15% is no Yes

During the UK’S 40-year membership of the EU, turnout for EU elections never got above 40 per cent and sank to 24 per cent in 1999. Even with Brexit filling the media, this year was no different and UK turnout was 37 per cent. As usual, the majority simply did not vote. When compared to gen eral elections, with 70 per cent average turnouts, and referendums which reach 80 per cent, the low turnout for the EU elections must surely indicate a Uk-wide lack of enthusiasm for the EU.

Results in Scotland were no different. Turnout was 40 per cent, so it is true here, too, that the majority did not vote. The SNP won 37 per cent of that 40 per cent and were rewarded with half of the available MEP seats. Bully for them, but hardly the ringing endorsement for independence that is now being claimed. Do the maths –37 percent of 40 percent adds up to 15 per cent. Yes, 15 per cent of voters clearly support independence. Big deal. We knew that already.

The SNP are trying to push for independence as a matter of opportunism. Instead, they should try to win over unionists by presenting a credible case in terms of the econo - my, public services, electricity supply, jobs and soon. Failure to win those arguments is what condemns the separatist outlook to minority status.

LES REID Morton Street, Edinburgh

The SNP’S proposed counter to Brexit is to have S cotland in the EU so that we would no longer have trade barriers

with our third largest mar - ket:t he EU; however, that would mean trade barriers with RUK, our largest market. Could someone from the SNP explain to me why such a solution to Brexit is not laughable stupidity?

SCOTT SKINNER Waverley Crescent, Livingston