Letters / Missed the reality
I think Willie Thomson (‘Why fix what isn’t broken?’ SN 26/5/14) has missed the reality of the situation with regards to the reasons behind the referendum.
Not many people feel they are “ruled by England” purely because of the geographical location of Westminster. Although yes a lot has to be said for the people being in charge not having a clear enough understanding of the needs and expectations of Scottish people and life.
The point, that I think Willie has missed and overlooked, is that it really is more about numbers. The Scottish population, as a whole, vote very differently from the rest of the UK meaning the parties we vote for very rarely, if ever, come in to power. We are always outvoted. Scotland’s votes are the minority; we always have to go along with what everyone else wants (mostly England as they have the largest vote). Even though our favoured parties still get seats in parliament, our voices are not truly heard and we seldom see the results we want and need.
Also, given that Westminster has granted devolution to Scotland, and have discussed further devolution, suggests that they acknowledge a need for change and for Scotland to have more control over its own affairs – or in other words: the current system IS broken. Even within England there are regions, such as Cornwall, who for a long time have been looking for a devolved, partially independent government from Westminster for the same reasons as Scotland – they have different interests and concerns.
There is far more truth, reality and fact behind the referendum than Willie is suggesting. We are not all watching Braveheart, wearing kilts and shouting “freedom”.
Leigh-Ann McGinty
Scalloway
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