SNP fantasies

SIR – Nicola Sturgeon has had the temerity to launch a work of fiction: “Independence in the Modern World. Wealthier, Happier, Fairer: Why Not Scotland?” (Leading Article, June 15).

She and her acolytes have ignored advice from the esteemed economist Professor John Kay, that Scotland would be likely to begin independence in debt by£180billion, with a need to borrow about £20billion per annum.

The real question is why, after 15 years of SNP government, Scotland as a nation is not already “wealthier, happier and fairer”, with tax-raising powers and control over education and the NHS. According to Ms Sturgeon, it is all Westminster’s fault.

I look forward to her answering the real questions – around currency, tax, our borders, Nato and EU membership, nuclear weapons, and the role of the Bank of England in an independent Scotland – with facts and authority. Until she can, independence is a fantasy that will continue to divide our nation and waste our money.

Richard Allison

Edinburgh