The SNP has no mandate to take the whole of Scotland out of the Union

SIR – Despite the SNP’s claims at the last Scottish independence referendum that the vote was “a once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity, Nicola Sturgeon wants another one.

If the SNP believes that those who voted for the party should not be forced to stay in the Union, it must also accept that those areas that did not vote for it should not be wrenched away from the United Kingdom.

The election results clearly demonstrate that the SNP does not speak for any of the constituencies bordering England, or for many around Aberdeen. Ian Wallace

Whitley Bay, Northumberland

SIR – The Treaty of Union, passed in 1707, was the start of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

It has been successful for over 300 years and the SNP must see that we want it to stay that way.

We’re better together. Garth Matley

Andover, Hampshire

SIR – Nicola Sturgeon argues that the Prime Minister has “no right” to block a second vote on Scottish independence.

She is wrong: he has every right. The SNP has 48 seats, but these were achieved with the backing of only 45 per cent of those who voted. The other 55 per cent opted not to vote for nationalism. Geoff Hardstaff

Chichester, West Sussex

SIR – Over the last three centuries, the Scots have been at the fore of every aspect of life inside the Union.

In politics they have provided Cabinet ministers and prime ministers. Gordon Brown’s Labour government had a Scottish chancellor, and many other senior members were also Scottish.

Scotland has had – and still has – a great influence in Westminster. If it became independent, it could not expect to have the same influence in Brussels as a small member of the EU. Why does Ms Sturgeon want her

country to become a small fish in a big pond? FD Hoskins

Blandford Forum, Dorset

SIR – I am in favour of a second vote in Scotland if it runs in parallel with a referendum across the rest of the United Kingdom to determine what everyone wants.

If both votes reach the same conclusion, there is no need to hang on to the Union for the sake of it. David Jackson

Harrogate, North Yorkshire

SIR – Before Scotland goes independent, could we ask where the border between Northumbria, Cumbria and Scotland is to be – and are we to resume the Border wars?

The original kingdom of Northumberland stretched from the Firth of Forth to the Humber (hence the name Northumberland). May we have this land back? Barbara Musgrove

Daventry, Northamptonshire