Independence will be achieved by winning the middle ground
It takes more effort to both present and comprehend complete context along with the relevant nuances of informed debate, and unfortunately it is all too easy to resort to the use of simplistic soundbites prevalent in the 'red tops'. To turn every discussion into a black-or-white choice, as promoted by a far-right political entity such as Reform UK, may help to grab headlines but betrays many of the collaborative and social values most Scots hold dear.
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Even once-respected journalism at the BBC now wallows in the repugnant mud of distorted information and partial framing through seeking to promote politically contrived and establishment-slanted 'stories' (as witnessed regularly on Question Time, Debate Night and Politics Live, as well as in so-called 'news' presented by Reporting Scotland).
Of course frustration leads to less tolerance and more desire for urgent action but this does not necessarily increase the prospects of what would be considered successful outcomes. As we seek to progress 'self-determination' we are more likely to achieve success by understanding and respecting the range of views within the independence movement as well as the differing views of those opposed to independence. Independence will be won by winning the 'middle ground', not by dogmatically trying to convince everyone that in a complex world Scotland must immediately adopt every policy individually advocated.
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Personally I would like to see Scotland become a republic, but it is more important that Scotland first regains its independence so that future generations are enabled to make their preferred choices.
Personally I abhor the atrocities committed in Gaza and the West Bank and believe that all UK weapons sales to Israel should be immediately ceased and military intelligence services suspended, but this should not necessarily end support for apprenticeship programmes in subsidiaries of companies associated with ancillary products that might be utilised by the IDF.
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Personally I think that everyone, irrespective of 'defined gender', should have access to appropriate spaces in which they feel safe, but practically catering for minorities 'proportionately' seems like a reasonable compromise until the potentially massive investment required can be sensibly committed.
To convince the 'undecideds', some of our own ideological desires may need to be sensibly tempered in order to establish the common ground on which we can work together to build a widely successful independent and egalitarian country.
Stan Grodynski
Longniddry, East Lothian
SO Mr Swinney will be writing for the Daily Record? Last time I looked, that rag wasn't exactly independence-minded ... or has it suddenly changed?
It's not a good look when a political leader whose commitment to the independence cause is already questioned. Together with his co-contributor Sarwar, he'll be working for what is essentially a Unionist publication? A cosy wee status quo arrangement. Very disappointing.
With thanks to Leah Gunn Barrett (Letters, Apr 20) for highlighting this.
Jim Butchart
via email
I ABSOLUTELY agree with Simon Forrest's article concerning politicians and their lack of any workaday experience (Positive energy and tartan Yodas..., Apr 19). I have held this notion for a good many years, since the early Labour Party Westminster MPs who came from a working-class background.
Back in the day, we used to call them 'blue-collar' MPs, which signified their working-class background and experience before being elected. One of the longest-serving MPs was Dennis Skinner, a coal miner for 20 years, going on for another 40 years in Westminster serving his constituents in Bolsover in Yorkshire.
In the 2019 election only 15% of those elected as MPs didn't go to university. Less than a hundred!
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So far as the Labour Party is concerned, its founder, James Keir Hardie, probably set the standard. He was a Scottish coal mining trade unionist and politician.
He founded the Scottish Labour Party (SLP) in 1888. He too refused to wear the then traditional parliamentary garb of a frock coat and silk top hat.
The SLP eventually became the Labour Party, with Hardie becoming its first leader in 1906.
If, as seems most likely, future MPs, and MSPs in particular, are going to emanate from a university background, then why not use professional people to help advise the various ministerial departments? People from the NHS, the energy companies, various other engineering companies such as transport and its infrastructures. Not forgetting education, housing and other service providers.
So, let's have a grown-up government after our 2026 election (that might possibly be another coalition government). Why not have committees that include those from the outside world of experience and professionalism?
Alan Magnus-Bennett
Fife
I NOTED with interest that the English government wish us to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day by getting plootered. Even England's man Murray in Scotland seems keen on the idea. I suppose this is one way of doing it!
R Mill Irving
Gifford, East Lothian
TRUMP'S America has shown us – in three painful months – what a country becomes when all you have left is the racism...
Amanda Baker
Edinburgh
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