Next generation will vote in SNP

Sir, – Victor Clements (Letters, April 17) claims that, in effect, the SNP, and the independence movement, are finished.

Yet opinion polls show, consistently, there is a majority in Scotland which supports independence, and the younger the age group the higher the level of support.

The SNP have controlled the Scottish Parliament, in one form or another, since 2007, and are neck and neck with Labour in the polls, each on 34%, with the Uk-governing Conservatives on less than half.

Given that governing parties tend to become less popular the longer they prevail, as their mistakes are remembered more than their successes and voters get bored with the same faces, I would suggest that, historically, the SNP are actually doing pretty well.

The media knock them at every turn, but the rank and file are still in good spirits.

The Labour Party in Scotland used to weigh their votes rather than count them, because they were seen to be the party of the people.

But this current bunch are basically Tory light, as they attempt to win over middle England to get the votes they need for UK rule.

If the worst comes to the worst, and the SNP do badly in the coming Westminster election, it may well be that independence supporters will just need to keep the faith, carry on working, and encourage the young team to come through, so that, when the next Scottish election comes along, they can sweep the boards and make an irrefutable case for the people of Scotland to have full control over all our affairs.

Les Mackay. Dundee.