Fight on record

There are some interesting ideas in Gordon Brown's report on the future of the UK, notably the abolition of the House of Lords. In relation to Scotland, particularly interesting is the proposal to give further borrowing powers to the Scottish Government. The SNP constantly complain that they do not have full access to the economic “levers” but when pressed the only lever they ever come up with is borrowing. Increasing the current borrowing limit of £600 million may well be worth trying even if only to see what a mess an SNP government might get us into.

I am concerned, however, at the suggestion that “Mr Brown appeared to back the idea that the next general election would be a test of the independence question” (Scotsman, December 5). A route map to a referendum was spelled out by Nicola Sturgeon in 2015. If the polls consistently show 60 per cent in favour of independence for a year or more then the case for a Section 30 order is solid.

Labour should agree to that, park the issue and fight the election on the abysmal record in office of the SNP – which is, of course, the last thing the SNP want to do.

COLIN HAMILTON

Edinburgh