Uniting fears

Gordon Brown worries for the continuation of the Union. (“Johnson risks becoming the UK’S last PM, warns Brown”, 18 July).

There is no doubting the popularity of the Scottish National Party but there is also a less vocal majority for

the status quo. This was best expressed in 2014.

The nationalists might get a few thousand flag wavers out now and again but public services and economics are the key factors. One third of Scots are nationalist to their core, one third are Unionists.

The balance is therefore held by a relatively small number of Scots. Given the way Scotland has been run for the past

12 years, these individuals are unlikely to be impressed by higher taxation for some, poor education for some, poor heath care for rather a lot of us, even poorer mental health provisions, workplace parking taxation, nanny state withdrawal of cheap but calorific treats, poor transport facilities and even the near future abolition of the private car unless you are extremely

wealthy. It is not Boris Johnson who needs to worry, it may well be that Nicola Sturgeon is the last SNP First Minister ever.

GERALD EDWARDS Broom Road, Glasgow

I have long puzzled over the difference between patriotism and nationalism. Gordon Brown’s latest pronouncement has at last brought enlightenment. ‘Patriotism’ is my nationalism: ‘Nationalism’ is anyone else’s patriotism.

S BECK Craigleith Drive, Edinburgh