The case for independence

Sir, – Ian Lakin (Letters, May 17) has given us another of his downbeat philosophies in regard to independence, none of which bears much scrutiny.

In regard to currency, perhaps he would enlighten us of any newly independent country that had its own, new currency from day one. Fairly obviously, the pound will remain in place for some time.

While he’s at it, perhaps he’d enlighten us to which small European countries have defaulted on their pensions since becoming independent.

He may not recollect what happened in regard to border trade when Ireland chose to leave Westminster. Let’s refresh his memory.

Free trade and travel remained, even after they chose to join the EU and remains to this day, excepting Northern Ireland, whose issues were brought about by bumbling Boris and his cabal of merry men and women.

Scotland has an abundance of natural resources.

Like Norway, we are almost self-sufficient for electricity.

The planned, expansion of wind and hydro, along with wave/tidal, which is now progressing, should see us through.

What let’s us down is the fact that the grid hasn’t been upgraded to handle the additional load. Scottish producers are actually penalised for having the audacity to produce much-needed power by a surcharge for loading it on to the grid.

We have a significant surplus in our trade balance of payments, unlike England. Yes, much of that trade is with England but is he, in all seriousness, asserting that England will cease trading with Scotland?

He talks of “freebies.” Nothing is free, as he well knows. Those additional benefits that Scottish residents receive are funded by tax.

The party that receives, by a mile, more votes than any other from Scots, implemented them and are rewarded by continued voter support, unlike the Tories in Scotland who would, in all possibility, dismantle said benefits.

Mr Lakin may not want a country where the government consists of elected members who are, directly, responsible to the electorate at the ballot box.

Most of us think it is a rather good idea, as do many small, independent countries.

Take off the red, white and blue blinkers Mr Lakin and see the clear blue sky ahead.

Ron Campbell, Aberdeen.