YOUR wee piece “Complaints over ‘fascist-front’ party revealed in FOI” (July 17) reminded me that immediately after our election in May, I wrote to the Electoral Commission concerning the abuse by extreme right-wingers of the term “Green” on the ballot paper. I received an acknowledgement immediately, and nothing further, despite implied promises.
Please note that, as the party names on ballot papers are listed alphabetically, “IGV” for Independent Green Voice appeared long before “SGP” for Scottish Green Party on quite a lengthy ballot paper. Because the far-right cannie win votes by anything other than deliberate electoral deception, I suspect.
READ MORE: Independent Green Voice: FOI reveals voter confusion at poll
I can only assume that the “UK” Electoral Commission have more important things on their collective minds, than the simple matter of democracy in Scotland.
Through their apparent anti-Scottish determination, we have probably lost two SGP list MSPs; in Glasgow, and the South of Scotland.
It appears that UK Government bodies may have (deliberately?) warped our democracy.
As someone who has been involved in left politics for nearly the past six decades, I regret to say I am not surprised.
Dougie Harrison
Glasgow
THOSE of us who have allowed our frustration to spill on to your letters page have been chastised for causing division within the indy movement.
I agree there are sinister agents out there whose intent is to sow doubt and discontent, and they can be spotted. But that is not my intention, or the majority of your correspondents. We write to The National because if we just haud oor wheesht the Party may assume all is well with the membership.
We recognize that the SNP is our main route to independence, and we certainly have no wish for Nicola to be replaced. In fact, those who call for the replacement of possibly the best first minister we have had, are most likely provocateurs. My frustration is the apparent lack of any progress towards indyref2; no announcement of a date, no decision on currency, no assurance to pensioners, and so on. It is that frustration which is disheartening many supporters and causing others to join Alba.
I do not believe Covid is an inhibitor to such decisions, because in the midst of an ongoing pandemic the government in that other place has negotiated the Brexit deal, and is continually working on plans to frustrate independence. I don’t claim they are making a success of either but that is not holding the Tories back.
Why don’t you write privately to the SNP, some may say? I wrote to Jackson Close some time ago on these matters and didn’t receive an acknowledgment, even as a long- time member – though that shouldn’t make a difference.
So I beg Nicola to make an announcement soon with some concrete decisions.
Richard Walthew
Duns
Abbi Garton-Crosbie’s article, “PM’s aide claimed £6k despite low turnout” (July 17), makes interesting reading – particularly, “Boris Johnson’s special adviser on Scotland claimed £6,000 in expenses despite only speaking six times in the House of Lords last year”.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson's Scotland adviser claimed £6k expenses in Lords
As a UK taxpayer, what interests me, is whether or not the expenses, which are paid by the UK taxpayers, are subject to UK tax. I may be wrong, but I suspect that they are not subject to tax and that is why they are deemed to be “expenses”.
This month I have received two letters, one from my bank informing me that the interest I will be paid on my savings is being cut from 0.05% to 0.01% and another letter from the TV Licensing authority requiring me to pay, out of my taxed income, an annual licence fee of £159. This is the withdrawal of a benefit that I have been receiving due to the fact that I am an octogenarian.
To say “I am not amused” is perhaps a gross understatement of how I feel!
Thomas L Inglis
Fintry
IN response to Euan Lindsay ‘s remarks in the Sunday’s National about learning Gaelic (Website Comments, Seven Days, July 18), I have to agree that good support and teaching is essential.
Age, however, is no barrier. I am well over 60 and I have just passed Higher Gaelic with an A grade. More than two thirds of my classmates (all successful) are over the age of 60! We attended the class and now continue to meet to chat in Gaelic via Zoom!
Isabelle Gow
Via email
RUTH Davidson’s choice of Baroness Davidson of Lundin Links seems appropriate as her elevation is a reward for her London links.
Lundin Links is closely associated with Robinson Crusoe, hopefully it won’t be long before the House of Lords becomes a desert island for Scottish peers.
John Jamieson
West Lothian
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