We must retain our influence

IT is fair to say that the UK has been London-centric for centuries. This was the case even before the union of Scotland and England.

When the King of Scotland took on the role of King also of England, he moved to London and visited Scotland only once during the remaining 20-odd years of his reign. During the ensuing centuries, much of the known world became London-centric and London remains today one of the most cosmopolitan and influential cities in the world, and there is little doubt that decisions taken in

Westminster during the foreseeable future will have the potential to have enormous effects in Scotland and other places, regardless of the outcome of our current constitutional debate.

It is therefore of utmost importance that we work out what is the best way for the people of Scotland to influence these Westminster decisions – by retreating north of the Border or by keeping our hands on the levers of power at Westminster? It seems obvious that the removal of the Scottish electorate and its representatives from Westminster can only reduce the account that will be taken of Scottish interests in Westminster decision-making. Rather we might go forward with confidence in the Scottish ability to influence these decisions.

Michael Sheridan, Glasgow.