THERESA May cannot give a valid article 50 notice in the face of the 1707 stipulation that disempowers the Westminster Parliament and Government from altering matters of private right except for the evident utility of Scots (Letters, March 23).

The provisions referred to by Russell Vallance (Letters, March 23)and many others in the 1707 Treaty and acts, are matters of public policy.

In the 1953 E II R case the Court of Session made a clear distinction. Citizens cannot take to that court matters of public policy.

They can take matters of private right. The Supreme Court has held that an article 50 notice (if valid) would alter our private rights. A Scottish citizen with adequate resources could ask the Court of Session to interdict the issue of an article 50 notice, or to declare such notice invalid.

The “democratic outrage” against which Ms Sturgeon originally protested can be stopped and that should be done by Scottish Government.

Its continuing failure to do so is a dereliction of duty.

Adrian D Ward,

23 Arthurlie Drive,

Uplawmoor,

Glasgow.