Easy riders

I attended a Scotland In Union meeting in Aberdeen, last Friday. The main speakers were Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles and Tory MP Andrew Bowie.

It was very heartening for the large audience to see and hear parliamentarians from different parties share the stage, but what they said about the different ways the SNP operate, and are opposed, in Edinburgh and London was a real, concerning, eye opener.

Basically, they get away with murder in Holyrood. SNP MSPS don’t use their devolved powers fully for the benefit of Scotland, and why should they, when it’s easier to promote independence as something better when you’ve actively made the current situation worse?

Neither are they pulled up for misinformation in Holyrood, while in Westminster the Speaker uses the power to force MPS and ministers back into the chamber to apologise.

The complete sidelining of the Presiding Officer when he declared the Brexit Bill illegal is another example.

Lastly, Angus Robertson and Ian Blackford’s leadership style has made the SNP targets for wit and ridicule, a job made easier by the antics of Angus Macneil, Joanna Cherry and Mhairi Black and their lack of a sense of humour.

Politicians like Mike Rumbles should be supported and encouraged to bring more

Westminster-style rigour and lampoonery to a forelock-tugging Holyrood.

ALLAN SUTHERLAND Willow Row, Stonehaven