Sir, It is unfortunate that the last days of the Scottish referendum campaign are coinciding with major international crises but if the Union is to be preserved — which is vital for all our futures — much greater clarity is required about further devolution to Scotland in the event of a “No” vote.
All major party leaders have indicated that they are in favour of devolving further powers to the Scottish parliament on taxation and spending policies, but their assurances are too vague. David Cameron and Ed Miliband should now, before it is too late, agree exactly what those powers should be. If both leaders were to clarify the extent of those powers, Scottish voters would know where they stood and would not have to vote “Yes” to secure the tax and spending powers that they wish to have. Ideally both men should appear together at a meeting in Scotland to make the announcement and their joint pledge should be published as widely as possible. Failure to act could lead to the end of our 300-year union.
John Stuart Burton
Cheltenham, Glos
Sir, It now seems certain that the “Yes” campaign in the Scottish referendum will get more than 40 per cent of the vote, so a second referendum in the next five to ten years is certain. This has suddenly made it very straightforward for the many “Don’t Knows” — who should vote “No” in the knowledge that this will give them more time and a second chance. An overall “Yes” vote is irreversible.
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Geoff Loughborough
Esher, Surrey
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Sir, I’m keen to know what passports a Scottish family will be able to use in the event of a “Yes” vote. Will Her Majesty be “Britannic” no longer, thus needing a change of wording on the inside cover of our present EU passports? What will be the resultant cost of these changes?
Avril Avery
Teignmouth, Devon