DO you remember when the UK was arguably the fastest growing economy in the G7, the question of Scottish independence had recently been settled “for a generation”, the Union was not at risk, the pound was worth $1.53 and €1.37, the feel-good factor had returned, the Government had a working majority, the idea of Donald Trump being president of the United States was merely a pipe dream, the idea of Boris Johnson being PM in 2019 was a million to one against, EU residents were comfortable living here, UK residents living abroad had no worries about continued residency, small businesses were confident about their ability to survive, large businesses had the confidence to invest in the future, car manufacturers were confident enough to remain in the UK, massive sums of money were not diverted from other deserving causes, the UK was respected throughout the EU and the rest of the world, peace on the island of Ireland was not under threat and the word “Backstop” was unheard of as was the name Michel Barnier? The year was 2015 BB (before Brexit).

What has followed since is arguably the most unpardonable folly ever inflicted on any nation during peace time. This self-inflicted smouldering wound on society must be stopped at all costs before it is too late. An early vote of confidence in the Government must be held immediately on Westminster’s return from its summer recess, forcing a General Election, and if this means hardened Tory voters temporarily switching alliances then so be it. I myself will be one of them.

Christopher H Jones, Giffnock.

I LIVE in the hope that a copy of Neil Mackay's excellent article ("Tory anarchists are destroying their party and the Union", The Herald, August 6) might find its way to each and every MP – including the PM and Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Since the election of the new PM, it has become increasingly clear that the movers and shakers within the Conservative Party are moving more and more enthusiastically towards a No Deal Brexit on "come what may" – something they have always coveted – and despite the many dire warnings spelling out the extent of the danger such a departure would be for the UK, its citizens and beyond: and to achieve this end, they need do nothing except patiently wait it out and, hypocritically, blame the EU for intransigence.

Surely it is now time for our MPs to search their collective conscience and consider, honestly and rationally, whether their constituents and the rest of the UK would be better served by a No Deal departure, or by remaining within the EU: there is no longer any other option. We live in a Parliamentary democracy, thus it is only there that the present impasse can be resolved. It's much too late for another referendum and with the Opposition lacking any coherent strategy a General Election – something the PM's ongoing financial blandishments seem directed towards – would solve nothing.

MPs must create an early opportunity for a "free" vote in Parliament to break the deadlock. A simple choice: "Accept a No Deal exit" or "Revoke Article 50 letter and remain within the EU" would suffice. At this critical time, 650 MPs must demonstrate leadership and bring to bear their experience, knowledge and political nous, setting aside personal and party loyalties – a big ask, I appreciate. However, exercising such an initiative might just resolve the impasse, would certainly reassert their democratic role and uphold the principle that Parliament is (still) supreme.

J Napier, Alva.

ALASDAIR Galloway (Letters, August 6) makes two valid point: first, the sitting Prime Minister is not going to grant a Section 30 order for a referendum leading to independence if it looks like winning. This is democracy in reverse and is a dangerous impasse and an alternative method must be found. The second point by Mr Galloway are the comments made by David Davis, the former Brexit Secretary and worth repeating, who said: “There is no other treaty in the world I’m aware of where a sovereign nation undertakes to join up and can only leave when the other side says so."

In the quest of returning Scotland to a sovereign country once again, there is insufficient attention given to the Treaty of Union between Scotland and England in 1707. This treaty formed the United Kingdom and should afford Scotland special consideration when the demand to revert to being an independent country becomes overwhelming. With the UK having no written constitution, it conveniently allows those in power to make the rules up as they go along under the pretext of precedent and when that fails, calling in the Supreme Court as arbiter, with some arguing the creation of the Supreme Court by Tony Blair is in itself in contravention of the Treaty of Union, as ratified in the corresponding Act of Union.

Brexit has produced many soundbites reminiscent of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum and the most ironic must surely be the UK demand for “independence”. Prior to Boris Johnson being selected PM, there were a volley of pronouncements by leadership contenders along the lines they would not “allow” a Scottish referendum which is in effect one signatory to a treaty denying any rights to the other even if a majority of elected Scottish MPs or MSPs want it. The time has come for a formal procedure to be set up to cater for the situation when a majority of elected representatives seek an independence referendum. Those who favour the Union will have nothing to fear, the result will be a foregone conclusion – won’t it?

Alan M Morris, Blanefield.

I WONDER if Grant Frazer (Letters, August 5) is ever struck by the irony of being able to use the gold standard freedom of speech that such a terrible empire as Great Britain's allows to write such hateful letters about my country.

He should try doing that in other former empires such as genocide and massacre experts Russia (millions of their own people), Iran (up to 30,000 political prisoners executed in 1988) or Turkey (Armenians), or ponder the struggle of Catalonians against the former Spanish Empire, the destroyers of a whole Inca civilisation.

He might reflect on how that same Royal Navy that was instrumental in stopping the slave trade now plays a major role in keeping the oceans navigable, for example in the Persian Gulf, or how a once vibrant and free colony, Hong Kong, is returning to the yoke of that beacon of democracy, China (millions killed under Mao).

Strangely the other countries where he could freely vent his bile are the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, former British colonies and the other true beacons of democracy and freedom of speech.

Allan Sutherland, Stonehaven.

Read more: Tory anarchists are destroying Ruth Davidson, their own party and the union