Democracy overlooked

Sir,- It is intriguing to note the brass neck of a Tory party with one MP in Scotland trying to prevent the democratically elected Scottish Parliament from holding a referendum on our nation’s future.

There must be many who are indeed against independence but believe it is our right as a nation to determine our future.

The right to self-determination is defined in the UN Charter. Article One comments on the need for the development of friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples.

If anything illustrates the nature of the union and the clear need for independence, it is the current scenario.

The holding of a referendum between autumn 2018 and Spring 2019 is, of course, highly logical.

In autumn 2018 we will know the shape of the deal with the EU, as set out in the UK Government’s own timetable.

There is then a period

of six months between autumn 2018 and spring 2019 over which time the deal will be ratified by member states.

If these nations are to have a say on the UK’s future, it seems odd that Scotland wouldn’t be afforded the same opportunity to decide which path it wants to take.

The failure of the Tories to allow a referendum, riding roughshod over the Scottish Parliament, has added yet another nail in the coffin of the union. Alex Orr. 77 Leamington Terrace, Edinburgh.

The failure of the Tories to allow a referendum, riding roughshod over the Scottish Parliament, has added yet another nail in the coffin of the union