Catalan independence would have serious financial and social consequences

Scottish nationalist support for Catalan independence is ironic, for when, as is very likely, Catalonia and Spain cross the edge of the abyss they stand on, it will prove a bitter and deterring lesson in the dangers of petty nationalism.

The ghosts of the Spanish civil war, in which Catalonia chose the republican side, are not far away. With Spain having already replaced Catalan police chiefs, it would not take much for violence to break out, and in the current euphoric state of Catalan nationalism to spread beyond easy control.

The population of Catalonia is divided, with only around half of them supporting independence. This in itself augurs ill for the region’s future success. We are already beginning to see the economic consequences of the disputed referendum, with banks and other major corporations moving their legal domiciles out of Catalonia. The uncertainty will now lead to investment in Catalonia drying up.

The cynical and short-sighted behaviour of the European Union, which should have played the role of an honest mediator in this conflict, will not aid the Scottish nationalist cause. With the EU focused on Catalonia, a hard and speedy Brexit will become more likely, and the SNP narrative of being torn out of the EU will lose all credibility.

While the outlook for Catalonia and Spain looks ill, for Scotland and the UK it looks increasingly fair.

OTTO INGLIS Inveralmond Grove, Edinburgh Watching news of some Catalan’s delight at the prospect of independence, one woman being interviewed answered the query “Why?” with the words “To get our freedom.”

Regrettably, the interviewer failed to ask what freedoms she does not have now that she will have in an independent Catalonia.

None, is my guess, exactly the same as the Scots who voted (and lost) for independence. I suppose the only one could be free to make a hash of things just as the SNP has done over the past ten years with education and health.

The SNP has consistently crowed the benefits of the EU and in particular keeping peace in Europe. Perhaps they should be reminded that breaking up any peaceful union, like the UK, is diametrically opposed to their proclamations on peaceful cohabitation in a union and the same is true of their biased opinion on giving the Catalan people their right of self-determination.

So, just because it was decades ago, she should not forget the civil war, nor the more recent Balkan conflicts: “Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat its mistakes” – George Santayana (and others).

STAN HOGARTH Palmerston Place, Edinburgh As Catalan President Carles Puigdemont bathed in the adoration of crowds of flagwaving supporters, the majority in Catalonia that want to remain part of Spain will have looked on in dismay.

When originally appointed he will have portrayed himself, like so many separatist leaders before him, as representing the interests of all Catalans. Yet with this reckless act of UDI, he makes clear that he cares only for those who agree with him.

He has severely divided Catalonia and flagrantly ignored the Spanish constitution and law, determined to break up Spain no matter what the cost in social discord and economic disruption.

KEITH HOWELL West Linton, Peeblesshire So both the UK and Scottish governments are kowtowing to the blatant imperialism of the central Spanish government.

And for similar reasons: one hopes that Spain will assist a smooth exit from the EU and the other that it will assist a smooth entry.

HAMISH DEWAR Craiglockhart Grove, Edinburgh