Whosewill?

Amid all the hours and column inches devoted to independence, one important aspect appears to be being studiously avoided. Nicola Sturgeon refers to the democratic deficit and “the will of the people”. Who are “the people”? The only logical definition of this is the Electoral Roll. This is supposed to record every adult in the country.

It therefore follows that in a decision of such importance as independence, more than 50 per cent of those on the Roll need to make a positive decision to vote in favour. This is not like a general election, in which a majority of voters chose a party which can be kicked out after four or five years. Independence is forever.

Nor is this one where a hurdle of – say – 60 per cent of voters is needed for approval. Any such hurdle is subjective – why not 66 per cent or 55 per cent? The independence vote has never come close to achieving 50 per cent of the Electoral Roll, nor have the SNP ever reached this level.

If the media and others can absorb this, then perhaps they will reduce the time spent on what is basically a fruitless discussion, at least for a long time.

CRAIG ANDERSON Selkirk, Scottish Borders