IT pains me to see once more an argument as reported on Sunday between two independence supporters (Stephen Noon and Toni Giugliano) over whether a compromise of some sort around a version of federalism should be suggested (Independence majority ‘must be upheld’, say SNP, Aug 28).
This is not a matter of political purism any longer and we surely need no more evidence of the impossibility of any real transfer of control from Westminster. The vested interest of the south-east of the UK or the UK’s political establishment cannot be slowly melted away ... it will never be in London’s interest for this to happen in any meaningful way.
READ MORE: Stephen Noon says its 'time for third way' in Scottish independence debate
Even if a constitutional brick wall exists, we desperately need to find it to enable it to be undermined as soon as possible, so with all its inherent risks we must press ahead now to determine the genuine desire of our electorate.
Even without the energy and cost-of-living crisis about to fall on us, the degree to which our society has been and continues to be undermined by the terrible weaknesses of the UK’s governance system has become crystal clear over the period since 2014.
We have had eight years to perfect the argument for independence, so let’s ensure that we can communicate the vision ... and start doing so.
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We must paint the future which we want for our people explaining no more than the simple truths.
Firstly if any country can govern their country for the benefit of their people; and we have many exemplar among our Nordic neighbours; then why on earth cant we.
Secondly, if this focus on societal wellbeing was possible within the partisan politics of the UK ... it would have happened already ... and due to embedded vested interests it never will.
Gus McSkimming
Ayrshire
I SEE Stephen Noon is endorsing a different strategy to the next Scottish Government’s proposal during the next General Election. I disagree with Noon. He’s recommending we have a General Election promising a referendum. Then it’s back to the start with Westminster and the Supreme Court saying it’s “not legal”. Forget it, Noon.
I do agree with these positive actions – by taking as many “reasonable”, consultative and democratic actions to lead to a vote as possible, the Scottish Government will have shown it could do nothing more. And if, as expected, the deeply conservative Supreme Court apes the Westminster call and denies the referendum, it will be on to the definitive phase.
READ MORE: SNP conference shortlist aims for ‘genuine debate’, Toni Giugliano says
Stating from the outset that the General Election is an effective vote for independence is legitimate. Especially when this achieves more than 50%. If, after the declaration of independence, the UK pushes against this through law, there are protections internationally. There are UN provisions which say that Scotland has a right to a democratic voice. It is our right under the first article of the United Nations to choose how we determine the future of this country. I am also sure that the EU will only be too glad to give old England a bloody nose by recognising Scotland as a nation. Let’s get this done; get back in the EU and start building a better country.
Grant Latto
Edinburgh
A PIECE on Stephen Noon in Wednesday’s edition of The Independent, “Former Yes Scotland strategy chief makes case for compromise on independence”, ruffles me up the wrong way.
I want Scotland to be independent of the rest of the UK. I want that independence to come about very soon. I want to have a Scottish passport before I die. I want Scotland to be a part of the European Union once more. I want my children to know that they are the offspring of our great nation and to be proud that they are.
Anything less, I believe, would be selling our children and grandchildren’s future to a sorry mess of Tory, Sub-Tory (Labour) and Sub-sub Tory (LibDem) governance forever.
READ MORE: Edith Bowman says she was 'edged out' of Radio 1 and felt 'incredibly let down'
Really if we do not shout, scream and fight for our independence now – when Brexit is ruining the economic future and lowering our standard of living at lighting speed and the Tory party membership is the tiny electorate about to foist Truss or Sunak upon us as Prime Minister of the UK – then when on earth are we going to claim our right?
For heaven’s sake, I am fed up to the back teeth with shimmering around the edges. If we are going to do it let’s do it, I hate half-way houses. There should be no compromise – independence only and roll on October 19 2023. I cannot wait to put my cross by Yes.
Cher Bonfis
via email
HOW many more converts would we get, I wonder, if Peter Swain’s succinct capturing of Scotland’s economic status (Letters, Aug 29) were to be posted through every letter box in Scotland? Someone please create the eye-catching flyer, with the necessary bullet points, and let’s get distributing.
Peter is a friend of mine – discovered along with his wife, thanks to the Yes cause – but my bias is based only on the power of how clearly he has captured the truth in a very few words. We need to be forearmed this time, as we have been forewarned.
Jenny Pearson
Edinburgh
SO Lord Cruddas has allegedly reached his target of 10,000 of his party members supporting a party rule change which would allow Johnson to enter the race for prime minister.
Apart from overlooking the reasonable point that he was already shown the door by his own party members, is it at all reasonable that any rule should be changed in a race which has already started and is apparently near the finishing line?
Tom Gray
Braco
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