VARIOUS correspondents, including Doug Maughan, propose that supporters of Scottish Labour join them on the political “dark side” by giving up on socialism altogether and plumping for nationalism (Letters, January 1).

The founders of the Labour movement in Scotland would surely be bemused to hear that any could contemplate making such a leap of faith, abandoning generations of supporting working people and the disadvantaged wherever they live in these islands, to instead further the ambitions of those driven by divisiveness.

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The suggestion is that Scottish Labour declare for independence, taking up the cry of tribal politics promoted by the SNP, seeking to turn our view of those we have been at one with for so long, considering them instead as “others” that we must turn our backs on.

To understand Scottish nationalism you need only know one thing: that ultimately it seeks to break up the United Kingdom. All the rest of the rhetoric coming from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her team is aimed at achieving that singular goal, with every vote no matter how secured strengthening their resolve. So it is that they have convinced many on the left with their talk of a progressive approach and overcoming social injustice, while at the same time pursuing vote-winning policies such as universal benefits and council tax freezes that benefit the middle class at the direct cost of those most in need.

The SNP could do a great deal more for the working class, but will not risk losing votes in the centre ground. Of late it seems words alone are enough to win over the disaffected. Hopefully the reality of struggling and badly managed public services will ultimately enable a return of the political gravity that the SNP seems temporarily immune to.

Keith Howell,

White Moss, West Linton, Peeblesshire.