Nosecondreferendum

The First Minister has advised us, the people of Scotland, that there will be no second Independence referendum during 2017.

As much to her advantage as to the relief of those who do not see the necessity for one at all and who wish Scotland an integral part of the United Kingdom; whether within the European Union or outwith.

However, this does not prevent the zealots within Holyrood or elsewhere within the ranks of the SNP preparing for one in 2018 or when the First Minister believes they can win one.

A clear and significant majority of the Scottish people made their preference crystal clear last time. In the first instance, the First Minister and her immediate predecessor stated publicly that the will of the people be respected.

Within 72 hours, this was in doubt and continues to be so.

From the Sunday following the independence referendum, they have privately and publicly ignored the result. Some lip service has been paid to it but pressure for a quite needless referendum has continued; any pretext will do.

If, then, a second referendum was to be held and the result was that desired by the First Minister and members of the SNP, would those of us who did not like the result not be justified in taking similar action to that which followed in September 2014?

What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander!

As a citizen of the UK, and in favour of Scotland remaining part of it, having voted accordingly, my support was given to Better Together last time and now to Scotland In Union and, as it happens, to Scottish Labour, in both cases to the best of my ability and circumstances.

Joe Allan Westwood