Off agenda

Are there economic and ideological differences between north and south Britain as Gregor Gall supposes (Perspective, 26 December)? It seems that contemporary free market capitalism is as equally dominant throughout the United Kingdom. Is the “desire for self-enrichment” less in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow than in Manchester and London? New elites have emerged, with common bonds of profit and money, replacing the old Establishment.

Today, the pertinent analysis is of the “power elite and mass society” with limited democracy. Arguably, the “radical form of Scottish independence” Gregor Gall hopes for isn’t on the political agenda. 

Ellis Thorpe

Old Chapel Walk

Inverurie, Aberdenshire