Squabbles but far from outright war

Sir, – Alex Bell’s article (Agenda, Courier, October 22) seems indicative of the leaked memo which intimates increased attacks on the independence movement, specifically the SNP and its internal squabbling.

Below the squabblers are a growing, confident army of supporters moving forward.

Mr Bell’s speculation about Angus Robertson being a future leader is a distraction.

In comparison, the Tory Party has been riven by internecine warfare by Brexiteers for 40 years until they hijacked control, and equally the Labour Party in England when it swung hard left after Miliband.

It has now been lassoed by the centre left and is being reeled in from the wilderness in England.

Scottish Labour has a deep hole from which to escape.

The indy movement all still have the same goal, the differences are just the pathway to get there.

The pandemic and Brexit requires additional extraordinary actions by the Scottish Government, that are “outwith their gift”.

That is very visible to the Scottish public, who are very aware of these shackles.

The UK Government have mobilised their commentariat, to again undermine the confidence of people in Scotland.

The trend is obvious, all good stuff is UK Government, all bad stuff is Scottish Government.

The Scottish Government do make mistakes but they admit it, albeit reluctantly, then try to correct.

The UK Government also make mistakes, yet they turn their hearing aids to “off” a la Manchester, or WASPI Women.

Finally, most Scots know an independent Scotland will have its challenges – just like Denmark, Norway and others – but it will be our people that will make, take and have to stand by these decisions. Alistair Ballantyne. Birkhill, Angus.