I’VE read and enjoyed Mike Russell’s article in the weekend National (Ths is the essential importance of parties like SNP – and their members, Aug 14). I can’t disagree with any of his points, and have no doubts at all about his commitment, sincerity or expertise, but I was left feeling I had been given no direction of travel for the near future.

I’m under no illusion about the difficult place we are all in as a result of the events of recent years, but ambitions for Scottish nationalism need to be focused on and a bit of heather set alight, a bit of “Caber Feidh”.

READ MORE: Michael Russell: This is the essential importance of parties like the SNP

It is hoped that those in charge will seriously consider withdrawing our SNP MPs from Westminster (only attending when a vote is affecting Scotland). I can see no downside to this, only upsides. The initial Westminster reaction would be “good riddance”. However, the withdrawal of a substantial party, which the SNP is, would greatly reduce Westminster’s standing in the eyes of many, not least foreign governments. Let’s flex a bit of muscle – please!

Robert G Clark
Gorebridge

I READ that the Taliban have promised to govern Afghanistan well, even allowing girls to be educated. I also read that they are likely to be even more brutal than when the US and the UK sent troops in a pathetic attempt to cure the problem.

There also is an idea that the Taliban may take over Pakistan and be in possession of nuclear weapons. This prospect would be frightening if it were not for the reluctance of both the UK and Scottish governments to make a meaningful attempt to mitigate the climate crisis which has now become as obviously unstoppable as the rise of the Taliban. Our governments are clearly unprepared to make the political sacrifices necessary for the survival of humanity. I think I would rather be blown to smithereens than starve to death.

I can understand why political parties are reluctant to do anything which would lead to a fall in the number of votes cast in their next election. Maybe the Taliban are right – democracy is now a waste of time in terms of our survival. It’s quite clear that capitalism has no answer to our problems.

Tony Kime
Kelso