Hands tied until Scotland given full economic powers

Sir, – In response to Fraser Bruce (Scotland will not be ready for Indyref2 before 2030, Courier, May 7).

Mr Bruce is asking for answers to “hypothetical” questions that cannot be defined in advance.

He also perpetuates some myths. Scotland does not have a “massive” deficit.

As part of the UK we do have a share of the deficit created up to now by successive Westminster governments.

We would not necessarily inherit any share of that.

All governments use deficits as part of their economic planning.

We do not need to negotiate a deal to enter the EU, we are already compliant with all their rules and regulations, and they have also stated they would welcome us with open arms.

The operations of a border with England have already been defined as used for Northern Ireland, and in any event other examples already exist in the EU, notably with Switzerland and Nordic countries, including through free trade areas.

The operation of a border is partially dependent on an intransigent Westminster.

Until we are allowed to do our own thing with all of our tax revenues we cannot do more than we do already.

We cannot use our own currency until after independence, and banking is reserved to Westminster.

While outline plans already exist for this eventuality, no movement on these two issues can be commenced until we agree to become independent.

Recovery from Covid is not predicated on staying tied to Westminster’s apron strings.

Independence can facilitate and progress such a recovery to suit ourselves.

Nick Cole. Balmacron Farmhouse, Meigle.