Forget federalism

Former First Minister Henry Mcleish is not alone in wanting to move on from the “insular and partisan approach” of politics in Scotland, but the SNP will not allow federalism to provide the answer (“Federalism can stop independence”, 4 December).

It is all too clear from the SNP approach to Brexit that any and every possible excuse to try to undermine the United Kingdom will be exploited by them, and each round of discussions over additional powers used to wring every last drop of grievance from the process.

The example of Catalonia and Spain demonstrates how having federalism embodied in a constitution does not stop separatists ignoring it, breaking the law and trying to impose themselves despite majority public opinion being against their break-up ambitions.

The only thing that will stop the SNP’S pursuit of its overriding ambition to separate Scotland from the UK will be a majority of seats in Holyrood being won by parties that support Scotland’s positive place in the UK.

KEITH HOWELL West Linton, Peeblesshire