Readers' Letters: Trump doesn't deserve to have ego stroked by King

Some believe it should happen because of the supposed “Special Relationship” but how can Donald Trump’s disgraceful disparaging comments about the bravery of British and European servicemen and women, as well as how the US won the Second World War alone, be brushed under the plush White House carpet?

How can King Charles exchange pleasantries with a man who has publicly impugned his Prime Minister in a way no other world leader would do or has ever done?

How can a man who has started a totally unnecessary war in the Middle East just to show how powerful he is, one he has no idea how to end, which is causing untold hardships for ordinary people all over the world, be grovelled to in this way?

The elephant in the room no one in authority is prepared to admit about the visit is that Trump will see it as royalty dutifully coming to him, to use his own vernacular, to “kiss his ass”. This is the ultimate ego trip for a man whose life is an ego trip and being now bigger than royalty is how he will certainly see it. It’s a bit like giving a school bully your best toy in the hope he will go easy on you or even become your friend. We all know it’s not going to happen as bullies will always want more. The King should not be put in this demeaning position and he will be dreading the prospect of having to nod and smile, having recently heard his country and its history trashed by this dime store dictator and serial draft-dodger.

And, ultimately, everyone knows it will make not a jot of difference to the “Special Relationship” whatsoever as it’s impossible to appeal to a completely irrational person.

Maybe it’s time for Charles to put his foot down. He’d have nothing but admiration from the British and European public, Nigel Farage and his supporters aside, and in the eyes of many Americans, Trump would be, quite possibly, terminally wounded.

D Mitchell, Doune, Perthshire

Inflexible

Donald Trump postponed his 48-hour threat to Iran because he claims they are now negotiating, or whatever. This is surely nonsense, as religious maniacs in general do not recognise the process of negotiation and compromise, particularly those in charge of Iran. For them death is a marvellous experience, where they are rewarded for non-compliance with anyone not of their persuasion.

Mr Trump – like many people of the West – fails to understand the inflexible mindset of these rulers. But the people of Iran are caring and kindly, while trying to lead normal lives under the ghastly regime that dominates them. We must feel for them.

Malcolm Parkin, Kinnesswood, Kinross-shire

Vote China

Sir Keir Starmer came to power with promises of greater respect for Scotland but I don't see evidence of that. I am still waiting for the arrival of GB Energy, with all the jobs he was going to deliver in Aberdeen.

Now the powers in London have blocked the Ming Yang development at Ardersier Port in Scotland with significant employment prospects building wind turbines, supposedly on the grounds that the turbines are not suitable for our waters (your report, 25 March). I think it is more likely because the government in London fears some kind of “national security” implications of having Chinese involvement in our energy industry.

I would rather take the risk of a Chinese development in Scotland than have Westminster impose unnecessary nuclear power plants on us. To quote the Bard's allegory, “Scotland wants nae stinking wares that jaups in luggies”. What we really want is the power to redevelop our industry with just transition from employment in the fossil fuel industry to employment in the renewable energy sector.

GB Energy is as useful to Scotland as a chocolate teapot. We need to get our country free of the toxic union that blocks what we need and delivers what we neither need nor want. In May I shall vote accordingly so that in the near future the people of Scotland can make our own independent choices.

Ni Holmes, St Andrews, Fife

Oh, the irony

It ill behoves the SNP to accuse anyone, anyone whatsoever, of “playing politics”. Never in history has a party played politics more than the SNP.

So, when Kate Forbes accuses the UK government of “sabotaging Scotland's industrial future” by blocking the Chinese Ming Yang technology from offshore wind projects, those of us with long enough memories can recall many projects the SNP did not fancy because they were “too British” or not “Scottish” enough. In SNP-Think this objection is a one-way street. I am inclined to trust the UK intelligence services a lot more than I do the SNP.

Once again the Irony Meter has blown a fuse and is off-scale.

Alexander McKay, Edinburgh

Empty promises

The SNP cause is, and always has been, one big farce! Firstly let us consider the matter economically. Without UK support via Barnett formula subsidies from the Westminster Exchequer, times could well prove hard for folks in Scotland.

Then, of course, there are all the other factors besides the economy which simply cannot be ignored in a quest for Scottish independence – a central Scottish bank; international relations; defence; currency.

It would seem that all the ramblings, and promises, of Salmond, Sturgeon and Swinney over the years have been completely without substance.

May I suggest there is totally a lack of any rationale for there to be a Scottish government. Indeed, it could be held that such a venture was ill-conceived in the first place. After all, there are already county and city councils to attend to local affairs!

The dissolution of Holyrood should be given some priority. Surely in a country of the UK's size, Westminster is sufficient as the central seat of government?

Robert I G Scott, Northfield, Ceres, Fife

With thanks

This season of our Holyrood Parliament has come to an end and we should spare a thought for MSPs who have served our country and, in many cases, taken some real tough decisions, decisions that we would all find difficult for ourselves. Many of those MSPs who are calling it a day have served since the inauguration of our Parliament in 1999 (27 years) with many serving in the Scottish Cabinet during a global crisis. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their public service and commitment to our country.

Many of those MSPs will experience a huge wrench as they move on to pastures new or retire from public life.

Catriona C Clark, Banknock, Falkirk

Bad maths?

For a business with 250 employees to pay £280,000 more in employers’ National Insurance contributions (NICs) each employee would need to be earning over £50,000pa. If that is the case, may I be the first to congratulate the family run hotel group mentioned in The Scotsman today (March 26) on their very highly remunerated staff?

The other possibility would be for each employee to have earned below the £9,100pa in 2024. However, this would have a requirement of some 456 employees to reach the claimed increased figure.

I don’t doubt for one second that the hotel and hospitality industry does not have its troubles to seek, but I suspect John Lamont MP has not done his due diligence when seeking an issue to raise at Prime Minister’s Question Time.

Paul Sewell, Peebles, Scottish Borders

Passport problems

I had to re-read the SNP grievance about UK passport price increases this week. The increase is to ensure passport users continue to cover the cost of administration, rather than being subsidised from general taxation.

An extra £7.50 cost for an adult, for a passport that lasts for ten years, may be unwelcome, but realistically, I expect it will form a very small percentage of overall holiday expenditure. The general principle here is very reasonable. To the SNP grievance machine, however, this is Westminster once again wielding a “hammer” to us Scots.

What principle would the SNP apply? Would they require non-passport holders to subsidise those who choose to have a passport? What services would they choose to cut back to pay for such a passport subsidy? Do they have any costing for setting up a Scottish passport office, and again, who would pay for that? Passport users or every taxpayer?

If the SNP cannot answer these questions, it indicates a continued preference for cheap headlines rather than serious government.

Iain MacDonald, Broughty Ferry, Dundee

Go easy

As the weather warms and mornings get lighter, I wish to remind people to drive a bit slower, especially on back roads, as young animals will be emerging soon and are prone to sitting on the warm Tarmac roads.

This is the one thing we can do to cut the amount of young birds and other animals being killed on our journeys to and from work.

In my view, local councils should put up warning signs at this time of year to raise awareness of the risks of animals dying due to speed on the roads.

Andrew Thorpe, Dunfermline, Fife

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