Rules of the club

Lesley Riddoch expresses concerns about a new Constitutional Convention (Scotsman 7 December), but one of the main issues is not addressed. Neither the UK nor Scotland have a written constitution.

Before joining any club you would take into account its written constitution. The seriousness of not having a written constitution was in evidence when the Westminster Parliament voted to hold a referendum, with a simple majority, on membership of the European Union in 2016. This was even although MPS were advised by the leader of the House that if the referendum was decided on a simple majority it should only be advisory and if it was to be mandatory it would require a larger majority.

The first requirement for a new Scottish Constitutional Convention should be a written constitution which should include the format and rules governing the holding of a referendum. The cons ti tution should be written by people with legal exp er tise and based on historic and good practice in such matters. The good practice in making serious changes to existing constitutional matters includes the provision that a vote required will be two-thirds majority. Other wise a simple majority vote would be advisory.

I would hope this important provision will be taken into account as it provides safe - guards for the citizens of this country as described by John Stuart Mill ," to prevent the despotism of the numerical majority" and is the only way to ensure a fair and democratic outcome.

C SCOTT Mortonhall Road, Edinburgh