Indyref #2

There is a growing menu of “material changes in circumstance” which would trigger a referendum, including Evel, the EU referendum, delivery on the Smith Commission, and welfare reforms. The SNP are convinced the Scottish electorate agree with them on all these issues.

They should put a date for a referendum in their manifesto, and David Cameron should offer to have it on the same day as the EU referendum in 2017.

In return, however, and to truly have a “once-in-a-lifetime” result, the Yes vote should exceed 60 per cent of the electorate.

When Norway, a country regularly compared to Scotland, voted for independence there was a 98 per cent vote in favour.

Alternatively the Nationalists could accept the truth: they peaked last year, many are disillusioned with the exaggerations that fuelled the last campaign, and their antics since then, and what people really want – and voted for in May – is a competent, trustworthy, visionary party to govern Scotland and make full use of existing and new powers.

Allan Sutherland

Willow Row

Stonehaven

Many would be disappointed, if not surprised, to see SNP MSPs promoting a vote for the SNP next May as a vote for a second independence referendum.

Despite assurances during the referendum campaign that it was a “once-in-a-generation” event, this is obviously not how many in the SNP see it.

That Colin Keir MSP wishes to ignore the No vote of not only the Scottish people, but 65 per cent of the electorate in the West of Edinburgh, shows contempt for the democratic process and his constituents.

Perhaps these comments are only to boost his chances in his fight for re-selection as the SNP candidate or has he let the cat out of the bag?

The SNP Scottish Government should be focusing on how they will use the substantial new powers that will be coming to Holyrood to improve the lives of the people of Scotland, not seeking a second referendum.

Catriona Headley

Prospective  Parliamentary Candidate for Edinburgh Western

Scottish Labour Party

Bowhill Terrace

Edinburgh