Comparing Nicola Sturgeon to Winston Churchill is ludicrous

One of the paramount achievements of the SNP government is to demonstrate how it can win and sustain confidence. Management of the pandemic is crucial in this, saving lives first and foremost but in no small part to prevent the NHS from collapse due to the numbers of cases and to secure its future.

READ MORE: Joanna Cherry: SNP need a new strategy so Scotland can thrive

We need to be wary of the narrative espoused by the Tories and the mainstream media, with their talk of VE day. Comparing Nicola Sturgeon with Winston Churchill is ludicrous. To imagine a virus as “the enemy” is to open up all sorts of dead-end political arguments, as Trump has shown. It sidesteps the crucial issue of how the pandemic has exposed glaring social inequalities which cannot be addressed within the present political system.

As during other periods of crisis, radical ways of thinking have already started to emerge. Nicola Sturgeon’s expression of support for universal basic income is an important case in point behind which we should be rallying. The pandemic has also drawn attention to the issue of food security and ways of relying on those resources closer to home which will continue to be significant if the Tories’ reckless Brexit plans persist.

Cherry’s support for an idea of a political debate within the SNP is welcome. However, it needs to involve Scottish society more widely, and thereby grow support for independence. For example in the 2014 referendum, approximately 57% of women voted No. Since then the Scottish Government, and parts of the Yes movement, have actively sought to change that by promoting policies that are attractive to women. The peoples’ assembly, once it reconvenes, could play a key role in developing such narratives.

We would do well to begin with a look at other movements for self-determination. How did they succeed, where did they fail? Why not a series in The National on this topic? We need to think about political strategy, including how

we can educate ourselves about how to win widespread support for change in society. And such activity needs to be sincere and without any hidden agenda.

Cathie Lloyd
Edinburgh

I HAVE to disagree with Joanna Cherry’s wartime analogy about the success and failure of Winston Churchill. We are nowhere near the same as World War Two.

With the coronavirus, we have had to adopt certain ways of social living and even financial adjustments. Quite possibly these changes will remain with us for the foreseeable. Whereas World War Two was halted almost immediately by virtue of agreed winners and losers, the post-war years began with a totally different social structure not known during the war years.

Where I do agree with Joanna Cherry is the fact that yes, the SNP does need a different leadership but outwith the government bubble. Nicola Sturgeon has enough problems at the moment trying to keep the Scottish nation safe and in good personal health from the coronavirus. It has already been mooted as to whether the Yes movement needs, not necessarily a Dominic Cummings, but a leadership to take some of the weight away from our First Minister.

The Yes movement is cross-party and also includes non-party members. It probably contains a majority of SNP members. So, to appoint someone capable of organising the Yes movement into something that has a more proactive direction towards independence, and sooner rather than later, might fulfil some of Joanna Cherry’s hopes and suggestions.

As she points out, a lot of political activists, whether elected or not, have time on their hands and possibly for several months yet. Hopefully, the October party conference might just take place. This is where the seeds can be sown. Or indeed, it could be just a Scottish independence conference thus open to anyone. Either way, Scotland does need, in my view, a Scottish independence leadership that will have the time to do whatever is necessary for its success and to have contact with the government. Scotland’s independence is a national issue but with the unified approach to be completely successful.

Alan Magnus-Bennett
Fife

MY friend and I travel the country playing bowls as a hobby. My friend is a “queen and country” man and very much so ... I am the complete opposite. You could have knocked me down with a feather when I got a phone call yesterday from him expounding the virtues of our First Minister and her handling of the crisis we are in at the moment. He told me that the so-called politicians in England could not hold a candle to her.

He was so full of praise for her that I was left speechless. So Nicola, keep doing the day job and by the end of this pandemic you will have brought many many more to the cause of independence. On a personal note I think you are doing a great job under extreme pressure – a lesser person would have wilted weeks ago. I cannot praise you highly enough. Good luck.

Michael Mc Dermott
Old Kilpatrick

SO many people are remarking on how well Nicola Sturgeon is delivering her message about coronavirus day after day. These people include staunch Unionists but on opening further discussion with them, they still trot out the old cliches that “Scotland can’t go it alone”, “would be bankrupt”etc.

On pointing out the terrific opportunities Scotland has in renewable energy, food and drink exports, tourism, digital technology and so much more, they resort to “well, I don’t know enough about it.”

Can the First Minister and all supporters of independence find a clearer message on the Scottish economy? After years of the Scottish cringe mentality, this is not easy.

In these desperate times, are there lessons to be learnt about finding clearer ways to inform people about the inherent economic advantages we have in Scotland?

The picture of a vibrant Scottish economy from the full powers of independence just does not get through!

Susan Grant
Tain