The fear factor

Published on 13/10/2012 00:00

I would single out three assertions that George Kerevan makes which are open to question, if not completely wrong (Perspective, 12 October).

First, people will reject independence unless we join Nato. This is scaremongering. The economy and the social union are the factors on which people will decide.

Second, we can still get Trident out of Scotland if we join Nato. Wrong. CND and other commentators are clear that if an independent Scotland joins Nato it is unlikely we will ever get rid of Trident.

Third, choosing as a sovereign nation to join other nations in Partnership for Peace (see Sweden, Finland, Austria etc) is an abandonment of friends and allies. It is not. It allows Scotland to support any Nato mission or exercise which meets our independent, ethical foreign policy.

The Yes to Nato camp in the SNP seems to have few arguments other than fear. This is unworthy. The SNP should be proud of its existing defence policy which will help make the world a less dangerous place.

Hilary Brown

Ryehill Terrace

Edinburgh