A Yes movement code of conduct is not what we need to make progress

There are two clear imperatives.

First, it’s long overdue to get the campaign under way. The date of the referendum needs to be set now, to allow sufficient time for any legal challenges to be dealt with in court; and for the many issues that really matter to be addressed, to explain issues and allay the fears of those who may be persuadable. We can already assume that right-wing Unionists and the hostile Unionist media will not be persuaded, even in the face of the most atrocious Conservative government led by a liar in history. We’re battling for the middle ground.

READ MORE: Indyref2 campaign set to have 'Yes pledge' code of conduct at heart

Second, issues such as the trans debate are hardly relevant for debate during the process, that’s surely a matter for the Scottish administration after the campaign – as should be matters that need separate consideration like nuclear weapons, Nato and EU membership – whatever form that administration takes then. One referendum decision cannot possibly deal with every disparate issue.

The real issue is whether Scotland is getting a square deal from a Westminster government that treats us with disdain, ridicules our MPs and ignores us when big decisions are made that affect us directly, and whether an independent Scotland would deal with such issues better and thrive better in a bigger global community. Equality issues are already subject to law and therefore a given. However, let’s be clear, the politically luvvie approach by AIM has no bearing in political reality. The “please may I have some more, Mr Bumble?” approach won’t wash.

The sad truth is that Scotland’s democratic desire for the referendum being refused places antagonism at the heart of the issue. Recalling the Unionist lies of 2014 merely cements that antagonism in place.

READ MORE: Progress to Yes conference: Real-life dialogue can help bring an end to online Yes infighting

Sorry to rain on AIM’s parade, but an unelected group, conspicuous by its lack of drive to get the campaign under way, seeking to dictate to us how we should conduct our campaigning just doesn’t wash.

The campaign needs to be fought with zeal, vociferously refuting Unionist lies with incontrovertible facts about the case for indy and a clear vision of a better future in an independent Scotland, not the mealy mouthed offerings of those who think it appropriate to tell us what to think and how to conduct ourselves with a passive approach that can only yield failure. We’re a’ big enough tae think fir wirsels.

We’re at a crossroads in history. There’s a pent-up movement out there. Time to unleash it and let real passion win the day.

Jim Taylor
Edinburgh

I NOTED with pleasure Sunday’s “Progress to Yes” conference organised by the Aberdeen Independence Movement and sponsored by The National. Strikingly, however, the list of 16 groups participating did not include the Alba party. Given that this party is led by the person to whom the independence movement will forever be indebted, and given its vitality and intellectual energy, I do hope that, at the very least, it received an invitation to be part of the conference. Perhaps it chose not to be involved. Whatever the explanation, I trust that any future inclusive gatherings will welcome Alba and share a platform with its many talented speakers.

E Hamilton
Glasgow

GIVEN the current polls on keeping nuclear weapons on the Clyde – if, after independence, the people vote to keep them in an independent Scotland, does that mean Scotland would take over the UK permanent seat at the UN Security Council and England would be removed?

Rab Doig
Bo’ness