Some commentators suggest the firm line being taken by the Spanish government against the law-breaking manoeuvring of the Catalan separatist leadership will be self-defeating.

They claim others in Catalonia will be more inclined to support breaking away from Spain as a result. Yet that assumes the majority in Catalonia are falling for the Catalan government’s cynical tactics of knowingly propelling its own people into a stand-off with the national authorities.

A belief in democracy infers both a respect for majority opinion and a recognition that civilised society needs to keep to the law and constitution. The Catalan government is frustrated it cannot it get its way or win over the majority, so instead it disregards the rule of law and those who do not support separation.

Will the First Minister guarantee she will not lead us into a similar position here?

Keith Howell

West Linton, Scottish Borders

Catalonia is going to be interfered with by the Spanish government because it wanted to hold an independence referendum. The Spanish constitution does not allow it, unless of course it decides to change it. The latter has been done on several occasions, for other reasons.

This situation has arisen despite many years of trying to achieve dialogue with the Spanish government.

People have been put in prison, simply for having political ideas. This is one of the “democratic” measures they have taken.

Catalonia is a peaceful town. We need outside help. We ask Europe and the world not to act according to their personal interests, but to do what their conscience tells them. Help us create dialogue with the Spanish and Catalan government.

Vicente Sorribes Alcaraz

Barcelona, Spain

EU Commission President Juncker dislikes the notion of Catalan independence. It would encourage other separatists, he says, and make an EU of tiny states ungovernable. Juncker is from miniscule Luxembourg; perhaps, in the interests of EU efficiency, Luxembourg could merge with Germany, setting an example to Catalonia in rejecting nationalism, and making the EU easier for Juncker to run?

John Gemmell

Shropshire

No goodwill for the Ambassador

Robert Mugabe is a horrible appointee for World Health Organisation Goodwill Ambassador. However, it’s a bit rich for us to complain, given that we tolerated Tony Blair as Middle East peace envoy.

Gavin Lewis

Manchester

While Robert Mugabe is undoubtedly an unsuitable candidate for the role of UN Goodwill ambassador, have we not here a case of biter bit?

How many times has the west thrust into international roles individuals who are totally unsuitable? One need go no further than Tony Blair as a Middle East peace envoy.

Could we not temper our justifiable criticism with a modicum of self-awareness?

Joanna Pallister

Devonshire

On the buses

Dr Vance (Letters) suggests we should stay in the EU and spend the exit bill of up to £40bn on the NHS instead. I agree. Can we publicise this proposal by putting it on the side of a bus?