Like Tessa Ransford, I watch Scottish Questions at Westminster and am similarly dismayed at the contemptuous attitudes towards the Scottish National Party MPs (Letters, January 21).
It is clear to any objective observer that the views on display reveal mindsets about Scotland that are neither positive nor respectful, including from some Scottish Labour MPs. For Anas Sarwar MP who recently commented on the need for a positive debate on independence, to claim that Labour for Independence is "an SNP front" shows how remote he is from the groundswell of political change in Scotland.
To hear Ian Davidson speak in such derogatory fashion about the Battle of Bannockburn, so close to Burns Night, makes me question whether he has any grasp of the notion of national sovereignty.
I was present at the launch of the Yes Glasgow campaign last Wednesday and delighted at the spread of speakers and the vibrant political atmosphere ("Independence 'will tackle health issues'", The Herald, January 17). Some 700 people came along to hear campaign leader Blair Jenkins, Nicola Sturgeon of the SNP, Martha Wardrop of the Scottish Green Party, Cat Boyd of Radical Independence Conference and the much respected Dennis Canavan who is chairman of the campaign. The speakers were all very engaging.
The Yes campaign is attracting people in politics at the grassroots –from all parties and no party. There are now 32 Yes campaigns –at least one in every county of Scotland. In Glasgow there appeared to be at least half a dozen, from Partick West to Pollok and South Glasgow. This grassroots activity will determine the outcome of the referendum. The Better Together campaign will have to run fast to catch up with this rollercoaster however much the No campaigners trade insults in Westminster.
Maggie Chetty, 36 Woodend Drive, Glasgow.
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