SNP backtracking on second independence referendum makes a lot of sense

Sally Gordon-walker (Letters, 24 October) is correct in stating that Scotland has become an unpleasant place since the 2014 referendum.

Nationalism by its very nature encourages division and disharmony and this is exactly what has happened in our wonderful country.

A definition of nationalism is ‘an extreme form of patriotism marked by a feeling of superiority over other countries.’

The extreme actions of the SNP Government have and are having a hugely detrimental effect on the people of Scotland. When will independence supporters come to realise that the cost of separation is a step too far?

Anyone considering supporting independence should read Bill Jamieson’s excellent piece in Scotland on Sunday on 16 October. He explains that should Scotland become independent, the Taxpayers Alliance believe income tax in Scotland would have to rise from 20p to 39p and VAT could be doubled to 40 per cent to comply with an agreed programme by the EU to reduce any deficit over 3 per cent of GDP. How many SNP supporters will be happy with this?

It is heartening to see that a number of in flu en ti a ls np supporters are now backtracking on the call for another referendum because they know what the result will be - a resounding NO. I hope for the good of everyone in Scotland Ms Sturgeon is listening.

The cost of operating the Scottish Government was stated recently at £500,000 per day which beggars belief. I for one do not believe we are receiving value for money.

DOUGLAS COWE Kingseat, Newmachar, Aberdeenshire Nicola Sturgeon is reportedly ‘deeply frustrated’ after Monday’s meeting with the Prime Minister.

This shouldn’t be a new experience for her. She must have felt an identical frustration on reading last month’s Yougov poll which showed that only 37% of Scots back a second independence referendum.

Indeed, the poll suggests that if a plebiscite were held any time soon, some 54% would support the union with only 46% demanding independence. Much as in 2014.

It is true that 62% of Scots voted to remain in the EU. Whatever one’s thoughts on the matter, one thing is absolutely clear. The 1.6 million votes cast by Scots to remain in the EU do not efface the 2 million votes in Scotland to remain in the UK.

DONALD THOMSON Salisbury Terrace, Aberdeen