Going it alone

Former Scottish Labour chairman Bob Thomson, now considering independence, says: “If you go for devo-max, it’s not a case of being a Nationalist. It’s a pragmatic move…” (your report, 8 May).

The author James Kelman recently declared his support for independence, in similar vein, also stating he is not a Nationalist. Clearly, many now realise independence is simply a normal state of affairs for more than 28 nations in Europe: you don’t have to be a Danish nationalist to support an independent Denmark.

Similarly, many voted Labour for decades without being socialists; their motives were pragmatic. We are also now understand that independence does not mean isolation; it simply means the political freedom to negotiate whatever is best for Scotland’s national interests, including pooling of sovereignty in areas such as defence and currency if that is to Scotland’s advantage.

(Clr) Tom Johnston (SNP)

North Lanarkshire Council

Burn View

Cumbernauld