YOUR excellent editorial ("Sturgeon's strategy on EU and Tories", The Herald, June 2) succinctly explained the glaring flaws and the somewhat questionable "solid ground" in the First Minister's arguments to support another referendum based on the unlikely event the Scots vote to remain in Europe but forced to leave if the rest of the UK voted to leave.

However, as a supporter of a reformed Europe I feel her cosying up to Europe just as negotiations get under way helps to undermine David Cameron (also a believer) in determining the best deal for the whole of the UK.

But perhaps the most glaring omission and irony in her argument is about the question relating to her claim about the damage to Scottish jobs and trade if we left the EU. If this is true then the same argument must hold if Scotland left the UK, especially as we sell twice as much to our neighbours south of theBborder compared to the rest of the world including the EU. Then there is the small matter of currency, our own EU membership and fiscal autonomy (with a £7.6 billion black hole) to consider before rushing for another referendum.

Her real strategy on the EU and Tories regarding Europe and a further referendum is that she is well aware of the various scenarios and likely outcome and has decided she is on safe ground as her idle threats will not be put to the test.

Ian Lakin,

Pinelands,

Murtle Den Road, Milltimber.