Independence would be a hollow victory

✒ IT is apparent that Nicola Sturgeon will use any opportunity to further her aim of Scottish independence.

Whilst health workers certainly deserve recognition for their sterling efforts and dedication during the pandemic, her decision to award a £500 bonus to Scottish health workers, with the added caveat that she hopes the Westminster Government won’t tax it, is a blatant and crude attempt to buy votes in next year’s Scottish Parliament elections.

It also would be an administrative nightmare to make it tax free, thereby giving her another stick with which to beat the Westminster Government.

Moreover, I am sure that she doesn’t intend to fund the bonus by raising Scottish income tax and expects other UK taxpayers to fund most of the cost.

If this results in an increased SNP vote in the coming elections, Sturgeon will believe she has strengthened her call for another independence referendum.

Once independent, Sturgeon expects to successfully seek re-entry to the EU, making Scottish independence a somewhat hollow victory.

However, membership would be unlikely to be granted to Scotland since they would be a net beneficiary, not a contributor, to the EU budget and they do not meet the budget deficit standards of the EU.

It would also inspire the Catalans, Basques and other people in the EU to seek their independence, something the EU would block by all means at their disposal. T Johnson Gloucester