Labour U-turn should put independence on constitution commission's agenda

The Calman Commission on the constitution was set up by the three unionist parties in the Scottish Parliament, even though the Scottish Government was already holding its national conversation on the parliament's future powers. As these parties are opposed to Scottish independence, they opposed the SNP's plan to hold a referendum on independence in 2010. The option of independence was therefore excluded from the commission's terms of reference.

Now that Wendy Alexander has changed her mind and has committed the Labour Party in Scotland to supporting a referendum, there is an overwhelming majority in parliament in support of one.

The logical next step, therefore, is for the Scottish Parliament to amend the remit of the Calman Commission and ask it to now include in its deliberations the option of independence.

NICK DEKKER

Nairn Way

Cumbernauld, Dunbartonshire

Wendy Alexander's call for an immediate referendum on the Union has highlighted the importance of Scotland staying part of the United Kingdom.

The Calman Commission should be allowed to complete its work unhindered. With something so important as Scotland's place in the United Kingdom, this should not be used for tactical political games. Scotland and the UK are much stronger together.

(DR) NEIL HUDSON

Mentone Gardens

Edinburgh

Scots should be wary of the recent change of political mood in England. The SNP may still be riding high in Scotland, but Alex Salmond will need to take care that his supercilious manner isn't replaced with a grin of terminal frustration. Ken Livingstone's contribution to the City of London is, undoubtedly, one of the most significant contributions of any UK politician in recent decades. For him to have lost his mayorship seems unbelievable.

David Cameron now has an opportunity to turn this event into something meaningful from which a general election campaign can be waged.

It is an indictment of our lack of knowledge, maturity and forethought that politicians such as Mr Livingstone are discarded and a nation believes the English, especially under a Conservative government, will be sympathetic to the cause of the Scots. History and economics tell us otherwise.

J CARRIGAN

Mayfield Avenue

Glasgow

Tim Flinn's claim (Letters, 8 May) that there is a third way other than the Union or independence is nonsense. Either you are for the Union or for independence. Con/federalism would still mean Scotland having no seat at the UN and still regarded as a region around the world, in the EU etc, with Westminster still having control of natural resources and foreign and defence policy.

Tim Flinn is just a unionist, trying to divert people from independence. Since con/federalism would only mean devolution.

THOMAS MURRAY

Cairns Crescent

Perth