Tories’ white flag

As a rule, when about to enter into a conflict it is unwise to hand the opposition any ammunition, which is exactly what Lord Fraser of Carmyllie’s comments about the ultimate break-up of the UK have done (your report, 17 May).

SNP members must be hugging themselves with glee at this latest faux pas to emerge from the beleaguered coalition government.

Neither does it help that David Cameron does not seem bothered to make a stand about the choice of date regarding the referendum. Talk about handing it to them on a plate.

The truly bizarre thing is that the only people apparently able and willing to take on the SNP (apart from those few souls who contribute to this letters page) is the maverick socialist MP George Galloway. Truly, strange times make for even stranger allies.

Brian Allan

Keith Street

Kincardine-on-Forth

Sadly, I have now reluctantly accepted that voters who want to remain in the United Kingdom will have no help whatsoever from the present UK government and other senior Tories.

Any statements from the Prime Minister now provide open goals for the SNP.

Whether by trying to ditch the historic Scottish regiments or allowing Alex Salmond to dictate the timing of the referendum, together with the unbelievable comment from a senior Scottish Tory that independence is inevitable, it is questionable whether the loss of Scotland has now been deemed acceptable to the UK Conservatives.

The people of Scotland deserve better. They have supported the Union for centuries, and those who wish it to continue demand more loyalty from Cameron and his team. If the truth is that the Tories will not contribute any positive help, they should refrain from commenting and the Prime Minister should stay south of the Border until the referendum is over.

Iain J McConnell

Gifford

East Lothian