ALEX Salmond declares there were three issues moving things forward to a second referendum - insufficient devolution, the prospect of a British exit from the European Union and the austerity measures in the Budget (“Salmond under fire for insisting second poll is inevitable”, The Herald, July 27).
In my view all three "demands" are inextricably linked to the economy on the premise we would be better off by using the euro and surrendering part of our sovereignty and full fiscal autonomy o the European Union in an independent Scotland. Clearly Mr Salmond believes this to be the case and is entitled to his "dream".
Fortunately the majority of the people of Scotland do not support this view and believe instead that we are better off within the Union by using sterling and being members of a reformed EU with our vital opt-out clauses – on currency, £3billion rebate, VAT exemptions on food and children's clothes, retaining border controls and so on.
Furthermore the majority of Scots do not believe in "double austerity" which is the current UK deficit plus the £8billion black hole we would have to immediately address if we voted for independence. Rather than Me Salmond pursuing his "dream" of an independent Scotland at any cost perhaps the Greek experience of the EU should act as his wake-up call, and lead to him directing his efforts to addressing the growing list of failures from SNP policies.
Ian Lakin,
Pinelands, Murtle Den Road, Milltimber, Aberdeen.
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