A cynical attempt to stir up trouble

Sir, – A great deal of indignation is being expressed in your columns about the legal judgment that the Scottish Parliament does not have the right to hold a second legal independence referendum.

A number of points however, need to be kept in mind:

1. This judgment must be exactly what Nicola Sturgeon knew it would be and exactly what she wanted it to be. She could not help knowing, from a study of the relevant documents, that it was inevitable. She is no fool.

2. It was a cynical ploy on her part to stir up trouble in Scotland, mobilise SNP members and attract supporters and give them a feeling of grievance to provoke hatred of the Westminster parliament and thus further the cause of nationalism and independence.

3. If the first minister really had the good of Scotland and the Scottish people at heart she would refrain from pursuing the cause of independence for the foreseeable future since she knows perfectly well that it is a matter which has split the country down the middle since before the last referendum in 2014

It has created great bitterness within families and between friends and colleagues, while doing absolutely nothing for the

wellbeing of the people of Scotland. Nor does it do anything for industry or employment or the National Health Service or anything to tackle the very immediate problems of poverty, housing and inflation.

Concentrating attention on independence distracts the focus of the Scottish Parliament from these latter essentials.

4. The fact is that there is no reasoned debate over the very many vital issues involved in any question of independence, of which finance is by no means the least.

There are merely slogans and tub thumping. What about the major sources of employment which come from Westminster, of which the building of warships is only one? England won’t farm out such work to a foreign country.

What about the trade Scottish companies do with England? We’ve already seen the problems which Brexit has created in trade with the continent. Does anyone want a hard border at Berwick and Gretna?

5. Be careful what you wish for.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Holyrood.