Devo-plus falls short on the big issues

I agree with much of what Malcolm Fraser has to say (Platform, 19 March) but especially his recognition that devo-plus would not “stop Scotland from being dragged into vain, stupid foreign wars, or stop us pouring countless billions into the vile, empty charade that is our dependent nuclear deterrent”.

Under present constitutional arrangements, both civil and civic Scotland could have made their opinions on these issues much more effectively known but have largely failed to do so, and I do not see why it would be any different under devo-plus.

If eventually I do decide to vote for independence, and I would rather not have to, it will be for the above-mentioned reasons (coupled with the opportunity to make Scotland a much more equal society), having decided that Scotland under devo-plus would remain powerless to prevent the UK “careering further down these routes”.

Malcolm Fraser will have to convince me that, under his vision for a New Scotland, we would be much more confident and vociferous in such matters as would remain reserved.

John Milne

Ardgowan Drive

Uddingston, Lanarkshire

I very much doubt the rosy picture painted by C Hegarty of Scotland and the rest of the UK as “friends, neighbours and partners” after separation (Letters, 19 March).

Firstly, the SNP has spent many years seeking to create resentment and ill feeling in England to further the cause of separation.

The student funding arrangement, whereby students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland are treated less favourably than European students in our universities, is a particularly egregious example.

Secondly, it is undeniable that after separation, the anti-Tory vote in Westminster would go down by around 57 seats net.

This would greatly strengthen the position of the Tory Party, and especially of its free-market and euro-sceptic right wing.

What common ground would there be between a free-market rump UK government and a socialist Scottish one?

Thirdly, the SNP government’s economic policies are unsustainable. In particular, there will be a day of reckoning for the wind farm industry, when the job-destroying and poverty-causing subsidies have to end.

Unfortunately, our countryside will be littered with howling industrial turbines, which will greatly undermine our tourist industry. Both because old habits die hard and because the SNP will need someone to shift the blame for its failures on to, it will continue to cynically demonise England, whether it achieves separation or not.

Otto Inglis

Inveralmond Grove

Edinburgh

The strength of the relationship between Scotland and the remaining parts of the United Kingdom is not an issue in the independence referendum, and David Cameron’s comments regarding the British links with Ireland and the USA do not demolish his arguments against Scottish independence as claimed by C Hegarty.

It is somewhat ironic that the relationship with the USA is cited as a reason for Scottish independence when the 50 states in that union appear to be more than happy with their current situation.

Many who oppose Alex Salmond’s plea for a Yes vote in his referendum do so because they have reservations regarding the independent Scotland that he will foist upon the nation if he secures a positive mandate.

The details of whatever is on offer in an independent Scotland are somewhat sketchy and, unless Alex Salmond wants to poison the relationship with our near neighbours, it is fairly clear that relationships with our near neighbours will remain strong.

Indeed, independence might strengthen relationships to the extent that the Scots might be more willing to support England in any sporting event from which the Scots have been eliminated.

Sandy Gemmill

Warriston Gardens

Edinburgh