Hyperbole

(Dr) Roger Cartwright (Letters 1 September) says that if Scotland followed international law and refused to accept a share of the national debt, the UK government would retaliate and impose 100 per cent tariff son Scottish goods. He says that this would not hurt the UK, but would take“millions” into poverty in Scotland. This statement is long on hyperbole, but not really supported by reality for a number of reasons.

First, it is the UK government itself which has stated une - quivocally that in the event of Scottish independence, the full debt liability will fall to the “rump UK”, to quote Unionist Andrew Neil.

Second, to say that the UK would not suffer in a trade war with Scotland is disingenuous. Tell that to the consumers of Scottish goods and services whose businesses would be severely affected by a punitive tariff and to English exporters who could be hit by retaliatory action.

Third, as the UK has not paid a penny in 19 years towards lowering the National Debt which consecutive Conservative governments have taken from £850 billion to £2 trillion, why would an independent Scotland have any obligation to contribute to a non-existent pay-down plan?

GILL TURNER Derby Street, Edinburgh