THIS has been an interesting few days.

The results of an Ipsos Mori poll, allegedly giving information about devolution to “advise government policy” (therefore not for public consumption), are suppressed by David Lidington.

This is followed by messages from, and interviews with, Lidington indicating that the precious Union is under threat as never before, a monologue from May to that effect, an article by Mundell in another paper reinforcing that view point, a crisis Cabinet meeting to discuss the Union – and then indications that Scotland is to be (re)branded with the Union Jack and money made available (from, presumably, the magic money tree) to show us the largesse and value of the preciousssss.

The fact that money has been squeezed out of Scotland to finance Crossrail, Hinkley point, HS2 etc, and less than half the money raised from Scotland in tax is returned to Scotland to spend in Scotland or is otherwise used to finance Scottish priorities, is irrelevant.

And let’s not forget the spiralling costs of “Governor” Mundell’s unnecessary little empire in Edinburgh and the convergence funding for Scottish farmers misappropriated by Westminster as Gove confessed.

So, the clear message is that the Union is indeed in some danger.

Presumably neither Hunt, nor Javid, nor Johnson got or understood this message.

The great “democrat” Hunt has indicated that the Foreign Office – which we in Scotland pay towards – will not support trips abroad for our democratically elected representatives on government business, unless these are – what? – “approved”? “agreed”? by the Foreign Office, begging the questions what are we paying for and why?

Moreover, he will, politely (God bless his little cotton socks) and if elected PM, refuse any request from the democratically elected representatives of Scotland for any Section 30 order.

Meanwhile Javid, the son of immigrants who would not now qualify to enter this country on financial grounds, is in charge of the Home Office and sees fit to use specious migrant rules to break up financially viable family units because he has “considered the merits” of the case – but, like Lidington, suppresses what these (de)merits actually are.

And as for Johnson, his only answer to difficult questions is to accuse a journalist of being a Labour supporter?

David Pratt’s article about the UK nearing failed-state status is spot-on (Gripped by Brexit and dysfunctional, the UK is nearing failed-state status, July 12); my only amendment would be that the UK is already a failed state, clearly failing the sovereign people of Scotland.

Now is the time.

Jean Dunlop
via email

I HAVE just finished reading David Pratt’s quite splendid article in Friday’s National. His articles I invariably regard as being quite splendid; however, this particular one had an added dimension, and I can describe it in one word: alarming! The final sentence said it all and is surely worthy of repeating: “Here in Scotland we must ensure that those responsible for such recklessness are sent packing and pay a heavy political price.” I can but add – the sooner the better!

Norrie Paton
Campbeltown

AMID the publicity about alleged anti-semitism in the Labour Party, why do we rarely hear what the “guilty” members are accused of?

I suspect we are being kept in the dark by the BBC and and others because the “crime” is supporting Palestinian rights.

Good for former Labour MEP Hugh Kerr (Letters, July 13) to draw attention to this in relation to Corbyn.

Jack Foley
Hamilton

I AGREE with Nick Detter (Letters, July 12) that “once in a generation” was not policy. It was a quote from Mr Alex Salmond. Mrs May stood up in Parliament and said Britain will leave the EU on March 29. It did not. She later said Britain will leave the EU on March 29. It did not. Why is this not cast up to her on a loop system?

M Ross
Aviemore

I AM 88 years of age, 70-odd years a full-blooded Scottish nationalist, and heard a couple of weeks ago that the Robert the Bruce film was coming to our local cinema in Galashiels, so I booked seats for myself, my wife and a nationalist pensioner friend for Friday night’s showing.

I have to tell you that our unanimous verdict was that the film was absolute rubbish and represented a complete lack of historical fact or talented acting. Even the portrayed landscapes and crofts could have been more in keeping with a badly made Wild Western.

If anyone ever thought that the film would promote the call for an independent Scotland I suggest they switch to a Boris/Jeremy session on BBC TV instead.

Thank God for Nicola and her team, in Holyrood and Westminster, who are slowly but surely getting us nearer our goal.

Just let the real Robert the Bruce rest in peace.

Dave Beveridge
Scottish Borders

FURTHER to the letter from Solomon Steinbett about the BBC licence (Letters, July 13) my wife and I, both over 80, have considered this and our position is clear. We consider that the BBC is primarily a UK propaganda machine. We will not pay one penny towards it and will watch it when we want without paying for any licence.

I am prepared to go to prison rather than pay this, as I did for the Skye Bridge toll. I did not ever pay that and I will not ever pay for a TV licence either, and if they want to put me in prison again so be it.

Andy Anderson
Saltcoats