Destructive protests don’t help anybody

Protests are a rite of passage for most young people – and occasionally much older people, as with the two women, aged 82 and 85, who are now charged over a protest in London which saw them attempt to get access to the Magna Carta with a hammer and chisel.

Often, and regrettably, protests are dangerous – but why should they be destructive? The latest approach seems to involve throwing paint at culturally important paintings and artefacts, or glueing yourself to them. Yes, it will get coverage, but not always the support they want.

Protests are vital for so many reasons, but they must be for a worthy cause, and conducted in a positive manner.

Dennis Fitzgerald

Address supplied

In commentary and letters about Natalie Elphicke’s “conversion” to Labour, we really shouldn’t assume that Keir Starmer is either naïve or unprincipled. Here was yet another opportunity to poke a stick at the Tories and to remind the voters of their disarray, which is just what he should do to further his campaign to replace them. Labour will then have the chance to pursue more sensible policies.

Roger Thomas

East Lothian

I am confused. Along with the announcement that the economy has grown 0.6 per cent, the good news is wages are growing faster than inflation. However, not so long ago we were told wage rise demands were not possible as this would fuel inflation. Who to believe?

G Forward

Stirling

Is it just me or does anyone else think the SNP’s demise brings safety to the economic well-being of the UK?

Remember Trussonomics, which cost billions and nearly bankrupted the pensions market because of unbudgeted tax cuts? Just imagine our economy being divided into two brand new states. I think the consequences are far reaching and well beyond making Scots feel more Scottish. It will make everyone feel more poor.

Sterling would collapse, cost of borrowing would go stratospheric, and I project we would have to peg our currency to the euro while the dust settled.

The little Englander in the pub saying “stuff the Scots, let them go if they want” would have a wakeup call – then they too would be utterly stuffed!

Angus Maclean

Address supplied

Comments about Kate Forbes’s faith have poor understanding about the nature of beliefs, values and attitudes that inform the manner in which many people of faith conduct themselves in public life. I imagine Ms Forbes’s faith is based upon a belief in a personal relationship with a deity that governs the values she cherishes and the attitudes she adopts when challenged. As a democrat she recognises that her beliefs can only apply to her personal conduct (which she no doubt sincerely observes), but that she also has the power to influence government policy through legitimate lobbying, debate and voting in parliament. And like all rational democrats, she knows she must accept the majority decision without feeling that her personal beliefs have been compromised.

Since she has enjoyed considerable success as a politician it might appear the Scottish electorate are content with her representation as deputy first minister. One could go further and say that Scotland remains a deeply conservative country, with a significant portion of the population harbouring independence aspirations. Recent SNP policies that conjoin left-wing social experimentation with independence probably do not sit well with Kate Forbes’s constituents.

David Smith

Taunton