Do we really want Scotland to get its independence from the rest of the UK?

SCOTTISH-BORN but living in England, I feel passionately about Scottish independence, a major issue in next week’s elections there. Certainly, Scotland has a proud heritage, but independence would seriously impact the country economically and put the nation’s defence at risk. In economic terms there would be loss of the British block grant and the loss of British naval shipbuilding for their yards with a loss of employment. And this under the shadow of the decline in the economic contribution from the North Sea oil industry. Nicola Sturgeon does not admit the non-existence of an economic case for a viable independent Scotland. The implications for the defence of these islands would be profound. The security of our northern borders would be questionable; the expulsion of our nuclear submarines from Faslane would put at risk our nuclear deterrent, as well as resulting in job losses. So an impoverished Scotland could turn for support to

states which do not have our good at heart.

ian steedman, salisbury. Where do we start on the things that have failed under the Scottish National Party? Poverty, childcare, healthcare, education? Data last month shows that poverty among children is at 31 per cent in the uK, but new rules introduced by the SNP are leading to a reduction in childcare, healthy life expectancy is declining in Scotland, and the country is slipping down the education rankings. With so many things going wrong under the SNP, what on earth would make you vote for them?

Joel Brown, Llanelli, carms. HISTORY supports the oft-proven fact that unity is strength and there is strength in unity, whether fiscal, environmental or for the defence of our shores.

Geoff Holding, hurstpierpoint, W. sussex. The clamour for an independence referendum just diverts attention from this unpalatable truth: in virtually every way, Scotland is falling behind in global standards, most tragically in education, but also economically, in healthcare and life expectancy. The more money from Whitehall, the bigger the black hole into which it disappears and the greater the volume of divisive abuse generated. Stephen Wheatcroft, coventry. WHY does Scotland need England? By separating, Scotland would lose many billions a year under the Barnett formula; and carbon reduction commitments mean lower demand for oil on which Scotland’s economy depends. Why does England need Scotland?

United, our defences are stronger; the UK’s clout would be seriously weakened by separation. So let’s stay united and strong.

David Parsons, reading. AS AN englishman living in Scotland for 40 years, I was thrilled to learn from SNP publicity that I live in one of the world’s richest countries. With independence, surely Scotland cannot continue to accept the generous subsidy of the Barnett formula? It seems paradise is just round the corner!