THE European elections have clearly shown what most commentators already guessed, that the UK is now more politically polarised than at any time in its history ("Farage the big winner as Labour and Tories annihilated in EU vote", The Herald. May 27). Nigel Farage's Brexit Party is poised to become one of the largest groups in the European Parliament following stunning electoral successes at the expense of the two main political parties. Mr Farage even managed to gain 14.8 per cent of the Scottish vote, second only to a rampant SNP on the night.

There is no doubt that many who cast their vote for the Brexit Party did so as a traditional form of protest to demonstrate their displeasure with the way the Brexit process has been manhandled by both the Conservative and Labour parties. However, there is evidence to suggest that traditional loyalties to mainstream political groups have experienced a significant shift as voter frustration with the perceived torpor of the historic two main parties (at least in England and Wales) continues to grow.

Regardless of why they voted for the Brexit Party, I presume that those who did are aware of the party's broad aims and policies, even although they have no manifesto.

The Brexit Party is essentially a company that masquerades as a populist group centred on a leadership cult. Many media outlets believe the group is funded by dark money with the businessman, Arron Banks, acting as puppet master to the narcissistic Mr Farage. The original leader, Catherine Blaiklock, resigned in March of this year after posting Islamophobic comments online. Shortly afterwards, the party treasurer Michael McGough also resigned following anti-Semitic and homophobic social media posts.

Though Mr Farage attempts to adopt a veneer of respectability, the party is essentially xenophobic and racist, mirroring much of the European far-right parties at present. He is an opportunist with short-term soundbites but no long-term economic or social strategy. Mr Farage thrives on chaos and disorder and, like most extremists, only presents as a solution in times of desperation and despair.

The party's constitution advocates lowering of taxation for the wealthy and a desire to diminish the role of the state, in short, a dismantling of the NHS, the eradication of or swingeing cuts to benefits and an Americanisation of workers' rights.

If you did decide to vote for the Brexit Party under the disingenuous guise that the referendum result must be honoured above all commonsense then so be it. However, those who live by pseudo-democratic principles may also die by them.

Owen Kelly, Stirling.

PARTY in government in Westminster (Conservatives) – fifth in the EU elections; party in government in Scotland (SNP) – first in EU Elections. What a contrast and a clear endorsement of the clear message from the SNP on Brexit.

But what about those that followed the SNP in the polls here in Scotland, breathtakingly in second place came the Brexit Party, with the LibDems having a slight renaissance in third place. The two main parties at Westminster the Conservatives (fourth in Scotland) and Labour (ffith in Scotland) both suffered the same results in Scotland as they did in the rest of the UK – disastrous, begging the question: do they have a future in Scotland?

Those results for the Conservatives and Labour in normal circumstances would see instant resignations by their leaders (including their Scottish leaders). We have already had the resignation timetable from the PM, but what about Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn, surely his departure must also be imminent? Those results clearly send a message to Westminster: it cannot be business as usual with more of the same.

Scotland in confirming her result of 2016 to Remain, demands Article 50 is revoked.

Catriona C Clark, Falkirk.

EARLIER this month Dr Gerald Edwards, in one of his regular anti-SNP musings, forecast that after the European elections “Ms Sturgeon could well be in a very exposed situation in a week’s time” (Letters, May 17). My point is not that Dr Edwards got his forecast wildly wrong, but that he – and his fellow scribes – continue to deny all the evidence that points to the realities of the political situation in Scotland.

Out of 32 council areas in Scotland, the SNP won 30. The polls indicated that the SNP would do well, but Dr Edwards took no account of them. Today, the Stirling Tories announce on social media that “they’ve (the SNP) gone nowhere from their 2017 General Election result”. Well, in the European elections the SNP is polling 38 per cent, the highest share of the vote for any party in the UK. It has increased its seats from two to three. The Conservatives polled 11.7 per cent (the worst result for the Tories since 1865, according to Brian Taylor), Labour 9.3 per cent.

Ruth Davidson announced: “Your vote for my (note the “my”) Scottish Conservative and Unionist team will tell Nicola Sturgeon no more referendums.” The voting in Ms Davidson’s constituency was SNP 33 per cent, Conservatives 10 per cent.

Before the frenetic spinning starts to show what a bad result it was for the SNP, both Conservatives and Labour should reflect on the realities of what the people of Scotland want. It might even benefit these parties to show that they really can listen to “the people”.

Hamish McPherson, Giffnock.

Read more: Every Scottish local election result

NICOLA Sturgeon appears to suggest the prospect of a new Prime Minister she doesn't like, such as Boris Johnson, adds credence to her ambition to end a 300-plus years political, economic, cultural and social union. What nonsense – politicians come and go, thankfully. Many in Scotland remain distinctly unimpressed by Ms Sturgeon as First Minister and her relentless divisive narrative, but presumably don't believe that justifies ending devolution and closing Holyrood.

Martin Redfern, Edinburgh EH10.

THE turnout for the EU elections in the UK is a disgrace. It is significantly better across the EU. though not exactly an endorsement of the democratic process. To argue in Britain that there was no point, presumably because we are leaving the EU anyway, shows an astonishing indifference to the opportunity to show our feelings about the Brexit process, whether for or against. In the absence of a promised second referendum, this was an opportunity to be heard again.

The Brexit Party is billed as the victor, though more voters chose Remain parties. Worse, this apparent victory will be used to justify a hard Brexit, which presumably, all those who did not cast a vote, don't mind.

Where is leadership in this debacle? Where is the champion to counter the voice of empty populism? I despair.

Trevor Rigg, Edinburgh EH10.