Images of anti-immigration rioting in England have filled our TV screens over the past week. Today we reported on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledging to crack down on the violence.

Read that story here 👈

Today one of our readers puts forward some theories as to why Scotland has so far escaped the troubles.

Leah Gunn Barrett of Edinburgh writes:

"UK and foreign media reports refer to 'UK uprisings'. But one nation isn't experiencing these uprisings: Scotland.

Why not?

First is identity. A 2011 survey found that Muslims in Scotland are more likely to identify as Scottish than Muslims in England are to identify as English. A 2005 study noted: 'It was widely acknowledged and appreciated that compared with other parts of the country, especially England, Scotland was a tolerant place.'

Second, Scots have consistently demonstrated support for the Palestinian people against whom Israel is committing a genocide. In 2016, the Green Brigade, known for their Irish republicanism and support for Palestinians, along with other Celtic fans, raised £175,000 for a football team in Aida refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. The money was raised to defy a Uefa fine on Celtic club when Palestinian flags were waved at a game against the Israeli club Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

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Third, mosques in Scotland don't have radical preachers. One reason is Scotland's Muslim community come from more middle class and educated backgrounds than their UK counterparts. Thirty-eight per cent of Muslims in Scotland are educated to degree level or above compared to a UK average of 27%.

This is also reflected in the Scottish prison population where 1.8% is Muslim, consistent with the 1.45% of Scotland's Muslim population, whereas 13% of England's prison population is Muslim, double the 6.5% English Muslim population.

Finally, national governance matters. In 2015 a young Scottish Muslim wrote: '… political grievances at home are a major factor in radicalising young people, from perceived western imperialism and bias towards Israel. While these issues are not exclusive to England, the Scottish government seems more supportive of the Muslim perspective. During the bombing of Gaza last year [2014], Holyrood was quick to condemn Israel, whereas Cameron came to Israel's defence.'"