Voting on blind faith

Sir, I have been struck by concerns from those supporting Scottish independence that the backing of a people’s vote on holding a referendum on the Brexit deal would set a precedent in the eventuality of a vote for Scottish independence.

It should, however, be noted that the circumstances are completely different. Mr Cameron announced the date for the EU referendum in February 2016, with the referendum itself held on June 23, a mere four months later.

The referendum campaign amounted to a matter of weeks, trying to get across what were often highly complex issues, against a background of half-truths and disinformation. Remember the £350 million on the side of a bus and spending irregularities? When it came down to it there really was no clear idea of what Brexit actually meant, with those campaigning for Leave promoting often contradictory views. The electorate were effectively presented with a blank sheet of paper, acting on blind faith as to what Brexit meant.

Contrast this with the Scottish independence

referendum, with the date of the referendum announced in March 2013, some year and a half before the actual vote. This gave the electorate the time to fully debate the key issues.

In November 2013, the Scottish Government published Scotland’s Future, a 670-page white paper laying out the case for independence and the means through which Scotland might become an independent country.

Ultimately the public has a right to change its mind, that’s democracy. Many did not know what they were voting for when it came to the EU referendum and I doubt many voted to make themselves poorer, with the continuing negative impact on our economy and society.

Alex Orr, Edinburgh.