of the Scottish people.
The aspect of a plebiscite election and then declaring UDI was a historical policy of the SNP in the 1950s when they were a protest organisation – my 90-year-old activist friend who was part of that era has confirmed this. He recognises that the party has moved on and the only way forward that will be internationally recognised – we are not asking the UK Government’s permission – is to get behind the SNP, Nicola and the Mike Russell proposal.
Now, just in case George has any doubts about me, I am a member of his Now Scotland organisation and I am inclined towards his Scottish Currency Group and moving to an independent Scottish currency ASAP – if not sooner, as they say.
Having said all of this, can we all now “bury the hatchet” – in the ground, not into each other, or the Unionist parties will be laughing all the way – and get behind, as one body, Nicola and the SNP.
Stewart Dickson
Skirling By Biggar
WHY so many columns in The National attacking the SNP? I thought Joanna Cherry and Kevin McKenna were bad enough, but Monday’s article by George Kerevan took the biscuit. Why can’t we wait until the legions have disappeared over the border hills before we start fighting among ourselves?
Alastair Mcleish
Edinburgh
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