The British Social Attitudes study reveals a fascinating dichotomy on the issue of Trident in Scotland that does not readily fit into the narrative sometimes espoused on this letters page that "the people of Scotland do not want nuclear weapons" ("Blow for SNP after new poll reveals support for Trident", The Herald, June 17).
Apparently we do not want Britain to have nuclear weapons, yet the percentages flip when asked if an independent Scotland should possess said weapons - suddenly we become far more amenable. Even then, the percentages on either side aren't hugely different - the other side and the don't-knows outnumber the majority in each case.
This all paints a far more divided picture on the topic of nuclear weapons. The SNP have spent a lot of time pushing it as a pro-independence campaign issue; indeed, it seems they find a way to force Trident, Iraq and Afghanistan into every debate on independence. However, the public do not seem anywhere near as enthused about it as Nicola Sturgeon seems to assume.
George Quail,
150 Earl Street,
Glasgow.
It is not surprising that so many should want to maintain Trident. After all, during the latter part of the 20th century we were educated to believe that we lived behind a nuclear shield. That, of course, is debatable and depends upon where you lived during the Cold War. The current nuclear threat does not come from any state but from terrorist groups who may obtain a device. Trident provides no deterrent against such people because they just don't care about the lives of those who could be caught up in a nuclear retaliation. Surely we are all aware of the effects of a nuclear weapon and how it cannot be used without terrible collateral damage. So states should be doing all they can to reduce the number of weapons and ensuring the security of those in existence. Nuclear weapons are as much a moral concern as a political issue. To those in power who may use them I can only say - not in my name.
Tim Purdon,
18 Howard Park Drive,
Kilmarnock.
In October last year you published a letter from me in which I stated that I wasn't convinced that the majority of Scots wanted Trident removed from the Clyde. At that time, my views were widely derided by the vociferous Left. Now, the most recent opinion poll has confirmed that I was correct in my belief that Trident should remain. There are many more problems facing Scotland.
If Scotland votes for independence in September, Trident could be a bargaining counter for us keeping the pound. The Faslane base could also bring in substantial rent from rUK which could go towards the costs of health and education. Perhaps this could be put to the Scottish people in a referendum some time after independence.
Richard A McLellan,
4 Stag Park,
Lochgilphead.
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