Scotland

In fact, life north of the border is the proverbial free for all – or is it? The Westminister government, via the English taxpayer gives (not loans) Scotland £23bn annually to help fund the free lifestyle they enjoy.

Now the Scottish people have spoken: they want an nationalist party to rule from Holyrood.

As an Englishman I do not want to stand in their way. Let’s save the cost of a referendum and cut them loose now.

Saving £23bn could go some way to rebulding infrastructure in England.

As Scottish nationalists bray for independence from foreign shores (such as Sir Sean Connery, who lives in Majorca, for example) let us grant them their wish – on one condition.

They must go it alone financially – no more Barnett Formula keeping them afloat.

Historically, the Scots have sided with any nation who was against England.

Give them their independence now – let’s see how long they last when they have to pay for themselves CT Mortimer, Pity Me.

THE leader of the SNP, Alex Salmond, is quoted as “hailing his party’s historic breakthrough” and declaring “Scotland wants to travel in hope and aim high”. I congratulate him on his fine rhetoric.

He plans to hold a referendum by 2013 seeking a mandate to declare “independence for his country”. Again, I wish him all the luck in this venture.

Our Prime Minister, David Cameron, said he would oppose any move to make Scotland independent and that he would campaign with “every single fibre that I have”, for which I congratulate him for his resolve and fine rhetoric.

However, I am worried that Mr Cameron, in an effort to bolster his resolve, will make offers to keep Scotland in the United Kingdom that we can ill afford.

If Scotland wishes to break away and seek independence, which is its democratic right, I say let it.

It could be just what England needs as we would be able to pursue our own agenda without the Scottish rump in our parliament holding us back.

Michael Hawkins, Langley Park.