On the third anniversary of Scotland's independence referendum, let's work towards a united country

With the third anniversary of Scottish independence now upon us, I see the first signs of reconciliation emerging.

The SNP have been given a bloody nose in Scotland at the Scottish Parliamentary elections in 2016, the Local Council Elections and then the General Election in 2017, for their ceaseless independence rhetoric since 2014.

The cost of oil has plummeted and shown that an independent Scotland would not be feasible without massive tax increases and/or a hefty dose of austerity. We are better off as part of the UK, as statistics demonstrate.

I feel that Scotland is in a state of “well-tempered discontent” at the moment. No one seems to be getting what they want.

The SNP are still the Scottish government and are free to follow their policies as they have been democratically mandated to do (even though I may not agree with some of their policies), but they do not represent the entirety of Scotland, as I hope they now realise.

All ideological sides want the best for Scotland, so lets us all move forward, while respecting the will of the Scottish people, and create a nation for those of us who are willing to give it a shot and make something of ourselves. Scotland is big enough for all of us to exist in.

David Bone
Girvan

It’s up to the Catalan people to decide their future

It was immensely welcome to witness the statement from the Scottish government, reinforcing the right of the Catalan people to determine their own future.

The right of self-determination of peoples is outlined in the UN Charter, and yet despite this the Spanish Government is doing all that it can to prevent the region's government from holding a referendum on independence from Spain on 1st October.

The decision over Catalonia's future direction is a matter for the people who live there and of course the Catalan and Spanish governments are perfectly entitled to take positions for and against independence.

It is essential that democracy and civil rights are respected in all countries. Despite this, there is a growing clampdown by the Spanish state on the holding of such a vote, most recently with the threatened arrest of 700 mayors for agreeing to facilitate voting.

What we are witnessing here is a full frontal assault on democracy in the very heart of Europe – actions which should provoke international outrage.

Should the Spanish government succeed in preventing the Catalans holding their own referendum this will only serve to strengthen the hand of Theresa May and hard-line Unionists who would seek to prevent Scotland having a second independence referendum.

However, should the Catalans prove successful in holding this vote, in facing down the Spanish Government and securing a Yes vote, the impact on Scotland could prove monumental.

Alex Orr
Edinburgh

Scotland is using Catalonia’s independence battle for its own gain

The Scottish government’s statement on the proposed Catalan independence referendum knowingly seeks to mislead, in its reference to self-determination and quoting of the Edinburgh Agreement as an example of how governments could agree on a referendum.

In regards to the former, the SNP chooses to ignore that opinion polls show the clear majority in Catalonia still want to remain as part of Spain. The SNP prefer to speak as if only the minority that want independence really matter. Much the same as they act here in Scotland of course.

Meanwhile, the Spanish government will hardly be impressed by the talk of the Edinburgh Agreement given how quickly the SNP chose to ignore its commitments to respect the result when the outcome did not go its way. In fact the SNP’s agitation on independence is the perfect example as to why the Spanish government will be reluctant to give in to a vociferous minority determined to impose their will on others.

Keith Howell
West Linton

The UK’s colonial link to Brexit

Amrou Al-kadhi is absolutely correct. Our wealth lies in part due to our colonial past but so few people understand or want to understand this inconvenient truth. Unless we discuss this in schools we will continue to behave as a selfish nation. When we hear the mantra of “make Britain great again” we would do well to reflect on what that really means – ruling and taking from others.

Just look at the people who are leading our exit from Europe. A truly great nation looks outwards and helps others in their times of need. Brexit is inward looking and in essence an appeal to self-interest. I am looking forward to the return of the Remain campaign.

Simon Watson
Worcestershire

Fur the animals

If it was up to me it would be illegal for British designers to use fur in their collections, for foreign designers to display them here, and for fur to be sold in British shops. Illiberal? Too bad.

The law is well behind public opinion on matters relating to cruelty to animals and it’s time it caught up. The disgusting atrocities perpetuated on animals all over the world is a continual source of anguish to people of compassion, and it is a very slow and uphill struggle to get the authorities to care about it. There is good reason to believe that if Labour under Jeremy Corbyn form a government, things will move in the right direction. I certainly hope so.

Penny Little
Oxon

The importance of religious education

It is worrying to read that many schools break the law by not providing religious education (RE) despite it being a requirement for all to do so. Missing this subject leaves young people ill-prepared for real life. RE and philosophy provide students the chance to explore fundamental questions such as what happens after we die, whether God exists, and how we cope with evil?

Such questions are both philosophical and ethical and the RE classroom is where young people can explore and discuss these issues. Good quality RE can develop knowledge of the values and traditions of Britain and other countries and foster understanding among different faiths and cultures.

Little wonder our society suffers from lack of respect and increasing crime statistics. Without the background knowledge of values gained through RE lessons, personal behaviour and political party policies are established in a vacuum.

Personal and political views need to be built on sound foundations, otherwise there is a danger that storms of life will bring down the edifices built by individuals and societies. Schools which are unable to provide adequate RE lessons should be encouraged to call on those organisations which are able and willing to do so.

J Longstaff
Buxted

Boris Johnson’s betrayal

The Foreign Secretary states that he is right behind the Prime Minister. A convenient place for a stab in the back?

Keith Green
Chichester