Citizenship question is for UK Government

Sir, – Gerald Marshall (Denying people their birthright, Courier, July 9) raises an important point about whether UK citizens in an independent Scotland could retain their UK citizenship and passport.

However, in directing his questions at the SNP he chose the wrong target. The SNP’s proposals for an independent Scotland, Scotland’s Future, stated that dual citizenship would be allowed.

People resident in Scotland would be entitled to Scottish citizenship, but could retain British citizenship.

The UK does allow dual citizenship, but refused to say whether that would apply to Scotland, preferring to leave doubt and confusion in Scottish voters’ minds in the hope this would make them more wary of independence.

It is therefore the UK Government which should answer the important questions Mr Marshall raises.

Making “others secede against their will”, as Mr Marshall puts it, is certainly troublesome, but the UK has done that to us with Brexit.

If independence comes I hope that a Scottish Government will be far more sensitive and responsible than this UK Government, which crassly celebrated the removal of our rights.

James Christie. 2 Dryburgh Crescent, Perth.