Time for idealism

Although a No voter in 2014 I accept that there is a legitimate argument that independence would create the opportunity for a fairer, more civilised society, a nation less economically, socially and politically dysfunctional than the UK. A more equal community has the potential to be more effective in numerous ways than one which allows so many of its citizens to have no sense of ownership in it.

However, particularly in the early years, there could well be economic turmoil and in such circumstances it is always the marginalised who pay the price. Could Scotland demonstrate that it is capable of creating a different kind of society by showing an early preparedness to protect the poor, the disabled, the sick from the consequences even at a cost to the better off?

I acknowledge that I could be accused, with some justification, of being idealistic and simplistic, not to say guilty of ignoring the potentially disastrous consequences of Brexit.

Nevertheless, I do not see why some such idealism should not be introduced into the current debate, an idealism around which there could be a degree of consensus.

JOHN MILNE

Ardgowan Drive, Uddingston