Turn down referendum

Sir, - So, as members of the SNP “leak” that Nicola Sturgeon is to demand a second referendum next autumn, how, by then, will Scots know what we’re supposed to be voting about?

Ms Sturgeon postures she is being forced into staging a referendum because Westminster refuses to act on her unrealistic Brexit conditions

Despite Brussels and many European nations making clear they’re only interested in negotiating with Westminster and reject the SNP’s EU stance, Ms Sturgeon contends we must vote to leave the UK before the UK leaves the EU.

But a vote next year will be before we have any clear idea what a post-Brexit world looks like in terms of our trading relationship with the EU and indeed with elsewhere in the world.

Ms Sturgeon has a vested interest in a second referendum being held way before any of us can make an informed decision on which is the better prospect, the UK or some distant prospect, and at considerable cost, of one day becoming a member of the EU.

She intends to exploit uncertainty.

Should Ms Sturgeon formally approach Theresa May to demand a referendum it must be hoped Westminster will insist any vote is held after the UK leaves the EU in spring 2019. Only by then, will voters be in a position to decide what is best for Scotland.

Iamata lossto understand why so many Scottish politicians are demanding Scotland should have a voice in the Brexit negotiations

Martin Redfern. 4 Royal Circus, Edinburgh.