Not progressive

Like many governments that have been in power for a long period, the SNP’S decisions and performance over the last ten years are progressively and rather arrogantly sidelining more and more of their own support.

On Brexit, the SNP’S EU membership at any cost approach rankles with a third of SNP supporters who voted to Leave.

Those SNP supporters who care about the environment cannot see the rationale for cutting Air Passenger Duty in its new Scottish guise, destined, as it is, to increase pollution.

Those concerned about austerity, poverty and cuts in public services see a lack of willingness to use tax powers to reverse the trends they are unhappy about.

Now, the SNP have decided to dismiss animal welfare concerns as they overturn the ban on tail docking of dogs in Scotland (“Mcconnell attacks move to bring back tail docking”, 27 June).

The SNP’S critics have long believed that many of its claims to stand for a progressive Scotland are more rhetorical assertions than a reflection of practical action.

Increasingly, the SNP’S core support are surely seeing the evidence themselves of how readily principles can be dropped to fit the SNP’S increasingly desperate attempts to be all things to everyone.

KEITH HOWELL West Linton, Peeblesshire