Think federal

We would be mad to walk away from Europe’s free trade zone – it is the wealthiest and largest market on the planet and it is on our doorstep. However, we are living in Cloud Cuckoo Land if we think that we would be allowed to continue in the free trade zone and not accept freedom of movement – it is fundamental to the principles behind the EEC, they will not make some exception for the UK.

The opinion polls make it clear, England and Wales voted for Brexit because of fears of immigration and freedom of movement. It is equally clear that a large majority of Scots welcome freedom of movement. Never have Scotland and England been as far apart, yet at the same time there are difficulties in the immediate future in simply becoming independent, even if Europe just allowed us to remain as being already part of the EEC, because 80 per cent of our trade is with England – we would charge and be charged trade tariffs.

But we have a chance to unite behind the best solution for Scotland. Scotland needs to become a federal state within the UK. This will entail more powers being devolved, more control of our economy, but was that not what we were promised anyway in 2014?

The EEC has shown it is prepared to be flexible. Scotland accepts freedom of movement, yes there are difficulties with migration from Scotland to England but these difficulties can be handled. Scotland remains in the European free zone. We become a back door for London to the EE , it is in the UK’S best interests, Scotland thrives.

So come on folks, whether you want to remain in the UK or not, tell the pollsters we are leaving if we are shut out from the European free trade zone. Scotland is a third of the UK land mass. Theresa May does not want to be the Prime Minister who allowed Scotland to leave. Let’s unite behind what’s best for Scotland, a state within the UK that is part of Europe’s free trade zone. GORDON THOMSON High Street, Kingussie