Self delusions

Published on 02/08/2012 00:00

It is wonderful how those who espouse the idea of “independence” in the EU continue to delude themselves about the views of the Scottish people.

Christine McKelvie (whose party I admit not knowing) is quoted (your report, 30 July) as saying that “people of all parties are warming to the idea of independence”. The evidence, however, is quite the reverse.

Indeed, the more that Scots are confronted by the twin proposals of separating from the rest of the UK and all the uncertainties that entails, plus the requirement that a Scotland that may (only may) be allowed to join the EU must join the euro is enough to put anyone off.

Bearing in mind the antipathy that most people in Britain, on both sides of the Border, bear towards the EU, it is clear that Ms McKelvie and “Labour for Independence” do not speak for a majority in either Labour or Scotland.

Andrew HN Gray

Craiglea Drive

Edinburgh

Despite the SNP having millionaire backers, despite the “celebrity” endorsements, despite being in office and in control of the civil service, support for breaking up the UK continues to fall (your reports, 1 August).

Alex Salmond has been aware for some time that the referendum is unwinnable. Nothing could be clearer. Thus the U-turns on the monarchy, Nato and Olympics.

Perhaps, as Brian Wilson points out, given the background, the Olympic U-turn was the biggest of all.

His only hope now is that the usual suspects will push for a two-question referendum and that way allow him to continue, somehow, as First Minister, mixing with the “big” names that 
apparently mesmerise him.

Alexander McKay

New Cut Rigg

Edinburgh