Letters to the editor
Evidence against independence
I write in response to the letter from C. Holms, published in last week’s issue, questioning polling I referred to in my column of December 15.
I am happy to offer more information about this YouGov poll, which was published on December 1.
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Hide AdIt was carried out for The Times newspaper and subsequently reported in the Express, Independent, Business Insider, Telegraph and BBC.
It showed that support for the SNP had fallen by four points over the previous three months and that only 31% of Scots want the Scottish Government to campaign for independence during the next two years.
On leaders’ ratings, Nicola Sturgeon had an approval rating of +11% (down from +20% in August), while Ruth Davidson had an approval rating of +25% (up from +21% in August). The letter writer might not like it that Ruth Davidson is twice as popular as Nicola Sturgeon, but a lot of people think she is doing a good job holding the Scottish Government to account.
The polling which the writer referred to was from September 1 and highlights my point well.
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Hide AdThis earlier poll showed that, excluding don’t knows, 46% supported independence, compared to 54% who want to remain part of the UK.
The YouGov poll in December showed 44% supported independence and 56% want to remain part of the UK. The same poll found that while 10% of people who voted No in 2014 now support independence, 15% of Yes voters now want to remain part of the UK.
All strong evidence that there is a greater shift of people moving away from supporting independence, as I said in my column.
John Lamont MSP
Sovereignty the supreme power
If Scotland, via the SNP (and Irish republicanism), becomes a republic, the supremacy of the people is formally acknowledged.
How does President Nicola (referendum) Sturgeon sound?
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Hide AdLet the politicians do their best or worst, but leave sovereignty as the supreme power over our United Kingdom. God bless Queen Elizabeth II and 1,000 years of sovereign democracy.
Paul Singleton
Gordon
Sturgeon’s only option
Nicola Sturgeon last week made crystal clear that her true goal is an independent Scotland within the European Union.
And there, regrettably for First Minister Sturgeon, lies the rub.
While a few EU bureaucrats have submitted to being photographed embracing her, one European country leader after another has told Ms Sturgeon that Scotland exits the EU along with the remainder of the UK.
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Hide AdThat, of course, leaves her with no option other than Scotland joining as an independent country.
But post-oil boom Scotland’s 9.5% annual deficit – and growing – means that for us to meet the EU’s 3% upper limit requirement, the SNP would need to inflict many years of financial misery upon us in the form of aggressive tax rises and public services cuts. The impact of Tory austerity would seem inconsequential by comparison.
Public spending last year was £1,200 per head higher in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK as a consequence of our comparatively poor health levels and scattered population – funded by the UK taxpayer via the generous Barnett Formula.
Martin Redfern
Edinburgh
Rotarians on parade
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Melrose, can I thank everyone who contributed to making this year’s Christmas parade in Melrose such an outstanding success.
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Hide AdEspecially to our sponsors, the Co-operative Society, the generous donors to our raffle, including Burt’s Hotel and Abbey Fine Wines, and everyone who bought tickets.
The magnificent sum of over £1,100 was raised and this helps to ensure that our work in the local community, including the parade, our outreach to the elderly and the local schools can continue for another year.
We are only a small club and your support is greatly appreciated.
David J. Dalglish
(treasurer, Rotary Club of
Melrose)