Barnier’s puppet?
Nicola Sturgeon had nothing new to say on her visit with the EU’S chief negotiator Michel Barnier. The point seemed to be to emphasise that when it comes to choosing sides she prefers to stand with those who are against the UK. Many who care about the UK will have shaken their heads in sadness to see one of our leaders take this path, but Mr Barnier at least looked happy as he showed off the latest addition to his negotiating team. KEITH HOWELL
White Moss, West Linton, Peeblesshire It seemed a feather in the First Minister’s cap, meeting the EU’S chief negotiator in Brussels. But thinking about it, the Frenchman was pulling the strings – after all, the French invented the word “bureaucrat” and it is said Michel Barnier sees himself a successor to Jean-claude Juncker as president of the European Commission.
Scotland isn’t an EU member state – and given Catalonia’s experience last year it remains to be tested if breakups in existing political unions would be welcomed by Brussels.
The public didn’t learn if Barnier made clear to our First Minister if staying in the sterling area or having its own currency meant an independent Scotland could be admitted to the euro. However, we live in uncertain times and the Italians, who were home to the Treaty of Rome, face the prospect of another general election because Italy’s president would not approve the choice of an antieuro economics minister.
JIM CRAIGEN Downie Grove, Edinburgh It is a bit rich for a Conservative MSP to criticise First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for taking Scotland’s case on Brexit direct to the EU. But that is exactly what Adam Tomkins has done as he criticises Nicola Sturgeon, for going to Brussels, having direct talks with Michel Barnier.
In light of the UK Government’s Brexit negotiations currently going at a snail’s pace, and their continued denial of the devolved government of Scotland a seat at the negotiating table, is it any wonder Ms Sturgeon had direct talks? Anything less would be a dereliction of her duties. Adam Tomkins, in his criticism of the First Minister, is in turn denying Scotland a voice, but thankfully, due to our First Minister’s determination to have Scotland’s case heard, Scotland will not be silenced. CATRIONA C CLARK
Hawthorn Drive, Banknock, Falkirk