The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Jim wrong to retreat from independence
Sir, - I found it rather odd that Jim Sillars said he will not vote for Scottish independence if it meant an independent Scotland would have to rejoin the EU (March 8).
Mr Sillars, who as deputy leader coined the Independence in Europe slogan for the SNP, was a key independence campaigner in the 2014 referendum when a major aspect of that campaign was EU membership for an independent Scotland.
Mr Sillars must also surely be well aware of the difference between the political union that is the UK, with sovereignty held at Westminster, and the EU, comprising a union of nation states that pool and share their sovereignty.
He would sadly see us remain part of the UK, than join the likes of Denmark, Ireland, Austria and Finland in the EU.
He would rather we remain part of the UK, than have full control over the levers of power currently held at Westminster, from nuclear weapons to social security.
Mr Sillars also comments that EU membership means handing over control to unelected bureaucrats in Brussels.
As one looks at the 800 unelected members of the Lords, it seems surreal he would rather power continues to be held at Westminster.
It should also be noted that in the EU, the Commissioners are appointed by elected national governments, the parliament is directly elected, and the Council of Ministers is represented by elected ministers from national governments.
It is so sad that someone who has been such a strong advocate of Scottish independence over many years has decided to turn his back on this. Alex Orr. 77 Leamington Terrace, Edinburgh.