Give Sturgeon her referendum – but under more rigorous terms

SIR – Nicola Sturgeon has gone to the Supreme Court (report, June 29), but in any case Boris Johnson should allow a second independence referendum in Scotland. However, he should impose far greater conditions than in 2014.

The question should favour the continuation of the Union. It has been suggested that “Should Scotland remain part of the United Kingdom?” would be better than “Should Scotland be independent?”

General election voting rules should apply. Last time, registered Scottish voters living abroad were disfranchised. The Scottish government must be forced to publish clear and accurate information both for and against independence. Ronnie Bradford

Vienna, Austria

SIR – Many well-constituted organisations have rules that require a two-thirds majority for constitutional change, as opposed to a simple majority vote. If not that, then at least a majority of all those eligible to vote rather than those who actually do vote is necessary before a change in the status quo.

Breaking up the United Kingdom is definitely a constitutional change, so any vote should take place on the clear understanding that one of these rules will apply to the result.

Nicola Sturgeon should have her referendum on that basis. Additionally, the whole of the UK must have a vote. This important issue can’t be decided by the 8 per cent of the UK population who presently live north of the border.

Keith Williamson Collyweston, Northamptonshire

SIR – While never doubting the historical and emotive aspects behind the SNP’S push for a further referendum, I continue to be surprised by the lack of objective analysis of the economic consequences for an independent Scotland.

Given that the UK’S national debt has reached staggering proportions, both the Westminster Government and the Scottish government should address how a proportion of the liabilities (not just the assets) would be shared in the event of a quasi-divorce. This surely would be absolutely crippling to the growth potential of a new and relatively small country with limited economic resources.

Peter Lever Bournemouth, Dorset

SIR – The UK is the fifth largest economy in the world and ranks second in the Audit of Geopolitical Capability, with unmatched soft power, a military in the premier league, superb intelligence services, and incredible research and development.

We are a people blessed with outstanding skill, inventiveness, creativity and resolve. English is the international language and we have close connections across the globe.

Why would Scotland wish to leave such a Union? William Loneskie Lauder, Berwickshire