Partition problem
leadership have demonstrated that for them Brexit is simply a lever with which to try to break apart the UK. He talks of us leaving Europe “without our consent”, choosing the SNP approach of dismissing a referendum outcome that did not deliver the “right” result for the UK as a whole, and reimagining it as if it were a Scotland-only vote.
Mr O’hagan apparently once believed the nations of the UK were good for each other, but has now decided Scotland is better going it alone. He claims “Britain has mismanaged itself out of existence”, as he presents wishful thinking as reality. The SNP will delight to hear him speak of the “moral mandate” being with Scotland, as he proposes Scotland becomes an “escapee” from the UK. Yet the recent general election result and continued opinion polling demonstrate that the SNP and Scotland are far from being the same thing, with every sign that the clear majority in Scotland, if forced to choose, would take the UK over the EU every time. KEITH HOWELL
White Moss West Linton, Peeblesshire I have watched the programmes broadcast recently by the BBC on the history of the partition of India in 1947. I had not previously appreciated the enormous degree of death and destruction meted out by the opposing sides in this conflict.
Unfortunately this part of history is typical of many conflicts, past and present, which were caused by divisions in society between antagonists and their leaders who were not prepared to adopt altruistic values. Divisions in society just breed conflict and divisions impose barriers – physical and mental – which inhibit dialogue and consensus.
The world is becoming too small a place for national conflicts to be resolved by partition, a simple, short-term solution which never solves the basic problems and very often creates greater lasting conflict. The EU was created after the Second World War to keep the peace between France and Germany and has generally succeeded in this aim. Scotland must stay a vibrant part of the UK, as must Wales and Northern Ireland. BRIAN BROTHERSTON
Links Road Longniddry, East Lothian