I HAVE many, many questions that I feel are unanswered by the pro-Brexit campaign, but at present the most pressing one is: why so scared of the big bad vote?

I am at a loss to understand why all of the Brexit party, the Conservative party and Ukip, all ostensibly pro-Brexit, are so averse to a second plebiscite. The practical arguments were once understandable, that a second vote may be a waste of money or cause UK politics to stall, but the current impasse has done so much reputational and economic damage that these arguments have started to wear thin. There needs to be a way to move forward.

It is with this in mind that my initial query as to why the Leave campaign is so against a People’s Vote is brought into view. If, as Leave voters attest, the mood in the country has not changed, and even in some sectors they argue support has increased, why not then go to the polls? Why does the Brexit Party not want to reap a glorious confirmatory victory?

This would allow a triumphant march towards Brexit – the agenda set with a clear mandate to go. Nigel Farage, arch Brexiteer himself, raised the possibility in March on national television, though he did so in the heat of the moment and without access to the polling data of banks and Cambridge Analytica. Days later on the Today show he backtracked.

What changed? The immediate gut reaction of an ideological Brexiteer, Farage, was to have a second referendum and truly put the matter to bed. It is of great shock to me that no corner of the Brexit debate is campaigning positively in favor of their Brexit up to and including a confidence that would allow them to feel they could win any confirmatory ballot. The Leave campaign is reinforcing the impression held that the one-off referendum vote, garnered a one-off Brexit result.

As an ardent Remainer, willing to put my beliefs and pro-European message to the test at any time, I don’t understand why more on the Leave side would rather deal in constitutionalisms than let their principles stand on merit. The original referendum bill was poorly drafted and should have contained a double vote or at least some kind of planned advance from the plebiscite, but it didn’t, so it’s time to rectify this. This embarrassment of a bickering argument needs to be brought to an end. A People’s Vote is the only way forward.

Joseph Meighan
Glasgow

WE had the EU referendum in 2016 and Scotland voted to Remain. We are now on the eve of EU elections no-one thought we would be taking part in. The country is in political paralysis as a result of the inept politics from Westminster having been brought on as a result of Brexit. Conservatives in government fighting amongst themselves like ferrets in a sack, with Labour opposition in the same scenario. Elections this week costing the country millions and potentially electing extremist right-wing candidates begs the question, what must Scotland do? Scotland must rise to the challenge tomorrow, and send a clear message that Scotland’s voice must be heard and heard loud and clear that we voted to Remain in the EU and we will not be dragged out by the Westminster government and extremist candidates who will not represent the interests of Scotland.

Catriona C Clark
Falkirk

FOR the first time in a century, it is “possible” the third party could outstrip its rivals in a national poll – thus spake The Independent regarding the LibDems.

Polls indicate that the LibDems might poll higher than Tories and Labour. The Independent waxes lyrically that this is the first time in a century that a third party would have beaten the duopoly.

Alas, The Independent is actually misrepresenting as usual. It has already happened in Scotland, with the SNP trumping the duopoly both in Westminster and Holyrood.

As always the article should have highlighted that it was focusing on England.

John Edgar
Kilmaurs

NO-ONE advocates violence, at any time. But now we see violence in the political arena appearing to be on the rise. I’m worried about the present threat to our economy brought about by certain Brexiteer politicians and the long, drawn-out Brexit process, whilst we still have to experience the actual outcomes. And I’m not just referring to international treaties and deals across the world. I mean, closer to home, milk and egg production.

With Farage’s recent visit to Edinburgh, there was a message put out that a certain burger outlet, close to the Farage venue, had been instructed not to sell milkshakes, just in case. After all, Yaxley-Lennon had been hit with a milkshake projectile earlier in this campaign.

There was a report in The National on Monday that his campaign van had been egg-splattered in Merseyside. Now that might be considered amusing to some, the warped some, but not the bricks that were also used. Nothing amusing about that. On the same day there’s a newsflash video showing Farage not bedecked in white trimmed ermine, but splodged white due to milk splattering.

I truly hope that those employing violence, no matter the time and place, are caught and experience appropriate legislation being brought against them. I fear for our economic future, post-Brexit, especially a no-deal Brexit, but in the short term I fear for milk and egg production.

Selma Rahman
Edinburgh

I HOPE Nicola has taken inspiration from the final episode of the epic TV programme Game of Thrones. The North decided not to join the other United Kingdoms.

So let’s redress the momentous mistake Scotland we made in 1707. “Hail Queen Nicola!”

Robin MacLean
Fort Augustus