Co-partners deserve respect

Sir, – Derek Farmer (Letters, February 5) attempts to convince us that the UK is a sovereign nation. It is not, as it’s title makes clear.

We are the United Kingdom, a bipartite construct, not a single entity.

A future independent Scotland would merely be, in Mr Farmer’s words, “negotiating a new relationship with...” England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Once again, quoting the gentleman’s own words, “not before time”.

As a co-partner, we have every right to voice our concerns regarding Brexit, with the 62% Scottish remain vote being given due consideration.

Mr Farmer wants the SNP to “butt out” – in effect telling our First Minister and her Government to get on with the housework and leave our future in London’s hands.

If, as he wishes, the only truly representative government Scots have is to be sidelined, who will speak on our behalf?

Theresa May, who stated in parliament that Brexit, “isn’t a question about whether the people of Scotland should have a choice about their future”?

Or David Mundell, who makes no secret of the fact that his loyalties lie with Downing Street?

Or place our trust in David Davis perhaps?

His spiv-like ducking and diving exemplified by his claim, echoing events in post-2014 Scotland, that any promises made concerning the Irish border can simply be ignored by post-Brexit London.

Devolution came about, not as a result of London’s desire for change, but pressure from a Council of Europe increasingly uncomfortable with the democratic deficit at the heart of this dysfunctional union.

Former Tory Chancellor, Nigel Lawson, believes Brexit is a “historic opportunity to finish the job Margaret Thatcher started.”

Scots have every right to fear a London establishment unfettered by EU rules regarding our rights.

It is imperative, now more than ever, that the voices of our democratically-chosen representatives not only be heard, but respected. Ken Clark. 335 King Street, Broughty Ferry.

As I become older and maybe less capable of making decisions, I dread leaving my wellbeing in the hands of anonymous bureaucrats