Scotland not fit tojointheEU

Sir, - In 2014 Alex Salmond orchestrated a referendum, such that we would come out of the UK, jeopardising our relationship with a trading partner with whom we transact 67% of our trade.

Initially, had the referendum been a Yes, we would also be out of Europe with only the expectation of getting back in again – but on unknown terms.

At this time there was no thought that the UK would vote to exit the EU – so Scotland would have been out and the rest of the UK still in.

Now, in 2017, the SNP are asking to call a speedy referendum prior to knowing what the UK Government will negotiate, using the excuse Scotland wanted to stay in Europe and the UK did not.

This is the U-turn of all U-turns.

Many of the 64% of voters who voted to stay in Europe did not want Scottish independence.

So if the next referendum is a Yes we will be out of the UK and we will be out of Europe, until we reapply.

With a deficit as a percentage of GDP worse than Greece, are we likely to get back into Europe without the type of austerity programme currently going on there?

Even if Theresa May achieves the softest of Brexits, Nicola Sturgeon and her team will still find a reason to hold another referendum.

Independence for independence’s sake is economic suicide.

If, over the last 10 years, the SNP had succeeded in the areas they’ve been responsible for, then perhaps there would be stronger arguments for independence. Sadly that has not been the case.

Robin Duncan. Woodlands Park, Blairgowrie.