WHEN the PM says Indy Ref 2 must have public consent, she was set upon by SNP and others, demanding she explain herself.

Are the SNP and Co-mischief making? Tories can speak for themselves, but as I see it, the SNP 2016 Election manifesto provides the reply, saying..."The Scottish Parliament should have the right, if there is clear and sustained evidence that Independence has become the preferred option of the majority of the Scottish people"... and .."We will become independent only when the majority of our fellow citizens are persuaded"...adding..."Our success will depend on the strength of our argument and the clarity of our vision".

As I see it, the SNP have failed by their own standards, to win public consent. They have failed to provide a coherent case for Independence and by intellectual default, have the field to other more dubious advocates, one who says Independence is inevitable.

Another says there has been a rebirth of 'Scottishness' and another refers to the long slide to Indy.

Mrs May's approach is the best argument for a 'Yes' vote, says another pundit. And the disgraceful canard concerning 'Red Tories' suggest that mortality will resolve that OAP 'problem'.

The SNP are preaching defeatism re Labour candidates.

'We will stand up for Scotland and support progressive values throughout the UK', they say.

But this is a hollow commitment since at the first opportunity, the SNP will depart from and abandon the House of Commons and the rest of the UK.

I believe that Scotland's place is best secured as an integral part of the UK, drawing on all UK prospects and potential.

ANDY WILSON,

Kelty.