That is an impressive list of people who should know better. Their letter to Starmer smacks of nothing more than a bit of thoughtless posturing. The signatories are described as "a group of leading pro-independence figures". But why would an individual who is pro-independence validate the British Prime Ministers asserted veto over our right of self-determination? The only explanation I can come up with is that they just didn't think about what they were doing. Or rather, what thinking they did do was stuck in a mindset that ceased to be appropriate at least ten years ago.

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	Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Trying to figure out WTF is going on Leading to disaster Peter A Bell Jun 4   READ IN APP   That is an impressive list of people who should know better. Their letter to Starmer smacks of nothing more than a bit of thoughtless posturing. The signatories are described as "a group of leading pro-independence figures". But why would an individual who is pro-independence validate the British Prime Ministers asserted veto over our right of self-determination? The only explanation I can come up with is that they just didn't think about what they were doing. Or rather, what thinking they did do was stuck in a mindset that ceased to be appropriate at least ten years ago. Here is the relevant passage from the missive: By denying a second referendum regardless of the 2026 election outcome, the Prime Minister is snubbing democracy, devolution and the many Scots who once viewed his party as the best democratic option to the Conservatives at Westminster. Why do they so meekly and mindlessly accept Keir Starmer's authority to deny a referendum? Why do they refer to a "second referendum" when we have never had a proper constitutional referendum? Does the content of their letter not imply that these "leading figures" would find a Section 30 referendum acceptable despite the fact that a glorified opinion poll can never lead to the restoration of Scotland's independence? The danger for Scotland's cause is that this list includes figures who are "leading" in the sense that their analysis and commentary is widely accepted within the independence movement as coming from experts. Look at the comments below the story and you'll doubtless find the majority approving of and agreeing with these "leading figures". Being led by them. Because they have no more thought about the implications of that letter than its authors. Had I been writing to Keir Starmer I would have emphatically rejected his arrogantly asserted authority to forbid the exercise of our right of self-determination. I might also have advised him that he could stick his Section 30 order in the same orifice from which he excretes his policies. I might have informed him of our determination to have a proper constitutional referendum in defiance of the British state's imperial edicts. I would have reminded him that the sovereignty of the people of Scotland is both a constitutional fact and an unyielding principle. Or I might have just told him to fuck off! Which would be an entirely fitting response to his high-handed pronouncements. We can assume that my letter would not have been signed by: Lesley Riddoch, journalist Dr Craig Dalzell, head of policy and research, Common Weal Ian Grant, Independence Forum Scotland Dr Tim Rideout, convener, Scottish Currency Group Elise Tallaron, convener,Yes for EU Mary Sinclair, Yes Caithness Fraser Thompson, Time for Scotland Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, Business for Scotland Robert Furness, Yes Greater Glasgow Adrian Doherty, Yes Linwood Andrew Wilson, Scottish Independence Foundation Stewart Kerr Brown, Yes West Lothian Roza Salih, convener, Scottish Independence Convention Jacqui Jensen, Yes Perth Ken Macdonald. former BBC Scotland presenter Lloyd Quinan, Yes Craigmillar and Niddrie Mary McCabe, Pensioners for Indy Fatima Joji, Women for Indy Stephen Shilton, Christians for Indy Cameron McNeish, mountaineer and author Or any of these Believe in Scotland affiliates: Aberdeen and Grampian Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire Central Scotland Dumfries and Galloway Dundee and Angus Edinburgh and Lothians Fife Inverclyde Highlands and Moray Mid Scotland Orkney Islands Scottish Borders South Lanarkshire. If this is who is leading the campaign to restore Scotland's independence, it's no wonder that campaign has made no progress for a decade and more. You're currently a free subscriber to Peter A Bell. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription. Upgrade to paid   Like Comment Restack   © 2025 Peter A Bell 3i South Street Perth Scotland PH2 8NJ Unsubscribe