Context of words

It is actually a question of logic and grammar. A threat is a declaration of an intention to inflict harm. Grammatically a threat must be made in the future tense.

It is noteworthy that no other members of the committee appear to be supporting Ms Whiteford’s version of events and while Ian Davidson’s choice of language may have been unfortunate, it is quite clear that he did not utter any threat.

Robert Cairns

Harrietfield

Perthshire

It is most unwise to judge a person’s words out of the context in which they are uttered. Had a 20-year younger Ian Davidson suggested that Dr Whiteford would get “a doing” when they were in Bellahouston Park it could well have been construed that he had a sexual motive.

However, in the context of the Scottish affairs committee of the House of Commons his words clearly related to the likely reception of Dr Whiteford’s words by the other members of the committee.

The SNP is attempting to rubbish the committee’s consideration of the proposal to hold a referendum on independence. “It was in our manifesto.”

However, it knows perfectly well that the constitution is reserved to Westminster and that it is perfectly proper for it to be considered by the committee.

It suits the SNP to boycott the committee.

If we are to be so absurdly politically correct we should not be referring to Ian Davidson as the chairman. Surely he is a four-legged inanimate object, “a chair”.

So the last government has decreed. Even to refer to a female as “madam chairman” is no longer acceptable. At this rate, a perfectly good language will be corrupted beyond recognition.

John Kelly

High Street

Dalkeith

Prime Minister David Cameron is criticised by Harriet Harman and fellow Labour MPs for his “Calm down, dear” statement.

What happened to these voices of feminist fairness when Ian Davidson threatens to give Eilidh Whiteford “a doing”?

The silence from all sides of the House of Commons is deafening.

Ian Grant

Ashburnham Gardens

South Queensferry