I AM a person who does not like the idea of separation. It worries me deeply. This is what led me to back the Remain campaign and vote against independence. I’ve never been a supporter of the SNP as I have concerns about their ethics. I still don’t like the SNP but my mind has changed on the subject of independence.

As an unregenerate “Clydeside Red”, I believe in concerted, non-violent action and in working-class solidarity as the vehicle for radical political and social change, part of that change being an independent Scotland. We can no longer depend on Westminster to look after the interests of Scotland and its people. The actions of Boris Johnson have made that very clear.

What we need to see, therefore, is a carefully coordinated campaign of civil disobedience. As far as I can see this is our best way to avoid the accelerating descent into dystopia. As Eamon de Valera put it from his prison cell after the Easter Uprising In 1916, “We need to act as if the Scottish republic (paraphrase) already exists and our best form of attack is to refuse to acknowledge the British state.”

I urge all people of goodwill to join together across the various political divisions in order to achieve this goal. The old constitutional convention headed up by Canon Kenyon Wright is a good model for such a task but I would welcome other suggested models. We need to act soon.

Rev John Nugent

Wick

LISTENING to all the discussion of efforts to overturn the totally undemocratic prorogation of parliament, I am extremely worried that certain elements of the possible timetable are not being given sufficient consideration.

If the proposed new bill goes forward on Tuesday when MPs return, and is not passed before the prorogation period begins, we are back to square one when they reassemble for the Queen’s speech. This will then require time to be debated and, assuming the usual Tory philibustering, the time left for any opposition moves will be less than 14 days till our leaving the EU.

Even if it passes then, will there be time left for the necessary legislation to implement it or ask for another extension?

If there is then a vote of no confidence, Boris has 14 days to try to form another government, still taking us past leaving date. The other parties may not have time to agree on the suggested Government of National Unity, particularly if they still squabble over its leader. He could also then call a General Election, prorogue parliament again and – Hey Presto! – we are well and truly out of the EU.

I am quite certain that Dominic Cummings has already game-planned every dot and cross of this devious scenario, since it is he, the unelected, paid minion of the PM and not the PM himself, who is in control of these shenanigans.

Are these not arguments for going straight for a vote of no confidence next week? I would agree with a suggestion previously made, that perhaps to ensure a strong position on a Government of National Unity Jeremy Corbyn could waive his democratic right to lead such a group and, in the interests of all our futures, allow someone with no aspirations to the permanent top post to lead.

Personally, I would back Dominic Grieve. His leadership of the temporary group would bring more disillusioned Tories on board, he is respected and trusted by all sides as honest and truthful and, outstandingly, has the knowledge, skill and commitment to be able to outsmart the other Dominic.

L McGregor

Falkirk

WHEN is a peaceful demonstration termed a riot and dealt with accordingly? Answer: when a dictatorship feels threatened. Independence is high on a list of dangerous threats.

Pat Kane’s article (The Yes movement and the SNP can learn a lot from Greta Thunberg, August 31) is timely. With tanks, tear gas or battens, dictators depend on the police and the army to maintain their position. Where would the latter’s loyalties lie if Scotland decides we’ve had enough of Westminster?

Amid the UK’S constitutional crisis, developing climate chaos and Trump talking space warfare, there’s no point in hiding under the bed, we should take the risk.

Scotland must become a world champion of sanity and democracy, and soon.

Iain R. Thomson

Strathglass

CAN someone please explain to me why the Scottish people must ask a completely hostile so-called partner for permission to hold a referendum? The English wouldn’t ask our permission. With Boris’s latest wheeze why bother having a referendum at all?

When Alex Salmond went for the Edinburgh Accord it seemed to me to be an admission that the English parliament was our superior, a bit like the vassal and liege lord, and may even have reinforced the idea.

We are supposed to be a sovereign nation, so let’s act like one and recall every Scottish MP to Edinburgh to vote on the dissolution of the Treaty of Union.

I have supported independence since I was a teenager but didn’t join the party until about 55 or so years ago. I’ve been a local candidate, agent, chair of two branches, the last one Kirkcaldy Constituency Branch. I’m 87 now and getting just a touch impatient.

Rod Clark

Isle of Raasay

APOLOGIES if I am stating the obvious but Gavin Williamson, Michael Gove, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Sajid Javid, Arlene Foster, Matt Hancock, Boris Johnson and especially Dominic Cummings (Ming the Merciless) surely are the epitome of such a parcel of rogues in a nation!

Kenny Burnett

Aberdeen