Nationalist leaders have seized devolution to foster division and hostility in UK

As an ordinary Scot I’m appalled by Nicola Sturgeon’s rejection of a Westminster offer to resolve the Brexit “power grab” impasse. Reading it, I question, as always, her understanding of her fellow Scots and her competence to speak for us; I suspect her motives and qualities and those of her advisors.

Today there is talk of a “deepening rift” between the “devolved administration” and the UK government. It does not make sense that the inexperienced and irresponsible SNP administration equates in any respect to the long-experienced government and civil service of the UK. The first

manages five million souls and the second 70-odd million. It is not acceptable that the whole country and its people are threatened by the words and actions of such as Nicola Sturgeon and I very much hope Theresa May will make that clear in her reply.

Devolution did not envisage supremacy, competitiveness, enmity. Yet, as a result and in our name, Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney have had the opportunity and seized it to foster division and hostility, risking the stability of the whole UK. Surely five million Scots deserve to be respected and given precedence over the

ambition of Nicola Sturgeon and her colleagues?

I for one would not put the interests of Nicola Sturgeon, the retention of devolved powers, the continuation of the Scottish Parliament, the vote to leave the EU, before the interests of the people of Scotland and the UK as a whole.

It is not Brexit that has brought us to a cliff edge – the majority of Britons voted we leave the EU. Independence: the people never demanded or clamoured for it and have voted against it, the majority of us understand that the prospects for all of us are greater in a united country. Devolution: has it proved its worth in cost or outcome in 20 years? That should be explored. The Tories: the majority of Britons elected Mrs May and her party, who win hands-down in any comparison with Nicola Sturgeon and her administration. The Scottish Nationalists: I can see only catastrophe if they remain in control.

SHEILA CRILLY Bonaly Rise, Edinburgh Contrary to Tom Peterkin’s assertion (The Scotsman, 26 April), Nicola Sturgeon is not isolated over the UK Tory power grab of devolved powers as she has the backing, although nominal in some cases, of four of Scotland’s main political

parties as well as many neutral observers. The UK government’s amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill which were published on Wednesday clearly state that even a straight refusal of consent by the Scottish Parliament will be considered as consent for the next seven years and will carry on regardless of Scotland’s voice.

So much for the equal partnership or near-federalism promised in 2014. If the Brexit transition period is 20 months then there is no justification for Westminster to retain devolved powers for seven years.

Unlike Scotland, Wales voted for Brexit, there is less enthusiasm for self-government, and, for example, fishing is 26 times more important to Scotland, so all these issues no doubt influenced Labour’s capitulation to direct London Tory rule which was eagerly supported by Ukip.

Given the xenophobic, antiimmigrant, misty-eyed historical knee-jerk reaction to the loss of British superiority and putting the great back in Great Britain mantra of the Tory Brexiteers, who can honestly rely on Scotland regaining lost devolved powers in seven years time?

MARY THOMAS Watson Crescent, Edinburgh