Clear support for Catalan independence

Sir, - Keith Howell’s letter regarding Catalonia and Scotland (November 2) makes one wonder if he has taken in the events of the past weeks.

His assertion is that a “silent majority” are threatened by a separatist movement attempting to impose its will.

How a minority can impose its agenda on a majority isn’t explained. As for the make-up of this threatened silent majority, documentary evidence shows them to be less than silent, with a propensity for violence, swastikas and nazi salutes.

In response to this provocation, which follows on from recent Spanish police barbarity, the Catalan population have shown remarkable restraint.

The politically expedient, post-Franco, 1978 constitution, has been used as justification for Madrid’s brutal response to Catalonian independence aspirations. Promises made to the Catalans at that time regarding their autonomy have been reneged on, mirroring London’s devo max vow to Scotland which suffered a similar fate.

The most recent polls in Catalonia have shown support for independence at 53%, which contradicts Mr Howell’s claim.

The only proper course in the current climate would be a referendum, with outside observers ensuring a fair and honest process with none of the disgusting scenes witnessed previously.

As for Mr Howell’s warning concerning a future Scottish referendum, does he envisage our democratically elected representatives being charged with sedition for carrying out the wishes of their electorate as we have seen in Catalonia?

Or, heaven forbid, a repeat of the events in Glasgow’s George Square in 1919, with troops, machine guns, tanks and artillery being deployed from England to quell Scottish dissatisfaction with Westminster rule?

Ken Clark. 335 King Street, Broughty Ferry.

Picture: Associated Press. Demonstrators hold banners calling for the release of Catalan political leaders during a protest in Barcelona.