SOME things just seem to need repeating. We are always hearing about “wheesht for indy”, that is, stop agonising over gender reforms and so on until after independence. Just pull together and we can fight all this out after independence. A great idea, but missing the reality of life in Scotland now.

We would all like to leave gender wars behind, or till some other time – we all have better things to do – but some things you have to fight, simply because the fight is being brought to us in the here and now.

Those advocating reform of gender laws aren’t waiting until after independence. Right now, they are attempting to undermine women’s rights and the rights to free speech. The Forensic Medical Services (Scotland) Bill would have severely dented women’s rights, and very vulnerable women at that, those who had suffered sexual violence. That was headed off, but we are still faced with the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill, which does not at this time offer specific protection to biological women in terms of free speech and asserting who we are.

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If we do not fight things like that now, what kind of Scotland will get independence? One where free speech is something you read about in the history books? One where women are relegated in importance to a place below certain minority rights?

And as to infighting in the SNP and the Joanna Cherry affair, should she “wheesht for indy” when she is suffering threats and dreadful online abuse which is not called out by her own party leadership? They are more concerned with the agenda of their cadre of supporters.

And is it really a free society when so many questions surround the Alex Salmond prosecution (some would say persecution)? The truth does not seem to be coming out, does it, whatever the truth is.

Yet independence supporters are supposed to keep blind faith and “wheesht for indy”. Don’t forget, the SNP is not just any party, it is the party of government. The more that emerges about the leadership of the SNP, the more it stinks. And unless there is a robust opposition from parliamentarians and the general public now, the more it will stink.

Julia Pannell
Friockheim, Tayside

I WRITE with a heavy heart in relation to the disturbing, increasingly frequent anti-SNP rhetoric in the contributions published by The National from correspondents and columnists.

I completely appreciate and understand that the newspaper is not a voice piece for the SNP, but it is a promoter for the pro-independence movement, of which the SNP is the political arm (although I recognise and acknowledge the contribution of the Greens). It is the only publication in the media on which we can depend to promote the political views of the more than 50% of the population.

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It is, of course, important in normal times that SNP policies are open to scrutiny and The National should play a part in this. It is equally true, however, that the only way we will secure a referendum in the short term is to win convincingly in May. So, the Yes movement must understand that we need to get behind Nicola and the wider leadership and not continue to undermine them at this critical stage in the journey to independence.

We would be foolish to believe that our Unionist media, electoral and UK Government opponents are not reading The National and drawing conclusions about how we can be exploited for their benefit. Let’s stop looking like the Daily Mail and stop doing its job for it.

Blair Allan
SNP Highland Councillor

IN my 85th year I began to think finally independence was achievable ... it still is! Please, all of you who are rocking the good ship SNP (and you know who you are), remember that after Scotland is an independent country again you can all form your own parties. Then you can put forward your case ,views, policies and ask the people to vote for you.

Your present conduct will get you nowhere and worse, if we don’t get independence – for whatever reason – you will be blamed. 

Marjorie Forrest
via email

JUST watched Prime Minister’s Questions and still waiting for a proper answer from Boris. It’s always a mixture of waffle and unsubstantiated soundbites. In total contrast, Nicola responded robustly to awkward, vindictive questioning. It wouldn’t harm Boris if he watched First Minister’s Questions. He may get a few hints how it should be done.

Robin MacLean
Fort Augustus

MY son and his friends intend to go on holiday as soon as they can and to this effect he had to update his passport. His new UK black passport arrived the morning and what a shock I got. It looks cheap and unfinished the important pages look as though a five-year-old put it together. Exposed seams are a feature. It looks as though it is designed to allow criminals to tamper with it easily. Much like everything the Tories do.

Ali Cairns
Largs