May I have a quiet word Mr Farage, principally about the Barnett Formula?
To put matters in context let me start by making it clear that I am not in the least anti-English. I love England and relish the diversity of our United Kingdom, just as I relish the diversity of the world we're privileged to inhabit. I am moved by the traditions and culture of England, and hope that they will survive the path that the United Kingdom seems hefted to.
From my perspective here in the vibrant north of Scotland, I feel vulnerable to UK politics severing our nation's links with Europe. We in Scotland have a long tradition of mutually beneficial trade and cultural exchange with Europe and I would not want to see that severed by a small inward-looking part of the UK population.
Today you have seen fit to score a point over the Conservative Party by lamenting the fact that the Prime Minister, in a last ditch attempt to influence the outcome of the Scottish referendum last September, pledged the continuation of the Barnett formula. It is important, I suggest, for you to understand that a great many Scots, particularly those of us who are diligent and hard working, do not particularly feel that we want to be supported by the benevolence and taxes of our cousins in the rest of the United Kingdom.
Finally, if I may, a word on immigration - a subject very dear to your heart. In my home city of Inverness we have welcomed many folks from Eastern Europe. They contribute greatly to our local economy and they realise that a job is not a right but something to be earned by attitude, diligence and effort. They apply themselves to the task in hand with vigour and enthusiasm - attitudes unfortunately lacking in too many UK folks. Most of all I am struck by their determination to be self-supporting. We like to understand a little of their culture, traditions and aspirations.
I understand that you are held in some esteem by folks of similar outlook in the UK but, just as you value your sense of nationality, I value my natural inclusivity and yearning to relate to the world from a Scottish perspective.
