Mac Fisheries

sir – Would Nicola Sturgeon care to tell us if she would offer Scottish fishing grounds back to the European Union if Scotland were independent?

RB Mills

Worcester

sir – If Scotland gained independence, what would happen to Britain’s submarine nuclear deterrent? The Scottish National Party has made it clear that, in the event of Scotland gaining independence, it would not permit nuclear submarines to be based there. It is suggested that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to construct in England, Wales or Northern Ireland a suitable nuclear submarine base in place of the one at Faslane.

Another referendum on Scottish independence would require legislation by the UK Parliament, which Boris Johnson has said he would not support. In January 2020, the Referendums (Scotland) Act, which authorises a second referendum on Scottish independence, was passed by the Scottish Parliament. A poll in June showed that support in Scotland for Scottish independence stood at 54 per cent. As pressure mounts, it will become difficult for Boris Johnson to resist another referendum.

In the circumstances, it might be sensible for the UK Government to make consent for a second referendum conditional on a binding commitment on the part of Scotland that, should it gain its independence, it will permit our nuclear submarine fleet to remain at Faslane.

Rev His Honour Peter Morrell

Nassington, Northamptonshire